A vacation without DVC?!?!

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

We leave in a few hours for our first vacation without DVC in the 3+ years since we joined. So far we've been to BWV, AKV, SSR, OKW and VB and we've loved them all.

But today we are going to Portofino Bay -Club Level at Universal for 5 nights. My kids and wife are really into Harry Potter so that is the main reason for this trip.

I am wondering what we will end up missing about DVC specifically (and about a Disney vacation in general) while we are there at Universal. I know that I will miss having a 1 bedroom and the extra space that is for sure.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

The Portofino is a very nice hotel. The only reason I miss DVC is when you just book rooms rather than a 2br villa, I miss the full kitchen & washer/dryer and most of all being all together! If you generally book a studio, the Portofino won't be much different and you'll get housekeeping daily!

 

[DVC Jackie]

We have been DVC members since 2003@ BCV. We have been doing ,on avg., 2 Disney trips per year. This year, because of my 3 Harry Potter fans, we booked the Harry Potter package@ Universal. We will be staying at RPR club level for Jersey week. I am having anxiety about being in Orlando and not visiting Disney. Talk about addiction! I don't smoke,drink or take drugs,but, hello-my name is Jackie and I am addicted to Disney!!

 

[wildernessDad]

We're going to VGC next May and then a tour of the Southwest, with stops at Zion, GC North Rim, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, GC South Rim.

 

[Candy Orlando]

We go to DVC three times a year. I told my daughter and granddaughter, I'll drive you to see Harry Potter but we are staying at DVC. I love my DVC and they do too.

 

[FindTheMickeys]

We go to DVC three times a year. I told my daughter and granddaughter, I'll drive you to see Harry Potter but we are staying at DVC. I love my DVC and they do too.

LOL!! My friends are the same way! We're staying in a THV at SSR in October and we ALL are HP fans. We normally rent a car the first day in Orlando to go to the grocery and do off-site souvenier shopping. Then it sits in the parking lot until the 24 hours is almost up and we return it. This year, however, we're going to use it to drive to Universal and it can sit in THIER parking lot for the day as we visit Harry Potter. But, we HAVE to stay at DVC!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Our next vacation begins next week to Glacier NP!

The one after that is to WDW!

 

[bumbershoot]

Remember, Universal resorts *encourage* pool hopping between the resorts!

 

[csjordan]

To WildernessDad,

We just returned from a stay at VGC and a trip to Vegas, Zion, and the North Rim. VGC was fabulous. You can walk in a matter of minutes to DTD, and the parks. I cannot say enough has great Zion was. I hope you are hiking the Narrows. It was the BEST part of the entire trip. I strongly suggest taking an old pair of sneakers to change into if you are hiking the Narrows. It is extremely rocky and the current is pretty strong. You will also definitely need a hiking stick. After our hike, we threw away the old sneakers. My family had a blast there! Also the North Rim is not crowded and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. We ate lunch at the lodge, which was really good. I hope you have fun!!

 

[ELKHUNTER]

Our next vacation begins next week to Glacier NP!

The one after that is to WDW!

Now thats a vacation! I love Disney, but theres nothing like being out west!

 

[Sammie]

We leave in a few hours for our first vacation without DVC in the 3+ years since we joined. So far we've been to BWV, AKV, SSR, OKW and VB and we've loved them all.

But today we are going to Portofino Bay -Club Level at Universal for 5 nights. My kids and wife are really into Harry Potter so that is the main reason for this trip.

I am wondering what we will end up missing about DVC specifically (and about a Disney vacation in general) while we are there at Universal. I know that I will miss having a 1 bedroom and the extra space that is for sure.

Have a great trip and update us, even if you have to post it on the Universal forum. I wanted to get over there last week but was afraid the crowds were still huge.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Now thats a vacation! I love Disney, but theres nothing like being out west!

Have you been? We do have 2 bus trips planned, but there will be time for us to be on our own. Is there a "do not miss" that you know about?

 

[lisah0711]

RoboDaddy, be sure and tell us all about your Universal experience!

Bobbi, chiming in here as I live a few hours away from Glacier. It is beautiful and you will have a great time. I'm sure one of your bus trips in on the Going to the Sun Road. It is very scenic and lots of places to stop. If you get a chance there is a boat ride on Waterton Lake (the Canadian side of the park) that is beautiful. Hopefully you will get to see lots of critters.

Unfortunately, you may see some humans doing stupid things around the critters. Glacier was where we saw a bear cub run under the window while we were eating breakfast at Waterton Lake followed by a dozen tourists with camera! I thought for sure mama bear was not far behind.

Enjoy!

 

[Pakey]

We make a point of rotating vacations: DVC/non DVC/DVC, etc.

So this year we did DVC in early May, China in late May, will do DVC for F&W in October and then Egypt in November. We want to go to Costa Rica next year but I'll have to play by the rules and get a DVC vacation in there before that one.

 

[keishashadow]

We leave in a few hours for our first vacation without DVC in the 3+ years since we joined. So far we've been to BWV, AKV, SSR, OKW and VB and we've loved them all.

