1st Post, 1st trip to Universal, any tips?

[ETexas9498]

In late June our family (myself, wife and 9y.o.) will be going to Universal for the first time. We are staying at the Portofino, staying 4 nights. Reading and researching our top places to eat are (in no order), Mythos, jimmy buffett's, Islands (at Royal Pacific), NBA, Mama Della's, Trattoria's.

Any other 'noteworthy' places we shouldn't miss to eat at?

Also, does universal have an evening fireworks show? Where is the best place to view?

Thanks, we are all looking forward to our first time !!!!!!!

 

[robvia]

Welcome aboard.
Unfortunately, fireworks don't start until July 4th and run thru the 1st week of August.
Parks stay open till about 8pm in late June. I'm also going at the time staying at the PBH for 2 nights June 25th - 27th.
With 4 nights onsite, you'll see everything, and have plenty of time to relax.
You are even allowed to pool hop, visiting the other two hotels and use their pool.

 

[Motherfletcher]

We just returned from a trip to PBH. We hit Mythos, NBA City and Margaritaville. We made two trips to Tchoup Chop and had some excellent food.

 

[yeshli2nuts]

When I was at Universal I ate dinner at Margaritaville, NBA City, Bob Marley's, and Latin Quarter (all on CityWalk) and they were all reasonably priced ($10-$15 for an entree) and they were all delicious. I would imagine you wuold get great food at any restaraunt that is on Universal.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

What type of food do you like to eat, & how much are you willing to spend? If you're choosing based on food quality, you're list could use some work. If you're going for theming, you've made some great choices.

 

[ETexas9498]

Really TarHeel? You don't think the caliber of these restaurants is very good?

My wife and I have made one change since I posted. Our list (as of today) is Tchoup Chop, Mythos, Mama Della's (at Portofino), NBA, Islands (in Royal Pacific), Jimmy Buffett's & Trattoria (also in Portofino).

 

[patster734]

My wife and I stayed at PBH back in December and really enjoyed it. They have several tables located outside of the restaurants on the Harbor Piazza. On our arrival day, we sat at one of the tables, eating a pizza from Sal's Market Deli, while people watching. It was a relaxing start for our trip.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Really TarHeel? You don't think the caliber of these restaurants is very good?

My wife and I have made one change since I posted. Our list (as of today) is Tchoup Chop, Mythos, Mama Della's (at Portofino), NBA, Islands (in Royal Pacific), Jimmy Buffett's & Trattoria (also in Portofino).

All of them have good food, it's just that it's possible to get great food.

Tchoup Chop & Mythos would make my great food list. Although we like Emeril's better than TC, but that's purely a personal choice. If you're going for great food, add Emeril's to the list also. You can let us know which one you guys thought was better. Another very good restaurant at CW is Latin Quarter. The Palm Restaurant @ HRH is highly rated. We won't be trying it until July, so I can't voice an opinion on it yet.

NBA & Margaritaville have good food, but it's typical of food you would find at any of the many "Cafe" type restaurants out there. I.E. Hard Rock Cafe, Nascar Cafe, Planet Hollywood, etc. FWIW, we have eaten at Margaritaville's in other locations, & think the others had better food than this one. However, the atmosphere is outstanding! As you can see, I'm a huge sports fan. I enjoy going to NBA City, but it's the atmosphere that draws me in not the food. Personally, we prefer these places for lunch.

We haven't tried the others on your list yet. I've heard good things about all of them though. Please write a review on the places you eat, when you get back. We're always looking for new places to try.

BTW, you chose a fantastic hotel. DH & I prefer it over the others. Of course our 14 yr. old son, always wants to stay at HRH, so that's where we end up. When it's just us making the decision, we'll be staying at PBH every time.

 

[ETexas9498]

Thanks everyone, we can't wait for our trip. let's see.......It's now, 49 days, 2 hours, 6 mins........ .........