Duanerice
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2001
- Messages
- 1,045
Portifino Bay August 3 6, 2005
We just returned from 3 great nights at Portifino Bay. It was our 25th anniversary so needless to say; we did not have any kids with us
These was a relaxing trip to rest up and recharge our batteries. We have been to Universal many times so we dont have the need to go when they open and stay until they close. We usually only go for a few hours everyday, usually at night. That is unless I make one of my solo ride everything you can in 3 hours trips.
Arrived at the hotel about 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. I love the view as you are driving in. Kind of takes your breath away. I never got tired of seeing it as we returned on the boat.
Anyway, I had high hope for a nice room since it was our anniversary and I had called earlier and had even fax a letter to the front desk the day before (including our marriage license). We had a Bay View King room reserved. I had asked for the West wing or even an upgrade if any were available. I did say I was more than willing to pay for it, so I wasnt asking for anything for free.
This was a surprise for my wife. She knew we were going to Orlando, but not that we were staying at the Portifino. I would have thought that when we checked in that they might start out with Happy Anniversary. The person that checked us in didnt even know it was out anniversary. When we checked in there were no west wing rooms available. There were no upgrades available, no suites, nothing. Could be true, but I doubt it. The hotel wasnt that crowded on Wednesday. Cant say that on Saturday as it was a zoo. Oh yea, the self parking is great. Very convenient, right at the hotel. Not out of the way at all.
We were offered a Club Room for $80 additional per night, but decided we didnt want it. First of all we wouldnt use the services very much, second, it was queen beds not a king, but more importantly we didnt want to be in that area of the hotel. When I think Club room, I think many, many kids in the hallways, the room next door and at the Club Room. Nothing wrong with that, but we were looking for a quieter hotel stay this time.
We were assigned room 1464 in the East wing. After staying there, I would dont think Id want the West wing. This side was much quieter than the West side. We were able to see the fireworks from our room the nights we were in the room. The walk to the boat was nothing, especially considering how long youll be walking in the park. I guess if you went to the pool a lot with kids you might want the West wing. But, we prefer to stay away form all that excitement.
The room was nice, great view. I cannot complain about the room or location. It is showing signs of wear and tear though. Probably needs a makeover pretty soon. The bed was comfortable with a choice of pillows. The coffee maker is a saving grace in the morning. Shortly after we arrived in the room, they brought the flowers that I ordered through the concierge a few days before.
We never did eat in any of the restaurants at the hotel. We were just never there at eating time. We did have a hot fudge sundae on 2 of the nights from the little place downstairs. AWESOME! Unfortunately they close at 10:00 p.m. If they stayed open, I bet they would be packed from 10:00 11:00 or so as people come back from the parks.
Late Wednesday afternoon we went over to the parks. Went to the Hulk first so I could get my fix. Even with FOTL the wait was 25 minutes. My wife doesnt like roller coasters, so I go by myself while she waits or shops. Awesome ride as usual. Next we went to Spiderman where we walked right onto the ride. We went to the bicycle/skateboard stunt show. It was OK. Kids would probably love it. We just walk around enjoying being at the parks. Had to ride the Dueling Dragons a few times. There never seems to be a line here. I lined up in the second row and waiting for a threesome to take the front row. I just scoot up to the front row without having to wait. It is good being a single rider sometimes. Did this for both coasters then road in the middle a few times. Four rides in the time it took to ride the hulk 1 time.
It was about 7:00 p.m. so we stopped at Mythos (upon recommendations of this board) for dinner. Asked for a table with a view and had to wait about 2 minutes. Nice table right at the windows. It was good to sit down in air conditioning since it was so hot outside. Food was great. My wife had the chicken special Oscar something or another. She loved it. I had a chicken club that was great. It was just an all around good meal.
After dinner we went to Poseidons Adventure. It was OK. I think my favorite area, outside of the rides, is Seuss Landing. It is so cool looking. We went on the Caro-Seuss El, and The Cat in the Hat. Had a long day since we both worked ½ day today so we started heading back. Stopped by the place in Portifino for a delicious hot fudge sundae and my wife got a cannoli which she said was one of the best she has had in Florida. We ate these while watching the fireworks from our room. Glad we were on the East side.
Thursday I got up early and walked to the park since the boats didnt start running until 8:30. My wife slept in. They opened the park around 8:45 and I was the 2nd ride on the Hulk front row of course. In the course of the next few hours, I rode the Hulk 6 times, Dr Doom 2 times, Popeyes Bilge Rats 3 times, Ripsaw Falls twice, and Dueling Dragons 4 times.
I loved the Bilge Rats. I struck up with a family from Virginia and we rode together 3 times in a row. Once you get wet, who cares? It was so much fun. I like the idea that you can keep you shoes, socks, phone, etc. in covered compartment. I would have rode Ripsaw falls more times, but once I got wet I didnt have anywhere to put my phone.
