Compromise is a Disney word: Taking one for the team over Thanksgiving 2016* August PTR link! 5/28

[kastoney]

Wow, I had no idea how much behind the scenes drama was going on for your TA training. You are a very brave woman getting dropped of at a strangers house in the middle of the night

As you can see, the Uni desk is NOT nearly as busy as ME normally is.

Not nearly as busy and not nearly as big. Wow for Universal I'm shocked how tiny this is! Especially since its the same size as Royal Caribbean and last time I checked Orlando doesn't even have an ocean

After we got on we pulled away and we thought we were headed to our resort but instead we went around to the other side of the airport and picked up 2 more people. Then we went back to where we got on and picked up another rider..........and THEN we were on our way!

Don't you know the airport tour comes with the price of admission.

hen I went in search of mine. Mine was pretty much as far out as could be from anything and everything except a parking lot-the back end of the farthest building lol. It still wasn't horrible and hey, the price was right! I must say as dumb as it sounds I was glad to have arrived before my roommate.
Some pictures of the Cabana Bay Beach family suite:

Pretty nice looking digs. Looks like their definition of "value" may be a few step above Disneys

Bowling alley on the upper floor of the lobby!! We didn't play at all but I think it's great to have, especially if you stay here with kids. Something to do besides swim if the weather is yucky or just for downtime:

This is awesome. Loving the 50's feel!!!!

I did take some food pics on the trip but since Cathy and I were still getting to know each other I didn't want her to think I was weird - yet - so I held off.

Cause it wasn't weird enough to go to her house in the middle of the night that food pics would do you in

Cathy and I were actually getting along REALLY well. She's about 4 years younger than me and has 4 boys ranging in age from 21-6. I knew we'd be ok when she let a couple curses fly

Ah, this is how I knew we'd get along too The power of cursing bringing all us women together

 

[wdwnut61]

Yay for a new trip report ! Love all your pictures and enjoy reading all the Universal info. Kathy really wants to add Universal to one of our trips I just have a hard time giving up days in Disney
We went to Universal once before when she was younger and stayed at Royal Pacific. She loved it and so did her older sister but I kept missing Disney. Now with all the HP stuff and her loving the books so much I'm feeling the pressure to return.
I know you were nervous and justifiably so but I'm happy to hear things went well meeting your roommate.

 

[xlsm]

I love the theming of Cabana Bay! When I was still trying to convince DH that we could ALL go down to Orlando while I did the Pandora preview, it's where I wanted us all to stay...so there was a lot to do at the resort if we didn't do park tickets for all of them at either US or WDW.

I'm excited to hear about all of the fun things you got to do!! It's so good you were getting along with your other agency ladies. I worry when meeting new groups of people that I'm working with. I'm pretty laid back and can deal with almost anyone, but I'm always afraid people are going to think I'm weird. I mean, they probably do, but are just too polite to say anything

 

[Imagineer5]

Oh goodness, you sounds just like me! With worrying about sharing a room and all that! Glad that things seemed to be going well with both women though and you were having a good time!

The bowling alley at Cabana Bay was Aria's first experience bowling! We had a lot of fun that evening.

Looking forward to hearing more!! And glad your trip in March went great <3

 

[ariane37]

I think that's the coolest thing about the "lava" at Volcano Bay! We had a great time at Universal on our last trip, and I figure before too long Nathan will want to check out Volcano Bay. I'm not really waterpark people, but he totally is.

I'm not a water park person either, plus we have a rather large one 5 minutes from our house so if the boys really want to, we just go there in the summer. And I hate going there lol. Chris loves it though. Ricky used to love it when he was younger, now he'll go alone with his friends but after like, 2.5-3 hours they're bored I don't say much is better at Uni than Disney but Volcano Bay overall sounds really cool; more immersive than the Disney water parks.

My only experience rooming with a stranger was on a little Italian language course in Rome where I roomed with a girl from somewhere in South America...Venezuela maybe? We had to share a tiny bedroom and she was an absolute nightmare. So I would have been nervous in your shoes!

Ugh! That sucks. It's kind of like waiting to meet your college roommate; will you get along? Are they completely weird? I always got along with my college roommates except for once and my friends and I just tortured her until she moved out but I think I'm too old to be torturing anyone except my boys!

