struggling with cost of on-site - need some serious guidance

[cieslack]

Hey, thanks for writing from "on location"! We're thinking of doing the "car service grocery stop / cooler in the tub" deal to save money too - especially on drinks, which seem to always be so grossly overpriced!

At an average pace, how long is it taking your family to walk to Universal Studios? How about IOA?

as a matter of fact we just timed ourselves today. Pushing strollers we were able to hoof it to the Universal Horror Makeup show in about 12 minutes. We leisurely walked back from the Universal gate to the east wing in 14 minutes. Add about 5 for IoA. Rain in Florida usually means sun in the morning and rain in the evening, but as Bubba's Mom says City Walk cinema, gameroom at hotel, etc. A rain poncho and one of the many dark rides would be my choice rather than waste a day.

The PBH is the smallest of the resorts and, like others have said, is quiet and relaxing. We were just serenaded by opera singers from the courtyard balcony. The pools are great for kids and there are games directed by the lifeguards.

You cannot go wrong with this resort.

 

[bubba's mom]

You cannot go wrong with this resort.

ANY of 'em actually

 

[polkadotminnie]

I am typing this from a standard room at PBH. You will not be disappointed. The room is huge and the grounds are beautiful. We are a family of five and we are saving a bundle by buying most of our food at walmart. Most car services allow a grocery stop, but I drove so it's not an issue. The walk to the parks is not bad, but the boats are never far away and run until 2am.

Be careful, after you experience Express Pass you will never be satisfied without it again.

How early do the boats run? With HP opening we want to get a jump on the lines. Thanks

 

[cieslack]

The letter we got at check in says the boats start at 7:45, but I have seen them a little earlier.

 

[Purseval]

Why don't you just stay in one of the hotels across the street for the entire time, which you could do for about $50/nt per room. Then you could book a resort room for 1 day, which would give you 2 days of FOTL access and early entry. No moving luggage and you could use the room for resting during the day or even pool hop. Save yourselves a ton of money and still get the resort benefits. You can only get 5 room keys but if your kids are small 1 adult can bring them in and they won't be expected to show their key.