Getting close to leaving for the PBH, what do I need to know?

[disneyfan67]

I'll be leaving in a couple of weeks to first visit Universal Studios and then move on to WDW. I arrive in Orlando on the 26th and will be taking a limo to the PBH and wondered what I really need to know.


What room section should I request?

Some of you experts have any good suggestions on what to ask for?

Should I get close to the beach pool so my kids won't have far to go swimming? I have no idea how the resort is really laid out and need some help and advice.

I booked a room back in Feb with my AAA rate of $239. a night and think I got a good deal. I just got a regular room reserved and I joined LF like some of you suggested. Is it wrong to ask if there are any upgrades available?

What do you think I should do first when we arrive by 2pm or so? Should I go to the parks or maybe swim with the kids and go later at night? I bought the 7 day park pass you see offered on line, so I plan on going to the parks for at 3 days. Thursday evening, all day Friday, and most of the day Saturday.

Any suggestions would be great and is there a number or an Email address of the person who can help me on my room selection at the PBH? If anyone has it, I would appreciate sharing it.

You people here on this board have influenced my decision to go to Universal and I wanted to thank you for it. I just need a little more help and I'll be on my way. Thanks!

 

[disneyfan67]

Come on people, if you want to get more folks like me over on your side, then throw me a bone.

Need some help here and I'm all alone on this thread


If this was the Disney resort board we would be knee deep in debates on which room to request and maybe even an argument on refillable mugs.


I'll check back in tomorrow.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Request the west wing and ask for an upgrade. At check in ask if you can add your LF number and then ask if an upgrade is available. We were upgraded to a bay view our first stay. The layout clockwise is lobby, east wing, bay, west wing, beach pool, villa wing, villa pool. West wing is closest to the water taxi and the beach pool.

 

[AlexandNessa]

You have to be patient on this board. It doesn't get a whole lot of traffic. I've been around for a while, and I have lots of posts that have gone unanswered.

Anyone can ask for an upgrade. Just don't be surprised if you don't get one as you are going during a busy time. Check the netbooker site and see what remains available for your dates. ITA w/motherfletcher. I would rather be in the West Wing as well. It's close to the beach pool and boat dock.

Check this thread for good room locations:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=669284

What you do on your first day is up to you. That's the beauty of a universal vacation. If the parks are busy, it's not far back to the PBH.

 

[goofy!]

I'll be leaving in a couple of weeks to first visit Universal Studios and then move on to WDW. I arrive in Orlando on the 26th and will be taking a limo to the PBH and wondered what I really need to know.


What room section should I request?

Some of you experts have any good suggestions on what to ask for?

I too would ask for the west wing if possible. It is the closest to the beach pool and the boats.

Should I get close to the beach pool so my kids won't have far to go swimming? I have no idea how the resort is really laid out and need some help and advice.

I booked a room back in Feb with my AAA rate of $239. a night and think I got a good deal. I just got a regular room reserved and I joined LF like some of you suggested. Is it wrong to ask if there are any upgrades available?

Here is a map of the PBH layout. Not the easiest to read, but you may get an idea. The bay is in the middle. The ast wing is on the right straddling the bay and the west wing is on the left side of the bay. The boat dock is about 1/2 way up the west wing. The villa wing is the arm that sticks out about 9:00 using Motherfletcher's clock comparison. The beach pool is the pool between the villa wing and the west wing. The villa pool is on the other side of the villa wing.

The piazza is the part at the base of the bay. This is where the majority of the restaurants are such as Trattoria and Mama Dellas. Sal's is there too.

Browse the thread that Jodi posted and you will get some great ideas of good rooms.

Also good advice to ask to put your LF number on your reservation and then ask for an upgrade.

There have been some reports in the recent weeks that AAA rates are no longer considered Loews First rates. We would love for you to report back to us on what they tell you about upgrades or if you received your welcome gift. Only Loewsfirst rates get the welcome gift, so it will be interesting to see if they honor the AAA rate as they have had in the past. If you do not get it the first night, make sure you call down and ask for it. Sometimes they do forget.

What do you think I should do first when we arrive by 2pm or so? Should I go to the parks or maybe swim with the kids and go later at night? I bought the 7 day park pass you see offered on line, so I plan on going to the parks for at 3 days. Thursday evening, all day Friday, and most of the day Saturday.

Any suggestions would be great and is there a number or an Email address of the person who can help me on my room selection at the PBH? If anyone has it, I would appreciate sharing it.

You people here on this board have influenced my decision to go to Universal and I wanted to thank you for it. I just need a little more help and I'll be on my way. Thanks!

My family's personal preference is to go directly to the parks. But then, my kids would be itching to ride Hulk and DD from the minute we left for the airport. There would be no talking them into going to the pool first. But our kids are competitive swimmers, so not swimming is their vacation.

So, we would probably go do a few rides, have dinner at Citywalk and then close the place down. The next day we would do some rides then come back and swim during the hottest part of the day and then go back for the evening.