I haven't been since I was like 8 and it was in Cali!

If you go you're in for a surprise! It changed DRASTICALLY just from 2000-2015! I actually went to Universal Hollywood way back in 1995 so I expect that's nothing like I remember, either.

What's up with the fee business? Glad you didn't have to pay it!

No idea. If they're doing it to compete with Disney you'd think it'd be free. I guess at least they're offering it now so guests don't have to find their own transportation to and from.......

Glad to hear it! Another mom with 4 boys!

Funny thing was like a third of the women at the training had all boys! The woman Cathy ended up rooming with had 3, these other 2 women we spoke with a lot each had only boys, and Barry our leader had 2 sons

If you have to share and pay for it, it's probably cheaper and quicker still to take a taxi

It might be! It's $35/pp round trip so for instance for you and Josh it would be $70 total. If a taxi there and back is less than $70, taxi works better. Otherwise if you're not renting a car this might work out better; I honestly don't know what a cab costs between Uni and MCO. As for sharing if you look at it this way, you share the DME bus! It's just bigger

You have to make reservations for it though (usually). But they have the best nachos! (And drinks for mom and dad).

We saw a picture of the nachos and we were like, "OMG do we have time to eat those nachos????" Sadly we didn't. Also we were told you do need to make reservations during busier times; while we were there we noticed quite a few people just walking up but I can see if being full during the summer, spring break, etc.

Weirdly enough I already do this I feel rude wearing Disney clothes there so I always make sure we have outfits that are all Universal characters too.

I did the same thing when I went with the family, with the exception of my jacket and purse! However I've seen people wearing HP at Disney so I think both parks are used to it. But I guess being at Universal for their training as their guest, going behind the scenes and stuff, it would be extra rude lol.

I think it's nice that they are starting to offer it. Good for competition and all.

True. And might be cheaper than a taxi if you aren't renting a car.

Ha! It's like wanting to be the first in the dorm room to get the "good" side!

exactly! I didn't pick my bed but I spread my stuff out a bit!

I could've loaned you some Harry Potter stuff!

I tried finding a couple shirts, which I always see in Kohls and Target, but of course this was the one time I couldn't find any

I have to say, I'm having mild anxiety at the THOUGHT of rooming with a total stranger But GOOD FOR YOU for trying new things! I feel like I'd be so super awkward in that situation

Oh believe me I had anxiety too, especially as the trip go closer. I was afraid they'd think I was weird! I was also afraid it would ruin my whole experience if my roommate was a loser or a bi**h lol.

'm dying to know you're overall impression of CB…we are heading back to UO next April and booked HRH…I REALLY want the unlimited Express Passes, but I had considered just staying at CB to save (a ton of) money.

I really liked it Unless I felt we really needed the express pass I wouldn't hesitate to stay there with the family. When we went to Uni in late Aug. we didn't stay onsite but also didn't need EP because crowds were so super low. If you think it'll be busy when you're there and EP will benefit you, most likely it'll work out a bit less cost-wise to just stay at HRH-it generally does work out cheaper to stay at a resort that offers EP over staying at CBBR or Sapphire Falls and buying EP separately. I'm sure there are exceptions to that, though.

And lastly, I cannot believe you have never taken the boys to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach! The water parks are so much fun and so relaxing! You NEED to bring them there next trip!!

LOL! Like I explained to @MeghanEmily I'm just not a water park lover and neither is DH -he doesn't ever come to the big one here by us. I will say if we end up going this Aug. and the boys are interested I MIGHT give in and do one day at one of them........

 

[Raeven]

It might be! It's $35/pp round trip so for instance for you and Josh it would be $70 total. If a taxi there and back is less than $70, taxi works better. Otherwise if you're not renting a car this might work out better; I honestly don't know what a cab costs between Uni and MCO. As for sharing if you look at it this way, you share the DME bus! It's just bigger

Oh yeah a taxi is way cheaper it's only $40. I don't mind sharing in the DME but it is a free service. If I have to pay we might as well get something that goes directly to the hotel.

We saw a picture of the nachos and we were like, "OMG do we have time to eat those nachos????" Sadly we didn't. Also we were told you do need to make reservations during busier times; while we were there we noticed quite a few people just walking up but I can see if being full during the summer, spring break, etc.