I never really needed the FOTL pass. There were really no lines for any of the rides at this time. But, I did ride the Hulk first thing so I am sure there was a line by 10:00.
Went back to the room and after I got cleaned up, my wife wanted to go see a movie. We went to see Stealth at Moivco down on International Drive. We happened to pick the movie that they show on their main screen. I cannot describe it. If you have ever seen an IMAX movie, then youll have an idea of how big the screen was. It was huge, at least 3 stories high. What a theater to see this movie in! Of course we had to have the obligatory popcorn.
When we came back I notice that they delivered a fruit bowl and water. I had called the night before and told them we never received out Lowes arrival gift and that we wanted the Regional gift. So, I thought they made a mistake and I called the hotline again. She said she would look into it and called back within 2 minutes. It seems that I cannot use my Lowes membership since I received a promotional rate. I paid $199 per night for a Bay View King Room. The fruit we received was an anniversary gift from the front desk. Nice touch.
Went over to US around 6:00 p.m. Still very hot. Saw Shrek which was pretty cool. Rode the Mummy for the first time. It was good, but it is a cross between a roller coaster and something else. Not sure what. I might be alone on this, but I dont think it does either one very well. Its OK, just not what I thought it would be. Went on Earthquake, MIB, and Jimmy Neutron. It rained for about 45 minutes, usually very had so we sat it out in the MIB store. By the time we got out, we just missed the last Horror Make-up show. We got onto to every ride within 10 minutes. Walked around and headed back to the hotel. The boats were not running because there was lightning in the area. Waited for a bus about 10 minutes then it took another 20 or so to get to the hotel. They have 1 bus.
This is one area where I think Universal doesnt quite cut it. Their transportation is not adequate for the crowds. They had 1 bus running and this was with the boats not operating. I never saw more than 1 boat for the hotel. Many times it could not take all the people waiting for the boat so they had to wait until the boat made its round trip. Youd think they might put a few more in service during peak times.
Again, another sundae and got up to the room in time to se the fireworks from the room. Forgot to mention that when we came back to the room the lights were always low, soft music was playing and the bed was turned down. Nice touch!
Slept in on Friday and decided to do some shopping. Went to some outlet stores, lunch and then to another movie. We saw The Island which was good. I forgot to mention, my wife would live at the movies. She loves going but we really have time to go, so this is a treat for her. Besides it is in the A/C and quite comfortable.
Back to the parks around 6:30. Yes it was raining again but this time we both had umbrellas. Went to US and walked through mostly checking out he shops and all the little stuff we usually miss. We finally caught the Horror Make-up show which was great. Make sure you see it. Went over to IOA and again walked around, not riding anything but checking into the little nooks checking out stuff. Around 9:30 we walked over to Pastamore and had dinner. They sat us right away. Couple of Pizzas and a Caesar Salad and we were stuffed. Walked around a bit and went to catch a boat. Right! There were way too many people lined up. I guessed at about 3 or 4 boats until we could get on. They can only hold 49 people on the boats. Lets see, 3 times 15 minutes is at least a 45 minute wait. The boat had just arrived when we walked passed and decided to walk back. They had just unloaded when we walked over the bridge by US. We were back at the hotel before the first boat even showed up at the hotel. Not sure what was taking so long, but Im glad we didnt wait.
Really could have used a hot fudge sundae, but they were closed. Still cant believe they close at 10:00. Whos money making idea is this?
Checked out online at 11:00, actually leaving the room at 11:35. Painless. Took our luggage to the car and headed out. We took I-4 over to Tampa so my wife could spend a little time in the Hard Rock Casino. She had fun and we spent about 4 hours there before we started home. Back home by 7:00. I love coming home on a Saturday as you have a day to get back into home mode before we have to go to work.
Observations:
Portifino is a very nice hotel. It met our expectations. Not sure if it is a special occasion hotel, but it is very nice. I would stay there again in a heart beat (if the price was right).
Hulk is still the coaster to beat in Orlando. Nothing comes close
Mythos was a great meal. I will go back.
Mummy was not impressive. Not sure what I expected, but that wasnt it.
Universal needs to figure out their transportation issues. If you are going to tout the hotels and transportation to the parks, then you need to provide adequate transportation. Of course if you are staying at the Hard Rock or Royal Pacific, you can easily walk (if able)
Pastamore was pretty good. Great Pizza and Salad
If you arrive early you dont need Express or FOTL. But, you need to play it smart and hit the popular attractions early.
MIB broke down twice while we were there. Once when were the next people to get on the ride, it took about 20 minutes to fix. Talking with the ride attendants they said it broke a lot that day. It was also closed the next day, not just delayed, but the entire ride was closed.
