CABANA BAY BEACH RESORT Thread..........

[kbelle8995]

When I stayed there I don't remember them having CB on them. It's been quite a while so that might have changed.

Actually I was there in September 2016 and yes they do have floats with the Cabana Bay logo and the fun characters. Looks like the mugs. I have been regretting not buying one when I was there. I plan to next time.

 

[blackpearl77]

Is the volcano water park all finished with its construction? Thinking about a last minute trip in April and rooms left are on the volcano side. Just wanted to make sure it wouldn't be super loud with construction noise. I thought maybe the loud parts would be all done in April since it's opening in May now?

 

[orangey]

Is the volcano water park all finished with its construction? Thinking about a last minute trip in April and rooms left are on the volcano side. Just wanted to make sure it wouldn't be super loud with construction noise. I thought maybe the loud parts would be all done in April since it's opening in May now?

I stayed in the last building of the Continental and hardly heard any construction noise. In fact, the majority of noise (which I only noticed when I was at the pool) was more from the new Volcano Bay rooms that are being built. There were noises, yes, but they weren't anything that even disrupted what we were doing or disturbed my floating on the Lazy River. I can only assume that most of the big stuff will be done by April so the noise would be even less.

 

[blackpearl77]

I stayed in the last building of the Continental and hardly heard any construction noise. In fact, the majority of noise (which I only noticed when I was at the pool) was more from the new Volcano Bay rooms that are being built. There were noises, yes, but they weren't anything that even disrupted what we were doing or disturbed my floating on the Lazy River. I can only assume that most of the big stuff will be done by April so the noise would be even less.

Thanks!!!!!

 

[kbelle8995]

Has anyone heard anything about the new expansion. I would love to hear more.

 

[pcstang]

It looked to be almost done a week ago. Lots of construction going on though behind sapphire. We didn't here a thing though. Walked out to the back of the garage to look a few times. I think bluer took pics. Maybe he will pop on and post some.

 

[ellie05]

We end up booking at night here before our Disney trip in less than two weeks. We will arrive pretty late pass midnight so we really want a quiet room to sleep in any recommendations on what to request ? Also what are the prices for the floats ? I saw it said 7-20 ?

 

[kbelle8995]

It looked to be almost done a week ago. Lots of construction going on though behind sapphire. We didn't here a thing though. Walked out to the back of the garage to look a few times. I think bluer took pics. Maybe he will pop on and post some.

Hooray! I think the construction behind Sapphire is the Aventura hotel. Excited about that too.

Keeping fingers crossed for Pictures.

Ellie05 if you want a quiet room I would book in the towers.

 

[pcstang]

Hooray! I think the construction behind Sapphire is the Aventura hotel. Excited about that too.

Keeping fingers crossed for Pictures.

Ellie05 if you want a quiet room I would book in the towers.

Yes it is plus what looks to be another parking garage.

 

[ellie05]

Hooray! I think the construction behind Sapphire is the Aventura hotel. Excited about that too.

Keeping fingers crossed for Pictures.

Ellie05 if you want a quiet room I would book in the towers.

Thanks it looks like we did book the tower this is the description any particular place ?
These Tower Rooms are a great place to shift your vacation into relaxation. Two queen beds, iconic decor, and a flat screen TV make your room a private getaway. Pull back the curtains to let in the Florida sunshine or pull them tight for a restful night’s sleep before a day in the parks.

 

[kpolumbo]

Does anyone know what time the pool and lazy river are open until? We're considering a 1 night stay at Cabana Bay (March 30th) to get early park access on the 31st. We'd be checking in the evening of the 30th and would love to do the lazy river if it's still open/running when we get there!

Also, just to confirm. You get early park access for both the day you check in AND the day you check out? We'd be using the access the day we check out. What do you show at the park entrance gates to get the early access (first time to Universal). Thanks!

 

[schumigirl]

Does anyone know what time the pool and lazy river are open until? We're considering a 1 night stay at Cabana Bay (March 30th) to get early park access on the 31st. We'd be checking in the evening of the 30th and would love to do the lazy river if it's still open/running when we get there!

