walk from Portofino?

[essmom]

How far is the walk from Portofino to Universal? We stayed at HRH last time which was out the back door and so convenient. I know about the water taxi too. Thanks

 

[Mary Diehl]

We have stayed at all three resorts and can say the the walk from the Portifino is the longest. We timed it last year and it took us about 15 min. I think Royal Pacific was the shortest.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Portofino to USO is just under a mile. Its a nicely landscaped walk.

 

[essmom]

Thanks- I can do a mile easily if the water taxi line is long!!

 

[Motherfletcher]

The water taxi line at PBH won't be too long but the the one on the way back could be. A mile isn't too bad going but coming back after standing in a few lines and pre-shows, walking from attraction to attraction and being in the hot sun can feel like a marathon. The one saving grace is that you don't have as much weight to carry on the way back because your wallet is much lighter.
If you walk on the way to the park you can stop at the HRH water taxi and get a ride the rest of the way. You can't do this on the way back.
Tip:
If you are tired take the hotel bus. There is only a line if its raining.

 

[essmom]

Where is the bus located at the parks?

 

[gschmerl]

Where is the bus located at the parks?

The bus stops at the parking lot right behind the Hard Rock Hotel. You actually pass the bus stop walking from HRH to the parks.

 

[Motherfletcher]

It is right between HRH and USO. HRH used to have a gate behind the pool bar where you would walk right beside it. The bus stop at PBH is to the right of the lobby entrance behind a wall to screen it and the taxis from view. The bus drivers are real nice and the buses have A/C for those hot summer days.

 

[essmom]

Thanks -I know exactly where it is behind HRH b/c we walked that way from HRH. Does HRH not let you walk that way anymore?

 

[Motherfletcher]

I've read that they closed that gate. They still have the one thats to the left as you exit the hotel towards the pool area. There are 2 buses that use that bus loop. One is for employees because HRH doesn't have enough parking spaces.
My son and I raced, bus vs. water taxi from PBH and bus won hands down.

 

[RyGuy]

The gate between the beach club and water slide is closed and locked now. There is a sign now saying that it is an emergency exit only.