Disney Resort or Universal's Cabana Bay Resort

[Alexsandra]

Hi Everyone,
I am planning a last minute getaway, just me and my two boys (6 and 9 y.o.). My husband is going to be on a business trip so I tought: why not escape the snow and sludge for sunny Florida for a few days.
I am on a really tight budget this time so was planning only a 4-5 night stay . We have been to Disney and Universal numerous times so for budgetary reasons, we are skipping the parks this time.
We just need a resort with a nice pool, amenities and some recerational options.

I found Cabana Bay at a really good price : about $770 CAD for a 5 night stay. It has a great pool/lazy river, a bowling alley and buses to City walk for restaurants and nightlife. I would have to either rent a car and pay $14 USD parking fees or take a taxi to get to resort.

If not my other choice was staying a POR or POFQ so I don't need to rent a car. I have access to downtown disney and the resorts have kid friendly pools, amenities and daily activities. But it comes out more expensive at $1000 CAD for my 5 night stay.

I tried looking at other properties off site but they came out more expensive with their parking fees and extra charges

Which would you pick

 

[Planogirl]

Cabana Bay is a great resort particularly for the price but Port Orleans Riverside is my favorite Disney resort so this quite a dilemma! Be sure to check the Universal forum to see about transportation. Mears might be better.

One thing that I'm wondering... In Citywalk, you can easily see the entryways for the Universal parks. Is there a chance that this would bother the kids?

 

[Alexsandra]

Cabana Bay is a great resort particularly for the price but Port Orleans Riverside is my favorite Disney resort so this quite a dilemma! Be sure to check the Universal forum to see about transportation. Mears might be better.

One thing that I'm wondering... In Citywalk, you can easily see the entryways for the Universal parks. Is there a chance that this would bother the kids?

Haha, I know right! Too tempting! I am going to have a big discussion with them before leaving so we are clear that this is a theme park free trip. I think there is enogh stuff to keep them busy with pools, bowling, restaurants, and movies. I might fork out for tickets at the last minute if I see the weather is really too cold for swimming but I am trying to avoid it.
As for the resorts, I am so torn. So much to do at both places.

 

[katie111]

I know with the other resorts at Universal, you can use the pools at all of the resorts. I'm not sure if this is true with Cabana Bay. You might want to ask that on the Universal forum. If you can, then I would pick Canana Bay. The pools there are awesome (I think better than any at Disney) and the food court was pretty good too. I think the restaurants at Universal are a little cheaper than Disney so you could save some $$ there too. I would try to pack some snacks & food to save some additional money. I also loved the rooms at CB. They are all like mini suites so you gave room to spread out.

Tough decision either way as I love Disney too.

 

[katie111]

Also, I have done this many times when my DH had business trips, the kids & I always had so much fun. I love being the only adult occasionally so I get to make all of the decisions. Have fun!

 

[Alexsandra]

I know with the other resorts at Universal, you can use the pools at all of the resorts. I'm not sure if this is true with Cabana Bay. You might want to ask that on the Universal forum. If you can, then I would pick Canana Bay. The pools there are awesome (I think better than any at Disney) and the food court was pretty good too. I think the restaurants at Universal are a little cheaper than Disney so you could save some $$ there too. I would try to pack some snacks & food to save some additional money. I also loved the rooms at CB. They are all like mini suites so you gave room to spread out.

Tough decision either way as I love Disney too.

Yes I think I can use the other pools on Universal Property. That is a bonus! The pools definitely look better at Cabana Bay than Disney. I did however just find out that I can book Beach Club for one night by renting a DVC through someone. Can also do BCV for one night so that I can enjoy their pools and then finish the trip at POFQ. Argh too many choices.

 

[georgina]

I wouldn't rent a car if you aren't planning to go anywhere else at Universal. Take a cab from the airport and Uber or Lyft back. I was amazed how cheap my Lyft from Cabana Bay to the airport was, about 40% of the cost of a taxi, and this was at rush hour on a Friday night.

My last solo trip was a split stay 2 nights at Pop (so I used DME to get there from the airport) then 3 nights Cabana Bay. I took the boat to Portofino Bay one afternoon to use the pools there also.

I love the Beach Club also! You could split stay there and Cabana Bay.

 

[Alexsandra]

I wouldn't rent a car if you aren't planning to go anywhere else at Universal. Take a cab from the airport and Uber or Lyft back. I was amazed how cheap my Lyft from Cabana Bay to the airport was, about 40% of the cost of a taxi, and this was at rush hour on a Friday night.

My last solo trip was a split stay 2 nights at Pop (so I used DME to get there from the airport) then 3 nights Cabana Bay. I took the boat to Portofino Bay one afternoon to use the pools there also.

I love the Beach Club also! You could split stay there and Cabana Bay.

Cool! Thanks. Will check out Lyft, sound like a good option. Would love to do split stay! My kids would love it too. Did not really take that into consideration

 

[chicagoshannon]

When is your trip? If it's in the next 2 weeks I'd take weather into account for Beach Club. It looks like it will be in the 60's the next 2 weeks (of course that's when we're down there) Beach Club is so expensive I'd hate for you to spend all that money and it be too cold to swim.

I'd go with the Universal Hotel. There is a movie theater right there and mini golf. Plus if it is nice weather you can hop to all of the pools.

 

[Alexsandra]

When is your trip? If it's in the next 2 weeks I'd take weather into account for Beach Club. It looks like it will be in the 60's the next 2 weeks (of course that's when we're down there) Beach Club is so expensive I'd hate for you to spend all that money and it be too cold to swim.

I'd go with the Universal Hotel. There is a movie theater right there and mini golf. Plus if it is nice weather you can hop to all of the pools.

You're probably right! Thanks

 

[Grumpy92]

I think you get more bang for your buck at Cabana Bay. We just love their pool areas, bowling and the foodcourt. Not to mention the Starbucks

 

[pigletto]

The choice for my group would definitely be Cabana Bay. Beach Club does have a stunning pool area, but at Cabana Bay you are going to have the option of using the pool at Royal Pacific, Hard Rock,Sapphire Falls or Portifino. The variety would be great for a non park trip. Not to mention Cabana Bay has great pools and the lazy river.

 

[DeanDoug]

Cabana Bay is great... and I agree with others, Lyft or Uber from the airport is very reasonable and you won't need a car rental. As for Disney, well, it's Disney so it's great! So it all depends on your inclination and budget. But, if you choose Cabana, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Enjoy.

 

[Mjkre]

I'm confused. Do you have two separate threads on same topic? Not trying to be snarky...but I could have sworn someone with the identical scenario already had a thread on this topic? And wasnt your trip on 1/30?

Either way, have an awsome vacation!

 

[kbelle8995]

I would pick Cabana Bay. A great resort relaxing and interesting. Plus Bowling alley, two fantastastic pool areas, several really nice lounge bar areas for the adults. And STARBUCKS.

I think you can get a better room for a cheaper price. I stayed at Pop Century after staying at Cabana Bay and Pop Century did not come out the better.

 

[David Brent]

I would pick Cabana Bay. A great resort relaxing and interesting. Plus Bowling alley, two fantastastic pool areas, several really nice lounge bar areas for the adults. And STARBUCKS.

I think you can get a better room for a cheaper price. I stayed at Pop Century after staying at Cabana Bay and Pop Century did not come out the better.

agreed. pop century is a joke compared to cabana bay especially being similar in price.