Judy Travels: Universal 2018 - Part I

I am a theme park person. I most especially love Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. I have done both many times over the years, often with family; more recently solo.

It was past due time to go back to Universal, so I booked a room at the Royal Pacific Resort, bought a seasonal pass, and got my flight. I chose the seasonal pass because I was going to be there for a week, and they weren't offering tickets for that length of time. I figured I would more than get my money's worth, especially since I had no problem with the idea of going back within the next 15 months (passes were on special with 3 months extra).

The accommodation choice was equally easy. I love the Royal Pacific Resort. When we started going to Universal, it was the cheapest onsite resort. Now there are cheaper, but it is still the most inexpensive option that includes Universal Express. It also has wonderful theming, giving the air of an old time South Pacific resort. Even the music piped in in the public areas is early-era jazz.

A dimly lit resort room. There is a king bed, a sofa, window and desk. The wall decor includes a wallpaper of several large hibiscus.

My Room

My room was Club Level, which means upgraded amenities, and access to the lounge which has breakfast, snacks, evening hors d'oeuvres, and late night desserts. There is also complementary beer and wine during "happy hour".

A view of a nice bathroom vanity. The shower is reflected in the door.

The Bathroom

A view from the window. Visible are other resort buildings and the tops of a veritable forest of palm trees.

The View from My Room

A view of the room looking away from the window. The king bed is covered in a variety of pillows.

The Bed

My trip was just before the end of the You First program from Loews, so I got a welcome gift of fruit.

A small square wooden box containing an apple, a banana, and an orange.

Welcome Gift

One thing I really love about Florida is being able to swim outside at night. For some reason, pools in the Caribbean tend to close before sunset, so this is one area Florida takes the lead. Well, also theme parks.

The Royal Pacific Resort has a lovely pool, and a very nice pool bar to go with it. During the day, there is usually wait service around the pool, but in the evening, you tend to have to go up yourself to get drinks.

The pool area also has a kiddy pool and a couple of nice hot tubs where you can relax. They say you're not supposed to have drinks actually in the hot tubs, but as long as they aren't in glass containers, I have never seen this rule enforced.