We are looking at Orlando theme parks in October (good time to go? We are coming from Australia - the posts about crowds make me VERY glad we changed from Xmas booking!). Anyway, couple of 11 yr old girls - we wonder if they are too old for Disney and will have more fun at Universal (both love wild rides with Dad while Mum finds a spa!)?
Also does anyone know about the Portofino Hotel - room sizes and is it luxurious or tired? Hard Rock...? Grand Floridian? We like SPACE, are willing to pay for it. Want upmarket holiday.
Thanks in advance, Mel

October is a great time - weather warm but not anything like the summer humidity.

Universal is definitely the home of wild rides - I'd give you first-hand impressions, but they're way too wild for me (the spa is a great idea, however!). Islands of Adventure at Universal is wild ride central! Disney MGM has Rockin' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, both of which are pretty wild. Hard to say whether your 11 year olds will be too old for Disney. Allsearsnet.com has good Disney info.

The Portofino Bay is very nice (many Central Floridians stay there for a weekend of relaxation), lovely pools, good spa, check their room sizes (all of them are fairly large) here: http://www.loewshotels.com/hotels/or...ures_rooms.asp

Disneyworld is definately a "theme park", rather than a "thrill park". I can't imagine 11 year old girls not enjoying Disneyworld - it's just amazing. Most of the parks within WDW have something on the trilling side - Animal Kingdom's new "Expedition Everett" is quite impressive. "Dinosaur" is fun. Epcot has "Mission Space". And you've already heard about "Tower of Terror" & "Rockin' Rollercoaster"

I don't know about Grand Floridian's room but there is a site - www.suitedisney.com - that should help. allearsnet.com also has great photo galleries of the Disney Hotels. I am a big fan of WDW Beach Club. The pool area is amazing.

Actually, Disney's All-Star Music just opened some family suites that should work wonderfully for you. 520 sq. ft. - they sleep up to 6. Two rooms - the master bedroom has a queen bed. The other room has a pullout sofa, convertible ottoman & chair sleeper. There's also a kitchenette & 2 bathrooms.

Here's a link: http://www.allearsnet.com/news/hnews.htm#022706

Other option would be the Fort Wilderness Cabins, which are quite big. But that might not be the upmarket experience you're looking for.

I think you are on the right track with the Portofino Hotel and Universal. Your girls and husband can get all the thrills they want while you enjoy the spa at the resort. The Universal Parks are also theme parks. The theming at Islands of Adventure is amazing. Go to www.disboards.com for loads of info on both Disney and Universal.

many many thanks to all of you