1st trip since May 2001

[margaritabnl]

So many questions, so many threads, not enough time.....We will be down there 4/16 for 3 nights with beach stays before and after. Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel again.

Can someone suggest a good room location for the Deluxe 2 queens w/sleep sofa? How about a grocery store nearby for snacks, water and beer? Can you bring a collaspible cooler to the pool as you can at WDW? Is that gated path from the hotel still open? I don't remember if the path was to City Walk or Universal Studios.

We had a great meals at the NBA place, Margaritaville, and the Nascar place but that is all that stands out. Any suggestions? We don't require gourmet and our kids are very picky. I am interested in authentic Italian, more than pasta and red sauce. Is it safe to assume I could find this at the Portofino?

Any tips and suggestions, updates, whatever you can think of, is most appreciated.

 

[goofie4goofy]

I can help you with the Italian food. I have eaten in most of the reataurants at UO and as a "foodie" the most authentic Italian food is at Bice at the Portofino Bay Hotel. Most of the ingredients are imported daily from Italy (including the cute waiters - LOL). We live close to NYC and get authentic Italian all the time, so in comparing my knowledge "authentic" Italian food to "Italian American" food you will find the real thing at Bice. There is another Bice in Milan, Italy.

Mama Della's is good food, but I would put that in the Italian American category. At Mama Dellas you will find spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant parmigana etc.

 

[macraven]

the gated short cut secret way was closed about 3 years ago at hrh.

but, do as i do, go out the front, walk down to the ground level and take the sidewalk by employee parking lot to the studios.