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[MaryPoppins]

This is probably not the wright area to post this. But, we were all set to book our 5 night stay at Portifino bay in Universal. A friend offerred us Saratoga Springs for 1 week at a discounted price. Has anyone stayed at either resort. We have been to disney twice and not to universal. Which should we choose? I have to add that it is Easter week. 4/12-4/19

Thanks,

[Shell_of_the_South]

Portofino will be a hotel room, while Saratoga Springs has studio rooms as well as 1 and 2 BR units with full kitchens. Do you know which your friend offered?

Disney and Universal both have their pros and cons. The pros of Universal are that the theme parks and resorts are so close that you can walk to everything. So easy to walk back to your hotel for a mid day break or swim. Universal's tickets are usually much more affordable than Disney tickets. Universal hotel guests are allowed to pool hop and enjoy the pools at all 3 resorts. The #1 perk - Universal hotel guests get "front of the line access" at the theme parks. Just show your room key at the attraction entrance and you will be instructed to enter the Express Pass line - usually with very little or no wait time!

Disney has 4 theme parks which gives you more to do. And we enjoy Disney dining more than Universal. Disney resorts also has free parking. Some people feel that Disney has more of a "magical" factor than Universal.

I've found both resorts to be pretty much equal on cleanliness and employees - had good and bad employee experiences at both places.

Given the fact that you're traveling during Easter week which will increase the crowds at both places, I would probably choose Universal at a Universal resort because you'll be spending a lot less time standing in line in the parks!

[MaryPoppins]

Thanks for the info!

It is a studio at SSR. It looks like a smaller room that PBH.

We are a little concerned at the crwods Easter Week.

[puente0629]

I'be been to both and I'm a Disney fan but if you haven't done Universal at all, I would suggest to go ahead and go for it. Plus your going during peak season due to all the spring breakers and one thing that Disney doesn't have that Universal does have is the unlimited fast pass you get when staying at one of their resort. Your key is the fast pass for all the rides and shows, plus you can ride each ride as many times as you want. Disney does have fast passes but they are one time use and you get them just like everyone else, at a kiosk and hope their are times still left. If your family loves rollercoaster and action shows, Universal is the way to go! They also have areas for small children like Dr. Seuss Landing and Curious George Play area. Plus near by to Universal is Aquatica and brand new water park by Sea World not to be missed.

Both resort are beauitful and very clean and well decorated. Portofino is so elegant and everything (pool, lobby, parking, water taxi, etc.) is close to your hotel room (where ever your room is).


Now remember disney is also offering the stay 4 days and get 3 days free, bookings end March 29, so I would look into that as well. Ultimately, it's what your family wants to experience and what your pocket allows.

Hope this helps!

[espnerica]

I've been to both and I would agree that if you haven't been to Universal it is definitely an amazing place to visit. I haven't stayed at Saratoga Springs but I have seen the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal and it is incredibly beautiful, looks exactly like Portofino Italy! Also, a perk of staying at Universal Hotels is that you have the Express pass option added on to your park ticket at no additional charge. The Express pass is basically like a fastpass without a wait time- you can use it whenever you want at whatever ride you want. So basically you won't have to wait on a line for most of the rides throughout both parks, especially helpful at the time you are going, when wait times for each attraction can get incredibly high (I personally think US often has higher wait times at each individual ride than WDW). US is more of a cool thrill park and does not have that same magic as Disney, and I think Disney has more variety with its 4 theme parks and dining and resort options. If thrill rides aren't your thing, I would say reconsider US and opt for Disney- there won't be too much left for you to do in US. The US rides do range in mild to very intense but there are few rides/attractions that don't have a certain thrill factor to it. I hope this information is helpful and I'm sure you will have fun wherever you go!!

[Dizney4Me]

Here's another vote for Universal. Since its Easter week, WDW will be very crowded. By staying on site at US/IOA you'll have they unlimited express pass with your hotel key card, which will cut ride wait times a lot. We went during the summer (peak season) and couldn't beleive how much time we saved. The Hulk had over a 90 min and my children were on in about 15 min.

[chezp]

I think you've already had some excellent advice. I would agree, both sets of parks and great and definitely worth seeing at some point. I'm not sure that helps you though...

[Sue M.]

As you haven't been to Universal, I'd go there. but as it's only 2 parks, There wouldn't be enough to do for 5 days, You could do a park a day, then on the 3rd day go back & do your favs, at each park. Maybe then go to SeaWorld. The hotels have a shuttle to it. If you buy your tickets on line you'll save some money.

[puente0629]

I think on this trip just concentrate on the Universal area. If your staying for 5 days I would do 2 days at the theme parks and another day at pool/enjoying the resort

1st day check-in, explore resort and city walk
2nd Day IOA
3rd day pool
4th Day Universal
5th day Check-out

[Huntermom]

I love the Universal Resorts and Portofino is especially nice. Universal is also close to Wet and Wild so you could do a day. There used to be a ticket for Universal, Sea World and Wet and Wild.

I would do Universal rather than Disney. I went to Disney once at Easter and will never do it again. It was way too crowded and we ended up not doing the parks.

I think both parks have a lot to offer and when neither my ex-husband or I did thrill rides, we both agreed that Universal Studios had the most to offer.

Diane