But today we are going to Portofino Bay -Club Level at Universal for 5 nights. My kids and wife are really into Harry Potter so that is the main reason for this trip.

I am wondering what we will end up missing about DVC specifically (and about a Disney vacation in general) while we are there at Universal. I know that I will miss having a 1 bedroom and the extra space that is for sure.

Portofino is a wonderful resortcan't wait for our suite (complimentary platinum youfirst Loews upgrade) in Oct for HHN and our 1st RIP tour.

be very careful, you may find yourself yearning for the U onsite FOTL perc your next trip to Disney.

we typically do split trips to WDW & U, so we get the best of both worlds. I do admit to feeling 'cheated' when I don't get to spend @ least 1 day @ MK even if cruising from port canaveral or tampa.

We make a point of rotating vacations: DVC/non DVC/DVC, etc.

So this year we did DVC in early May, China in late May, will do DVC for F&W in October and then Egypt in November. We want to go to Costa Rica next year but I'll have to play by the rules and get a DVC vacation in there before that one.

how lucky, china & Egypt

we tend to follow same strategy, twice a year Orlando/DVC & Universal onsite & a trip elsewhere in the summer

we've done a couple DCL cruises on cash & other line's eastern &western cruises with great itineraries, and our 1st alaskan voyage. Also, enjoyed a trip to Vegas/overnight @ Grand Canyon/Vegas/Disneyland & U (I felt like i needed a vacation after that trip lol).

enjoy the momentWDW will be waiting for you.

 

[dclfun]

Have fun! We'll probably do the same once the crowds and heat dissipates. We live in Orlando but when I'm on vacation, I want to stay at a resort, and particularly for Universal, I want the FOTL convenience of the on-site stay. Portofino Bay is a wonderful hotel and I don't think you'll be disappointed.---Kathy

 

[schewy]

We leave in a few hours for our first vacation without DVC in the 3+ years since we joined. So far we've been to BWV, AKV, SSR, OKW and VB and we've loved them all.

But today we are going to Portofino Bay -Club Level at Universal for 5 nights. My kids and wife are really into Harry Potter so that is the main reason for this trip.

I am wondering what we will end up missing about DVC specifically (and about a Disney vacation in general) while we are there at Universal. I know that I will miss having a 1 bedroom and the extra space that is for sure.

I think you will miss the free parking at DVC resorts and WDW. The last time I checked I think it was $15 per day to park at the Universal resorts.

 

[alady89]

PB is beautiful. If you have a balcony, you can sit out there and watch the evening singing performance and feel a bit transported. We like RP as well but PB is great. The pool and waterslide are fun, even this old mom had to do with son.

There is also the spa onsite and two other quiet pools. One has a bocce ball court. We played as well. The onsite pizza is great. The chefs even took special care with my husbands mushroom allergy. Even slice meats seperately to avoid contamination. Now, that's service.

FOTL which will make you wish Disney had this perk. And the boats are a nice transport option.

Really, other than the CMs smiles which beat the vibe of the UO employees and the shows because Disney is much better with those there is not a lot to miss. Well, space maybe, becuase I do prefer my 1BR. And a microwave, we rented a fridge but they wanted another $30 to rent microwave and there is not one anywhere on site. Crazy.

Have fun, it's a great place and I adore it. I just love Disney more. ..

 

[PHILCT]

We would always prefer to stay at a DVC resort when in Orlando, but for Universal and Harry Potter especially, the Universal Resort perks for no lines and early entrance are required !

I always wonder if someone books a room at the Universal Studios for one night just for the perks alone for check in and check out day, while staying at the same time and longer at a DVC villa with 4 people in it?

I am wondering if the crowds will be down after school starts in September, I may play "hookie" from Disney and do a day trip to Universal/Islands of Adventure?

Have fun.


Phil

 

[jerseygal]

Did Royal Pacific 1 Night before our 3 Night Kidani Trip, 4 Night Vero!

WE'VE STAYED AT EACH OF THE 3 ON SITE UNIVERSAL HOTELS AND FIND RP TO BE A GREAT VALUE! LOVE LOVE THEIR BUFFET BREAKFAST!

LOVE THE UNIVERSAL EXPRESS PASS! QUITE HONESTLY, STAY THERE JUST FOR THAT!

NO EXPRESS PASS FOR HARRY POTTER FORBIDDEN JOURNEY OR FOR RIP RIDE ROCKET! MY DH AND 2 DS GOT ON FORBIDDEN JOURNEY FIRST THING IN MORNING..BY 9:00 LINES WERE HORRIBLE! RIP RIDE ROCKET WAS NOT RUNNING FIRST THING IN MORNING..BY 11:00 LINES WERE VERY VERY LONG..THEY NEVER GOT ON.

REST OF THE PARKS WERE FABULOUS WITH EXPRESS PASS! ONLY WAY TO GO IN MY OPINION!

ENJOY YOUR TIME AT US/IOA!!!!!!!!!FUN FUN PLACE!