Should we take the plunge on a quick trip? PBH

[forgetyourtroubles!]

We have an opportunity to go on a quick trip without the kids- first time in 4 years - July 25-28. We can stay at Portofino for $110 for standard room. I don't really even know how good of a deal that is.
Also, can anyone let me know exactly how that front of the line thing works? They still offer that, right? Do you buy special tickets at the hotel?
I guess we would do a 2 day 2 park pass? If you have front of the line passes, do you think you get most everything "done" in 2 days?
Thank you for your help!
I need a little push to do this. I've never been to USF before. I'm kind of nervous to leave the kids- sounds so fun though!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

If you are comfortable with the babysitter then go for it!

 

[JOC]

$110/night for Portofino is a very good rate! As far as FOTL goes, you just show your room key (card) and you'll go through the Universal Express line instead of the regular standby line. You should be able to see just about everything at both parks in two days with the FOTL privilege, especially since you won't have kids with you. Have fun!

 

[antmaril]

How did you get Portofino Bay for $110? That is an excellent rate. I have seen Royal Pacific for $110, but never Portofino Bay - you were lucky!

 

[forgetyourtroubles!]

We took the kids to WDW in May. My parents will babysit them, so I think we will check out USF by ourselves. Maybe we'll take the kids in a few years. I got that rate with the entertainment card. I think we'll have to keep it a secret, though. The kids will die that we aren't taking them.

 

[DanB]

Originally posted by forgetyourtroubles!
I got that rate with the entertainment card.

That's a really great rate for PBH. I just booked through 800-BE-A-STAR and got $180/night for a deluxe using the Entertainment card for July 13-16. Who did you book through?

 

[antmaril]

That is a great rate for Portofino. I thought the Entertainment Rates at Portofino are $155, $170 and $180, depending on the room and the view. I have only seen $110 at Royal Pacific.

Has anyone else ever booked a room at Portofino Bay for $110 at the Entertainment Rate? Just curious.

 

[forgetyourtroubles!]

Okay, I feel stupid now. It IS Royal Pacific, not Portofino. I was trying to book this in such a hurry and I'm completely unfamiliar with these hotels. ANYWAY...not to worry, I did not get a better deal than you can get. ;o)
We ARE doing it. I had a travel voucher, which brings our flight down to $130 each and we are getting the room for $110 x 3 nights, so all in all, it should be a fairly good "deal" and we get a 3 day vacation alone.
I'm still just a tiny bit nervous to leave the little one- she's never spent the night away from me but she'll have her brother and sister and grandparents to take care of her and...its just a weekend, right?

 

[antmaril]

Thank you for clearing that up! It seemed to good to be true. We have stayed at Hard Rock once, Portofino Bay twice and we now have reservations at Royal Pacific three nights beginning July 20th. I am looking forward to it.

I think you are going to have a good time. I'm sure your little one will be fine with grandparents and siblings. It's always hard to leave them, but she will be in good hands.

Have fun!