In the inevitable comparisons with Disney, the Portofino Bay holds its own. As with its competitor, Universal's hotel guests enjoy early admission to the parks, can use their room key as a charge card throughout the property, and have priority seating at the resort's restaurants. Unlike Disney however, Universal offers its hotel guests an incredible perk: complimentary "No Line, No Wait" access to its theme park attractions. For more details, see my article, Universal Orlando Hotel Benefits.
Universal's more compact size has its advantages and disadvantages. Instead of Disney's sometimes maddening bus system, shuttle vans transport Portofino Bay guests to a central hub where they can easily stroll to the two theme parks or the CityWalk entertainment complex. Even better, hotel guests can board a water taxi or take a lovely walk along a river to reach the parks.
However, where Disney can easily shield guests inside its 30,000-acre cocoon, the outside world occasionally seeps into Universal. Instead of the mountains that border the real Portofino, guests can see fast food joints and other diversions along International Drive from the hotel's upper floors.
If you can afford it, the Portofino Bay is a wonderful place to stay. Dean Martin croons and Pavarotti booms in the background. The smells of garlic and espresso waft in the warm breezes. The setting sun reflects off the harbor, lighting up the tethered fishing boats and the muted, multi-colored facades of the quaint buildings along the shore. Now THAT'S amore.
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