Also, just to confirm. You get early park access for both the day you check in AND the day you check out? We'd be using the access the day we check out. What do you show at the park entrance gates to get the early access (first time to Universal). Thanks!

Pools usually open till 10 or 11 depending on season.

Yes, you do get EE on check in and check out day.

Each guest needs a room key to enter the parks.

 

[kbelle8995]

Thanks it looks like we did book the tower this is the description any particular place ?
These Tower Rooms are a great place to shift your vacation into relaxation. Two queen beds, iconic decor, and a flat screen TV make your room a private getaway. Pull back the curtains to let in the Florida sunshine or pull them tight for a restful night’s sleep before a day in the parks.

We like the towers for another reason close direct route to the food court. I also like the small courtyard areas on the first floor. Really a nice "Florida" Feel to this hotel regardless. It's old Florida style from the 50's and 60's.

Maybe that's why I love this hotel. I remember seeing remnants of this era growing up during 70's and 80's. The concrete picnic tables just like at rest stops and state parks throughout our state. I love this place so much. Universal got so many of these details right

Pardon an old Floridian's pride

 

[RalphinSC]

Just back from four nights at Cabana Bay. Some thoughts:

1. We had a Beautiful view of Volcano bay from our fifth floor "pool" view room in Americana. Not sure if these rooms will remain priced as pool views, but it was awesome.

2. Maybe it was just me, but we were largely underwhelmed with the bus service on pick-up. Not quite as bad as Disney, but they certainly know how to sardine pack people in the buses just as well at peak times. I thought they'd have a few more running. I know it was a peak time. We even went last night and took a boat to Sapphire Falls at park close so we could cut through their pool area and out the back gate there to the crossover. Probably not too many more steps and no line or crowd stress.

3. We tried the walkway, buses, and the aforementioned combo boat/walk to the parks. IMO, the best bet to get TO the parks was the bus. There was almost never a wait for security at Citiwalk and we were either first or second at our turnstile for all three days of early entry we went this week. To get back to the resort, I think it's easier to hop on the Sapphire Falls boat and then walk through their resort and to the crossover. A few more steps, but a lot more sitting as well and less stressful.

4. Cabana bay BY FAR has the best pools on the entire property. The Phase II pool between Americana and Continental has in-pool speakers as well that is just as good as the sound system at Hard Rock. The lazy river is HUGE. And the dive tower pool has a great slide. You really cannot go wrong with it.

5. Bayliner Diner was always fairly empty and had a very good selection of food. We bought one resort mug and had no problems. The beef nachos by the pool were a super value. Enjoyed the beer selection at the pools and Swizzle lounge, plenty of new stuff to try.

6. The size of the resort is something to consider. I was planning to walk to the parks a lot more than I did. But being near the end of Americana, adds a good bit of distance and time needed to even get to the crossover and beginning of the walking path. Continental and the new towers are even further. The crossover is all the way at the end of the resort closest to the park. A lot more tempting to walk from that end time-wise.

7. Super-easy to show right up, activate our AP's and check in. Room wasn't ready but they texted us when it was and activated the keys they gave us on check-in. Check-out worked like a charm as well. Charging to the room worked well at the park, but we had problems in the park and at other resorts. We just took our cards with us instead of trying to get it all worked out. Nothing worth hassling over.

I'll gladly try to answer anymore questions. We LOVED Cabana Bay are are seriously considering scratching and premium stay days in June and just stay at CBBR the entire trip. Especially with the waterpark open.

 

[Laura_Dee_]

Just back from four nights at Cabana Bay. Some thoughts:

1. We had a Beautiful view of Volcano bay from our fifth floor "pool" view room in Americana. Not sure if these rooms will remain priced as pool views, but it was awesome.

2. Maybe it was just me, but we were largely underwhelmed with the bus service on pick-up. Not quite as bad as Disney, but they certainly know how to sardine pack people in the buses just as well at peak times. I thought they'd have a few more running. I know it was a peak time. We even went last night and took a boat to Sapphire Falls at park close so we could cut through their pool area and out the back gate there to the crossover. Probably not too many more steps and no line or crowd stress.

