Gave up DME for a split US/Disney trip—a few questions!

[have2getaway]

DH and I finally caved and decided instead of our initial plan to do a split Beach Club/Poly stay with a day trip to Universal, to start our trip out at Portofino Bay and then go to the Polynesian at the end of our trip. Just looking for opinions/feedback on the following questions:

—Should we do 2 or 3 nights at PBH?

—Should we do club level to save at least on breakfast and snacks (family of 5, 3-9 year old boys)? We don’t arrive Sat. until after dinner, so wasn’t sure if it made sense to pay club level if we didn’t have 3 full days to benefit?

—Does Tony Hinds transport both ways? From MCO and later to the Polynesian?

—Is there anything we haven’t considered with the split say that we should be aware of?

Thanks all! Everyone’s candid feedback before is what helped us realize moving 3 times would not make for a great trip! Looking forward to giving Universal a trye experience this trip!

 

[bumbershoot]

Should we do 2 or 3 nights at PBH?

Well, I'm always a big fan of MORE time at Portofino.

—Should we do club level to save at least on breakfast and snacks (family of 5, 3-9 year old boys)? We don’t arrive Sat. until after dinner, so wasn’t sure if it made sense to pay club level if we didn’t have 3 full days to benefit?

Are you a family of omnivores with no food allergies or sensitivities? Do the boys eat a decent amount? Will they eat the foods there? Will you be at the club level area for breakfast and dinnertime? (mid afternoon snacks aren't really much unless things have changed)

Or do you have places you want to eat while at Universal?

Club level for me is a value-based decision, and the decision changes with plans for each trip.

 

[have2getaway]

Well, I'm always a big fan of MORE time at Portofino.



Are you a family of omnivores with no food allergies or sensitivities? Do the boys eat a decent amount? Will they eat the foods there? Will you be at the club level area for breakfast and dinnertime? (mid afternoon snacks aren't really much unless things have changed)

Or do you have places you want to eat while at Universal?

Club level for me is a value-based decision, and the decision changes with plans for each trip.

Well, we aren’t necessarily picky eaters, but we aren’t exotic eaters either. No vegetarians or food allergies.

I do see some places we would love to try eating for dinner—there was one HP restaurant we heard was good. Our boys aren’t big lunch eaters—mainly just breakfast and dinner. I guess I’m trying to decide if we only ate the breakfast if it would still be worth it?

Is 4 nights too many at Universal versus Disney? We would save more staying 4 and 4.

 

[momto3pirates]

We have only done club level at Universal once. We found they opened after we wanted to be on our way to the park. Those early mornings are great for getting to the rides. We did not feel like it was worth it for us.

 

[Mysteryincorp]

DH and I finally caved and decided instead of our initial plan to do a split Beach Club/Poly stay with a day trip to Universal, to start our trip out at Portofino Bay and then go to the Polynesian at the end of our trip. Just looking for opinions/feedback on the following questions:

—Should we do 2 or 3 nights at PBH?

I think 3 nights is perfect

—Should we do club level to save at least on breakfast and snacks (family of 5, 3-9 year old boys)? We don’t arrive Sat. until after dinner, so wasn’t sure if it made sense to pay club level if we didn’t have 3 full days to benefit?

Club didn’t really seem worth it for us


—Does Tony Hinds transport both ways? From MCO and later to the Polynesian?
Yes, he picked us up at the airport and then took us over to a WDW resort after our Universal leg.



—Is there anything we haven’t considered with the split say that we should be aware of?


Thanks all! Everyone’s candid feedback before is what helped us realize moving 3 times would not make for a great trip! Looking forward to giving Universal a trye experience this trip!

 

[OMGBecky]

DH and I finally caved and decided instead of our initial plan to do a split Beach Club/Poly stay with a day trip to Universal, to start our trip out at Portofino Bay and then go to the Polynesian at the end of our trip. Just looking for opinions/feedback on the following questions:

—Should we do 2 or 3 nights at PBH?

—Should we do club level to save at least on breakfast and snacks (family of 5, 3-9 year old boys)? We don’t arrive Sat. until after dinner, so wasn’t sure if it made sense to pay club level if we didn’t have 3 full days to benefit?

—Does Tony Hinds transport both ways? From MCO and later to the Polynesian?

—Is there anything we haven’t considered with the split say that we should be aware of?

Thanks all! Everyone’s candid feedback before is what helped us realize moving 3 times would not make for a great trip! Looking forward to giving Universal a trye experience this trip!

We did this same split stay last September and it was an amazing trip! We did 4 nights at the Polynesian and then 4 at Portofino Bay. I was glad to have that many days at Portofino. It's such a beautiful, relaxing resort (loved the beach pool!). Especially after the busy days at Disney. So..I'd go 3 for sure. We ended up doing Take2 transportation because we booked this trip through a travel agent so I can't answer you there.

I wouldn't personally do club level at Portofino Bay, but I've never done it. I really loved eating breakfast each day at the restaurant that's right by the water. They have a huge buffet, which looked delicious, but we always just ordered off the menu...which was also delicious.

The only thing I would say is maybe consider swapping the two: start at Disney, end at Universal. I was really glad we did it this way last year because going from Disney World's fast pass system to having express pass was a welcome change. I've done it both ways. Iin May this year we started at Universal, ended in Disney, and I preferred starting at Disney/ending at Universal personally. Although, ending our trip with the fireworks at Magic Kingdom was pretty great too.

