Universal Land & Sea Coverage

[Teleclashter]

Universal and Royal Caribbean have partnered up to offer a split stay at Universal Orlando and a Royal Caribbean Cruise. The DIS Universal team spent a week reviewing the Universal onsite hotels as well as Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas, so check out our photos, videos and blogs about the experience!

Universal Land & Sea Coverage

Day 1 - Portofino Bay Hotel

Portofino Bay Hotel Information

• PODCAST: Universal Land & Sea – Portofino Bay Hotel
  
• REVIEW: Portofino Bay Hotel
• BLOG: 7 Things for Families at Portofino Bay
• PHOTOS: Portofino Bay Hotel Gallery
• VIDEO: Portofino Bay Hotel Overview

Day 2 - Hard Rock Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel Information

• PODCAST: Universal Land & Sea - Hard Rock Hotel
• REVIEW: Hard Rock Hotel
• BLOG: 6 Things for Families at Hard Rock Hotel
• PHOTOS: Hard Rock Hotel Gallery
  
• VIDEO: Hard Rock Hotel Overview

Day 3 - Royal Pacific Resort

Royal Pacific Resort Information

• PODCAST: Universal Land & Sea - Royal Pacific Resort
• REVIEW: Royal Pacific Resort
• BLOG: 5 Things for Families at Royal Pacific
• PHOTOS: Royal Pacific Resort Gallery
  
• VIDEO: Royal Pacific Resort Overview

Day 4 - Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Cabana Bay Beach Resort Information

• PODCAST: Universal Land & Sea - Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• REVIEW: Cabana Bay Beach Resort
• BLOG: 7 Things for Families at Cabana Bay
• PHOTOS: Cabana Bay Beach Resort Gallery
  
• VIDEO: Cabana Bay Beach Resort Overview

Day 5 - Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Land/Sea Package Information

Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas Information

• PODCAST: Universal Land & Sea - Enchantment of the Seas
• REVIEW: Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas
• BLOG: Tips for Families Cruising on Royal Caribbean
• PHOTOS: Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas Photo Gallery
  
• VIDEO: Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas Overview

 

[Twincess]

Hey, do you guys have any plans on doing a "Drink Around the World" type segment (I guess it would be called Drink Around the Universe) for Universal? I loved those segments on the WDW show, they're right up my alley...And there are so many places to check out- City Walk alone!

 

[Princess Jes]

I've suggested this to them in the past.
I think they should do it late September 2016... So I can do it with them ;-)

 

[Twincess]

Lol, I'll join you! We can do it for them if they don't want to

 

[Teleclashter]

Hey, do you guys have any plans on doing a "Drink Around the World" type segment (I guess it would be called Drink Around the Universe) for Universal? I loved those segments on the WDW show, they're right up my alley...And there are so many places to check out- City Walk alone!

We would love to do it at some point, but these segments are very expensive and hard to plan out. We always make it a priority to stay at a hotel during these segments, so not only do we have to combine all of our schedules to find a full free night then we also have to look at the cost of multiple hotel rooms and, of course, the cost of the "research". It will happen one day, but I just can't say when that one day will be.

 

[Twincess]

Well if you ever need volunteers who will pay their own way to help keep the cost down, I'M IN!

 

[Princess Jes]

We would love to do it at some point, but these segments are very expensive and hard to plan out. We always make it a priority to stay at a hotel during these segments, so not only do we have to combine all of our schedules to find a full free night then we also have to look at the cost of multiple hotel rooms and, of course, the cost of the "research". It will happen one day, but I just can't say when that one day will be.

Ok, you've got 15 months to save. Late sept 2016, lock it in!! ;-)

 

[derekburgan]

Fantastic work guys (and JL.) Loved the podcasts, and solid work on the reviews. Although me and Craig may come to blows one day over his thoughts of the Royal Pacific, I appreciate the "warts and all" look at each of the resorts. The candor is one thing that makes The DIS stand out from a sea of "everything is awesome" theme park reviews.

 

[samsteele]

Really enjoyed the Universal Land and Sea series. Consistently great video & interesting commentary. I took a RC cruise this past February and while not a true booze cruise, pool drinks & more adult-themed heavy partying was a big part of this short Caribbean cruise. Parents who have cruised with Disney, will see a stark difference. If they haven't been on Disney and had no intention of using a children's program in any event, then maybe not as big of an issue. I travel quite a bit solo and am used to the high single supplement on land bus tours with Trafalgar, Globus, etc. I was pleasantly surprised how reasonable the single supplement on this RC cruise was. I had always been under the impression that the supplement was huge on cruises. But it really pays to do your homework. I will definitely do more RC Caribbean cruises if looking for a less expensive travel option. RC is incredible value for money for a no-frills cruise experience for adults. The food in the dining room was also a plus. From online comments, I was expecting bland chicken and pasta dishes. In fact, it was far superior with lobster tail, duck and prime rib on offer. It will be interesting to see how the Universal partnership works out.

 

[Mxman005]

Really enjoyed the coverage. I've spent a night at Hard Rock in the past but never stepped foot on any other resort property. Thanks to your coverage of Cabana Bay, my wife and I are planning atleast one night for our low key casual Orlando vacation next month. I've heard great things in the past but this coverage really sealed the deal for me.

 

[Christopher Ripley]

Thanks Craig, it's been brilliant

 

[Grumpy247365]

Loved the series. Really appreciated all of the info about Portofino Bay. I'm staying there when I go up for HHN, so I think I'll have a better idea of what to expect at that resort. Thanks!!