I live in Miami and will be staying at the hard rock hotel in June for 2 days. I was wondering how the hotel was and does it help when you go into the parks - front of the line on alot (or just a couple) rides?

Is the pool area nice?
Also wanted to eat at Emeril's is it any good?

THANKS

The Hard Rock in Orlando is gorgeous! The front of the line access with the room key is the best. It works for ALL the rides. Just show your key and go right on. I hate lines and waiting so the FOTL made a trip to a Theme park enjoyable. Even my husband had to admit it was awesome. You can see the parks in less then half the time, then go back and enjoy the great pool.

We stayed at the Hard Rock after staying on-site at WDW in March and the difference was amazing. The crowds at the Magic Kingdom where so bad and lines so long that we walked out. Who wants to stand in line for over an hour? Universal with it's FOTL was like night and day. Great experience.

ttt

I've eaten at Emeril's twice and it certainly is good but you have to really be a food aficionado to pay those prices. Lunch for two was $85 and dinner was well over $100.

The HRH is cool, hip, luxurious, and fun without being stuffy at all. Food and drinks are very good. The poolside bar serves a drink called Alien Creation that is to die for! No clue what is in it but it is heavenly. Walk to both parks from the hotel is no more than 5 minutes. The front of the line access with your room card for the parks is a HUGE bonus. Just be prepared for some very strong words and ugly expressions from those who have been waiting to see you breeze right by. Can't help with Emeril's but can attest to the food at the Basketball place. Blanking out on the name but the food was wonderful! Have a blast.

been there,

Did someone say something to you as you strolled by? We've been there this year and last using FOTL and never had anyone say anything (at least that I could hear), but I did detect many looks of envy!

You can read a full review of the Hard Rock Hotel and see pictures at
http://www.orlandotripplanner.com
(Orlando Trip Planner. Com)
Click on their Online Newsletter Page and you will find the current review. The hotel is spectacular!!!! You won't be disappointed.

TTT

My family spent 8 days at the HRH last May and nearly everyday we did experience nasty looks and comments when we showed our room card. The following example is extreme but very true. At one point, my son, then 9 was really scared while getting on the car for the Incredible hulk rollercoaster. We approached and showed our card, the ride attendant moved the rope just as the car showed up, and the woman standing next to us FREAKED! She started screaming she had been in line 45 minutes, was going to get on that car no matter what, started to climb over the bar and hit my son in the head with her foot, a person in her party grabbed her to steady her, and my son is saying Mommy I'm scared, the ride attendant grabbed my sons hand and said go! So we ran into the car and the ride started as soon as we were buckled in. Security was escorting this lady out of the ride when we got off and she was screaming at them. She then noticed us and called my son a little shi*! I was asked if I wanted to press charges and obviously declined but couldn't help feel for the people in her party. Again, this was extreme. The majority of the comments we heard were things like they must be rich, we were fools to pay for the private tour, were we famous and VIPS, did we know the ride attendant etc. It was a very hot week we were there so maybe people were just extra edgy. We would not hesitate to go back to the HRH and would take advantage of the front of the line perk again.

Wow! What a nut job. Perhaps she forgot her medication at home. I guess it just goes to show you how stressful waiting in line is.

We had nothing but great experiences with FOTL this past March and the previous one. No one should get upset at those using FOTL. Anyone who wants can use it, they only have to book at an on-site hotel!

They don't even have to book an on-site hotel to use it. There are express pass machines for the popular rides. They can get an express pass and come back at a later time and go right on just like on-site guests.
For all the info you'd ever want on HRH and Universal/IOA, go to www.disboards.com and scroll down to the Universal forums.