Resort Hopping at Universal

[bc7ate9]

We are used to Disney so the whole idea of being allowed - encouraged, even! - to pool hop at the resorts is kinda exciting !

What are the must dos at each of the resorts?

We will be there the last week of November for 8 days - is there xmas décor at each resort worth seeing? Any special events for the holidays?

 

[mjhtvchick]

We are used to Disney so the whole idea of being allowed - encouraged, even! - to pool hop at the resorts is kinda exciting !

What are the must dos at each of the resorts?

We will be there the last week of November for 8 days - is there xmas décor at each resort worth seeing? Any special events for the holidays?

Which resort is going to be your "home base"?

 

[bc7ate9]

Which resort is going to be your "home base"?

Royal Pacific Resort

 

[Kivara]

Hard Rock has cool rock memorabilia (if you like that), and has a fun slide. We liked that they had rock music pumping through underwater speakers, so you could her it while swimming. Nice fitness center near the doors to go out to the pool that you can use to change/shower, etc. Free lockers there (ask person at the Fitness Center desk for a locker key.)

Portifino, I've heard has 3 pools, but we've only been to one of them (it had a slide.) There were bathrooms near by that pool, but they got a lot of foot traffic, and weren't the cleanest when we were there (never did find the fitness center That place is HUGE!)

Cabana Bay, one pool has a water slide, the other one has the lazy river (both a lot of fun, but their pools always seemed busier than the others.)

My boys enjoyed Hard Rock the best (especially when the DJ was there) to visit, and RP (our hotel) best for everyday (they loved playing volleyball in the pool and using the water cannons on the play ship...no slide at RP, but they were fine with that, as we pool hopped almost every day & swam at RP in the evenings.

 

[wookiebeck]

Can't help you with your question on the holiday extras. Resort hopping for us is a major highlight of our trips. Definitely check out the pools (the kids love trying each out). I enjoy exploring the resorts for their beautiful ambiance. I have been known to just disappear for an hour on walkabout. Each has its own selection of dining as well.

 

[gotomu212]

For our family:

royal pacific is best for chillin by the pool (great pool food, fun atmosphere for kids and adults)
Hard rock is best for cool pool time especially listening to the music. More fun party atmosphere (RP was the veg and relax place)
Cabana Bay for playing in the water and bowling. They also have the food court
Portofino is our happy hour dinner spot. Sitting out soaking in the atmosphere and listening to the opera is great.

The crazy thing is that we love hanging at all the pools resorts, and bars so we're happy wherever but this is how we'd pick the best depending on what we're looking for that day.

 

[keishashadow]

Royal Pacific Resort

Our last xmas visit they had a huge tree in lobby, believe there was a train set underneath. Nothing over the top though. The parks have decorations.

Don't think Dr Suess stuff kicks in until December, not sure which day it starts

 

[tran1172]

Pool wise, I like the one at Sapphire Falls!