Mickey Chick's Adventures on the Dark Side: Part 1

     As much as I love Mickey and all (most) things Disney, the English teacher in me became intrigued by the addition of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter within Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure. When I first saw the pictures of Diagon Alley, I knew I had to go.

     There are plenty of resources on the internet describing the parks and rides, with extensive photo galleries, walk-throughs and step-by-step guides. What I present today are my impressions as a thereto-fore exclusively Disney Parks gal. How did my experiences at Universal Orlando Resort compare to decades spent visiting Walt Disney World Resort?


Let’s begin with the hotels:

     Until recently, Universal Orlando Resort offered three deluxe-level accommodations in close-proximity to their parks - Lowes’ Portofino Bay Resort, Loews’ Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews’ Royal Pacific Resort. 

• What I like the most about staying at one of these legacy hotels is that a stay includes Universal’s Unlimited Express Pass for both parks for the entire length of stay. So for a three night say, you get four full days (park-open to park-close) of Express Pass.

• In addition, these hotels are in such close proximity to the parks and City-Walk that the leisurely stroll there and back give a more relaxing, laid-back feel than the frenetic, rush-hour busing and transportation options that are a requirement if staying anywhere on Walt Disney World property. The only thing that comes close is if we are staying at one of the Boardwalk area hotels. For those who choose not to walk, boat transportation is also available and runs frequently.

     After so many cruises, we’ve discovered that we love to stay club-level, and our visits to Royal Pacific and Hard Rock Hotel did not disappoint in this respect. In comparison to our concierge-level stay at Disney’s Yacht Club, the nod goes to Universal. We simply felt more welcomed at the Loews’ hotels.

• Royal Pacific Resort had a more varied evening appetizer array, while happy hour at the Hard Rock was, well, rockin’!

• The advantage also goes to Hard Rock for the in-room pampering, with little gifts and surprises left for us throughout the day.

• Our view from our room at Hard Rock offered us a panorama of Universal Studios during the day, with an additional stunning view of Volcano Bay at night.

     While we enjoyed the main pool at the Royal Pacific, the pool at the Hard Rock had a fun atmosphere well into the evening. Of course, if you prefer a zero-entry sand-bottomed pool with a lazy river and pirate-themed water-slide, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club takes this, hands down. For this trip, however, we really just wanted to wind-down, cool off, and chill with an adult-beverage, so we were quite satisfied.


     It was at the Loews’ hotels that we also noticed a new phenomenon that has been cropping up everywhere, it seems: the poolside cabana. We didn’t partake, but I guess I can see the appeal, especially after my most recent to the Polynesian Resort with its lack of any shade, other than in the pre-reserved cabanas, in the pool area. Just past the pool cabana area at the Hard Rock Hotel, was the walking trail - my favorite feature of the Universal Resorts - which leads to the parks.

In my next post, I'll cover my impressions of the Universal Orlando Resorts Theme Parks.

If you've liked what you've heard already and would like more information about visiting Universal Orlando Resorts, be sure to contact Second Star Travel.