Universal Newbie Questions

Cappy81

Mouseketeer

Joined

Apr 6, 2012

• Apr 23, 2018

• #1

Like many others I have planned several Disney trips but have never been to Universal. I am planning a trip there in 2019 for myself and my daughter, who will be 10 at the time. After reading the hotel stickies and doing some research I think I am leaning towards Portofino, but Royal Pacific is also a possibilty. I have come across some postings on various websites that seem to suggest that Portofino is more adult oriented and has less kids stay there than some of the other resorts. I was wondering if anyone has any feedback on this? Royal Pacific looks lovely also, but we have stayed at several reosrts with similiar theming and I am looking for something different.

I was also wondering if there is a schedule somewhere of the concert blackout days for the Seasonal Pass? Are there any other restrictions besides the blackout dates if we get an AP to get the hotel discount (if it is applicable to our dates).

 

schumigirl

It's a bit of a roodie doodie word for lady parts

Joined

May 15, 2007

• Apr 23, 2018

• #2

Cappy81 said:

Like many others I have planned several Disney trips but have never been to Universal. I am planning a trip there in 2019 for myself and my daughter, who will be 10 at the time. After reading the hotel stickies and doing some research I think I am leaning towards Portofino, but Royal Pacific is also a possibilty. I have come across some postings on various websites that seem to suggest that Portofino is more adult oriented and has less kids stay there than some of the other resorts. I was wondering if anyone has any feedback on this? Royal Pacific looks lovely also, but we have stayed at several reosrts with similiar theming and I am looking for something different.

I was also wondering if there is a schedule somewhere of the concert blackout days for the Seasonal Pass? Are there any other restrictions besides the blackout dates if we get an AP to get the hotel discount (if it is applicable to our dates).

Click to expand...

Honestly, Portofino is as child friendly as all the other hotels.

They have things for kids around the pool same as the other pools.

You’ll love either resort....can’t go wrong with either.........

Concert blackout dates won’t be released for a while yet.

 

G

gotomu212

DIS Veteran

Joined

Sep 2, 2010

• Apr 23, 2018

• #3

Portofino is my son’s favorite hotel (starting at around 7). It has the pool slide (small but fun), the market with pizza, gelato shop, and the rooms are bigger. Both hotels are great, and you really can’t go wrong.

 

houseofthrees

Mouseketeer

Joined

Sep 10, 2014

• Apr 23, 2018

• #4

I agree, both hotels are great! My kids prefer Portofino (Royal Pacific was a close 2nd for them until we stayed as Sapphire Falls last trip). I think my youngest was 7 or 8 on our first stay.

 

M

macraven

Proud Redhead

Moderator

Joined

Apr 21, 2003

• Apr 23, 2018

• #5

You can pull up the black out dates on the APs on the FAQ & Quick Access Links sticky

 

Cappy81

Mouseketeer

Joined

Apr 6, 2012

• Apr 24, 2018

• #6

Thanks so much for the helpful responses.

 

Princess Minnie321

Mouseketeer

Joined

Dec 19, 2015

• Apr 28, 2018

• #7

I have stayed at the Portofino a couple of times back before I had children. Last week, with our two kids, we stayed at the Royal Pacific. They are both great hotels with good restaurants and nice pools. I remember the bathroom at the Portofino to be much larger. I did like how close the Royal Pacific is to walk to city walk and the parks. It is a much closer walk then it is from the Portofino.

 

prairiesarah

Mouseketeer

Joined

Jul 4, 2012

• Apr 28, 2018

• #8

We stayed at both PBH and RPR in March and when I asked my DS (12) which one he'd like to stay at if I were to book another trip later in the year he said he preferred PBH but thought maybe we should try RPR a try just because we only stayed there one night and didn't fully get to enjoy the hotel. PBH was great for the 4 nights we were there. The Beach Pool was fantastic and very kid friendly. And we like that there was a place to buy ice cream (well gelato...) and Starbucks. Also Sal's Deli was a bit hit with DS.