where to get a balcony or patio... spoiled by DVC

[KristiKelly]

We are planning a 1st time trip to Universal in Jan. Our kids think it's just "another Disney trip" ...wahwahwah...poor kids! We are looking at doing a split stay @ Universal on site, this will be their Christmas present. We are spoiled with balcony/patio @ DVC, are there any resorts that offer these, is this a request, room catagory, luck, etc. We LOVE having a little outdoor space. Where should we look @ booking & what room catagory?

TIA
Kristi

 

[damo]

The only hotel with balconies is Portofino. You are not guaranteed a balcony or patio though since every room does not have them.

 

[maggieb9975]

Ditto what Damo said...

Make sure you do the Universal portion last you will be spoiled after having front of the line

Have a great time..I am sure you will enjoy Universal..we always do both , with Universal second.

 

[KristiKelly]

Thanks so much. Now I'm trying to decide which hotel to stay at.

Royal Pacific - cheapest
Hard Rock - 3 kids, love music, 12 y/o ds plays guitar & would really like
Portofino - most expensive but possibility of getting balcony

hmmm... deicisions, decisions

 

[SNylund]

Request a balcony when you book the Portofino and you will most likely get it, unless they are crazy packed. Make sure when booking that this is in the request. I usually get a balcony when I do this. The Portofino is the best resort in all of Orlando IMO, but we usually stay at the Royal Pacific, because it is great too, and cheaper. It has a great tropical theme like the Poly at Disney, Portofino is Italian Riviera themed, extremely cool.

 

[maggieb9975]

Thanks so much. Now I'm trying to decide which hotel to stay at.

Royal Pacific - cheapest
Hard Rock - 3 kids, love music, 12 y/o ds plays guitar & would really like
Portofino - most expensive but possibility of getting balcony

hmmm... deicisions, decisions

I had my girls at hardrock when they were in grade 8 so I think they were 13/14...they LOVED it. If your son is in to music and guitar he will really enjoy the HR...Plus the water playing underwater in pool is so cool...There are public payphones in there that all sorts of stars have had there picture taken using the phone...my DD's thought that was awesome and took their pic holding phone surrounded by the stars doing same thing. I have also stayed at Portofino and loved it but I do think kids would like HR or RPR more (haven't stayed at RPR) but am going next Nov

 

[maggieb9975]

one more thing.....

Re balcony. I know exactly what you mean about how nice a balcony is..stayed at Saratoga with one facing Downtown Disney and it was awesome , especially at night. However, what I found when I stayed at Universal...because you aren't as tired as you are at Disney and it doesn't take so long to get anywhere..you may not need the balony as a refuge....I found that because I could easily be back at my hotel in 5-15 minutes...I had many quick rests....rode way more rides 'cause of FOTL..couls sleep in in morning ...therefore....I didn't NEED a balcony to escape to.....

JMHO

 

[SNylund]

one more thing.....

Re balcony. I know exactly what you mean about how nice a balcony is..stayed at Saratoga with one facing Downtown Disney and it was awesome , especially at night. However, what I found when I stayed at Universal...because you aren't as tired as you are at Disney and it doesn't take so long to get anywhere..you may not need the balony as a refuge....I found that because I could easily be back at my hotel in 5-15 minutes...I had many quick rests....rode way more rides 'cause of FOTL..couls sleep in in morning ...therefore....I didn't NEED a balcony to escape to.....

JMHO

Yes the balconies are huge for me because I smoke ( a little mainly when I'm having a drink) not a pack a dayer or anything like that, but I do like to have an occasional smoke and the balcony makes that great, plus the views and just a cool place to hang out. I really loved seeing the IOA lighthouse in the distance on our balcony, extremely cool, very unique view, that Disney doesn't have.

 

[maggieb9975]

Last trip in Oct 2008 I was with my oldest DD who smokes ....very occasionally maybe 3-4 a day...she found that the Portofino was much more smoker friendly! She really enjoyed the one pool day we had as there were designated spots right by the pool for smokers...she didn't have to leave the area at all to have a smoke and you will love the pool side service...wait staff come right to your table. There was also a pub called the Thirsty Fish were you could sit outside on the piazza and smoke while enjoying a beer....

we sat right under that tree one night and listened to the opera singer and enjoyed it immensely (and the beers)

 

[Rash]

Yes the balconies are huge for me because I smoke ( a little mainly when I'm having a drink) not a pack a dayer or anything like that, but I do like to have an occasional smoke and the balcony makes that great, plus the views and just a cool place to hang out. I really loved seeing the IOA lighthouse in the distance on our balcony, extremely cool, very unique view, that Disney doesn't have.

Isn't smoking banned at all Disney resorts, including the balconies?

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