Portofino: need reassurance!

[evanthep]

I'm taking my 8 year old son on a "guy trip" April 9-12. We scheduled this about a week ago, so it's a last minute thing. (We did a "guy trip" 2 years ago to Universal and stayed at RPR, and had a great time.)

This time, we are staying at Portofino in a standard room. I am a little disappointed that Hard Rock is sold out because I think he would enjoy it more than Portofino, which seems geared more towards adults. I am also concerned about the distance to the parks and having to walk far and/or wait for boats, especially during the hectic time we will be going.

Can you guys please reassure me that Portofino is kid friendly, not too far, etc.? Should I stop calling Universal every day to see if a Hard Rock room has opened up? Thanks in advance.

 

[NashvilleTrio]

Maybe we've been lucky, but the water taxi frequency at the PBH has been great. We love staying there, it's a great hotel.

 

[rpbert1]

We are going back to PBH this year after RPR, and yes it is child friendly, its about 15 min walk to the park , which we did a few times and a stroll along the waterway is lovely, or wait on the boat. I know Bubbas Mom cut through the from PBH and HRH and took about 10 mins max, she posted a route she took.

 

[evanthep]

Thanks to you both for responding. Is there a certain tower/room location that I should request that is the most convenient, whether to the boats or pool, etc.? I want things to be as close and easy as possible since I'll be alone with an 8 year old, without my wife's awesome help!

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

We've stayed at all three UO resorts and all have their merits. With that being said, PBH is our favorite and we've had great luck with the transportation, and the pools are wonderful!

Have Fun!

 

[Disneyhappy]

Thanks to you both for responding. Is there a certain tower/room location that I should request that is the most convenient, whether to the boats or pool, etc.? I want things to be as close and easy as possible since I'll be alone with an 8 year old, without my wife's awesome help!

PBH is our favorite resort. The only slight downside is that it is the further walk from the parks but like a PP state, it isa 15 minute walk. The boat service has always been great and they add extra boats and staff at the busier times of the year. I think you will fall in love with the resort. I wuld request the west wingon your reservation as it is the closest to the boat launch. It is very kid friendly and the pool has a slide that your son will enjoy. I also like PBH because it has more options for food. Sal's Deli has great pizza! Don't forget the Gelato. And lastly, the staff is warm and wonderful! I hope you fun and memory filled trip with your son!

 

[damo]

Thanks to you both for responding. Is there a certain tower/room location that I should request that is the most convenient, whether to the boats or pool, etc.? I want things to be as close and easy as possible since I'll be alone with an 8 year old, without my wife's awesome help!

Ask to be in the west wing. It is closest to the water taxi and pool. PBH is a great hotel and remember that you can take the water taxi or the bus (make sure you ask for the schedule). The walk is beautiful on a warm night. I think we walked it more than we took any shuttle.

 

[evanthep]

I cannot tell you guys how much I appreciate the help! Are there water bottles in the room -- complimentary? Is west wing close to some food places? THanks so much!

 

[damo]

I cannot tell you guys how much I appreciate the help! Are there water bottles in the room -- complimentary? Is west wing close to some food places? THanks so much!

The food places are central, so yes they are close. You get two free small bottles of water at turndown (make sure you ask for turndown service when you check in).

 

[sandtrap007]

i am staying at PBH next week in a club room-they tell me all of those rooms are in the east wing-should we opt out of the club so we can be in the west wing -i understand those are closer to the boats and pools-many thanks for any thoughts!!!

 

[damo]

i am staying at PBH next week in a club room-they tell me all of those rooms are in the east wing-should we opt out of the club so we can be in the west wing -i understand those are closer to the boats and pools-many thanks for any thoughts!!!

Club rooms aren't in the east wing. The club lounge is in the west wing/villa wing area. Call them back.

 

[bubba's mom]

OP--we stayed at PBH last year for the first time. My son was 9.5 at the time. He loved it...especially the slide at the pool

We've stayed at all 3 hotels and PBH is all our favorite....including my son's.

What everyone has mentioned is true... We never waited more than about 5-10 minutes for a boat...altho, walking IS still faster. Get the west wing...boat dock on that side of the water.

Enjoy!

Ciao!