Great trip. Well go back again
We just returned from 3 great nights at Portifino Bay. It was our 25th anniversary so needless to say; we did not have any kids with us
These was a relaxing trip to rest up and recharge our batteries. We have been to Universal many times so we dont have the need to go when they open and stay until they close. We usually only go for a few hours everyday, usually at night. That is unless I make one of my solo ride everything you can in 3 hours trips. Arrived at the hotel about 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. I love the view as you are driving in. Kind of takes your breath away. I never got tired of seeing it as we returned on the boat.
Anyway, I had high hope for a nice room since it was our anniversary and I had called earlier and had even fax a letter to the front desk the day before (including our marriage license). We had a Bay View King room reserved. I had asked for the West wing or even an upgrade if any were available. I did say I was more than willing to pay for it, so I wasnt asking for anything for free.
This was a surprise for my wife. She knew we were going to Orlando, but not that we were staying at the Portifino. I would have thought that when we checked in that they might start out with Happy Anniversary. The person that checked us in didnt even know it was out anniversary. When we checked in there were no west wing rooms available. There were no upgrades available, no suites, nothing. Could be true, but I doubt it. The hotel wasnt that crowded on Wednesday. Cant say that on Saturday as it was a zoo. Oh yea, the self parking is great. Very convenient, right at the hotel. Not out of the way at all.
We were offered a Club Room for $80 additional per night, but decided we didnt want it. First of all we wouldnt use the services very much, second, it was queen beds not a king, but more importantly we didnt want to be in that area of the hotel. When I think Club room, I think many, many kids in the hallways, the room next door and at the Club Room. Nothing wrong with that, but we were looking for a quieter hotel stay this time.
We were assigned room 1464 in the East wing. After staying there, I would dont think Id want the West wing. This side was much quieter than the West side. We were able to see the fireworks from our room the nights we were in the room. The walk to the boat was nothing, especially considering how long youll be walking in the park. I guess if you went to the pool a lot with kids you might want the West wing. But, we prefer to stay away form all that excitement.
The room was nice, great view. I cannot complain about the room or location. It is showing signs of wear and tear though. Probably needs a makeover pretty soon. The bed was comfortable with a choice of pillows. The coffee maker is a saving grace in the morning. Shortly after we arrived in the room, they brought the flowers that I ordered through the concierge a few days before.
We never did eat in any of the restaurants at the hotel. We were just never there at eating time. We did have a hot fudge sundae on 2 of the nights from the little place downstairs. AWESOME! Unfortunately they close at 10:00 p.m. If they stayed open, I bet they would be packed from 10:00 11:00 or so as people come back from the parks.
Late Wednesday afternoon we went over to the parks. Went to the Hulk first so I could get my fix. Even with FOTL the wait was 25 minutes. My wife doesnt like roller coasters, so I go by myself while she waits or shops. Awesome ride as usual. Next we went to Spiderman where we walked right onto the ride. We went to the bicycle/skateboard stunt show. It was OK. Kids would probably love it. We just walk around enjoying being at the parks. Had to ride the Dueling Dragons a few times. There never seems to be a line here. I lined up in the second row and waiting for a threesome to take the front row. I just scoot up to the front row without having to wait. It is good being a single rider sometimes. Did this for both coasters then road in the middle a few times. Four rides in the time it took to ride the hulk 1 time.
It was about 7:00 p.m. so we stopped at Mythos (upon recommendations of this board) for dinner. Asked for a table with a view and had to wait about 2 minutes. Nice table right at the windows. It was good to sit down in air conditioning since it was so hot outside. Food was great. My wife had the chicken special Oscar something or another. She loved it. I had a chicken club that was great. It was just an all around good meal.
After dinner we went to Poseidons Adventure. It was OK. I think my favorite area, outside of the rides, is Seuss Landing. It is so cool looking. We went on the Caro-Seuss El, and The Cat in the Hat. Had a long day since we both worked ½ day today so we started heading back. Stopped by the place in Portifino for a delicious hot fudge sundae and my wife got a cannoli which she said was one of the best she has had in Florida. We ate these while watching the fireworks from our room. Glad we were on the East side.
Thursday I got up early and walked to the park since the boats didnt start running until 8:30. My wife slept in. They opened the park around 8:45 and I was the 2nd ride on the Hulk front row of course. In the course of the next few hours, I rode the Hulk 6 times, Dr Doom 2 times, Popeyes Bilge Rats 3 times, Ripsaw Falls twice, and Dueling Dragons 4 times.
I loved the Bilge Rats. I struck up with a family from Virginia and we rode together 3 times in a row. Once you get wet, who cares? It was so much fun. I like the idea that you can keep you shoes, socks, phone, etc. in covered compartment. I would have rode Ripsaw falls more times, but once I got wet I didnt have anywhere to put my phone.
