We wanted to set off earlyish to Universal Studios today but were in no huge rush as we knew we’d got lots to sort when we arrived (hotel check in and discounted Annual passes to collect from guest services) so got up, packed and were ready to leave by around 9am. We got an Uber XL which was around $25 plus tip and arrived at Loews Royal Pacific around 9.30. I don’t think there’s a time where check in is quiet at the express pass hotels, but if there is, it definitely isn’t 9.30am! I think it took an hour from getting in the queue to getting our room keys, although it did take slightly longer as the lovely man checking us in switched our room to one that was ready straight away.
A quick look around the room and we were on our way to Universal. We’ve been a few times with the girls, but the last time (just before Covid) was the first trip they were big/ brave enough to get much out of it, so we were looking forward to a couple of days in the parks.
Before we could do anything, we had to visit guest services for our discounted passes. We did discuss just getting 2-day tickets, but it only worked out around $30 each more for the annual passes with the discount, so it seemed a no-brainer as we’ll definitely be back within the year. The queue was huge, and the sun was pounding, but again, the CM who we saw was really friendly and helpful. I have to say that although I’m definitely a Disney girl, Universal have been far superior with their communication and customer service.
We were boiling when we entered the park, and as a Horror Make-Up show was starting just as we walked past, we dived in to watch it. I haven’t seen it since I was a teenager and the others had never seen it, but they all thought it was good fun (even though the girls had to close their eyes on the horror clip bits as there was no way I was risking nightmares keeping us all awake!) We then did ET and Men in Black before heading to Diagon Alley. We were all going to ride Gringotts but there was absolute chaos at the bag locker area, so Steve took one for the team and offered to wait with the bags (I think the thought of grabbing a beer in peace won him over!) The girls loved the ride and promised to ride again tomorrow with Steve. A quick look in the shop in Knockturn alley where they conned Steve into buying them the worlds most expensive notebooks by not telling him the price until he said they could have them and we decided to head back to the hotel. We realised we hadn’t eaten all day and Polly had been wanting to try Hard Rock Cafe, so we called in to see if they had a table and 10 minutes later were seated. Food was plenty good enough and about the same price as a QS in the park, and it was lovely and cool, so a definite win. We headed to Voodoo Doughnuts for pudding as we’d never tried it. I was surprised at how reasonably priced they were, and the apple fritter was soooo good!!
The plan was to go up to the room to change before heading down to the pool but as soon as we sat down, we realised how exhausted we were. We put on a movie (so nice to have different channels on the TV) and ended up having a really lovely, lazy night watching National Treasure 1 & 2 and eating pizza in bed! After almost 3 weeks on the go we realised it was definitely a good choice.
Our second day we planned on early morning extra hours at Islands of Adventure but realised there were no rides the girls wanted to go on, so headed in just before regular opening to cast a few spells instead. It was as manic as always in Hogsmeade so as soon as 9am hit we headed out into the rest of the park. We passed the Jurassic Park water ride and although the girls were apprehensive, they decided to give it a go as they love the films. Despite having to sing ‘Golden Slumbers’ to Winnie throughout the raptor enclosure bit because she doesn’t like the unknown at the best of times but especially not in the dark, they really enjoyed it. And it was made even better when we got off and Winnie spotted an Owen Grady toy that she fell in love with and bought herself, calling him ‘Pratty’ and deciding I could make him a Starlord outfit too!
The girls then went on Pteradon flyers to dry off a bit, which they love, but won’t be able to go on soon as Winnie is almost too tall. before we opted to get even wetter on Ripsaw falls and the rapids (I sat out of that one as decided my broken bod needed a break!) Everyone was suitable soaked at this point. The girls had loved the morning of trying new rides but decided there was nothing else they were desperate to do and that they’d really like a swim before heading back later, so we set off in a squishy walk to the hotel. Once there we settled by the pool, drying our wet clothes over a sunbed in a decidedly classy manner!
Mid-afternoon the pool closed for stormy weather in the area, so we quickly got dressed and headed back to the parks. We decided to start at Universal and did the Bourne stunt show (which was amazing!! Something went wrong mid-way, so a man came on stage to explain the technology behind it all. Winnie enjoyed that bit more than the show as she loves knowing how things work. She’s apparently going to be an engineer/ inventor when she grows up) before heading over to Gringotts again so Steve could ride. After the faff of trying to get the lockers to work (and the check of having to pay $2 for the privilege) we got in the scores queue. It was much slower than yesterday, and we thought there was some problem with the ride. We ended up waiting in the lift for ages. The queue did start to move faster towards the end though, and we hadn’t waited too long in total. As we got to the first drop bit the ride malfunctioned, so we were literally left (virtually) hanging! As we all knew the drop was coming it made it really nerve wracking but really exciting as we knew as soon as the ride started, we’d be off. Anyway, it was great fun and when we got to the end, we were offered the chance to stay on the ride due to the problem, so we immediately rode again.
As we exited the ride, we realised it was raining, although not too badly. We’d planned to take the Hogwarts Express across to Islands of Adventure to do Poseidon but realised none of us were that bothered so instead opted to grab another doughnut (the one Polly wanted had sold out yesterday, so we’d promised we’d try again) and head back to the hotel. We were quite wet when we got back so got out of the wet clothes and into our pjs, which was going to be temporary before heading to the pool to watch the movie. However, the weather didn’t clear so we ended up staying in them and ordering room service for the girls whilst watching Avengers Infinity War.
It was really nice to have a break from the Disney bubble, but 2 days is enough for us at Universal. Whilst a lot of the rides are better, it just doesn’t have that lovely, immersive feeling you get at Disney. I do think Disney need to take a leaf out of their books in terms of hotels though. Service both in the rooms and around the resorts put Disney to shame, and I’m a huge Disney advocate.
Back to the bubble tomorrow for our last little piece of magic before returning home from the loveliest trip. For saying we’ve been in one room for almost 3 weeks now, we really haven’t got on each other’s nerves at all.
Doodle & Peg Do Disney 