The only thing I would recommend is to do a grocery stop on the way to the hotel. As much as I love the PBH, sometimes finding a quick drink can be a pain due to how large the grounds are. We always have a styrofoam cooler filled with water, pop and juice so we don't have to traipse down to Sal's everytime we want a cold drink.

Have a great time and report back to us!

 

[Motherfletcher]

Come on people, if you want to get more folks like me over on your side, then throw me a bone.

Need some help here and I'm all alone on this thread


If this was the Disney resort board we would be knee deep in debates on which room to request and maybe even an argument on refillable mugs.


I'll check back in tomorrow.

You're
Gee, you Disney folks sure aren't very appreciative!

 

[LoveThatDarnMouse]

Since I got some great info from this thread I will say Thank You! You saved me lots of time.

I have another question to add. Is it better to call and make your request or fax them? If fax, when?

 

[AlexandNessa]

Simply call and have it noted on your reservation. The reservationist will add it to the comments section of your ressie, and they do read the comments when assigning rooms. Don't wait to do this the day or two before you go though. Calling the hotel directly to note a request, I have found, is useless. They just get annoyed.

 

[disneyfan67]

Thanks for giving me some good info, I really do appreciate it. I hope you all know that I was joking about not responding right away. I knew help would come along eventually.

As I told or confessed to my wife a few nights ago, I'm nervous about the Universal part of my trip. Don't get me wrong, it's not about if the parks or if the hotels will match up to Disney, it's the fact I'm trying something new.

I know WDW and having been there 4 times already, I basically know what to expect and know my way around. It's like I'm in a comfort zone when I check into the Polynesian and I put the vacation on autopilot. My knowledge and experience with the WDW resort allows me to do that.

Not so with this upcoming trip to the dark side, as folks here call it.

From the moment I arrive to PBH, it will all be a new experience to me and I don't want it to get off on the wrong foot. My one son is highly Autistic and everything new to us can be a real chore and mentally exhausting. I have been reading just about every trip report I have seen on these boards and love the ones with pictures. I read a good majority of the threads and have bought a guide book that I have seen recommended here. Still, real life experience can't be learned from a book. There comes a point where you jump in feet first and let the adventure begin. I basically have two days to explore Universal and plan to make the most of it, without being in a comando mode.

I'm just going to go with the flow and try to take everything as it comes. I have no idea on where to eat, even through I studied most of the dining options. Some of the places would be overwhelming to my son, some just don't appeal to me, so I'm kind of open on where to go. He does love cars, especially Nascar, so I think a visit to the Nascar themed restaurant will be one of the stops. My family and I are just flying by the seat of our pants on this trip and we really are unsure of what to do first when we arrive. It depends on the moods of the kids, I guess. They love to swim and the beach pool at PBH is beyond beautiful, IMO. I'm thinking a pool break, refresh ourselves from the flight, then head off to IOA for a little while and just explore. Studios is going to be the next day and most of the day will dedicated to that, exploring the 2 other resorts, and just relaxing by the pools. This will also be my first time making a trip report and with pictures in it too.

Wish me luck!

 

[dsmom]

Hi Disneyfan67- I know how you feel- we had been to disney over 100 times and decided to try Universal last Dec. for the first time. We have a severely autistic 8 year old son and we were nervous also. We loved it so much there that we have been back twice since and will be heading back to Portifino the first of August for the third time this year. The resort is the best we have ever been to- our son loved the room, the beach pool the boat rides to the park. We ate at Margariaville our last visit and he loved it! The nice thing about Universal is they have outdoor seating everywhere. We enjoyed The enchanted Oak and Thunder Falls. Everything is Seuss was doable for our son. If you need a stroller you can rent one and bring it between both parks and citywalk- that was a lifesaver for us. I know some people do not like the rickshaw bikes but they were great for our son. When lines were long for the boat we could just hop on one of the bikes- I am sure you know what waiting in line is like with an autistic child. If you have any concerns e-mail the resort directly and tell them about your child- they have been wonderful with our son. If you have any other questions I will be glad to try and help!

 

[LoveThatDarnMouse]

DisneyFan67, I love it that you are so involved in all aspects of the planning. I wish my DH would be more involved but in his defense he really doesn't have the time. He does thoroughly enjoy all my planning though. I can totally relate with everything you've said. We are also leaving our comfort zone and flying by the seat of our pants regarding our Universal portion of our stay but it sounds like you really can't go wrong. Who knows, we may even totally switch to the dark side next year. Whatever you end up doing, best wishes,specially with your son. I know that new things and changes in routine can be so hard for children in the autistic spectrum.

 

[disneyfan67]

I just got off the phone and reconfirmed my reservation and made sure they had my LF number. I did put in a request for the West wing near the beach pool. I know it's just a request and there's a chance of it not being granted. The person I talked to on the phone said that the PBH is starting to fill up and might be at full capacity or close to it.

I'm just looking forward to getting there and getting settled in. I think I got all my bases covered and I'm just going to play it by ear. My kids (twin boys) have no clue that they're going to Universal or Disney. While they know my wife and I have been talking about going on vacation, they been told it's just us wishing and getting prices. I think we will let them in on the surprise this Sunday, when it's their birthday.

