Just back from Portofino Bay - Any questions?

[antmaril]

We just got back from our fun Labor Day weekend at Portofino Bay.

If anyone has any questions, I will try to answer.

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Hey,

I was just wondering if they did install a new "system" for FOTL access where you only get one ride on a certain ride per hour?

Mike

 

[Redmic]

We will be staying there next month for the first time. Can you recommend a quick/light breakfast spot?

Also, did you eat at Mama Della's, and if so, did you like it? Thanks.

 

[BarryHom]

At PBH, I'd do the continental breakfast buffet. It costs $8, I believe, but I think you'd end up spending $8 anyway at the coffee shop for bagels and coffee. You might as well load up on pastries and bagels for the same price as one!

If you want to hit the parks, try the Beverly Hills Bougerie at USF or the Crossant Moon Bakery at IOA. You can get some mouth-watering pasteries there. You can get a cinamon bun roll, a huge cookie, or even Krisy Kreme Doughnuts.

 

[corvair]

Is the pool big and how is the slide. What kind of room did you have and where was it located?? How much was the cost of the room?? thanks...amy

 

[antmaril]

I agree with Barry about the continental breakfast - that is the best way to go!

With regard to FOTL, they did scan our room keys at some of the rides, but not always. On Friday at IOA, they scanned our keys at The Hulk, Spiderman, Dr. Doom, The Cat in the Hat. It was really hit or miss. Our keys were not scanned at Jurassic Park or Dueling Dragons. Same situation at Universal Studios on Saturday. Sometimes they scanned the keys and other times not. It was not a problem at all. We just couldn't go right back on a ride if they scanned the key. However, the lines in the morning weren't very long and if we wanted to ride again, we could just stand in the regular line. We didn't do that, however.

We stayed in a Deluxe Pool View Room with two queen beds. It was a lovely room with a very nice bathroom. The room was large - with a terrace overlooking the Villa Pool (dead center).

We paid $180 (Entertainment rate).

We did not go in the Beach Pool, so I can't really comment on the slide, but it was a large pool and looked like fun. Both pools were very nice, but we preferred the quiet of the Villa Pool.

We did not eat at Mama Della's. It looked nice, but we just didn't get a chance to eat there - maybe next time. I can recommend the pizza at Sal's Deli/Market. We got in late the first night (after 10:00 p.m.) and Sal's was the only restaurant open at that time. We ordered pizzas and they were excellent.

 

[crazyme5kids]

How big are the pizzas from Sal's?

 

[marley]

Is there a restaurant or cafe at the Portofino that you can sit outside and eat?

Also, do they have a heavier breakfast buffet? We were going to try and load up on eggs and sausage so that we would stretch our next meal all the way to dinner

thanks!

 

[BarryHom]

They have a buffet with eggs, bacon, sausage, omelete, etc. for around $15.

You can sit outside at Sal's and the coffee shop. The Delfo Rivera (I think that's the name of the one beside the bay) has outside seating.

 

[PartyofSix]

2676 right? LOL It sounds like you guys had a wonderful time too. We did the parks opposite you guys.LOL I thought of you many times and looked to see if I might know you by listening on the boats.LOL Our friends were in room 2677 right across the hall from you I bet. No I did'nt stalk you.LOL I just know that 2676 is "dead center" villa del pool view. That's sick I know that huh? Glad you made a safe trip and had fun I told you you'd love PBH

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

There are two different sizes of pizzas! The smaller one is fine to share with 2 people, the larger is pretty large in size and can feed a few!

Yummy ...I remember my plain with the huge tomatoes!

Mike

 

[crazyme5kids]

Justb what I need for my kids! They can have pizza and I can have a nice peaceful meal alone with my husband!

 

[CPM]

Originally posted by Barry Hom
They have a buffet with eggs, bacon, sausage, omelete, etc. for around $15.
You can sit outside at Sal's and the coffee shop. The Delfo Rivera (I think that's the name of the one beside the bay) has outside seating.

You can sit outside at Trattoria Del Porto also, and Delfino's patio is on the roof (3rd floor) overlooking the bay. Thirsty Fish is beside the bay and serves drinks.
You can also order drinks & food poolside at the beach & villa pools.
The Beach pool has the slide, it's great! My kids like it better then HRH, they love the waterfall cave. I love the wuiet Villa pool, it's deeeper and has some beautiful Italian music playing, also the lounge chairs have cushions!

 

[antmaril]

PartyofSix:

Actually, we were in room 2278. I was looking for you too, because you said you were a slim red head, but I didn't really have the nerve to go up to anyone and ask "are you Tammy"? HA!

Did you have a good time? We really lucked out on the weather, I thought. We only had rain on Friday afternoon. Saturday and Sunday were great!!

marilyn

 

[antmaril]

PartyofSix:

I just read your post about your trip - sounds like you had a fabulous time. The hotel is so peaceful. At first it seems empty, but after a while you realize there are lots of people there, you just aren't surrounded by them every minute. The hotel is quiet and relaxing. We enjoyed it very much and will go again.

We ate at Sal's, Mythos, Margaritaville, Hard Rock (twice) and BOMA at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Didn't have a bad meal the whole time. Big fun!

Glad you had such a wonderful trip!

Marilyn

 

[PartyofSix]

Hi Antmaril: Red Hair yes, skinny well that was a misunderstanding.LOL NO WAY. As you can tell from our eating report not hardly! I just assumed you were on the 6th floor. I have all my pics ready I will post them soon. I'm sure we were on the boat together at some point that's a shame I did'nt get to greet with you. I thought the weather was outstanding. We stayed at the BW LBV for the priceline $25 deal on Friday night. We checked out Ruth's Chris, DD, and just relaxed at the hotel. I was very, very pleased with the place. The rooms are extremly large and the balcony's were too. They gave me my request of a DD view and upgraded us to a Deluxe room that had a queen sleeper sofa in it, which I did'nt ask for the upgrade. So that was a nice surprise.