They were so good! Most the time you probably don't need one but we got one because we were planning to bowl and it was night.

I did the same thing when I went with the family, with the exception of my jacket and purse! However I've seen people wearing HP at Disney so I think both parks are used to it. But I guess being at Universal for their training as their guest, going behind the scenes and stuff, it would be extra rude lol.

I don't think the parks really mind except for your TA training. I just like having outfits for each

 

[ariane37]

Wow, I had no idea how much behind the scenes drama was going on for your TA training. You are a very brave woman getting dropped of at a strangers house in the middle of the night

It was a little nuts leading up to getting there LOL I know, the whole thing was weird! If you think the kids were nervous about me being killed during a Dismeet, imagine what they thought about this whole thing!

Don't you know the airport tour comes with the price of admission.

Ah, NOW it makes sense! Universal is really stepping up their game

Pretty nice looking digs. Looks like their definition of "value" may be a few step above Disneys

I think so too. Plus the regular price of the Cabana Bay family suite is much cheaper than the value family suites at Disney.

Cause it wasn't weird enough to go to her house in the middle of the night that food pics would do you in

Hey, it was her idea to go to her house in the middle of the night. Oh, maybe I should have taken that as a sign

Ah, this is how I knew we'd get along too The power of cursing bringing all us women together

LOL right? If you can't say what you REALLY feel, why be friends And sometimes true feelings can only be expressed with a few choice naughty words

Love all your pictures and enjoy reading all the Universal info. Kathy really wants to add Universal to one of our trips I just have a hard time giving up days in Disney

That's how I felt when we went a couple summers ago! We stayed off property in our timeshare and it was supposed to be a no Disney trip if you can believe it. I knew if I planned a Disney trip with a day or two at Universal I'd be to upset over lost Disney time. We ended up at MK for a day anyway so all wasn't lost lol.

We went to Universal once before when she was younger and stayed at Royal Pacific. She loved it and so did her older sister but I kept missing Disney. Now with all the HP stuff and her loving the books so much I'm feeling the pressure to return.

Royal Pacific is beautiful! I Kathy really enjoys/enjoyed Harry Potter I'd definitely do a couple days there on a trip. The HP sections are truly spectacular

I love the theming of Cabana Bay! When I was still trying to convince DH that we could ALL go down to Orlando while I did the Pandora preview, it's where I wanted us all to stay...so there was a lot to do at the resort if we didn't do park tickets for all of them at either US or WDW.

Definitely a good choice for non-park things Plus there's always mini golf at Citywalk! The pools at Cabana Bay looked nice, too.

I'm excited to hear about all of the fun things you got to do!! It's so good you were getting along with your other agency ladies. I worry when meeting new groups of people that I'm working with. I'm pretty laid back and can deal with almost anyone, but I'm always afraid people are going to think I'm weird.

There were some nice perks! At my age I mostly don't care anymore what people think of me lol, but if I have to spend days (and nights) with them I'd like to at least have stuff in common with them - or be able to laugh about the fact that we don't have things in common!
And you don't seem any weirder to me than......me

Oh goodness, you sounds just like me! With worrying about sharing a room and all that! Glad that things seemed to be going well with both women though and you were having a good time!

It did work out much, much better than it did in my nightmares lol

Looking forward to hearing more!! And glad your trip in March went great <3

on both counts! This March was much more pleasant than our last March trip, when the weather was chilly and rainy. Not that it ruined our trip that year but no rain and 80's is much preferable!

 

[ariane37]

Oh yeah a taxi is way cheaper it's only $40.

Wow, so one way MCO to Uni is only $20? That's great to know!

I just like having outfits for each

As you should, since you put them together so well

 

[Raeven]

Wow, so one way MCO to Uni is only $20? That's great to know!


As you should, since you put them together so well

No $40 one way, but we only do a taxi one way (or not at all if we go disney first). You can take Uber to the airport (but not from) so that's like $20 (from uso might be a little more from disney) So roundtrip $60.

Thank you!

 

[ariane37]

No $40 one way, but we only do a taxi one way (or not at all if we go disney first). You can take Uber to the airport (but not from) so that's like $20 (from uso might be a little more from disney) So roundtrip $60.

Thank you!

