Benefits of Staying at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel

[JJZMgailey]

In this episode, Dreams Unlimited Travel agent and SiDisney host Federico Argar, along with agent Chris Vorobek, discuss some of the benefits of staying at a Universal Orlando Resort!

 

[Sue M]

In this episode, Dreams Unlimited Travel agent and SiDisney host Federico Argar, along with agent Chris Vorobek, discuss some of the benefits of staying at a Universal Orlando Resort!

I disagree that Universal Hotels aren’t as well themed as Disney. They are themed like WDW hotels used to be. Before they made them all with Disney IP. They take you to a different place, Portofino takes you to Italy, etc just as WDW hotels took you to different places ie: GF, Poly, etc.
In addition category by category Universal hotels have more amenities. Compare All Stars to Cabana Bay. Or Sapphire Falls to a wdw moderate. If Sapphire was in wdw it would be classified as a deluxe.

 

[Sue M]

Good point that more are going to Universal more than WDW. It’s true with us, WDW has priced many out. And made planning more difficult.
We stay at the Universal Premire resorts with express pass. Don’t have to be on phone all day booking FPs or booking dining months ahead.
So easy. We are staying at Portofino next month with a good AP rate. But you should mention it’s undergoing renovations to the exterior.

 

[mamapenguin]

I’m all about Universal. As far as Disney goes, they can keep it. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and Disney has become too much work. They ruined it. I still have NE tickets in my safe deposit box…I do like the Universal hotels better than the Disney ones and I have stayed at quite a few at all price points for both.

 

[georgina]

I’m all about Universal. As far as Disney goes, they can keep it. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and Disney has become too much work. They ruined it. I still have NE tickets in my safe deposit box…I do like the Universal hotels better than the Disney ones and I have stayed at quite a few at all price points for both.

I found an old 10 day NE Disney ticket recently. Went to GS at a park and they rep had to call to find out how to add it to my account. I still hit Disney for a few nights here and there. With my Universal AP I always stay on-site at Universal, but usually at CBBR or Aventura, my new favorite.

Waiting to see how the Epic stuff is going to work. Wouldn't mind spending a few nights at the Grand Helios but not if it is outrageously expensive!

 

[Sue M]

I’m all about Universal. As far as Disney goes, they can keep it. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and Disney has become too much work. They ruined it. I still have NE tickets in my safe deposit box…I do like the Universal hotels better than the Disney ones and I have stayed at quite a few at all price points for both.

Me too! A 10 day hopper. Was almost getting ready to use it, but now they changed the system again but this time non US can’t book FPs until you arrive in the US even if your staying on property and in one of their over priced deluxe resorts but their happy to take your money. So guess I’ll be waiting. I think wdw will get a lot of push back from the international community on this one.

 

[msmayor]

We spent three nights of our 8-night Orlando stay at Portofino Bay last month - definitely enjoyed it, but it felt far less 'active' than when we stay at Disney on-site resorts.

There were rarely crowds anywhere - at times the resort felt empty. Very surprised that at midday, the Gelateria was closed...didn't open until 3pm. The Thirsty Fish Bar didn't open until 5pm. If I'm going to have a 'resort' day, or come back midday, those are the types of places I'd want to hang out along with the pool.

We'd go and stay there again, but likely only for park-specific visit. The Disney resorts just have more of a 'resort' feel with activity and dining options almost always available in full.

 

[disney-inspired]

We spent three nights of our 8-night Orlando stay at Portofino Bay last month - definitely enjoyed it, but it felt far less 'active' than when we stay at Disney on-site resorts.

There were rarely crowds anywhere - at times the resort felt empty. Very surprised that at midday, the Gelateria was closed...didn't open until 3pm. The Thirsty Fish Bar didn't open until 5pm. If I'm going to have a 'resort' day, or come back midday, those are the types of places I'd want to hang out along with the pool.