3. We tried the walkway, buses, and the aforementioned combo boat/walk to the parks. IMO, the best bet to get TO the parks was the bus. There was almost never a wait for security at Citiwalk and we were either first or second at our turnstile for all three days of early entry we went this week. To get back to the resort, I think it's easier to hop on the Sapphire Falls boat and then walk through their resort and to the crossover. A few more steps, but a lot more sitting as well and less stressful.

4. Cabana bay BY FAR has the best pools on the entire property. The Phase II pool between Americana and Continental has in-pool speakers as well that is just as good as the sound system at Hard Rock. The lazy river is HUGE. And the dive tower pool has a great slide. You really cannot go wrong with it.

5. Bayliner Diner was always fairly empty and had a very good selection of food. We bought one resort mug and had no problems. The beef nachos by the pool were a super value. Enjoyed the beer selection at the pools and Swizzle lounge, plenty of new stuff to try.

6. The size of the resort is something to consider. I was planning to walk to the parks a lot more than I did. But being near the end of Americana, adds a good bit of distance and time needed to even get to the crossover and beginning of the walking path. Continental and the new towers are even further. The crossover is all the way at the end of the resort closest to the park. A lot more tempting to walk from that end time-wise.

7. Super-easy to show right up, activate our AP's and check in. Room wasn't ready but they texted us when it was and activated the keys they gave us on check-in. Check-out worked like a charm as well. Charging to the room worked well at the park, but we had problems in the park and at other resorts. We just took our cards with us instead of trying to get it all worked out. Nothing worth hassling over.

I'll gladly try to answer anymore questions. We LOVED Cabana Bay are are seriously considering scratching and premium stay days in June and just stay at CBBR the entire trip. Especially with the waterpark open.

Considering the long walk from the tower rooms would you consider staying in a courtyard room next time? Just curious because we are deciding between a courtyard suite and tower suite for our June trip. Also would you say the rooms were clean? I've heard mixed reviews on that subject. Was the main pool better then the beach pool at Portofino? We are having a hard time deciding between the 2 resorts. And lastly how were the parks with lack of express passes? Or did you purchase them separately? Sorry for all the questions!

 

[CT-Scott]

Hello, I just registered and will be doing some more searching in these forums, but I am hoping to book our hotel later today, so if someone does happen to see my post and can help me make the right choice, that would be great. Right now, we're planning on checking in Sunday evening March 19, and checking out on Thursday morning, March 23. I am trying to decide between Cabana Bay and Sapphire Falls. I like the lower price, lazy river, and on-site Starbucks that Cabana Bay has to offer, but also like the on-site water taxi and better breakfast/eggs (from what I've read on tripadvisor) that Sapphire Falls has. Also, based on my reading it sounds like there is a lot more walking to get to/from your room at Cabana Bay.

We plan to enjoy the Harry Potter experience, we're foodies, and I'd like to reduce our walking as much as possible (yes, I know, we'll be doing lots of walking/standing at the parks). We're not planning on renting a car, since these resorts have shuttle/water taxi access to the parks, but we may be looking to use an Uber for dinners at nicer restaurants off-site.

I'm envisioning my daughter and I staying at the parks longer and my wife wanting to possibly take a shuttle or water taxi back to the room to relax, so I'm especially curious as to which buildings at both of these resorts would minimize the walking she would need to do. Thanks!

 

[macraven]

Check your dates on the UO booking site

March can fill up quickly for the lower costed rooms/hotels

Or you can call the reservation number and have the TM give you the info for costs and availability


Read thru the hotel stickies to help you make a decision which hotel would fit your needs best

Cbay has free bus shuttles to the parks
Busses let out at the end of city walk
From there maybe a 5 minute walk to the parks

 

[RalphinSC]

Considering the long walk from the tower rooms would you consider staying in a courtyard room next time? Just curious because we are deciding between a courtyard suite and tower suite for our June trip. Also would you say the rooms were clean? I've heard mixed reviews on that subject. Was the main pool better then the beach pool at Portofino? We are having a hard time deciding between the 2 resorts. And lastly how were the parks with lack of express passes? Or did you purchase them separately? Sorry for all the questions!

