Questions galore

[momcat23]

Hi, I'm new here but am already impressed by the amount of helpful information I am finding. I do have a few questions for Those Who Know however.

First of all, this is a last minute trip I am trying to plan for spring break for four of us (DH, 13 and 18 y/o teens, and myself). We will be driving down from the Chicago area. We plan on spending 2 days at Universal then going to a beach resort - which is still to be determined, maybe Marco Island. (suggestions welcome)

How is Universal for teens?

I saw that with the Fan Club card, I can get a pretty good looking rate at Portofino's ($228) - or $189 at the other one (not HR). I have already emailed Tinkerbarb to ask for a card.

Is the discount rate offered with the Entertainment card is better than the Fan Club card?

For tickets, since we are only there for 2.5 days, it seems like the best deal is the Kraft link for $81.95. Does that sound right?

Lastly, how is Portofino's? Is it too stuffy? For only 2 nights would we be better off in the less expensive one?

Thanks for any help!

 

[essmom]

from all that I have read on these boards, 2 days is plenty for Universal- You probably want to go to IOA also- as long as you are right there. That seems like a pretty good rate- Yopu may try Hotel Kingdom but it's probably higher than that. I would go with the HRH with teens though!!

 

[damo]

Your teens would probably prefer the Hard Rock Hotel. Deluxe rooms have two queens beds and a pull out couch. You may prefer this with your teens. The room is about 500 square feet. It takes five minutes to walk to the parks from the hotel. With Portofino it takes much longer. Hard Rock is much more geared to teens. It has an ice cream and snack parlour as well as rock 'n roll memorabilia and rock music playing continually. It is cheaper than the Portofino.

The Kraft deal is probably the best value for tickets. For hotels, usually the entertainment rate is cheaper but it is not always available since there are limited rooms set aside with this rate. Phone the hotels and ask what deals are available.

You will have a great time.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

How is Universal for teens? Please check out my website... http://www.universalimho.com It stands for Universal... In My Honest Opinion. I'm a 16-year old who absolutely loves Universal. I'm starting to get other teens to share their opinions on the site as well...you can alway check the messageboards on my website for teenagers' thoughts that may not be on my website yet. I agree with checking into IOA also...although I don't go to IOA anymore (at least not in a few months)...I have certain reasons I stay over at Universal all day........

Are your teens boys or girls?

HRH would probably appeal most to the teens, however I have found RPH to be VERY nice. It's the only onsite hotel I've stayed at, and I'm satisfied with it! Especially with the excellent employees there....including Pia at the front desk!! Can't say for sure about Portifino. It looks nice on the outside...SpideyHulk could tell you...he just recently stayed there!

 

[highlander447]

Remember from feb 14th -27th march its mardi gras every saturday at Universal and am sure your kids will love that

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

Try your best for the Hark Rock. Your kids will think you are the coolest. It is the closest to the parks. My son was 8 when we first went and was amazed. He thought we were the best. We have stayed at all of them now.

 

[eloker]

We are also planning a spring break trip to US. Myself, DH, DS (10yo), and DD (15yo). None of us has ever been to Universal. Did the Disney thing about 4 yrs. ago, but I think the kids are going to like Universal & IOA much more.
Thanks to an earlier tip on this board, I got the HRH booked for 2 nites (4/11 & 4/12), so we will have FOTL for 3 days, which I'm sure will be essential during spring break time. The best rate I could find for HRH was $229 through Hotel Plus Portal. When I called, I was told no AAA, AP, ENT or FAN rate that week for a standard room. Unfortunately, airfare is ridiculous, so we will also be driving (ugh) from Wisconsin. We will also be spending 3 days off-site, but haven't decided where yet. We also may go to Seaworld 1 day later in the week. We have never been there, either. Any words of wisdom, must sees, tips for parks, etc, will be appreciated!!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

again, I have my website with a teenager's point of view.

At Universal, Your DD may like the Extreme Ghostbusters Show (cute guys, need I say more? ) and if she likes singing and dancing, she might like Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue. Men in Black is an addictive ride, and the Horror Makeup Show is hysterical!

At IOA, if she likes the rollercoasters, get her on the front row of the Dueling Dragons - great to see the near-collisions! Also Hulk is an excellent coaster! Spiderman is a neat attraction too. No shows worthy here...at least not in my opinion.

 

[momcat23]

Thanks for all the information. I did book RP, but after talking to my husband, called back and changed it to HR - even though I couldn't get any discount rate for HR! I got a gardenview room for $249, which I know isn't very good, but the reservationist was pretty friendly and said that I should keep calling back to check because they get cancellations all the time. If someone who has a discount rate cancels, it goes back into the system.

Flyfly- my 13 y/o is a girl and my 18 y/o is a boy(excuse me, I mean young *man*)

Eloker - good luck finding somewhere to go after Universal. I am still trying to find a nice place on the beach that is semi-reasonable. I've been checking the Naple/Marco Island area and not having much luck.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

The GB show is one that anyone can enjoy. I am 23 and like it. One of my friends is 22 and he said he thought it was great.

Guys like the show because it's funny.
Girls like the show to watch the guys.

 

[highlander447]

I agree GB show is good and funny just don't tell Claire I said so