Are Universal hotels better than Disney?

[A1A1]

I have been lurking on the Universal board, and am considering a stay at the Portofino Bay hotel at Universal after a stay at BWV.

In order to stay at Portofino Bay, I would cancel a ressie at Polynesian.

Have any of you stayed at Universal and hated it? Why? What did you like about staying there? How do they compare?

The rate at the Universal resorts are REALLY, *really* cheap. The Portofino Bay is a five star resort, and I am getting the bay view for $170/night. I can't imagine a Disney resort for that price, like the GF, for example, which probably comes closest to the five stars. The Portofino is their top resort, in terms of pampering. Also, you get to go to the front of the lines on all the rides at Universal.

I have been disappointed since Disney did away with the early entry priviledge for its resort guests. I used it and it was definitely worth staying on site.

 

[Humpbacks1962]

Well, let's see... USF Entertainment book rates for those hotels are 50% book price, try to get Disney to come anywhere near that one; Express access to the rides meaning you are their guest, you go at the front of the line everytime (another challenge for Disney), walk to both USF and IOA parks, complimentary transportation to other attractions...

And yes, makes me feel that Disney could do better at pampering its resort guests than throwing out a mere e-night here and there. I love Disney but Universal makes its guests feel more like VIPs, for way le$$.

Wanda

 

[Lewisc]

Disney also discounts, last year they were offering GF for 199, they are currently offering AKL for 129-139. I'm not sure I'd stay at Portofino and then drive down to Disney for the day. I'd certainly take advantage of the rates and stay at Portofino for the days you plan on visiting Universal. I believe Universal charges hotel guests for parking and that food is more expensive in the Universal hotels (I don't they have as much food court type of dining).

 

[cforza]

Stay at Portofino. I think you'll be impressed. And IMHO, it's far and away a better hotel than the Polynesian. No contest. We've stayed at Disney Deluxes, and at HRH last year and boy were we impressed with the Hard Rock. Plus once you've esperienced FOTL you'll realize how wonderful it is not to stand on line.

We walked around Portofino, and would have stayed there this time, but my kids just loved the Hard Rock pool, and the club level. We are splitting our stay this year between the Swan and the Hard Rock. I like staying on-site of the parks I'll be visiting.

Why not try it out. I feel very confident that you won't be disappointed. And regarding cost, you can stay at the Hard Rock, which is an awesome 5 * hotel, for as little as $125 IN HIGH SEASON with the Entertainment rate. I may be wrong but I don't think any Disney Deluxe comes close to that!

 

[Bstanley]

If you are going to be visiting Universal or other attractions in that neighborhood I would not hesitate to stay at one of the Universal hotels. HRH was very comfortable and I've read that PBH is even nicer - the 'public areas' at PBH were very nice. Pricing is very good also (we stayed at HRH for $127+tax - Pool view).

The convenience factor - 5-10 minute walks to the parks and Express line ride access is phenomenal - REALLY makes it worth your while to stay there.

I wouldn't stay there and drive down to WDW though - too much traveling, and really not the same 'feel' as a Disney resort.

But fer shure from now on our family trips will be arranged with the first three nights at USF and then the remainder at a WDW hotel.

 

[eeyore0062]

Well, if you are going to spend your time at Disney, then stay at a Disney resort. If you are going to spend your time at Universal, then stay at an Universal resort.

It is a matter of convenience...personally, I would never stay anywhere but a Disney resort, if I were going to be at Disney. And the traffic from the Universal area to Disney down I-4 at times is horrific...please take that into account when making your decision. You won't readily be able to take those midday breaks to swim in the pool or nap.

 

[A1A1]

Thanks for the help. I have been going to WDW since I was about seven years old. I have enjoyed each stay there.

I would like to try it based on the positive feedback I have read about the UO hotels. Hard Rock sounds like so much fun, I hope we like Portofino just as much as others like HRH.

I guess we'll try Poly another time.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Portofino is BEAUTIFUL!! Our room was in the villa section and it blew away any room we ever had at Disney. The room was very large and we had a HUGE bathroom! Lots of great emenities... great sound system with cd player, VCR, fax machine, large soaking tub, separate glass shower, etc. Here are some pictures:

<img src=http://pstr-m03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/00D/46/E1/4A/55/kKzGL-dQEIHjFUt35H2U4SHmpsBW4PBu0180.jpg> <img src=http://pstr-m03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/002/1B/AF/63/25/ENockVRlkTJdemR-iM3FcN+1rJXojNWH0180.jpg> <img src=http://pstr-m03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/00B/3B/06/35/39/SosQQuDF3E6RucME7m9LsumZ7PESAN7g0180.jpg> <img src=http://pstr-m03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/007/6E/98/AA/70/bz4RmJ2exLcSv3MZTwsMT-q05RU+393Z0180.jpg> <img src=http://pstr-m03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/006/35/AD/75/BE/eikFj6bZQGbLLOvji1QjIat3GvueXunx0180.jpg> <img src=http://pstr-m03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/00C/67/24/03/86/I6WuW3lwSmbEuVAG1ErxQQWLUnLf9bkk0180.jpg> <img src=http://pstr-m03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/004/71/A6/AE/7B/Ey4PmmNXJJNjWjSslCkuQn8ApYDEvHad0180.jpg> <img src=http://pstr-m03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/00B/1E/32/78/C4/q5m8QZCeV1b95zfowYm4xHD7j85f-Efn0180.jpg>

 

[luvpooh]

Also, I was on Universal's website the other day, and they were offering a stay at the HRH for $129 + tax. This includes unlimited access to both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios! I am currently paying $125/nt plus tax and already have the passes, otherwise I would jump on that offer! I would assume that they would have similar deals for Portofino as well.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

WOW!! That is a great deal!!

