Where to stay for 2 days for press event at Universal...

[doconeill]

So, I got invited to a press event being put on by SyFy (I've had a SF news/blog site that will be 10 years old next month), and I don't normally go to them (they are nowhere near me) but this is being held Oct. 10-11 at Universal Studios Orlando - including exclusive access to WWOHP! And an "optional" "RIP Tour" of Halloween Horror Nights. Hard to pass that up and DW is telling me to go I can at least write it off against the web site.

The press stuff, etc. is at Portofino Bay.

Only the Hard Rock has availability, and they want $284 a night!

I can get a room at the All-Stars or POP for $247 for two nights, undiscounted. And since I might be able to hang around a while on the Tuesday, I might get an AP instead of the 9-day PH and shoot for a discount...

Even if I rent a car (which I plan to do) I think I come out far better than staying there.

Anything else I should consider? At least this way, I can probably get a few hours at WDW as well - anyone around for a impromptu meet?

Another option is to spend the 18 points for a studio at OKW if it is available...have to dip into next year's points though...

 

[doconeill]

No advice for me yet?

I think I may pull the trigger on a POP room at AP discount this afternoon, and keep my points.

And looking at flights, I'll probably get down there early on Sunday as well, AND it's F&W, so time enough for a snack-and-drink crawl around Epcot. And it WILL be a crawl on the holiday weekend I'm sure...anyone want to join me and make sure I don't overdo it before I have to drive to US?

 

[WebmasterPete]

If you're wanting to stay near Universal but not 'on-site', the Doubletree at the entrance to Universal is your best bet. Usually runs about $99 a night, the rooms are nice and the property is walking distance to the parks.

Pete

 

[doconeill]

I'm not too concerned about proximity...we're going for a full day to IOA in December so don't plan and spending for the extra admission for Sunday or Tuesday, and I don't mind driving. He only advantage I can think of is if I can get transport from/to the airport cheaply, then I don't need a car - and then I probably won't stop at WDW at all.

I'm hoping I can park at Portofino at least since I'm attending the events there.

 

[kaligal]

I don't really like the Hard Rock - lobby, rooms...just not my cup of tea.

But I'd suck it up and stay there if that's all that was open. I like to be in a Uni hotel when I go to Uni. Don't care much about on or off property at Disney, but do like to be "on" at Uni. Just so much easier.

There are about a gazillion hotels nearby, though. And a bodrillion if you're willing to drive a few minutes. A quick internet search is all you need.

I like Rosen Shingle Creek a lot. It's nice (rooms are a little like PBH) and often has good deals.

Good luck.

 

[doconeill]

Well, I pulled the trigger on staying at the POP - the price on the flight started getting higher so I needed to do that, got an even better deal on the car through the airline (Hertz through JetBlue), and the AP discount on the room almost covers the cost of getting the AP which allows me to kill time at the parks as well (hello, F&W...)

So I'll be around at least earlier in the day on the 10th and the 12th.