Animal Kingdom Lodge or Portofino Bay?

[OrlandoGuy]

I know it might be fishing for a bias by putting a comparison between a Disney and Universal Resort in the Universal Resorts forum, but I really dont think I'll get too much of a response from the Orlando Resort and Attraction forum.

Well me and my gf are taking a nice holiday trip to the Orlando attractions from Dec 15-18. First 2 nights are going to be at Pop Century and the last night is going to be at Royal Pacific Resort. I want to make a "suprise extended night" that she does not know about either at AKL or Portofino Bay. Florida Resident offer for AKL is $220 for savannah view room which sounds really nice, but also I am a seasonal employee at Islands of Adventure so im sure I could get a really nice discount on Portofino Bay that should be about the same price as AKL (most likely cheaper), probably make it a river view. This decision is only on how nice the hotel, room, and view is... location doesn't matter because all of the park visits will be over and no kids along, only the 2 of us. Thanks in advance

 

[Motherfletcher]

You should get PBH for less than $220. But its a coin flip. I like both and if you don't need the hotel express then they are really a toss up with AKL getting a slight edge for the animal entertainment factor. I've stayed at AKL and not visited the parks but have never stayed at PBH and not visited the parks.

 

[coachyo]

Well as I look at your question, I think romance is your quest. We have stayed at both properties. My DW loved PBH for the way it was set up and all that is offered. I think you can do much better for just the 2 of you at PBH, the Mandara Spa is great and you have choices for a romantic dinner right on property. Go for a lower room with a patio (balconies are small) overlooking the quiet pool and bacci ball area and you can be out on the patio with a glass of wine and music playing in your room and you'll have a much richer experience for your surprise stay. I don't know if they will move your bags for you from RPR, but you can ask. At AKL you won't have much privacy.
Good Luck

YO & my 3 girls

 

[robvia]

There's no way you'll go back to Disney after using FOTL.
I'll vote for PBH, but for both nights and let that be the surprise.
I think having to check out of the RPR after only 1 night will make it "feel" like you are not staying.
If you check into the RPR at 8am, a room may be ready, and you'll have the entire day. But then you'll be checking out the next morning. Even if they move your bags, you still have to go over there and check in. Staying two nights at the same hotel makes it "feel" like you were there.

 

[boomer626]

Another vote for PBH. We just returned and the newly remodeled rooms are really beautiful. The whole atmosphere is very romantic and their is a nice selection of great restaurants, lounges, and cafes on property.

 

[macraven]

this is the universal board
you are a universal employee


you ask should you stay at the disney hotel...........

voting for pbh....hands down, no doubt about where you should stay.

i have stayed at hrh many times but at pbh once.
such a delightful place
very attentive staff at that hotel.

you can't go wrong staying there.....

 

[nhpooh]

Another vote for PBH. We just returned and the newly remodeled rooms are really beautiful. The whole atmosphere is very romantic and their is a nice selection of great restaurants, lounges, and cafes on property.

I would go for PBH, I loved it. They are right it is really romantic and quit. Just being there was so nice. The grounds are so lovely, taking a nice walk around was so nice after a romantic dinner. The rooms and turndown service was nice. They don't do that at Disney, even got a chocolate on our pillows.

 

[webray]

We have stayed at both AKL and Portofino many times and I can tell you, while the rooms at Portofino are fantastic, the beds, the linens, etc...total comfort and luxury...a savannah view room is amazing at the AKL. For this trip..since you are already at Universal I would probably pick Portofino...it is nicer than any resort room/ammenity wise that disney has. Disney has nothing to compare. Some people will tell you the Grand Floridian at disney compares, but we have been there, done that (main building concierge even) and GF doesn't come close to being as nice a place to stay as Portofino.

AKL is one of our favorite deluxe resorts..we can do concierge there for a long weekend and never leave the resort. All restaurants are wonderful, great bartenders at the little bar at Jiko, beautiful pool area.

Portofino, great restaurant options (both there and very close), wonderful pool areas, great bartenders in all the bars, lots of different bar options...Portofino has a lot to offer.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[LvsTnk]

Hmmm...For romance I say PBH. How about getting a cabana by the quiet pool for the day, now that's pampering. Dinner at one of thier fantastic restaurants, then off to CityWalk for a little fun. OhhLaLa