Going to Universal in July (PBR) - Got a Few Questions

[jcvalenti]

Hi all .... we're going to Orlando in mid-July. We're arriving around noon on Day 1, and heading straight to Universal Studios. Going to spend 3 days there, but only going to the parks for 2. It's been a few years since I did Universal and I find myself without much time to research this trip ... so if anyone can offer some info/advice, it would be much appreciated:

1) 2 of our families are staying at Portofino Bay Resort. 2 are staying at Royal Pacific. How hard is it to get between the resorts (we want to do some bar and pool crawling) ? Do the water taxis only go to City Walk, or between resorts as well ?

2) Any specific area or block of rooms to request at Portofino to minimize the walk into the park ? Last time we waited in the morning for water taxis, but it seemed faster to walk.

3) We were planning to get tickets when we arrive. Any advantage cost-wise to ordering them early ? We're probably only getting the 2 day pass, not the one that lets you go between parks (yes, I know - not going to do Hogwart's Express). We do have AAA if that offers a discount.

4) On our first night, 14 of us want to dine at Mama Della's - we went last trip and absolutely had a blast there. I tried calling down there to see if I could get a reservation for 14 so we could be seated together, and was told to leave a message with the manager ... but never got a call back. Should I just make two reservations and hope for the best that we can get seated there.

5) On night 2, we're planning on doing City Walk. I think some of us want to eat at Cowfish. Do they take reservations ?

6) Our group likes some cocktails now and then while on vacation - any can't miss spots on property at Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay or at City Walk.

Thanks for any advice ! We're used to planning the Disney trips to the hilt - we feel like we're going naked on the Universal portion this time around.

 

[imprint]

I'll give a go at two of your questions...

1) The water taxis travel from hotels to City Walk and then back. You would need to transfer taxis at City Walk. Not a big deal in my opinion.
2) don't know
3) Getting them early should save money over buying them at the ticket counter. Since you mention AAA, if you buy your tickets from AAA, in addition to a ticket discount, you should also get a voucher that gives you 10% discounts at restaurants and shops (parks and City Walk).

 

[Lynne G]

2) west wing is closest to the dock and path.

 

[jcvalenti]

Thanks everyone. Hoping for more Intel. I went ahead and made two Open Table rezzies for Mama Dellas - hopefully that will work out well.

 

[RMulieri]

1) water taxis go to the citywalk hub.You would need to transfer boats there\
2) West wing to be closest to the dock and walking path
3)getting them early is usually slightly cheaper.You can try getting them from your local AAA travel office .
4) You can make a ressie at opentable, but I would call the restaurant again .Last time we were there ( Jan this year) the restaurant was booked and a group of 12 tried to get seated together( after making ressies on opentable).The restaurant was unable to accommodate them
5)I think Cowfish might , but not thru Opentable.I think if you go to the Universalorlando website there maybe a link to book
6) we like MAragaritaville and Pat obriens on Citywalk for drinks