We absolutely loved the express. We spent Thanksgiving at Universal and Friday at IOA and saw almost everything.
The Portofino is beautiful. We paid the $129 Fan Club rate for a garden-view and felt that it was worth every penny just for the express access. The resort seemed to be full or close to it. There were a lot of families there and the courtyard and pool were always active.
My husband presented our Lowes First card at check-in and was asked if he wanted red or white wine (I asked for cookies and milk). He choose white and it was delivered a few hours after check-in. The presentation was beautiful. For some reason we didn't drink it and on the third day it was missing when we came back to our room.
I called star services and asked them to deliver milk and cookies instead and bring more washcloths (there were only three for my family of 5, despite 2 previous requests). The milk and cookies came about 3 hours later but I never received my washcloths.
My husband and teenaged son really enjoyed IOA. There were fewer things for my little ones (5 and 20 months), but they enjoyed the play areas.
We walked to the HRH one night and that place was great! I think it would be better for my family. We felt that the Portofino was a little stuffy, although very nice. Hopefully the HRH will get their service issues together. All in all we had a wonderful time and would definetely stay on-site if they continue to offer express access.
If anyone has any questions, I will try to answer them.
The Portofino is beautiful. We paid the $129 Fan Club rate for a garden-view and felt that it was worth every penny just for the express access. The resort seemed to be full or close to it. There were a lot of families there and the courtyard and pool were always active.
My husband presented our Lowes First card at check-in and was asked if he wanted red or white wine (I asked for cookies and milk). He choose white and it was delivered a few hours after check-in. The presentation was beautiful. For some reason we didn't drink it and on the third day it was missing when we came back to our room.
I called star services and asked them to deliver milk and cookies instead and bring more washcloths (there were only three for my family of 5, despite 2 previous requests). The milk and cookies came about 3 hours later but I never received my washcloths. My husband and teenaged son really enjoyed IOA. There were fewer things for my little ones (5 and 20 months), but they enjoyed the play areas.
We walked to the HRH one night and that place was great! I think it would be better for my family. We felt that the Portofino was a little stuffy, although very nice. Hopefully the HRH will get their service issues together. All in all we had a wonderful time and would definetely stay on-site if they continue to offer express access.
If anyone has any questions, I will try to answer them.
