As we made our way back to the resort from having a very nice time at Jimmy Buffets, we were definitely feeling run down and in need of a full nights rest. Good thing we had only a few hours in IOA because the events of the day and moving from Disney to Universal was tiring. Plus with EMH at MK the day before, we really didn't get that much sleep. I have to say every time I pulled into the dock at the RPR and made our way through out the resort, I always enjoyed the scenery, sounds, and smells of the Royal Pacific resort. Sure it was little walk from our room to the boat dock, but the hotel was so beautiful it reminded me how important a beautifully themed hotel can be to a Universal or Disney vacation. I know some will say you only need a room for showering and sleeping because you're in the parks all day, I have to disagree though and the RPR really proved my theory correct. Moving on...
As we entered our room and just sat down to relax before swimming, it gave us a real chance to look things over. The room was on the small side and not much room at all to spread out, but had a good quality about it and gave off a good, comfortable vibe.The flat screen TV was a nice touch too.
After having ice cold beer or two from my portable, styrofoam mini bar
and getting everyone ready to go swimming, we were off to the pool. I have to say the pool at the RPR looks great in pictures and looks better even in person. The pool was hopping and a DJ was playing assorted music from the 80's and we found 4 lounge chairs and settled in. I remember hearing the Will Smith song "Summertime" as we walked in and it made me laugh.
Here's Sam enjoying his favorite beverage in the whole world, Dr Pepper. It can be hard to find in some areas, especially WDW, and we try and bring along wherever we go. When he gets into a autistic meltdown, I find a Kit Kat which is another of his favorites and a Dr Pepper, can soothes the savage beast, as I like to say. I guess it would be like a cigarette to a smoker.
Here's the view from our chairs.
Here's the kid splash area and is pretty damn cool, IMHO. I liked this rather than a pool slide and was easier to keep track of your kids than them being on a slide.
We lost track of time in that pool and I traveled along the edge of the whole thing to check it out. This pool was huge and was heated nicely with no strong chlorine smell. It was deeper in some areas and shallow in others. in essence, it had something for everyone and there was pool toys to be had at where the towels were handed out.
My kids had a blast and it was very relaxing. Before you knew it, it was getting dark and time to go. We made our way up the room and damn near collapsed due to exhaustion. After resting awhile, I knew that we should eat something light because I didn't want anyone complaining they were hungry when it came time to go to bed. My wife kind of fought me on this, but could see the kids needed something. I agreed with her that we didn't want to do something big and didn't want to leave the hotel either.
So after cleaning up and getting some comfy clothes on we decided to check out Jake's American Bar which is right next to the Islands dining room. We got a table off to the side of the bar and there was a few families doing the same as us. I have to say that I found Jake's a neat bar with plenty of theming and has great food for snacking or if you just want a little something different. My wife and I split the Cobb salad and the thing was huge! It had chicken, bacon, bleu cheese, avocado and a ton ranch dressing on the side. I don't know how one person could eat the entire thing, but it was perfect for the two us. The kids had the hamburger and fries and I told the waitress to just make Sam's like a mini steak and leave the bun off. It was a great, affordable meal, tasted good, and was in a neat setting. You really notice how the
Disney dining plan has affected the quality and choices of food at WDW, when you eat outside their property.
On a side note: My pictures inside of Jake's didn't turn out so well, but this one I'm posting was identical to mine, but not as fuzzy and out of focus.
I just wanted anyone who is new to the RPR to get a feel for what Jake's looks like inside. Very cool inside and I found the theming to be excellent!
Well after a great meal it was time for us to go to bed and start our first full day at USO.
more about your trip. Great Job 
Awesome trip report. I've been reading it in small chuncks. I'm at OT for a school system & have tons of IEP's to get done before 6/12, so not much spare time these days. Anyway, this trip report has been my little piece of heaven 
each day. We're headed to RPR for the first time as soon as school is out, so I've been savoring the sneek peak you've given me. Can't wait to read more!