 

[macraven]

I would split the stay 4 and 4

You are arriving in the evening and start your vacation at UO, that would give you 3 park days

Yes Tony takes people anywhere you want to go

He also does Tampa, Ports, Sanford
anywhere you want to go

 

[bobbie68]

Hi I agree with pps do a 4 and 4 and if you could Universal after Disney. If not then I would do 3 nights We just did the club level at Portofino and loved it. I had two teens, DH and myself. I felt it was well worth it we saved a lot of money. We did like all they offered and weren't picky about anything. I know with younger kids it could be harder. You could see a couple of weeks before you go to call the hotel and speak to the club lounge. They may be able to tell you what the menu offerings are at night if they have the menu.

Tony has done the split for us. A few years ago Tony brought us to Universal from the airport then he picked us up 4 days later and brought us to POR. It worked out great!

 

[georgina]

Club level at Universal fits the way we do the parks, and in the past we found it quite cost effective when we had 2 or 3 kids with us (I am splurging for it over Thanksgiving week although the now grownup kids will have their own rooms.) We had breakfast there and the evening appetizers/drinks. We usually missed desserts, but a couple of times they saved us a few treats as we returned just after they officially closed. With the Express Pass, we never felt the need to rush off to the parks super early.

 

[Roxyfire]

For me I find four nights is a lot at Universal. Yes it gives you a lot of time to enjoy the pool, go to Citywalk, and take your time at the parks. But you'll have express as well and you won't really need to hit the early hours (unless you really want to). Our last full day at Portofino in June of 17 was basically a lounge around the pool day (and I watched the James Comey testimony at the pool bar, will never forget that!) and I feel like I probably should've saved the money and left that afternoon. Oh well, live and learn. Personally with that age group, I'd spend 5 nights at WDW and 3 nights at Universal. Especially since some of the biggest rides the youngest may not be able to enjoy. The others are fun but can be somewhat repetitive.

Also, be sure to try the pizza at Sal's Market Deli while you're at Portofino. I think it's probably my favorite over any of the places at WDW. It's nothing world-changing, but it's a solid choice and not terribly expensive, considering it's on resort property.

 

[Robo56]

The Portofino is a beautiful Resort. One of my favorites onsite.

I would do a split stay 4 and 4 as Mac suggested. It is more laid back at Universal and no rushing needed.

The kids will love the beach pool. They have activities for the kiddos there.

Sal’s pizza is very good. I have had some really nice meals at Mama Della’s also. Nacho’s from Splendido at the beach pool are yummy.

They also have Starbucks by the Harbor Piazza.

No matter what you choose have a great trip

 

[have2getaway]

For me I find four nights is a lot at Universal. Yes it gives you a lot of time to enjoy the pool, go to Citywalk, and take your time at the parks. But you'll have express as well and you won't really need to hit the early hours (unless you really want to). Our last full day at Portofino in June of 17 was basically a lounge around the pool day (and I watched the James Comey testimony at the pool bar, will never forget that!) and I feel like I probably should've saved the money and left that afternoon. Oh well, live and learn. Personally with that age group, I'd spend 5 nights at WDW and 3 nights at Universal. Especially since some of the biggest rides the youngest may not be able to enjoy. The others are fun but can be somewhat repetitive.

Also, be sure to try the pizza at Sal's Market Deli while you're at Portofino. I think it's probably my favorite over any of the places at WDW. It's nothing world-changing, but it's a solid choice and not terribly expensive, considering it's on resort property.

We ended up starting at Universal with 3 nights at Portofino Bay and then 5 at the Polynesian. I considered 2 at Portofino and the rest at the Polynesian, but we wouldn’t save as much. Plus, we arrive late Saturday, which basically gives us just 2 days at Universal. It was only $50 more total to add a day on to our Disney tickets so, if after one day we want to venture over to Disney, we would have the option to Uber there, although not sure if we will even want to? If Universal isn’t as much of a hit, one of our boys LOVES penguins, so we had considered Sea World, but that’s a very unlikely plan B as it would mean more money in tickets and transport to that park.

Overall, we are thinking 2 full days and 3 nights at Universal should be plenty.

 

[Roxyfire]

We ended up starting at Universal with 3 nights at Portofino Bay and then 5 at the Polynesian. I considered 2 at Portofino and the rest at the Polynesian, but we wouldn’t save as much. Plus, we arrive late Saturday, which basically gives us just 2 days at Universal. It was only $50 more total to add a day on to our Disney tickets so, if after one day we want to venture over to Disney, we would have the option to Uber there, although not sure if we will even want to? If Universal isn’t as much of a hit, one of our boys LOVES penguins, so we had considered Sea World, but that’s a very unlikely plan B as it would mean more money in tickets and transport to that park.

Overall, we are thinking 2 full days and 3 nights at Universal should be plenty.

I'm in total agreement, 2 nights probably wouldn't be quite enough if you're arriving later in the evening. With express you'll be able to get a lot done at Universal during the days without feeling the need to rush. You didn't say what time of year you're going but even if you arrive after dinner your boys should be able to enjoy some pool time before it gets too late. Enjoy!

 

[have2getaway]

I'm in total agreement, 2 nights probably wouldn't be quite enough if you're arriving later in the evening. With express you'll be able to get a lot done at Universal during the days without feeling the need to rush. You didn't say what time of year you're going but even if you arrive after dinner your boys should be able to enjoy some pool time before it gets too late. Enjoy!

We are going in mid-January. The Disney Marathon will be going on the weekend we arrive at Universal. We had considered staying in a kids suite at RPR, but it was more money than club at PBH. Plus, I really like the PBH more.