Got it, thanks. So if you needed to go both ways MCO-Uni-MCO, Uber is the cheapest followed by Uni transportation with taxi the most expensive but only by $10. I do hope at some point Universal changes their "complimentary" transportation to true complimentary and drops the charge!

 

[cinderkelly]

I'm so excited to hear about your Uni TA training!

You are one brave woman to room with a complete stranger. I'd have major anxiety about i! I know absolute zero about Universal so I'm loving hearing about it, plus my dream job it to be a TA, so I'm jealous!

I'm not sure I'd know how to pack for FL with zero Disney clothes

 

[haleofafamily]

I just found your trip report and spent the day reading it. It was great way to pass away a feeling yucky kind of day! So many things made me laugh...my DH and kids kept asking what I was reading I'm looking forward to the rest of your Universal trip update!

 

[Jfsag123]

Loving your Universal beginning! I can't convince my family to ever go there, so I'm looking forward to your experience of it. Also am quite encouraged by your bonding over cursing. Now if the fabled girls trip ever happens I won't have to worry about monitoring my usual speech. When my kids were itty bitty I used to (semi) jokingly talk about wanting to start the mom's group for moms who say @!#* - no fear of judgment.

 

[ariane37]

Universal Training Day 1 Part 2:
Explore, Explore, Explore S'more!
​

First off, we did NOT have s'mores, it just sounded good. I'm so glad you all are continuing on with me as I relive my Universal trip! Also editing to add I've begun my dining report for our first F&G trip last week, at least I've got the introduction done. Of course I don't have the link in my signature yet because that would require me to once AGAIN look up how to do that......but if you're interested, it's over there! "It Takes Two, Baby, a 2017 Flower and Garden dining report"

At pretty much 1:00 on the dot Barry came over and told us it was time to begin. While he was explaining what we'd be doing for the next few hours, Cathy and I were looking at everyone else's credentials to find her roommate whom she hadn't met yet. There were 3 women whose tags were backward so we figured it was one of them. I know Cathy was wondering if her roommate would be as cool as me; in the end her roommate was very nice and lots of fun, although really nobody can beat me .
We were spending the next few hours touring all the other resorts! Well most of the resorts; they'd recently cut the trainings down from 4 resorts to 3 to save time and unfortunately the one we would not be touring was Hard Rock Hotel. This was the one I was most looking forward to seeing, because even though we didn't stay on property for our Universal trip in 2015, Steve, the boys and I did go in to the HRH lobby and look around and it's COOL! But we were welcome to go look on our own, however we wouldn't be able to see any rooms.
Since Sapphire Falls is right across the street from Cabana Bay, that was our first stop! We took a bus which was kind of silly. One of the first things we noticed walking up was the boat dock:


Except as you can tell I took this picture from up inside the resort. You can kind of see in the picture that security is set up down there for anyone taking the water taxi to go through which is the case at all the water taxi docks.
Once we got inside we stopped to hear a little about the story behind the resort, how many rooms it has, dining options, etc. Then we started to the rooms. From an upper floor we got a really good view of the pool:


Not all that fancy but it certainly is pretty! And you can tell it was a very nice day out.
We made our way up to the room; other groups were weaving their way in and out of it. The hallway itself wasn't empty of quests so we did pass a few and they were all friendly and smiling and seemed to be having a good time.
I like the colors and bed pillows in the Sapphire Falls rooms:



And since I didn't post pictures of the Cabana Bay bathroom, here's a not that great picture of the Sapphire Falls one:



Sapphire Falls is one of Universals resorts that offers kids suites. It's 2 twin beds in a room off the main bedroom and also has a little sitting area:





After we saw the room we came back down and went back to the bus. I liked the feel of Sapphire Falls; it's also technically considered one of their "value" resorts and like Cabana Bay the express pass isn't included in your stay, but I think it's way above Disney's values and even above Cabana Bay.
Our next stop: Loew's Royal Pacific Resort!
Let me say here that other than Hard Rock I knew nothing about any of their resorts including the theming, so it was all a "surprise" to me.
This is what you see walking out the back way but for some reason I had it first in my pictures. It reminds me of the Poly yet it doesn't. In person I think the trees/greenery look rather fake:



But fake or not I thought this fountain was beautiful!