I never really needed the FOTL pass. There were really no lines for any of the rides at this time. But, I did ride the Hulk first thing so I am sure there was a line by 10:00.
Went back to the room and after I got cleaned up, my wife wanted to go see a movie. We went to see Stealth at Moivco down on International Drive. We happened to pick the movie that they show on their main screen. I cannot describe it. If you have ever seen an IMAX movie, then youll have an idea of how big the screen was. It was huge, at least 3 stories high. What a theater to see this movie in! Of course we had to have the obligatory popcorn.
When we came back I notice that they delivered a fruit bowl and water. I had called the night before and told them we never received out Lowes arrival gift and that we wanted the Regional gift. So, I thought they made a mistake and I called the hotline again. She said she would look into it and called back within 2 minutes. It seems that I cannot use my Lowes membership since I received a promotional rate. I paid $199 per night for a Bay View King Room. The fruit we received was an anniversary gift from the front desk. Nice touch.
Went over to US around 6:00 p.m. Still very hot. Saw Shrek which was pretty cool. Rode the Mummy for the first time. It was good, but it is a cross between a roller coaster and something else. Not sure what. I might be alone on this, but I dont think it does either one very well. Its OK, just not what I thought it would be. Went on Earthquake, MIB, and Jimmy Neutron. It rained for about 45 minutes, usually very had so we sat it out in the MIB store. By the time we got out, we just missed the last Horror Make-up show. We got onto to every ride within 10 minutes. Walked around and headed back to the hotel. The boats were not running because there was lightning in the area. Waited for a bus about 10 minutes then it took another 20 or so to get to the hotel. They have 1 bus.
This is one area where I think Universal doesnt quite cut it. Their transportation is not adequate for the crowds. They had 1 bus running and this was with the boats not operating. I never saw more than 1 boat for the hotel. Many times it could not take all the people waiting for the boat so they had to wait until the boat made its round trip. Youd think they might put a few more in service during peak times.
Again, another sundae and got up to the room in time to se the fireworks from the room. Forgot to mention that when we came back to the room the lights were always low, soft music was playing and the bed was turned down. Nice touch!
Slept in on Friday and decided to do some shopping. Went to some outlet stores, lunch and then to another movie. We saw The Island which was good. I forgot to mention, my wife would live at the movies. She loves going but we really have time to go, so this is a treat for her. Besides it is in the A/C and quite comfortable.
Back to the parks around 6:30. Yes it was raining again but this time we both had umbrellas. Went to US and walked through mostly checking out he shops and all the little stuff we usually miss. We finally caught the Horror Make-up show which was great. Make sure you see it. Went over to IOA and again walked around, not riding anything but checking into the little nooks checking out stuff. Around 9:30 we walked over to Pastamore and had dinner. They sat us right away. Couple of Pizzas and a Caesar Salad and we were stuffed. Walked around a bit and went to catch a boat. Right! There were way too many people lined up. I guessed at about 3 or 4 boats until we could get on. They can only hold 49 people on the boats. Lets see, 3 times 15 minutes is at least a 45 minute wait. The boat had just arrived when we walked passed and decided to walk back. They had just unloaded when we walked over the bridge by US. We were back at the hotel before the first boat even showed up at the hotel. Not sure what was taking so long, but Im glad we didnt wait.
Really could have used a hot fudge sundae, but they were closed. Still cant believe they close at 10:00. Whos money making idea is this?
Checked out online at 11:00, actually leaving the room at 11:35. Painless. Took our luggage to the car and headed out. We took I-4 over to Tampa so my wife could spend a little time in the Hard Rock Casino. She had fun and we spent about 4 hours there before we started home. Back home by 7:00. I love coming home on a Saturday as you have a day to get back into home mode before we have to go to work.
Observations:
Portifino is a very nice hotel. It met our expectations. Not sure if it is a special occasion hotel, but it is very nice. I would stay there again in a heart beat (if the price was right).
Hulk is still the coaster to beat in Orlando. Nothing comes close
Mythos was a great meal. I will go back.
Mummy was not impressive. Not sure what I expected, but that wasnt it.
Universal needs to figure out their transportation issues. If you are going to tout the hotels and transportation to the parks, then you need to provide adequate transportation. Of course if you are staying at the Hard Rock or Royal Pacific, you can easily walk (if able)
Pastamore was pretty good. Great Pizza and Salad
If you arrive early you dont need Express or FOTL. But, you need to play it smart and hit the popular attractions early.
MIB broke down twice while we were there. Once when were the next people to get on the ride, it took about 20 minutes to fix. Talking with the ride attendants they said it broke a lot that day. It was also closed the next day, not just delayed, but the entire ride was closed.
Great trip. Well go back again
