Portofino too romantic for kids?

[donnamerry]

Hello everyone, this is my first post. I'm thinking of either going to WDW and stay at the Poly or maybe just doing USF/IOA and staying at the Portofino. It will be my husband (hopefully) he will do a theme park this summer and my son (10).Just from what I'm gathering is the Portofino kid-friendly? Thank you for any replies. <IMG WIDTH="15" HEIGHT="15" SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="razz">

[This message was edited by donnamerry on 01-29-01 at 06:12 PM.]

 

[donnamerry]

My goodness my first post and I used an icon that looks like it's sticking it's tongue out at everyone. Didn't mean to use that one - doesn't look to friendly afterall! ha

 

[kellymonaghan]

Kids will love the Beach Pool and the Campo Portofino program is specially designed for them.

I suspect, too, that your 10 year old will find the themeing of the hotel pretty cool and there are a lot of little nooks and crannies to explore. There are Character meals and Character Wake-Ups if your child is into that sort of thing.

For romantic adults, I recommend a meal at Delfino Riviera. Expensive but worth it for a special occasion. Ask to have dessert served on the terrace.

Also a stroll through the central piazza and around the lagoon in the moonlight can be a very romantic experience.

Kelly Monaghan
Author of "Universal Studios Escape: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Theme Park Adventure" and
"The Other Orlando: What To Do When You've Done Disney & Universal"‡

 

[Molokai Gram]

Aloha Donnamerry and welcome!

I don't have an answer, I haven't seen the Portofino yet. (Going in March) But others liked it just fine for their families.

 

[Lalalindica]

It's the most beautiful place we have ever stayed in and the kids did appreciate it! They loved the beds as much as I did, as well as everything else about it. And we didn't even use the pool! (too chilly). One of these days when we are financially able, I would like to spend at least a week there so that we can fully enjoy the resort; only spend 2-3 days at the parks and lounge around the hotel & pools the rest of the time.

 

[Macken7]

Hello:

Kelly mentions above character meals and wake ups
at the Portfonio if I read it correctly for kids. I will be going at the end of May, with son age 8 and daughter age 5. Does anyone have the details on this? Thanks in advance.

Michael

 

[JessicaR]

Hi Michael,

"Kelly mentions above character meals and wake ups
at the Portfonio if I read it correctly for kids. I will be going at the end of May, with son age 8 and daughter age 5. Does anyone have the details on this? Thanks in advance."

I can tell you a bit about this. We were there in December with 2 kids 3 and 7. We took advantage of both the character wake up calls and the character meal at the Trattoria del Porto.
From what I remember they offered Betty Boop, Spiderman and a few others for wake up calls, just hit the button to guest services (wake up calls) on your phone to arrange them. The kids loved it!
The character meal was terrific. It was offered Mon and Friday eves. From 6:30P-9:30P. We had visits from Scooby Doo and Beetle Bailey and Woody Woodpecker. They posed for pictures and signed autograph books and played games with the kids. The interaction was very good. The food was delicious! They offered a buffet or you could order off the menu. They also offered an extensive kids menu. Prices were decent from what I remember as well. They have an area designated for the kids after they eat to play in with a large screen T.V and some crafts to keep them busy so the adults could finish their meal happily! Also worth mentioning on additional evenings they offer a Magician and a balloonist. I would call ahead to get a schedule of what evening offers what, in case it has changed since then. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[grumpyandbashful]

Hi, donnamerry-

We are considering changing the last couple of nights of our WDW stay to either PB or HRH, due to the FOTL perk (and also because I've been wanting to try them out!). We have kids ages 14, 12, and 10. I showed them the pics and descriptions of both hotels, and of course they voted for HRH! With the great entertainment rate there, I'll probably go for that. If it was just DH and I (haha), I'd pick the Portofino. That said, the Portofino looks like such a beautiful hotel that your 10-year-old would probably feel just as pampered as you there and enjoy it. Good luck with your decision!

 

[donnamerry]

Thanks Grumpyandbashful,
I'd like to stay at the Poly concierge in WDW in July for my birthday then I need to decide if we're going to USF Portofino or stay in WDW and check out the new AKL. My son saw pictures of it and wants to go. I must admit it looks pretty cool! Of course, that's if you stay in the Savannah section so you can see animals from your balcony - and the rooms look really awesome!
Check themeparks.com for pics
I need to decide soon to make ressies.
Have a nice day!

 

[nhrenee]

My kids loved the Portofino! It didn't hurt that we had a kidsuite so they had their own "space". We never even made it to the pool! The boat ride back and forth to the parks was a big hit.

 

[Tigger]

Donnamerry, we just returned from the Poly concierge and really liked it.

Nhrenee, please tell me about the PB kidsuite. Is it possible to get an entertainment rate on it? We have 3 children plus a baby and I think that a regular room is too small for us.

Linda