Orlando - Current Advice for Universal Hotel choice?

Hi, I know there are older threads on this topic. But I also know that quality can change a great deal in just a year or two. We are traveling to Orlando in mid-May with two college-age kids. I originally booked the Portifino as we stayed there last time and I really liked the ambiance. But we are on a very tight schedule and I am thinking the Hard Rock might be best based on reviews that it is in walking distance to the park. Also Tripadvisor recent reviews were not always pro-Portifino.
Anyone have recent experience at either hotel? As for the water slides - is one better(bigger) than the other? I can't seem to find a good picture of these online. I am booking one night to get the 2 day advantage of staying on-site(thanks to advice here!).
Also, I was hoping that the parks would not be super crowded this time of year - but now I have just read that May is Florida resident discount month and they are crowded then...opinions?

Thank you!

We have always stayed at the Royal Pacific since it is usually the least expensive of the three. The Royal Pacific is walking distance or you can ride the boat. The pool is done in a beach style supposedly a south sea island but there is no water slide.

Thanks, anyone have a recent stay at either Portofino or Hard Rock? If so, would appreciate a quick review of your stay and if you used/or even looked at the pool areas - your take on which one would be best for college-age 'kids'. Thank you!

We just returned from 3 nights at the Portofino and I can't recommend it highly enough. It is definitely walking distance to the parks - just a few minutes more than the Hard Rock - but we always opted for the boat to Citywalk, instead. We didn't use the pools, but they looked fabulous. If you stay at one of the three resorts, you can "pool hop" to try out any of the others.

As with all things Orlando (not just Disney), much information can be found at www.disboards.com

Thanks Kweezyflyer, I am checking out disboards.com right now! :-)