We originally booked Cabana Bay but recent reviews look pretty wretched...crazy long check in lines, dirtyness all over, non functioning things in the rooms. It seems to be universally crappy across all reviews.
I agree…I would imagine it will improve with staffing and it would’ve been our first choice! Hopefully we will get a chance to try it another time.Yes, that was partially our experience in June. (and was NOT true in 2019). I think they've really taken a hit with the pandemic shut down and loss of staff. It's sad as we loved the hotel, and I recommended it right up until we went back this year. We did see some of the issues people have been reporting - the room we were given when we checked in was not cleaned, the ice machine closest to our room was broken etc. I was really bummed as we had such positive memories from 2019. I'm hopeful as things come back and they can hire more people things will improve.
We go to and enjoy both. We do Disney a lot more, but we do go to Universal about every 2-3 years, especially when we're taking a year off of Disney, like this year. We're going to US in October and can't wait. haven't been since Nov, 2018. We've also been to WDW post Covid, and we had wonderful experiences. BUT our kids are older, they were 13 and 16 when we went back, and we don't miss a lot of the things that are yet back. Like we dont' do meet/greets, indoor shows, fireworks, shows like Fantasmic, many table service meals, etc, so not having that wasn't a big deal. BUT I totally get if one would miss all that, might want to postpone, especially if this is a final trip, or you dont' go often. We are going to WDW next June, so it wasn't too big of a deal to miss some things.We currently have a trip to Disney planned the first part of November for 11 nights. With the slowdown of things opening there and the crazy long lines and staffing shortages there, we are thinking about moving our trip back to February and doing a Universal trip
Instead. Our kids are 11, 8, and 7. We would be getting a 5 day 3 park pass through our homeschool group and more than likely stay at Dockside for the 2 bedrooms and book a throwaway room for the Express Pass for 2 of the days. Can you sell me on one or the other? When would you rebook Disney to if we should switch to have a decent chance of at least things being open?
I know there is no predictability with COVID but since we haven’t been to Universal at all with kids and not Disney since 2016, need some guidance. This would probably be a final trip to Disney for us if that makes a difference.
We don’t really care one way or the other about COVID restrictions or lack there of as long as we aren’t wearing masks outside.
That is a really helpful overview, thanks!I can't give super up to date experiences, but we've stayed at HRH, Porto, Sapphire, Aventura, and RP.
In truth, probably my favorite of all is Sapphire Falls. The atmosphere and décor were very relaxing. We like that the bathroom has a sliding door. the only it doesn't have is express Pass, and the rooms are traditional hotel rooms. We did a combo of walking and boats. Boats are quite frequent, but do get full.
Another option we liked near Universal are the hotels on Major Blvd. Specifically the Residence Inn, but I have heard nice things about other options in that area. The pool isn't exciting, but the hotel room is just about perfect, and they offer breakfast. The lobby is also attractive. During the pandemic, RI breakfast offerings aren't anything exciting, but they are included. It is walkable to US, but I'd say this is a better option if you'll have a car.
Aventura was kinda neat. We described it as very millennial. We had one of the rooms, I forget what they are called, but it has big picture windows. I'm not sure our view was super spectacular, but it was nice having big windows (with curtains at night). the room shape was slightly unusual, but not bad. room was at the far end of the hall, but it wasn't very far. We liked what we had in the food court. The pool is just basic. To get to the parks, we mostly walked. The walk isn't that bad. It is comparable to Portofino. Though when we did take the bus the wait wasn't very long.
Of the top tier hotels: Porto is the nicest, but the furthest walk. Hard Rock is close. HR is kinda fun, but loud. Also, the lobby has a strong fragrance! Food options aren't that great, but the hotel has a fun vibe. The pool is pretty good, and they have (or had) live music. That can be both a plus and a minus. Bonus of HR is the location. it is very close to the parks. Porto has Italian food. Over many years we've been visiting, food has varied. Long ago, it was amazing. more recently , it wasn't nearly as awesome. We sorta stuck to pizza/salads at the quick serve.
Royal Pacific is closer than Porto, but further than HR. Boats are also a good option. Universal's shuttle boats are better than WDW's. I liked the food options at RP. In the morning they had quick breakfast options in the lobby, and in the evening they had the Orchid lounge for sushi. (We haven't tried to their restaurants here.)
One reason to stay at the above onsite hotels is that you get to bypass the main security checkpoint and buses. Security is when you board the boat and along the walkway before you get to Citywalk. In the before times, the main security hub was fine. I have read it can sometimes be slow.
For dining, a favorite we like is Breadbox. It is nothing super exciting, but the sandwiches are decent, and the price is good for theme park food. We've also liked the Harry Potter quick serves in the parks. Finnegan's has some good pub options. Mythos is very good. We steer clear of the Simpson's food court, and some of the other fast food places in the parks.
I have Cabana Bay booked through Costco Travel for mid-September, and am trying to figure out my options. I'm very nervous about Cabana Bay, but Royal Pacific would be $1500 more and not the budget trip I had planned. Sapphire Falls would be about $700 more. Is it worth that much more (a bit less than $150 more per day)?We originally booked Cabana Bay but recent reviews look pretty wretched...crazy long check in lines, dirtyness all over, non functioning things in the rooms. It seems to be universally crappy across all reviews.
I have Cabana Bay booked through Costco Travel for mid-September, and am trying to figure out my options. I'm very nervous about Cabana Bay, but Royal Pacific would be $1500 more and not the budget trip I had planned. Sapphire Falls would be about $700 more. Is it worth that much more (a bit less than $150 more per day)?
Have you looked at Aventura? What about Surfside/Dockside (admittedly they are the furthest away from the park but it felt like alllllll the busses were for those 2 hotels when we were there in June)
What days?I have Cabana Bay booked through Costco Travel for mid-September, and am trying to figure out my options. I'm very nervous about Cabana Bay, but Royal Pacific would be $1500 more and not the budget trip I had planned. Sapphire Falls would be about $700 more. Is it worth that much more (a bit less than $150 more per day)?
Actually, Costco Travel dropped their price mysteriously on Royal Pacific yesterday for only $575 more for the five nights. I jumped on it, and then it went right back up again today. If we decide to cancel and go in January instead (darn Delta numbers), we will look into season pass. The problem is we want the tickets with Volcano Bay. Otherwise it would be a no-brainer.What days?
If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, you could save a lot by buying one annual pass and booking at the annual pass rate?
Actually, Costco Travel dropped their price mysteriously on Royal Pacific yesterday for only $575 more for the five nights. I jumped on it, and then it went right back up again today. If we decide to cancel and go in January instead (darn Delta numbers), we will look into season pass. The problem is we want the tickets with Volcano Bay. Otherwise it would be a no-brainer.
This isn't meant to be a political comment on vaccines or masks or anything else. With that said, Floridians have averaged over 50,000 people getting vaccinated per day for over a week. So that's good news. Maybe the numbers will start to drop, or at least level off, in Florida soon.