Universal Newbies!

[waltsgirl87]

Hi all!!
My Boyfriend and I are heading down to Orlando Sept 27-Oct 12 with a one night stay on-site at Universal on Oct 11th (one day between DVC stays). We were out there two years ago and had a blast; can't wait to use Express Pass!
Just have a few questions for all you pros out there:

1. We're both in our mid-twenties and need help choosing between the three resorts. Looking at them online, they all look nice, but would maybe lean towards a moderate/deluxe stay rather than a value (what looks to be Portofino). Also, probably won't be using the pool and would prefer to be near city walk (not sure on the proximity of the hotels to everything).
Which hotel would you all recommend?

2. As far as transportation, we're not planning on renting a car for our stay.
What would you recommend for transportation between WDW and Universal??

Thanks for any ideas in advance!!

 

[macraven]

check out the website www.universalorlando.com and look at the hotel section.

get an idea of each one of them for theme and amenities.

that might help you make a decision.

look again at that website as portofino is definitely not a value resort.
it is beautiful in the hotel and on their grounds.

all 3 hotels are deluxe.


i prefer rph as there are 4 onsite restaurants plus room service.
it is about a 6 minute walk to citywalk.
lots of great places to eat there.


probably a cab would be best for you to move from the darkside to the motherland resorts.

mears has a shuttle but you can't transport luggage on it.
you can book the mears shuttle for the overnight stay.
just bring a backpack for what you need for the one night at UO and that should be acceptable.

you can book a roundtrip transport and the return can be on the next day.

if you are not returning to wdw but to the airport, a cab would work fine.


if your plans are to stay one night only on site, make that ressie before september hits.

there have been times in the past years that a 2 night stay is required to book for a weekend night during the hard ticket event hhn.


never know if that policy will be inacted this year or not.
but, it would be wise to book by 9/1 just in case.

 

[funntheson]

Hi all!!
My Boyfriend and I are heading down to Orlando Sept 27-Oct 12 with a one night stay on-site at Universal on Oct 11th (one day between DVC stays). We were out there two years ago and had a blast; can't wait to use Express Pass!
Just have a few questions for all you pros out there:

1. We're both in our mid-twenties and need help choosing between the three resorts. Looking at them online, they all look nice, but would maybe lean towards a moderate/deluxe stay rather than a value (what looks to be Portofino). Also, probably won't be using the pool and would prefer to be near city walk (not sure on the proximity of the hotels to everything).
Which hotel would you all recommend?

2. As far as transportation, we're not planning on renting a car for our stay.
What would you recommend for transportation between WDW and Universal??

Thanks for any ideas in advance!!

No matter which resort you choose, you can take advantage of the pools and restaurants at all three resorts.

 

[waltsgirl87]

Thanks much Macraven!! Especially for the heads up on booking early!

Do you happen to know if the motherland (Disney) will hold our luggage so we can just bring an overnight bag and take the Mears shuttle?

Which of the three resorts seems to be a favorite? Any restaurants we should definitely check out? We loved Bubba Gumps last time. 8)

Lastly, do you know if you can still book the Mears shuttle online? I booked thru there last time, but can't seem to find it this time.

Thanks again!!

 

[macraven]

Thanks much Macraven!! Especially for the heads up on booking early!

Do you happen to know if the motherland (Disney) will hold our luggage so we can just bring an overnight bag and take the Mears shuttle?

Which of the three resorts seems to be a favorite? Any restaurants we should definitely check out? We loved Bubba Gumps last time. 8)

Lastly, do you know if you can still book the Mears shuttle online? I booked thru there last time, but can't seem to find it this time.

Thanks again!!

are you checking out of the motherland resort when you go to the darkside?

i'm not sure if they will hold your luggage if you are not returning back to the same resort.

you'll probably have to call them to see what they can do to help you.

some peeps don't check out of the motherland hotel and pay for that night they are not there and the night at the darkside resorts.
but, that cost can add up ........


from what i have been reading, i find that booking by phone with mears is easier, especially if you are booking roundtrip with them and using two different days for using them.

are you splitting your trip to do the motherland then a one night stay at the darkside, then returning to the motherland?
same resort?

if that is the case, and if the motherland won't store your belongings, then take a cab.

it could cost you $35 a way if you get it from dtd.

there are some car service companies that will charge $100 round trip and will give you a free 20 minute grocery stop.


hrh is lively and all about the music.
each floor the elevator stops at has rock and roll memoribilia in the elevator lobbies.

it has the Palms and the Kitchen onsite for food eateries.
a snack/ice cream with E & B also.
palms is more upscale and the prices reflect it.
kitchen is decent and popular.

rph is a shorter walk to the main stretch of city walk.
if you walk from the hotel to the side of margaritaville.
(depending on your pace, probably a 6 minute stroll)

both hotels have the water taxi that will let you out at the citywalk dock.

i think it is just as easy to walk instead of using the boat.

pbh has an italian flair.
they onsite eateries reflect that.

which hotel you decide, i hope you enjoy it!