And the "front of the line access" is so great too. I wish Disney had that... but it would never work because there are too many resorts.

 

[Humpbacks1962]

but it would never work because there are too many resorts.

Allow me to disagree on this one. There are many resorts, but there are also many parks and attractions. Guests would not all be in the same line at the same time, they'd be scattered all over the parks, water parks, DQ, etc...

I think Disney does not need one more excuse to take away perks from guests. It should show more appreciation for those keeping it in business. Rather than pampering VIPs who do not pay, treat the resort guests like Universal does.

Wanda

 

[Minnie's Mate]

There are many people who love the Polynesian and wouldn't think of staying anywhere else, but I have no desire to stay there again. It is an older resort that hasn't been rehabed within the last few years vs. a new hotel that has up to date ammenities and style.

I would only stay at PBH for the part of the vacation to be spent at Universal because of transportation and traffic. But I would definately "give it a try".

I will add this, with the exception of the smaller rooms and not being on the monorail/boat access to the parks, I think the Animal Kingdom Lodge is probably WDW's best resort in terms of themeing, design and comfort. I've not stayed at the Grand Floridian yet, but it would be tough to beat the AKL. This is our favorite Disney resort.

Good luck with you choice.

 

[cforza]

Another alternative to consider at Universal is the New Royal Pacific Resort, which looks like it's going to have an awesome pool area, and Polynesian type theming. Right now they have an introductory rate of $139/nt for CLUB LEVEL! They don't open until this summer otherwise I would have booked it. That rate for club level is phenomenol. You get a great buffet breakfast, drinks and fruit in the afternoon, very good hor'deovres (we even had big shrimp cocktail and chicken at the HRH club level), plus wine and beer! I think that's a great rate and if I were thinking of trying out a Universal Resort this summer I'd be all over that deal.

 

[macs4us]

...some Loews hotels are close in caliber to Four Seasons properties. If you decide to stay there, join the Loews First frequent guest program:
http://www.loewshotels.com/loewsfirst.asp

Oh - and how can you not like a hotel that has a special room service menu for your pet???

Bests,
Amy

 

[patsal]

We DH, DD then 8 and DD then 5 went to US/IOF and stayed at the Portifino Bay. Honestly it was the most spectacular vacation we'd ever taken. We have never been able to afford the high end hotels at Disney, so that level of service at Disney is out of the question for us. The room was so big and beautiful (Tig's pictures brought back such great memories). Head of the line made the days effortless, and the staff could not have been more attentive. Keep in mind that ten years ago I went to US and vowed I'd never return the service and CM's were horrid and the place was so dirty!!! Not this past trip though. People were so kind and thoughtful. Examples, they change the linens daily and my daughters blanket was mixed in with the laundry. When I went to the front desk for help they gave me free drinks before I went back to the room to listen to the wails of disappointment(LOL), the blanket was returned washed and pressed before the five year old was awake the next morning, and cookies and milk were delivered to the room as a sorry for her inconvienience! She misplaced her sunglasses in a restaurant and when we went back to get them the manager said he didn't see them. She looked disappointed and he ran out to a kiosk and bought her a new pair!!! None of us expected anything like this (we just wanted her blanket and maybe her sunglasses if we could find them). Keep in mind I did not go at a low attendance time either (July 4th week). Although nothing replaces Disney magic for me, the folks at Universal must have rec'd some messages about what things to do better. I'd go back for a week with no problems at all!! Total cost for the week including plane fare/meals/ ground transportation from BUF to MCO was under $3000.

 

[cottontail]

Hi Erika and Patsal: Thanks for the pics. What kind of view was that in your pictures. Also how long a walk to the parks. Thanks,

Deb.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Here is the view from our room. We could see the entire bay area, the restaurants, and the water!


To get to the park we just hopped on the elevator, walked out the door, and got on the boat. Very quick and easy.

<img src=http://pstr-m03.ygpweb.aol.com/data/008/3B/F2/42/E0/pcJr9iKycsOgs30I497hSVHx4ovKdVnq0180.jpg>

 

[patsal]

We had the view opposite the one posted above. You just take a boat from the Portofino Boat launch to the parks (less than 15 minutes and never waited more than 15 minutes for a boat). Once there it is about a five minute walk to US or a about a 10 minute walk to IOA. (They are on opposite sides of the restaurant strip). While there enjoy some of the great restaurants too. Mythos in IOA was excellent, Margaitaville was fun with fabulous drinks, and our kids really enjoyed the Nascar Cafe although the food there is far from stellar! You ave hardly any line because the parks opened early for resort guests when we were there (not sure, but still think this is true). Go to the far left because people always follow the line crowd at the right, and there is little to no wait to get into the parks! Have fun!!

 

[sweetheart2576]

I have a question, is club level the same thing as concierge at Disney world resorts.

 

[KaterBell]

We stayed in the Presidential Suite at the Portofino the summer of 2000 after my college graduation. I thought it was a GORGEOUS hotel - did anyone see the "Great Hotels" special on the Travel Channel? Awesome. Front of the line access was great, but when we were there it ended at 11am. Kinda lame. THe beds were SUPER comfortable!!! I never had a night's sleep like that in my life. Loved the standup showers, the balcony view was great (we saw the new HRH going up)... The only thing we didn't like was the butler service - it took 45 minutes at least after we paged the butler before we could get a spread of cheese and crackers... if we were at the GF, we just walk down and got what we want and be done. I know, I know, Cry me a river, right?

I would stay there again, definitely, IoA is a great park to hang out at.

But you have to remember it's just not Disney. Not as friendly, not as clean... at least that's what we saw in 2000... They may have very well improved by now, and I'm sure they have.