Universal Questions

I'm starting some early research into Universal for next year.

I'm noticing that so many of the rides are simulator rides. We are not big fans of those. Are they worth the hype?

None of us are really into Harry Potter. Can we still appreciate the rides?

I am sort of personally "meh" on Universal but DH is dying to go and DS is very much into superheroes and would love those particular rides. So I think we will do two days at Universal, two at Disney.

Any feedback on Royal Pacific Hotel?

I've been on Orlando informer a lot - a great site. Any others?

TIA!

Re: Universal Questions

I've stayed at every other universal resort. We loved them all.

Yes, there are coasters, shows, simulators at Universal. I found it was started as more of the "making of the movie experience". It is different from Disney & we enjoy it, BUT one day may be enough per park.

Re: Universal Questions

We stayed at Royal Pacific last Columbus Day weekend and had an amazing time. It is so convenient to get to the parks. Our 4yo and 6yo had so much fun. Those express passes are awesome. It's like Disney FP but you have unlimited (less HP blockbusters but you can use it on the kiddie HP ride).

Universal Questions

Orlando Informer is probably the best, most comprehensive site for Universal out there. I don't like simulator rides, they make me sick. I had to close my eyes for a lot! If you don't like Harry Potter, I don't know that you would even appreciate the area. The Dr. Seuss area is adorable!

Re: Universal Questions

We stayed at Royal Pacific for one night in July, just to get the express pass and it totally paid for itself. It was awesome to zip by on rides with 60 minute-plus wait times listed. Didn't get to check out the hotel itself too much but what I did see looked great - it's huge. My nephew loved the boat to the park.

Re: Universal Questions

We went last year and stayed at the Portofino Bay. We loved it and my kids liked it better than Disney!

There's plenty to do that isn't a simulator ride and we enjoyed the Harry Potter stuff without ever reading a book or seeing a single movie (although it did inspire my youngest to read all the books, which was great!)