Aventura vs. Sapphire Hills for fireworks views?

[hellonwheelz84]

Hello we have never stayed on Universal property and currently have a reservation at Aventura. however, I’ve been doing quite a bit of research and it seems that people tend to recommend Saphire Falls. I know that the water taxis would be nice, but as far as a lagoon view goes, could we have a view of the theme parks/fireworks? We have a higher floor room booked at the Aventura, I apologize I don’t remember the exact category name. We plan on watching the fireworks from the rooftop area, heard we might be able to see some Disney fireworks too? thank you!

 

[schumigirl]

We have watched Disney fireworks from Bar17, however we don`t rate the food, drink or atmosphere up there. Watch the fireworks but eat somewhere else.

As for hotel choices, I have no clue about Aventura, some seem to enjoy it. I`ve never had any interest in staying at Aventura, but, have no idea about views and whether you`re guaranteed to see fireworks.

The best bar in the whole of Universal Orlando is Strong Water Bar in Sapphire Falls......food, drinks and service are the best, miles better than Bar17!

 

[hellonwheelz84]

Thank you for sharing your opinion and replying to my post!

I did some research on youtube and it looks like I will be staying at Aventura. Personally, I love the modern feel and I am disabled and I LOVE the fact you can control aspects of your room from the iPad!

I will miss the water taxi though at Sapphire Falls! How close is this hotel to Aventura?

 

[schumigirl]

Thank you for sharing your opinion and replying to my post!

I did some research on youtube and it looks like I will be staying at Aventura. Personally, I love the modern feel and I am disabled and I LOVE the fact you can control aspects of your room from the iPad!

I will miss the water taxi though at Sapphire Falls! How close is this hotel to Aventura?

It`s only a few minutes walk between hotels, it`s very easy to get there from one to the other and you can use the boats still if you want to.

I`m sure you`ll have a lovely trip to Aventura, no doubt. I`m tech averse so controlling things with an ipad is not something I`d be thrilled about....lol....but it is a very nice hotel and we don`t see many complaints about it at all.

I hope you come back and let us know how your stay went, it`s always interesting to hear differing perspectives.

 

[DoryGirl1963]

Sapphire Falls is right across from Aventura - their front doors face each other. There are sidewalks & you could easily go over to SF & use the water taxi. Just go in the front entrance, head right then go left at the end of that corridor, down the elevator & out the back door straight to the boat dock

ETA you don't have to cross a road or anything - just the two hotel entrance areas that adjoin each other.

 

[hellonwheelz84]

It`s only a few minutes walk between hotels, it`s very easy to get there from one to the other and you can use the boats still if you want to.

I`m sure you`ll have a lovely trip to Aventura, no doubt. I`m tech averse so controlling things with an ipad is not something I`d be thrilled about....lol....but it is a very nice hotel and we don`t see many complaints about it at all.

I hope you come back and let us know how your stay went, it`s always interesting to hear differing perspectives.

thank you, I most certainly will. I’m hoping that it won’t be too much of a challenge doing magic kingdom( boo bash), HS and Epot from this hotel as well as the Universal parks from this resort. we really wanted to do a split stay with our favorite Disney resort but prices were just way too high for us this time. so I’m actually a bit nervous and hoping I really enjoy our stay because it’s my birthday trip! It’s going to be so weird not staying on Disney property though... I feel like I’m a bit spoiled. lol

 

[cschaaf]

We did a few nights at Aventura on our last trip. We had a park view and, from our room, we were able to see the fireworks at Universal. They aren't much - Universal backs up to a residential area, so they can't shoot off Disney-level fireworks.

Never ventured up to the rooftop.

I liked controlling the lights from the ipad - and, for the most part, the TV. The only tough part was using the touchscreen volume scrubber to control the volume on the TV. It was hard to get it at a good level. It would jump from something like 8 to 20 when 15 would have been perfect.

 

[hellonwheelz84]

We did a few nights at Aventura on our last trip. We had a park view and, from our room, we were able to see the fireworks at Universal. They aren't much - Universal backs up to a residential area, so they can't shoot off Disney-level fireworks.

Never ventured up to the rooftop.

I liked controlling the lights from the ipad - and, for the most part, the TV. The only tough part was using the touchscreen volume scrubber to control the volume on the TV. It was hard to get it at a good level. It would jump from something like 8 to 20 when 15 would have been perfect.

Did you have a skyline view room?

Good to know, thanks!!

 

[cschaaf]

Did you have a skyline view room?

Good to know, thanks!!

We booked a Standard View. and I assume that's what we got.

 

[tony67]

We have watched Disney fireworks from Bar17, however we don`t rate the food, drink or atmosphere up there. Watch the fireworks but eat somewhere else.

As for hotel choices, I have no clue about Aventura, some seem to enjoy it. I`ve never had any interest in staying at Aventura, but, have no idea about views and whether you`re guaranteed to see fireworks.

The best bar in the whole of Universal Orlando is Strong Water Bar in Sapphire Falls......food, drinks and service are the best, miles better than Bar17!

Best way to describe Aventura is its like a business class Marriott - more like an AC Marriott- no carptets clean and streamlined.

I do really like it - but as you said the bar just does not work - I think they just need an entirely new staff and management - this place should really work. That said the lobby bar is actually pretty good (assuming the same staff is back)

Ive see the fireworks from BAR17 - they are off in the distance but still cool. If you want to see the fireworks from your room them you might need to upgrade - ask at check in if you can get a room that faces the Disney Fireworks - but you might need a higher (SkyView) floor

Also you really want to check out Strong Water Bar in Sapphire Falls - the food is some of the best in Universal Studios - I had nothing else that came close. And of course top notch drinks and service.

As for the boats - I find it best to take the boats to Universal and the busses back - will depend on how busy the parks are. last time I was at Aventura I think I ended up uses the buses at least 80% of the time - they are really quick and efficient and seem to run constantly during the peak hours.

 

[hellonwheelz84]

Well after watching a BUNCH of YouTube videos, I fell in LOVE with the Royal Pacific and it was available for our dates!! Super excited!

THANK YOU EVERYONE! I hope I haven't been too annoying!

I wanted to book a water view but I need a room with a roll in shower and those are only in the standard category. The representative said she was going to request a room with a view but of course it is not guaranteed. Would would be the possible views?