dendleju

Arriving on a Wednesday evening October 17
Plan to hit Universal for Harry Potter on Thursday
Friday Saturday & part of Sunday, planned to do some Disney. Might revisit MK (girls are 9 & 11, so may be last visit where it is magical for them!) and then somewhere else (not Epcot).
Animal Kingdom perhaps?
What is recommended in regard to accommodation & rental car given this sketchy plan, please?
I like the look of the Loews Royal Pacific. This would give us expedited access at universal.
Should we then move to a Disney property or condo off site for Disney visits?
Our prior experience has been that, though the girls enjoyed the parks, they also love playing in the pool, so am unsure whether the cost of an on site property is justified. What kind of benefits would we get?
Is a car a good plan, we previously stayed off site and did MK, Epcot and Gatorland and needed a car.
THANKS

Samsaf

We've stayed at the Royal Pacific, and it is really nice to be able to go to the front of all the lines. The hotel was really nice, also. I, personally would stay there the whole time you are there. You will be there for 3 nights, so in my opinion it is not worth changing hotels.

I think you need a car to get from that resort to the Disney properties. If you plan to stay at the Univeral properties, you don't need a car.

321go

The Royal Pacific is very nice, has a great pool, and the early entry to WWHP & express pass for many rides is really worthwhile (FYI, no express pass for the WWHP Forbidden Journey ride).

If your children like animals, I'd recommend Animal Kingdom or Sea World.

Dukey1

Your kids will LOVE the pool at the Yacht and Beach; it is THE best pool on the property, bar none.

dendleju

We stayed a long time ago at the Beach Club with Pirate themed pool - is that the one? Doughter was a baby so though we went in the pool, did not pay too much attention.

What else is at Universal aside from HP - what kids of rides/attractions please?

schmerl

The Royal Pacific is a beautiful resort and an easy walk to the parks at Universal. It is so nice to just be able to walk back to the resort or take the water taxi from City Walk and enjoy the pool in the middle of the day.
dendieju, Universal has LOTS or rides and attractions. Go to this site to check it out:
http://www.universalorlando.com/

321go

dendieju, Universal is actually two theme parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the areas within Islands of Adventure. Schmerl's link will tell you all about the rides and attractions at each park.