Portofino Bay Hotel

[doublestufforeo]

I didn't know whether to post this in the main forum or not but I was hoping someone could help me out.

 

Next month I am taking my mom for her birthday to the Portofino Bay Hotel and wanted to know a few things. (I'm hoping someone on these boards has stayed there and can answer my questions.)

 

1. Is it worth getting a bay view room over the garden? It's about 40 dollars more a night, and I don't mind shelling it out, as long as it's worth it, I want everything to be perfect for her birthday.

 

2. I can't find them on the site and I'll call up and ask the resort if I don't get an answer here, but have any of you done the spa massage(s), if so, do you remember the price, and is it worth it?

 

3. The water taxi that goes from the hotel to the parks, does that stop after a certain point?

 

4. How early should I reserve a room there? A week? Two? A month?

 

 

The only resort I've stayed at is Disney's Contemporary, and we absolutely loved it there, and my mom has been talking about wanting to stay in the Portofino Bay a lot, every time we drive by it to drop me at work, or to play in the parks the conversation comes up. Granted I know I'm going to have to tell her in advance so she can check into the room because I'm not old enough, but atleast that'll get her excited for the vacation.

 

Thanks for all your help.

- Oreo

 

P.S. Also, any information I don't get I'll call the resort and ask, I just wanted to hear any personal experiences about the place before I did so.

[Coaster Cow]

I can answer #1 and 3.

1-It really is up to you. You haven't been to a real themed resort ever, so let me tell you that the bay in Portofino looks EXACTLY like a mediterranean village. It is incredibly cool, beyond a doubt. Having said that, the gardens are beautiful as well and you can walk through the bay during the day, as there is a gelato place and a couple nice restaurants. It will blow your mind, though.

3-If I remember correctly, the taxi goes straight to City Walk, no stops. It does take a while (15 minutes-ish?), though as Portofino is the farthest resort away from the parks. You can also walk if you want a pretty nice little stroll.

 

Additional Comments- I really loved Portofino. It was Disney-par as far as theming, the pool was fantastic, the atmosphere incredible. Knowing that you've only stayed at the Contemporary, which is also a top grade resort but lacks the theming of say, the other Magic Kingdom resorts, I think it will blow your mind.

Have fun!