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Old 16 Aug 21, 04:50 PM  
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#21
Claudette
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We have checked into a Disney resort and gone straight to park, just dropped bags, turned around and gone. I have never done this at Universal though, I think it must have earlier closing times the time of year I have been. We have arrived and headed straight out to CityWalk
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Old 17 Aug 21, 08:15 AM  
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Gill H
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Portofino is so beautiful. I would suggest once you are settled, go to Citywalk for a mooch round and something to eat - unless you want to eat in Portofino Bay itself. There are several restaurants there. Bice is mega pricey but we had a dreadful experience there. Mamma Della’s is supposed to be nice and there are singers who come to your table. The Trattoria is more informal, and Sal’s does nice pizza to eat at tables outside. We had lunch at Sal’s, and just sitting watching the gondolas on the lagoon was so relaxing!

There will be live music from the balcony in the evening - don’t miss that.
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Old 17 Aug 21, 09:51 AM  
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Originally Posted by Claudette View Post
We have checked into a Disney resort and gone straight to park, just dropped bags, turned around and gone. I have never done this at Universal though, I think it must have earlier closing times the time of year I have been. We have arrived and headed straight out to CityWalk
There’s usually at least one of the parks open a bit later.
We usually check into our room at the Royal Pacific, two minute freshen up( shorts on!) and straight to whichever park is open, as long as we have our AP. You can now renew your AP in the hotel lobby which is quicker than guest services at the parks.

You cannot beat the feeling of standing in a Florida theme park less than 12 hours after taking off from Newcastle!
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Old 17 Aug 21, 12:51 PM  
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JJ Disney
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Thank you Gill, that's so helpful... Did you have to book in advance or can you just turn up to any restaurant you like the look of?

Hi Nanna Frozen, I think we will do the same nip in and then go for something nice to eat... I am so excited
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Old 17 Aug 21, 11:36 PM  
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Gill H
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We made a reservation when we checked in.
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Old 18 Aug 21, 06:59 PM  
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You could see how you feel when you get there.

We love Sals Pizza at Portofino you order at the counter but it’s proper pizza and brought to your table. You can just go there without planning.

You could have done pool time and finish off with a glass of wine at the thirsty fish sitting overlooking the harbour. ❤️

Or drop bags and head into Universal for some rides or Citywalk for food. My favourites would be Breadbox if you just want quickies and delicious or Cowfish if you want a sit down.

Have you had a look at some trip reports and dining reports? They might give you a good idea of what’s available.
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Old 19 Aug 21, 08:17 AM  
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Tillyfloss
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I would play it by ear. Universal, in my opinion, doesn’t need to be planned.
As you are staying at Portofino I would certainly allow some time to explore the resort.
Make sure your ticket allows you to park hop - good use of Hogworts Express. Using this and front of line pass allows you to flit between the parks according to crowds and your whims.
We’ve had mid and late afternoon arrivals where we have gone to the parks, swam or shopped depending on how we feel. Evening arrivals, especially with my grandson in tow, usually mean unpack, room service, which I’ve found to be excellent at the universal hotels, shower/bath and a good sleep before hitting the parks next morning.
With the FOL you will have plenty of time for the rides, it is possible it may not be in use on the new rides so keep an eye on wait times if you want to ride or just wait it out at the end of the day.

I’m not a planner and love Universal as it allows some spontaneity or ‘wandering’ as my family call it.
Enjoy.
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Old 23 Aug 21, 08:06 PM  
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JJ Disney
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This all sounds great! I am excited to explore How will i know if my tickets allow park hopping, as far as I am aware my TA booked the tickets when she booked the universal resort... I guess i need to ask her to make sure.
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Old 23 Aug 21, 08:09 PM  
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#29
loldis
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Originally Posted by JJ Disney View Post
This all sounds great! I am excited to explore How will i know if my tickets allow park hopping, as far as I am aware my TA booked the tickets when she booked the universal resort... I guess i need to ask her to make sure.
She's booked the UK Explorer tickets, which are park-to-park.
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Old 23 Sep 21, 05:52 AM  
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Tracydcp
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Originally Posted by lizzie145 View Post
Personally I would book a cheap hotel for arrival night to make the most of my stay at a premium hotel
Then get up early to check in at 7am to get best use of express passes
This is what we’ve done for December. £47 for a cheap hotel then up at the crack of dawn and head to Royal Pacific 😬
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