Help! My family won't help me decide on our vacation...

[Antonia]

We are going to Universal. We'll stay at either Portofino ($188) or Royal Pacific ($164). One's Italian seaside, the other is South Pacific. I truly cannot decide and my family is NO help. Stayed at RP once and thought the rooms were a little small. Liked the South Pacific theming. PB has larger rooms, but how's the theming? Some photos look kinda drab.
Also thought we might spend two nights on the coast - somewhere near Siesta Key. Seems like it's mostly condos. We'll only be there a couple of nights. Found the Tortuga Inn on Anna Maria Island, but is that far from Siesta Key?? I want my son to see the beautiful beach at Siesta Key. I got to experience it last year for a day - didn't stay there - was just passing through and loved it.
Hoping that some of you can help me decide. Maybe some pros and cons from your past experiences. Help!

 

[shortbun]

Go for the bigger rooms. Take your own decorations! LOL

 

[Antonia]

Thanks for your input ShortBun!!! I'll take it into consideration!

 

[Pooh67_68]

Antonia,
Give the Universal board a try for your question about the resorts.

 

[Antonia]

Not much traffic on those boards, but thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Kallison]

Don't you get front of the line access if you stay at a Universal Resort? I've heard that is worthwhile. Goodluck

 

[Antonia]

Yes, you do get front of the line by staying in one of their resorts. Another thing complicating this trip is that we have to get back on Friday for DH's step-sister's wedding rehearsal dinner. The wedding is tje next morning at 11:00 and I am handing out programs and serving the cake.
We only have 6 nights and we would have had 7 or 8. I'm thinking that maybe we should stay all 6 nights at Universal for less complication and just drive over to the gulf one day when the weather is nice.

 

[cynsaun]

My girlfriend stayed at the South Pacific with her fiance when it first opened, and loved it so much that she went back again this year!

She highly recommends it. I hope this helps! Have a great time!

 

[vald1977]

I've never stayed at either but I would go for Portofino Bay because: 1.) bigger rooms 2.) nice to try somewhere new and you've already been to RP 3.) I've heard it very nice and $188 sounds like a great rate.

I'm not sure how far the beach is from Orlando but if it's drivable I would just stay at PB for the whole vacation and take a day trip there. It's just easier and less of a hassle.

That's my two cents anyway. Hope you have a great time.

 

[Snow Dog Mom]

I have stayed at PB last Nov and LOVED it. The place is so beautiful. The food is OUT of this world and they have the best pizza ever. I highly recommend staying there if at all possible. The best part about the room is the size of the bathroom. Biggest bathroom I have ever seen in a hotel room.

I hoping to go again this year!

Kim

 

[Antonia]

Thanks so much! It always helps to get a little input from you Dis people!