PBH first timer

[Choozee]

First of all, i am new here to this forum, as i just stumbled upon it about an hour ago. i wish i would have discovered it years ago! i am a FL resident however its a 7 hour drive to Orlando. I've been to Universal & IOA a few times before but we have always made the mistake of either getting suckered into the time share spiel or we stayed off site in Kissamee at a relatively cheap hotel. This year I decided to do things differently!
Okey, I am an AAA member, I'm not an AP holder. I chose PBH because of the great reviews I've read on a popular site. I think I've found a good deal, please let me know what you think. We are going Sept 15-19 (mid week) and I got a "blocked window" rate as well as a FL resident rate of $184 for a deluxe garden view room for 4 adults. I booked directly thru the universal website. What do you think? Good deal?

And I might be a dummy, but I purchased the 3 day park hopper tickets directly from the Universal website.

I did not know about packaged plans, or what not. Did I mess up?

And last but not least, please review PBH for me?

 

[damo]

You didn't mess up. It is much better to book without a package. The only cheaper way you could have gotten tickets is through www.undercovertourist.com

You hotel is a good price. You probably won't find much cheaper. But if you do, just have them change it!

Welcome to the forum. Ask as many questions as you can think of!

Portofino is my favourite resort and it has just been updated with all new room interiors. I love Sal's Deli. Their pizza is delicious! You should check out the Portofino Bay hotel thread here. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=272204

Just remember that the thread started a long time ago, so some of the old information is useless.

 

[macraven]

that period in september is a great time.


you won't be facing crowds in the parks or at the hotels.



pool hop and check out the other onsite hotels while you are at pbh.

 

[RMulieri]

We LOVE PBH...We stayed there for our first trip in Jan 2012 and we are staying there again in August for 7 nights...Beautiful resort, spacious rooms, great employees and the dining is topnotch ( we love Sals for quick meals and Mama Dellas for sitdown Italian)..The pool and spa is also great and pool hopping is encouraged..

 

[Choozee]

Thank you for the tips! I can't wait to enjoy the vaca! 80+ days!

 

[bumbershoot]

You might not be an AP holder now, but keep it in mind* since you'll probably be enjoying yourself even more than before! Staying onsite is truly a wonderful way to experience Universal, and I *love* PBH.



*you can upgrade tickets to APs during your trip

 

[Celizd]

you will love it! I stayed for the first time in June, and I cant wait to go back....just imagine a place where you can park your car and not see it again till the day you leave....that was the best thing for me!! lol

oh and the pool....PBH has nice cushions on the pool loungers, like really comfy...we pool hopped to HRH, which had your basic everyday pool loungers (you know, the ones where if you dont put a towel down, you get those great marks on your body!!). its the little things that got me excited
your gonna have a great time...you did well with tickets and prices