belle'smama
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2005
- Messages
- 6
Hello everyone!
First, a big thank you to all helped encourage me to book this for our family. Because of the time of year, I was quite hesitant due to crowds, but the "DIS Faithful" guided me through! Thank you again!
We had stayed at the Yacht club for a few days and took the 12/17 Magic cruise. We went to visit family from 12/24-12/28 and spent Christmas with them. Unfortunately, my father-in-law had emergency surgery on 12/27 - the day before our Universal/Portofino checkin. All was well with the father-in-law, but I must've looked a wreck when we checked in late on 12/28 after spending two days in the hospital waiting room.
The staff at the Portofino were gracious, friendly and a decided improvement from a hospital and its personnel. I knew we would be pampered as soon as I walked in. The front desk staff was courteous and so understanding about our ordeal of the last few days. So gracious were they, we were upgraded to concierge! WOW! During that time of year, that was something truly not expected, but definitely enjoyed!!
Okay, on to the fun stuff! Our room was 2552 - gorgeous with a view of the villa pool. It was quiet (except for the occasional screaming from the family next door!), spacious and comfy! Love the beds! Housekeeping was fabulous and kept us organized with plenty of fluffy towels!
The concierge staff was always friendly and ready to lend a hand in any way they could. The food was fresh, especially the fruit. Breakfast was quite good and the evening appetizers were decent. The lounge itself was very nice - comfortable furniture and well appointed. Having bottled water available anytime was a huge plus!
Our kids, ages 11 and 8, enjoyed Universal even more than Disney which surprised me. Guess they're growing up faster than I am! We rode everything possible in 3 days and then some! We did not see any shows this go round, but will next time.
Ate at Bice and had a wonderful experience. It was later in the evening and not too crowded, again a surprise for that time of year. I had gnocci with pheasant and it was unbelievable. The pheasant melted in my mouth! YUM! My husband had the seabass and was very pleased.
We went to Emeril's one evening with some family and had a wonderful experience. As always, Emeril's was better than expected - the service especially.
We had a great vacation from start to finish, but I believe the Universal part was the best - even better than the cruise!
If anyone has questions, I'll do my best to reply!
First, a big thank you to all helped encourage me to book this for our family. Because of the time of year, I was quite hesitant due to crowds, but the "DIS Faithful" guided me through! Thank you again!
We had stayed at the Yacht club for a few days and took the 12/17 Magic cruise. We went to visit family from 12/24-12/28 and spent Christmas with them. Unfortunately, my father-in-law had emergency surgery on 12/27 - the day before our Universal/Portofino checkin. All was well with the father-in-law, but I must've looked a wreck when we checked in late on 12/28 after spending two days in the hospital waiting room.
The staff at the Portofino were gracious, friendly and a decided improvement from a hospital and its personnel. I knew we would be pampered as soon as I walked in. The front desk staff was courteous and so understanding about our ordeal of the last few days. So gracious were they, we were upgraded to concierge! WOW! During that time of year, that was something truly not expected, but definitely enjoyed!!
Okay, on to the fun stuff! Our room was 2552 - gorgeous with a view of the villa pool. It was quiet (except for the occasional screaming from the family next door!), spacious and comfy! Love the beds! Housekeeping was fabulous and kept us organized with plenty of fluffy towels!
The concierge staff was always friendly and ready to lend a hand in any way they could. The food was fresh, especially the fruit. Breakfast was quite good and the evening appetizers were decent. The lounge itself was very nice - comfortable furniture and well appointed. Having bottled water available anytime was a huge plus!
Our kids, ages 11 and 8, enjoyed Universal even more than Disney which surprised me. Guess they're growing up faster than I am! We rode everything possible in 3 days and then some! We did not see any shows this go round, but will next time.
Ate at Bice and had a wonderful experience. It was later in the evening and not too crowded, again a surprise for that time of year. I had gnocci with pheasant and it was unbelievable. The pheasant melted in my mouth! YUM! My husband had the seabass and was very pleased.
We went to Emeril's one evening with some family and had a wonderful experience. As always, Emeril's was better than expected - the service especially.
We had a great vacation from start to finish, but I believe the Universal part was the best - even better than the cruise!
If anyone has questions, I'll do my best to reply!
Thanks for the report. We will be staying at PBH this June. This will be our first trip to Universal.
