Advice Needed on Hotels

[Olaf]

Getting down to the wire on our upcoming trip. Found out Friday that we can leave a few days earlier than planned and thereby extend our time in Orlando.

Original plan called for 4 nights at the Contemporary and 5 at BCV. I'm thinking of tacking on two nights at the Portofina at Universal. Got a rate of $155 for a standard room. The other option would be to add two nights at the Contemporary. I'm not a big fan of hotel switching.

Is this a good idea? We've never done Universal before. They have a great deal on tickets for the military and we're going to take advantage of it. DS is eight and I think he can handle most of the rides now.

I'm also interested in trying out Emeril's restaurant, which one would you guys recommend with an eight year old?

Thanks guys. Won't be able to make it to chat today, but I'll be thinking about you.

 

[richard3330]

Hi Steph,

Hotel switching is a lot less stressful than you might imagine. I remember the first time we went on a trip that involved switching resorts, I really thought it wouldn't work out, yet it worked out really well.

Staying in a Universal hotel is brilliant. Portofino Bay is beauitful and the rooms (especially the bathrooms) are massive. It is really very relaxing and just 10-15 mins walk to the parks. There are some fantastic restaurants and the pools and spa is brilliant. DS really enjoyed the kids club here too.

Also, the number one advantage IMO for staying in a universal resort is the Front-Of-The-Line access - no more queueing in the regular lines!

Universal is brilliant, our 4 (nearly 5) year old DS loves it nearly as much as Disney. Especially, IOA.

I haven't yet been to the new Emeril's Restaurant in The Royal Pacific Resort, but Emeril's in CityWalk is one of our favourite restaurants. You can take a look at the menu and see if there's anything you and your DS would like her: http://www.emerils.com/restaurants/orlando/index.htm


Have a great trip

 

[Olaf]

Thanks for replying Richard. We've decided to do one night there. I called Universal and we'll get the fast pass thingie from 9:00 in the morning (checkin day) to closing on the following day. Then we'll go check into the Contemporary.

Why do I feel funny not staying entirely at WDW.