Hi everyone. Just got back from a brief weekend trip to Orlando from 7/23 to 7/26. This is my first trip report ever so bear with me. I’m also not sure, where to post this since the report is half Disney and half Universal related. But as there are comparisons and comments about both parks, I will post it here. This was a last minute trip planned thanks to my roommate, who was staying in Orlando at the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal for business. As his meetings were ending on the morning of the 23rd, he suggested I fly down once his meetings were over and join him for a brief weekend stay. Always up for a trip to Orlando, I agreed, plus Loews gave him a great rate as he was already there on business. Our goal on this trip was to accomplish four things: eat at Emeril’s, ride the Mummy, ride Mission Space and visit the Portofino Hotel. Unfortunately no MK where I really wanted to go. And I'm still a little sad, as we both tried to stay an extra day just to go to MK, but no go. 
WEll anyway, I'll be posting this report in 3 separte posts. Hope you enjoy.
First Day 23rd: I was supposed to arrive at about 8:00 p.m., possibly earlier if I could fly standby. Our only plans this day, were to visit City Walk and eat dinner at Emeril’s. This almost didn’t happen as the weather was not cooperating up North. Luckily I got out only an hour past schedule and we landed at about 8:30 p.m. Our reservations were at 9:30 p.m., but my roommate called in advance and they agreed to hold our table. This restaurant definitely ranks up there with the California Grill as one of the best dining experiences in Orlando. We had a great server, Maria, who was incredibly knowledgeable and pleasant. We also had a phenomenal table on the second floor overlooking City Walk and we luckily had a great view of the fireworks. The meal was terrific. We did the tasting menu, which consisted of five courses and a dessert course, with a glass of wine paired for each course.
With respect to the Royal Pacific, I really found the resort to be almost as impressive as the Polynesian. The biggest difference between the two hotels is the set up. RP is essentially a traditional hotel building, consisting of three wings. Whereas the Poly as you know consists of a series of separate buildings. But like the Poly the property is lush and beautifully themed. However, the RP’s theming is more South East Asian/Indonesian as compared to the Poly. I read on one website that RP is Poly Lite and that is a very apt description, without taking anything away from RP. I will say that one area where RP has the Poly beat are the rooms, although not particular large, they are absolutely beautiful with tiled floors in the entrance to each room and a nice crimson read wall coloring and dark wooden furniture. Based on the pics I’ve seen of Poly online, the Poly needs some updating. Overall, I would definitely consider returning to this property and would recommend it.
Day Two to follow.
WEll anyway, I'll be posting this report in 3 separte posts. Hope you enjoy. First Day 23rd: I was supposed to arrive at about 8:00 p.m., possibly earlier if I could fly standby. Our only plans this day, were to visit City Walk and eat dinner at Emeril’s. This almost didn’t happen as the weather was not cooperating up North. Luckily I got out only an hour past schedule and we landed at about 8:30 p.m. Our reservations were at 9:30 p.m., but my roommate called in advance and they agreed to hold our table. This restaurant definitely ranks up there with the California Grill as one of the best dining experiences in Orlando. We had a great server, Maria, who was incredibly knowledgeable and pleasant. We also had a phenomenal table on the second floor overlooking City Walk and we luckily had a great view of the fireworks. The meal was terrific. We did the tasting menu, which consisted of five courses and a dessert course, with a glass of wine paired for each course.
With respect to the Royal Pacific, I really found the resort to be almost as impressive as the Polynesian. The biggest difference between the two hotels is the set up. RP is essentially a traditional hotel building, consisting of three wings. Whereas the Poly as you know consists of a series of separate buildings. But like the Poly the property is lush and beautifully themed. However, the RP’s theming is more South East Asian/Indonesian as compared to the Poly. I read on one website that RP is Poly Lite and that is a very apt description, without taking anything away from RP. I will say that one area where RP has the Poly beat are the rooms, although not particular large, they are absolutely beautiful with tiled floors in the entrance to each room and a nice crimson read wall coloring and dark wooden furniture. Based on the pics I’ve seen of Poly online, the Poly needs some updating. Overall, I would definitely consider returning to this property and would recommend it.
Day Two to follow.