Courtyard would be a shorter walk to the crossover and walking path. Tower would be a shorter walk to the Bayliner diner and the buses. And tower is much closer to the waterpark. If I were picking, I'd probably pick tower. It's such a cool area of the resort.

In our opinion, the rooms were immaculately clean. No problem at all. We thought the pools as a whole with all the add-ons was better than any other pool complex on site. We toured them all. (in-pool speakers in the tower pool, slide in the courtyard, lazy river, hot tubs, fire pits, tons of lounger space, splashpad)

As far as express, we really didn't miss it. This past week was rated (at least according to hotel rate pricing) as the busiest time of the year not named Easter or Christmas. I think our longest wait all week was 35 minutes for Minions. We rode each of the headliners multiple times, taking advantage of early park entry and single rider lines. With those two things, you could walk on and even get re-rides of most headliners if you wanted to. Perhaps a split stay or a single night at Portofino can give you the best of both worlds. It worked out much better than I thought it would.

 

[Laura_Dee_]

I hope that people come here to get informed about CBBR. It is without a doubt the BEST place that I have ever stayed in that was in the $100 per night range. So much to do, you just need to go grab it! And you are still in the Universal bubble and you can easily visit the other resorts to explore and swim. Questions are welcomed. Many of us here will answer anything you throw at us.

Would you happen to know if the family suite at Cabana Bay feels as large as the room at Portofino or the other deluxe resorts? Is there as much room for a party of 5?

 

[Magical-Memories]

Headed (hopefully if we can get out of the snow here in the Northeast) down to Universal for a long weekend tomorrow night. Had a few last minute questions that I'm hoping someone might know:

1. Bought our Universal Tickets from Undercover Tourist and printed them online (because I was afraid they wouldn't arrive in time). Is there a way to trade them in for the 'real' credit card sized tickets when we get to Cabana Bay Beach Resort so we don't have to try and cram the big paper tix into our lanyard (and so we don't have to try and wait at guest services at Universal we were hoping we might be able to do it at the hotel ticket counter)?
2. I'm meeting a local Orlando-Florida friend on Thursday night. Would it be possible for her to park at Cabana Bay? And do you know cost?
3. We are staying at Cabana Bay for the first 2 nights and moving over to Royal Pacific to take advantage of the express pass and we are splurging a bit and have club level. How and when would you transfer your luggage over to Royal Pacific? (Uber? Or?? There will be 4 of us, although I'm thinking just my husband and I will do this part..... And should we just check luggage with Cabana Bay so we can take advantage of the Early Entry and then go back later and bring them over to Royal Pacific? Or would you do that first? Just would like to have a plan.)
4. Our flight doesn't leave until 8pm on Sunday. We are being picked up from the Royal Pacific. We plan to hit the parks on Sunday but will end up back at Royal Pacific. Can we still hang around the pool area? Or is there someplace else we can hang for a while if we wanted too. (I think I read that you we would no longer have access to the club lounge because that ends at official check out time. Boo. I understand but boo.)
5. Tipping?

• I know this may vary from person to person...but just want to be prepared with a general idea
• We are taking a car service from the airport to the hotel and back again when we leave. How much we would tip? It's $125 round trip. I know this may vary person to person....but just wanted to get an idea as we don't do this often. There will be 3 of us coming in and 4 of us going back.
• I know I'll tip the housekeeping staff & the club level staff and of course when we dine out
• Am I missing anything/anyone else that should be tipped? (I thought I read that they escort you to your room at check in? Do they? I don't care if they do, but if they do, do you tip? And how much?)

Thank you all for the wealth of information you guys all post. I've been once before but when they were building the first part of Harry Potter. Excited to experience all that it offers again