Every resort lobby has a desk or kiosk where you can get your express pass. I actually didn't notice whether you can check your photos at the one in Cabana
Bay but my guess is yes.............



Something Royal Pacific has in common with the Polynesian is that both host an evening Luau. This is the seating/eating area for Universals:



And here's the show area:



It's very pretty but I'm thinking it's not very popular. I've never heard of it and from the chatter going around me the other TA's (many of whom had numerous on property stays under their belts) were either unaware or didn't have really positive things to say about it. However the Spirit of Aloha doesn't get really positive reviews either.
You'll have to forgive my lack of memory with some of these pictures. Since we were going kind of fast I didn't get to take notes other than when we were actually doing "classroom" training so I'm going by picture order and the distant recollections of my old lady self. So this must be from somewhere on Royal Pacific property................it's definitely RP. Just not sure where I was when I took it! But it's pretty right? I was very surprised at how nice all the resort grounds were. I'll say it right now; I'm still a MUCH bigger Disney fan than I am a Universal fan as I think most of us over here are. So while I was expecting to learn more about their resorts I wasn't expecting to be impressed and for the most part I was, especially with the looks of them. I found the areas around all the resort water taxis especially nice. I also apologize for the randomness of pictures. It was kind of like a whirlwind! Sometimes I was listening really hard, sometimes staring into space, sometimes concentrating on getting pictures. Sometimes there were 3 or 4 groups in the same area and everyone wanted the same picture and if I was towards the back I gave up.



In the above picture you can see the sand and the chairs; below is part of the pool area minus much the pool.


In addition to touring outside from above we went over dining options and walked by the gift shop. Next were the rooms! Unfortunately I only got one picture of the room but it shows a main theme running through the resort which was orchids:



I was liking this resort A LOT more than CBBR and Sapphire Falls, not because those 2 were values but this theming just appealed to me more. This was also the first resort we toured that offered the express pass as part of your stay which of course is reflected in the higher price. Hard Rock also offers the express pass as well as the 3rd and final resort we were touring, Portofino Bay. I'm going to save that and our first night fun for the next update since this one is pretty long!

UP NEXT: UNIVERSAL TRAINING DAY 1 PART 3

 

[ariane37]

You are one brave woman to room with a complete stranger. I'd have major anxiety about i

As the trip got closer my anxiety did rise, and Steve didn't help! I just kept telling myself if it was that bad I could walk out, go to check in and get my own room................as rude as that would be my comfort would take precedence. Luckily it didn't happen but I do feel I lucked out!

I'm not sure I'd know how to pack for FL with zero Disney clothes

It was actually very hard lol! I'm not used to taking a lot of my everyday clothes down to Florida so I was like, "Oh man, plain t-shirts with capris?"

I just found your trip report and spent the day reading it. It was great way to pass away a feeling yucky kind of day! So many things made me laugh...my DH and kids kept asking what I was reading I'm looking forward to the rest of your Universal trip update!

Aw, thank you for such a nice post I'm glad I made you chuckle! Hope you enjoy my Universal part!

Loving your Universal beginning! I can't convince my family to ever go there, so I'm looking forward to your experience of it.

My family had a hard time convincing ME to go in 2015! I actually think it was good we waited until the boys, at least Ricky, were older. Of course younger kids can enjoy the HP sections which are incredible. We asked Ricky if he wants to spend a day at Universal if we go in Aug. He hasn't decided yet but let's just say I won't be disappointed if we don't

Also am quite encouraged by your bonding over cursing. Now if the fabled girls trip ever happens I won't have to worry about monitoring my usual speech.

Oh definitely not! Let's cross our fingers the girls trip happens

When my kids were itty bitty I used to (semi) jokingly talk about wanting to start the mom's group for moms who say @!#* - no fear of judgment.

I would be that groups biggest fan

 

[Raeven]

Well most of the resorts; they'd recently cut the trainings down from 4 resorts to 3 to save time and unfortunately the one we would not be touring was Hard Rock Hotel. This was the one I was most looking forward to seeing, because even though we didn't stay on property for our Universal trip in 2015, Steve, the boys and I did go in to the HRH lobby and look around and it's COOL! But we were welcome to go look on our own, however we wouldn't be able to see any rooms.

