I'm sure there is Fairfield, Courtyard, Residence Inn, or TownePlace there on I-Drive somewhere close to Universal.

I've stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel twice and the Portofino Bay twice, and I would *highly* recommend staying onsite. Two primary reasons:

1) The Hard Rock and Portofino are both exceptional hotels for the money.

2) The Front of line access will make the themepark experience at Universal unbelievable. Ask anyone what they hate about themeparks ... "waiting in line" ... none of that with this system!!!

Anyway, if you have any other questions, please feel free to e-mail me.

Also, a great place for information on the hotels or Universal in general is this discussion board here:

http://wdwinfo.infopop.net/OpenTopic...993&f=61709397