Orlando Hotels please

[Elizanessie]

How about some recommendations of Orlando hotels?

I think I have decided on two for us in October.....one to pay cash for.....Fairfield Inn/suites beside Universal Studios.......and the other I am using my marriott reward points for two free nights at the Marriott Orlando World Centre near disney.

But would love to hear others opinions on hotels in Orlando....good and bad points please if you can;)

[Flintstone]

If your going to Universal.....I would HIGHLY recommend Portofino Bay. Absolutely fantastic resort and the water taxi to Universal just can't be beat!!
It was definately a "splurge" for the grandkids after a 4 day Disney cruise and then a day at Universal before heading home. Didn't make getting off the ship so depressing when there was something else to look forward to!!!

Deb

[jfritz]

We are going to Universal next weekend and are staying at the DoubleTree Suites right at the entrance to Universal. It is withing walking distance to the park and it is much cheaper than staying on Universal's property. My TA is one of my best friends and she has stayed there before and loved it so it comes highly recommended. Hope this helps!

[Elizanessie]

jfritz

Would love to hear how you get on at the Double Tree:D
Oh and lots of thoughts please on Universal...We arent into the rollercoaster type rides....my stomach turns just thinking about them but would love to hear about the other parts of Universal.Could you make a note of the costs for me please....I have figured out it is cheaper to pay when we get there but would love up to date entrances fee costs.
Thanks

[jfritz]

Liz....I will be more than happy to let you know when we return. We have a package deal so I will just have to give you the costs at the entrance window. I will write you a mini review when we return!!

[Sea-Jay]

Liz - Check out this Link (http://www.universalstudios.com/index.php). It will give you all the info you might want re: Universal.

[Elizanessie]

sea-jay

Thanks for that link :D Some good prices there...oh I wish we could get the yearly one....for a few dollars more we would have a great reason to return to Orlando again in the very near future....I havent read all the rules on that yet but suspect it is only for US citizens.

Maybe if I can save on the flights we might just have a few extra days post cruise in Orlando again....mmm....so much we want to see and do.:D

jfritz...thanks looking forward to hearing all about your trip to Orlando.:D

[Elizanessie]

Yipppppeeee....got one of our hotels booked.....

The Marriott Orlando World Centre Resort for two nights and it doesnt cost me a cent....used my marriott reward points....gawd it looks like an awesome hotel.....as it is near Disney MGM that will suit us fine!!
Still to sort out other hotel but until I get flights done that will need to wait.
Great to be able to tick something else off the list.

sea-jay...I had another look at that link and found out I can actually order the annual pass from here in the UK...and as it is only 20 dollars more each I think it would be good idea eh....rather than just 2/3 day pass...:D .Strange thing.....if I bought tickets on UK site it would cost a heckova lot more :confused:

[jfritz]

We just returned from Universal Studios. We stayed at the DoubleTree Suites and it was a very nice hotel. They are doing some renovations there as the hurricanes did some damage. It was a short walk to the parks or you could use their shuttle. We enjoyed Universal Studios but Islands of Adventure was a different story. If you don't like roller coasters and don't have little ones there really isn't much there to do. Lots of coasters though if you like them. There is a very good restaurant within walking distance called Orlando Ale House. It was very good and not too expensive either! We also ate at the Pastamore Italian restaurant in City Walk which was good but very expensive. Our other meal was at Margaritaville.......the normal $9.00 burger!!!! All in all.....when we return to Orlando to visit with my son we will be doing the Disney dance again instead of Universal!!!

[Elizanessie]

jfritz...oh doesnt read like you enjoyed Universal very much.... sorry to hear that.We are not into rollercoaters....so will be giving Islands of Adventure a miss.What was your favourite part in Universal?
It is good to hear what others think of the places in Orlando.....with not a lot of time to see everywhere it is important to be able to gather other peoples views on what to miss and what is unmissable....so very grateful to you for your thoughts and views.:D
Thanks

[jfritz]

Alot of the stuff in Universal is good. Terminator 3-D is not to be missed. We like the ET ride though others didn't. I think it's done very well. My hubby like the Mummy ride and the Men In Black Ride. I didn't ride them as they are coaster-like rides. Jaws is done rather well but you can get wet on that ride. Spiderman is fantastic but I think that may have been in Islands of Adventure. We did both in the same day so some of the stuff is running together. Earthquake is good. We really like that one. I enjoy walking through the Lucy presentation but I'm a Lucy fan. We happened to be there for Mardi Gras Sat nite so we went to that with one of the bartenders from the Portofino Hotel and had a blast!!!! Parade, beads, music.......It was great! But I still would go to Disney a few times before I would head back there. Sorry........just my own personal opinion!!!!

[Elizanessie]

Jill

Thanks I really appreciate your input.....I thought maybe with Alex being 16 that Universal would suit him better....Maybe I will be brave and try some of the coaster type rides...although the big coaster ones that just go round and round I wouldnt do....I wouldnt even do Space mountain ride when we went to Disneyland in Paris a few years ago!
I have read about the ET etc and they are on our agenda:D
Thanks again for telling me about it all.:D
For Disney...I think Epcot and MGM but wont bother with the others....oh no ...in my head now I am singing"its a small small world":o

[jfritz]

OOOOOHHHHH Test track is at Epcot and it is my very favorite ride anywhere!!! We rode it on Sunday when we went there. It was great!!! Make sure you head there first thing and get a fast pass so you don't have to wait in line. The wait can be as much as 2 hours at times. It is a fantastic ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sea-Jay]

Liz - Since you will be here during October (Holloween) you will be able to take in fright nights at Universal. Every year (for 2-3 weeks in October) they set up haunted mansion type attractions which can really scare the b-jeesus out of you. Teens and young adults just love it.

Disney doesn't do this as they are into the more mundane family/kids stuff.

[Elizanessie]

Jill

If it has anything to do with cars then Alex will be first in queue :D He loves cars and like a lot of teenagers thinks he can drive.....he has to wait another 15 months before he can try that out for real!

John
I am a scaredy cat......although I love ghosts!

oops doorbell.....tomorrow folks