MDH
The Dude
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2016
Ok, I'm putting this out there for anyone who was in a similar boat to me. never had been to Universal, had been to Disney a few time. Family with children age 6 to 12. 3 night stay during the festival of Harry Potter. 4 adults, 3 kids in one portofino suite.
WOW. Not kidding. First off, financials. I was able to snag an annual pass rate for the room literally the week before we left. I had booked months out in advance, but never was an APH rate available. I checked diligently and 6 days before arrival it opened up and I was able to switch. the savings pushed our hotel down 380 bucks over the 3 days, so that paid for the pass in itself, never mind the food and beverage discounts. I don't have to use my pass another time this year and I'm ahead. Cost of suite with connecting 2 queen room pool view was 1612 after taxes. That seems expensive, but compare it to normally having to get 2 rooms, and I'm at essentially 250 a night. For what you get, it's a no brainer.
What you get. You get a hotel that is simply beautiful. My parents were with us, so we had a large age range, and EVERYONE loved it. the shops, the dining, the sitting areas, the scenery, the pool, it's all beautiful. The kids LOVED the pool, and so did I. My mom and dad loved getting up for coffee, walking around, enjoying the spas. My wife and I loved it all. You get transportation that is very frequent (never waited for a boat more than 5 minutes) and quick (5 minutes ride) to the parks. You get Unlimited express pass. It's always stated as a 120 dollar value per person per night or something like that. I wouldn't say that. That's what it costs, sure, but I'd never pay that personally. This sounds like I'm being negative on it, I'm not, I loved it. I'm just saying I don't think it's worth the 2500 it would have cost us out of pocket. But to have it included for free with my essentially 250 per family per night at this hotel???? WOW. You get staff that is extremely helpful and pleasant. You get rooms that are very large and beautiful. If you're lucky like me, you get to meet the actress who played Tonks in the potter movies down in the lobby getting coffee at 7AM in per pyjamas
I know this is a bit scattered. But I was just so thrilled, I had to write something. I had no desire to do a trip report or anything like that, but I had so many questions going in, and I know that lot's of other people likely have the same ones. I hope this helps. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to stay here again. The initial up front cost is higher, but after all the savings you get, especially if you get an AP, it's the easiest decision in the world. Already planning my next trip.
WOW. Not kidding. First off, financials. I was able to snag an annual pass rate for the room literally the week before we left. I had booked months out in advance, but never was an APH rate available. I checked diligently and 6 days before arrival it opened up and I was able to switch. the savings pushed our hotel down 380 bucks over the 3 days, so that paid for the pass in itself, never mind the food and beverage discounts. I don't have to use my pass another time this year and I'm ahead. Cost of suite with connecting 2 queen room pool view was 1612 after taxes. That seems expensive, but compare it to normally having to get 2 rooms, and I'm at essentially 250 a night. For what you get, it's a no brainer.
What you get. You get a hotel that is simply beautiful. My parents were with us, so we had a large age range, and EVERYONE loved it. the shops, the dining, the sitting areas, the scenery, the pool, it's all beautiful. The kids LOVED the pool, and so did I. My mom and dad loved getting up for coffee, walking around, enjoying the spas. My wife and I loved it all. You get transportation that is very frequent (never waited for a boat more than 5 minutes) and quick (5 minutes ride) to the parks. You get Unlimited express pass. It's always stated as a 120 dollar value per person per night or something like that. I wouldn't say that. That's what it costs, sure, but I'd never pay that personally. This sounds like I'm being negative on it, I'm not, I loved it. I'm just saying I don't think it's worth the 2500 it would have cost us out of pocket. But to have it included for free with my essentially 250 per family per night at this hotel???? WOW. You get staff that is extremely helpful and pleasant. You get rooms that are very large and beautiful. If you're lucky like me, you get to meet the actress who played Tonks in the potter movies down in the lobby getting coffee at 7AM in per pyjamas
I know this is a bit scattered. But I was just so thrilled, I had to write something. I had no desire to do a trip report or anything like that, but I had so many questions going in, and I know that lot's of other people likely have the same ones. I hope this helps. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to stay here again. The initial up front cost is higher, but after all the savings you get, especially if you get an AP, it's the easiest decision in the world. Already planning my next trip.