 

[LoveThatDarnMouse]

I just realized we'll be there the same time. I guess I should call tomorrow and request the West Wing too although at full capacity they probably aren't able to honor many requests. I'll just be thrilled to be there. We haven't let the kids know yet either~won't it be fun?!

 

[LakeAriel]

Thanks for giving me some good info, I really do appreciate it. I hope you all know that I was joking about not responding right away. I knew help would come along eventually.

As I told or confessed to my wife a few nights ago, I'm nervous about the Universal part of my trip. Don't get me wrong, it's not about if the parks or if the hotels will match up to Disney, it's the fact I'm trying something new.

I know WDW and having been there 4 times already, I basically know what to expect and know my way around. It's like I'm in a comfort zone when I check into the Polynesian and I put the vacation on autopilot. My knowledge and experience with the WDW resort allows me to do that.

Not so with this upcoming trip to the dark side, as folks here call it.

From the moment I arrive to PBH, it will all be a new experience to me and I don't want it to get off on the wrong foot. My one son is highly Autistic and everything new to us can be a real chore and mentally exhausting. I have been reading just about every trip report I have seen on these boards and love the ones with pictures. I read a good majority of the threads and have bought a guide book that I have seen recommended here. Still, real life experience can't be learned from a book. There comes a point where you jump in feet first and let the adventure begin. I basically have two days to explore Universal and plan to make the most of it, without being in a comando mode.

I'm just going to go with the flow and try to take everything as it comes. I have no idea on where to eat, even through I studied most of the dining options. Some of the places would be overwhelming to my son, some just don't appeal to me, so I'm kind of open on where to go. He does love cars, especially Nascar, so I think a visit to the Nascar themed restaurant will be one of the stops. My family and I are just flying by the seat of our pants on this trip and we really are unsure of what to do first when we arrive. It depends on the moods of the kids, I guess. They love to swim and the beach pool at PBH is beyond beautiful, IMO. I'm thinking a pool break, refresh ourselves from the flight, then head off to IOA for a little while and just explore. Studios is going to be the next day and most of the day will dedicated to that, exploring the 2 other resorts, and just relaxing by the pools. This will also be my first time making a trip report and with pictures in it too.

Wish me luck!

Fancy meeting you here... I am in the same boat, but arriving at PBH in August prior to BWV. I will be wilth my 2 grand kids and though a veteran at WDW, Universal scares me silly. (It's the not knowing) I am about to make a reservation for breakfast with the super heroes...I will be bypassing Nascar! You can post all the details when you get back! Have fun!

 

[LoveThatDarnMouse]

SuperHeroes breakfast? What's that about? OMG, I'm leaving tomorrow and I still have no clue about the Universal part of our trip. I did make one reservation at Mama Della's but that's it. My DS5 would love a superheroes theme.

 

[goofy!]

SuperHeroes breakfast? What's that about? OMG, I'm leaving tomorrow and I still have no clue about the Universal part of our trip. I did make one reservation at Mama Della's but that's it. My DS5 would love a superheroes theme.

It is the Spiderman breakfast at Confisco's in Islands of Adventure. Spiderman is there along with Cat in the Hat and then a couple more. When we did it, it was Spiderman, Cat In The Hat, Storm, and Thing 1 and Thing 2. It was great fun as the characters spend lots of time with the kids.

Don't worry about missing it. Just ask your hotel about it, or stop into Confiscos and make reservations. You can also make reservations at the dining cart as you enter the parks.

This is from the Universal Orlando website:

Don’t Miss the Character Breakfast at Islands Of Adventure!

Breakfast is not just the most important meal of the day…now it’s the most fun!

Bring the whole family and enjoy breakfast with Spider-Man™ and The Cat in the Hat™ at Islands of Adventure’s Confisco Grille®, each Thursday through Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The breakfast is $15.95 for Adults and $9.95 for children, plus tax and gratuity. Call 407-224-4012 for reservations.

 

[LakeAriel]

SuperHeroes breakfast? What's that about? OMG, I'm leaving tomorrow and I still have no clue about the Universal part of our trip. I did make one reservation at Mama Della's but that's it. My DS5 would love a superheroes theme.

Someone beat me to it and now I know I don't need an advance reservation!

 

[Jessieknj]

Have a wonderful time at PBH. We have been 8 times and love it so much we were married there. Don't miss Mama Dellas for dinner. The food is fantastic and it is quiet and family friendly. I agree the west wing is best if you have kids to be close to the pools and water taxi.

 

[disneyfan67]

Have a wonderful time at PBH. We have been 8 times and love it so much we were married there. Don't miss Mama Dellas for dinner. The food is fantastic and it is quiet and family friendly. I agree the west wing is best if you have kids to be close to the pools and water taxi.

Thank you and everyone else for the good advice and I'll be sure to try it out. I'm interested in finally seeing the resort and getting my first peek at Universal Studios and IOA. I have read so many of the trip reports here, seen many reviews and pictures across the web of the PBH and the parks, I'm ready to get there and let the vacation begin. This time next week, I'll be walking around the parks and taking it all in. Thanks for everything.