Aw we're staying at the Hard Rock next I would love to see in the rooms (but I did do some googling already). I'll have to take pictures for you!

since I didn't post pictures of the Cabana Bay bathroom, here's a not that great picture of the Sapphire Falls one:

I love glass door showers so I actually loved the showers there.

After we saw the room we came back down and went back to the bus. I liked the feel of Sapphire Falls; it's also technically considered one of their "value" resorts and like Cabana Bay the express pass isn't included in your stay, but I think it's way above Disney's values and even above Cabana Bay.

It defintely is. They have really nice values at Universal. I think both are a step above the Disney values. SF has a few more perks than Cabana Bay though.

Something Royal Pacific has in common with the Polynesian is that both host an evening Luau. This is the seating/eating area for Universals:



And here's the show area:



It's very pretty but I'm thinking it's not very popular. I've never heard of it and from the chatter going around me the other TA's (many of whom had numerous on property stays under their belts) were either unaware or didn't have really positive things to say about it. However the Spirit of Aloha doesn't get really positive reviews either.

So I've actually looked into this a potential idea (though we don't have plans to do it anytime soon because I'm not big on the type of food) but from what I've read the Wantilan Luau at Rpr gets better reviews than the Spirit of Aloha show. I've read it's more authentic and the food is better. Sapphire Falls actually added a similar show recently too called Caribbean Carnaval.

In addition to touring outside from above we went over dining options and walked by the gift shop. Next were the rooms! Unfortunately I only got one picture of the room but it shows a main theme running through the resort which was orchids:

I was liking this resort A LOT more than CBBR and Sapphire Falls, not because those 2 were values but this theming just appealed to me more. This was also the first resort we toured that offered the express pass as part of your stay which of course is reflected in the higher price. Hard Rock also offers the express pass as well as the 3rd and final resort we were touring, Portofino Bay.

So pretty! We're staying there in Sep! Josh has been kind of spoiled by EP hotels now. Ooo Portofino Bay is one of my favorites. Well the rooms were nice but probably comparable to the others, but the outside of it is just stunning.

 

[Imagineer5]

I liked the feel of Sapphire Falls; it's also technically considered one of their "value" resorts and like Cabana Bay the express pass isn't included in your stay, but I think it's way above Disney's values and even above Cabana Bay.

The pool looks really nice, with that really shallow area in the middle of the lagoon like that! BUT did they mention anything about bathtubs? I was surprised they'd have a stand-up shower, especially in a family suite! Speaking of which, the twin bedroom is cute!

I was liking this resort A LOT more than CBBR and Sapphire Falls, not because those 2 were values but this theming just appealed to me more

Be careful with RPR. I stayed there in the teeniest tiniest room ever after paying something like $280 a night on my one and only onsite Universal stay. It was just Aria and me, so it was OKAY but not great. I liked the theming, though, and the included Express Pass would be really nice esp with more people in the room. The luau room area looks really awkward, the Disney one seems way better in comparison!

 

[wdwnut61]

Love the pictures it's nice they are offering more hotel choices and price ranges. We did enjoy Royal Pacific and I liked the fact you can pool hop at Universal. We spent one afternoon at the HRH pool very nice. When we do return I want to stay at the HRH because of the proximity to the parks.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Of course I don't have the link in my signature yet because that would require me to once AGAIN look up how to do that......but if you're interested, it's over there! "It Takes Two, Baby, a 2017 Flower and Garden dining report"

I am going to find it now. (Well, hopefully!)

The hotel look really nice! It's fun to see the other resorts. I can only hope it pressures Disney to upgrade there hotels as well.

 

[kastoney]

here were 3 women whose tags were backward so we figured it was one of them. I know Cathy was wondering if her roommate would be as cool as me; in the end her roommate was very nice and lots of fun, although really nobody can beat me .

No, no one can

I liked the feel of Sapphire Falls; it's also technically considered one of their "value" resorts and like Cabana Bay the express pass isn't included in your stay, but I think it's way above Disney's values and even above Cabana Bay.
Our next stop: Loew's Royal Pacific Resort!

Ok, ya gotta school a non-Universal chick. What is the express pass?

Something Royal Pacific has in common with the Polynesian is that both host an evening Luau. This is the seating/eating area for Universals:

Love the "fancy" card tables. No wonder its not popular