We'd go and stay there again, but likely only for park-specific visit. The Disney resorts just have more of a 'resort' feel with activity and dining options almost always available in full.

I agree with you. I have enjoyed my stay at the Universal properties but it felt like just a hotel and not a resort, like I feel at WDW.

 

[Suger Mag]

I disagree that Universal Hotels aren’t as well themed as Disney. They are themed like WDW hotels used to be. Before they made them all with Disney IP. They take you to a different place, Portofino takes you to Italy, etc just as WDW hotels took you to different places ie: GF, Poly, etc.
In addition category by category Universal hotels have more amenities. Compare All Stars to Cabana Bay. Or Sapphire Falls to a wdw moderate. If Sapphire was in wdw it would be classified as a deluxe.

Although Sapphire looks very nice, it would not be not considered deluxe level without balconies in every room. Deluxe resort rooms at WDW all have balconies/patios. That is something I do not like about the Universal resorts... the balconies are far and few between, even at the highest priced resorts.

Staying at Aventura for the first time this October for Horror Nights

 

[vakamalua]

We spent three nights of our 8-night Orlando stay at Portofino Bay last month - definitely enjoyed it, but it felt far less 'active' than when we stay at Disney on-site resorts.

We'd go and stay there again, but likely only for park-specific visit. The Disney resorts just have more of a 'resort' feel with activity and dining options almost always available in full.

I agree with you. I have enjoyed my stay at the Universal properties but it felt like just a hotel and not a resort, like I feel at WDW.

Disagree. Despite being DVC members for 20 years, when we want a resort stay, we head to Royal Pacific. Beautiful authentic tropically themed, big pool with some shaded chairs, two good restaurants plus a full service pool restaurant with really good food (not just fast food type stuff), great service, multiple other resorts & restaurants a walk or boat ride away. Not to mention the express pass if you decide to park.

Having stayed at almost all Disney resorts--except for OKW--they always feel frantic not relaxing. The pools are loud & crowded with little shade, the pools just have glorified snack bars, getting a choice of restaurants outside the resort means a crowded bus, monorail, skyway (or combination) or a car; also true if going to a park not to mention the hassle of reserving your whole day.

Wherever you go; enjoy.

 

[Sue M]

Although Sapphire looks very nice, it would not be not considered deluxe level without balconies in every room. Deluxe resort rooms at WDW all have balconies/patios. That is something I do not like about the Universal resorts... the balconies are far and few between, even at the highest priced resorts.

Staying at Aventura for the first time this October for Horror Nights

Not all Poly rooms have balconies. Or Beach Club. I do enjoy a balcony! I’ve been lucky all but one Portofino stay we had a balcony.
Aside from balcony I think the Universal resorts are more deluxe than wdw ones. Just my opinion. And none share boats even if resorts are near each other. It would be very easy to have Royal Pacific and Sapphire to share boats, and Hard Rock and Portofino to share, but unlike WDW they don’t share.

@vakamalua will have to disagree, I feel Portofino is very resort like. And beautiful. If you want a bar, the beach pool has one. I feel you didn’t get the full experience with the construction going on. Maybe the Gelato place wasn’t open due to construction? I haven’t paid attention to their hours as sadly I can’t eat icecream.

 

[Planogirl]

The Portofino is the quietest of the resorts in my opinion. We found the Royal Pacific quite lively in contrast. Cabana Bay is very resortish (new word!)

But to each their own. I don’t get a resort feel at many of the Disney hotels either so I understand.

 

[mamapenguin]

The Portofino is the quietest of the resorts in my opinion. We found the Royal Pacific quite lively in contrast. Cabana Bay is very resortish (new word!)

But to each their own. I don’t get a resort feel at many of the Disney hotels either so I understand.

Portifino is in renovation mode. Not peaceful in my opinion, I would be distracted with the scrims..

 

[macraven]

Totally agree with you !

May stay last year was at Portofina and did not like it at all
The renovations were two much of a distraction for me..and services were lacking