Done with WDW new to Universal

[cschaaf]

Curious why you opt for Aventura over CB? I'm debating between the two for a few nights of our trip (2 adults).

We liked the smaller size of Aventura, too.

We found the CB parking lot signage to be confusing. We ended up in the bus lane - maybe even going the wrong way - before we found the check-in parking. The check-in parking was a bit of a distance to the lobby - not anything crazy, but it was POURING when we got there so I had to run through the rain.

Then, on the way to try to find the room, the signage got us so far, then stopped. It took us a few loops around before we figured out what turn we missed and that we had to drive under one of the towers - which looked like a service alley and not a road.

ETA: That rain may have also impacted our ability to see parking lot signage, to be fair. It was our own little Jurassic Park Denis Nedry moment even before getting to IOA.

Once, we had to walk from the room to the lobby - it was a long walk. We were at the far end of the resort - so your mileage (literally) may vary.

We didn't take the bus from CB, but if there is only one stop, it would be a long walk twice a day (we like to save our walking for the parks )

Aventura uses a central elevator hub that is close to the building entrance. The bus stop is a few dozen steps from the front entrance, too. It was a short walk between room and bus stop.

Room-wise, both are small rooms, but we were comfortable as 2 adults.

We ate breakfast at Aventura one morning - aside from having one of the special Christmas buffets one year, that's the only other time we've ever eaten in a resort. Based on that one experience, I wouldn't eat breakfast there again. Too expensive for just okay pancakes - we went with Voodoo the rest of the stay

 

[Disneyfan754321]

I have really enjoyed reading this post, we are trying to decide who to give our money to.
We have been to Uni parks twice
We had a fun time on both trips. On our second stay we did one night at Hard rock ($489 a night on hotwire) on so we could use two day express passes. Earlier this year we had planned to stay at surf/dock side but we had to cancel plans.
I love that the top tier resorts are not 1000s of dollars and the value resort is not $200 . I just dont want to buy APs and my family be disappointed and still wish for Disney.

 

[tony67]

I just dont want to buy APs and my family be disappointed and still wish for Disney.

Understandable - just do the math though - one AP might save enough on the room to cover the difference
And if they do like it you can always upgrade all of them on your last park day.
Im paying 209 for HRH - but never a guarantee that will be available and of course im going at the least expensive time (full rate is 425) (BTW you dont need the AP to book - you just need to show it before you check out)

 

[Lynne G]

If you are more budget minded, with two adults, I’d stay at Safire Falls. It is a beautiful hotel, and while dies not have the included express, it does have a boat or walk to the parks. Plus, the bar there is very good, as well as the pool and full service restaurant. And I thought the rooms were very nice, even better, or just as nice, as some I’ve stayed in the 3 hotels that do include the express pass.

 

[Going to WDW]

Quick question since we're new (just cancelled our March 2022 wdw trip and booked 10 nights at HRH instead. If I buy an AP (since we're there for 10 nights) are the AP's activated at purchase or when they're first used. This will help us determine whether we buy now to lock in prices or wait until closer to when we go. Thanks!

 

[DoryGirl1963]

Quick question since we're new (just cancelled our March 2022 wdw trip and booked 10 nights at HRH instead. If I buy an AP (since we're there for 10 nights) are the AP's activated at purchase or when they're first used. This will help us determine whether we buy now to lock in prices or wait until closer to when we go. Thanks!

APs activate the first time you use them

 

[Deb1993]

Since 2015 we have done Universal only trips and have loved every minute. We always stay at PBR but do visit the other hotel bars and restaurants. We have stayed as long as a full week and have never tired of going to the parks or having a drink here and there or relaxing at the hotel. Have fun!!

 

[bakerworld]

The reason we like WDW is because it is not a typical amusement park. Universal, Busch Gardens, Cedar Point, Hershey park are all amusement park (aka rollercoaster land). Therefore, in my case, it takes me a half a day for both Universal sides because I can do exactly 4 attractions in each park - most of which are Harry Potter Land. Enjoy.

 

[Lynne G]

To be fair, even all Disney parks are considered amusement parks. But each to their own as to value and wanted experiences.

For many of us, Universal is our choice, including me.

Never been a Disney passholder, as only way we could afford was military tickets and military hotel discounts when we could get them or stay at Shades. But have had a Universal pass for many years, as it has paid for itself in hotel discounts and number of days we stay.

 

[kbelle8995]

My favorite hotel is Cabana Bay, Two huge pools, a lazy river, full service Starbucks and a really good food court. Plus such a pretty resort. Old school Florida from the 50’s and 60’s.

I have had them ap for a couple of years and I love it. So much more relaxing than Disney

 

[RamblingMad]

Universal is a 2-3 day experience. You can do it over an extended weekend. That's usually what we'll do. We'll fly in for a weekend and then head back. It's pretty much setup a lot like DL/DCA, which we also do over an extended weekend.

This will give you more vacation time to plan more trips.

 

[mitsukoshi samurai]

 

[tony67]

If you are more budget minded, with two adults, I’d stay at Safire Falls. It is a beautiful hotel, and while dies not have the included express, it does have a boat or walk to the parks. Plus, the bar there is very good, as well as the pool and full service restaurant. And I thought the rooms were very nice, even better, or just as nice, as some I’ve stayed in the 3 hotels that do include the express pass.

Yeah - SF is much nicer than RPR IMO - the pool is really nice, and SW is one of my favorite bars anywhere
not been to HRH and a long time since I have been to PB so cant really compare
It comes down to express pass for the most part otherwise Id choose SF

 

[Monykalyn]

Now that I've got that out... it wasn't enough of an issue that would stop us from staying there again. We're mostly price motivated - if we see Aventura prices in the vicinity of CB prices, I'd choose Aventura every time.

. Just stayed at Aventura last month-really neat hotel but yeah…CB is awesome and Bayliner Diner has some of the best QS food in any park (including Disney)

Aventura is an easy walk to the parks. You also have easy access to SF and its options. I usually take the water taxi back to SF and its a short walk to Aventura
CB does look cool and its better for families that want to use the pools and lazy river etc..- but Aventura is more Adult - a lot more like an AC Marriott than a theme park hotel.

good description! We love CB for the pools. Have my tube with me for lazy river (the one with the handles and cup holder-should probably just leave in owners locker but it works great on the lake at home too)
I prefer the very quick walk to Sapphire Falls for the boat ride and far easier security lines.

We ate breakfast at Aventura one morning - aside from having one of the special Christmas buffets one year, that's the only other time we've ever eaten in a resort. Based on that one experience, I wouldn't eat breakfast there again. Too expensive for just okay pancakes - we went with Voodoo the rest of the sta

. Aventuras food options didn’t impress me either. Walked over to Amatista for their breakfast Buffett one morning-wow. Fantastic food. Cooked to order omelets. AndAP discounts (higher tier passes).
One thing about Universal AP-the lower tiers don’t always get the food/merch discounts but they do run times of year where all APs will get discounts. The upper tier passes get discounts all the time including on QS and reactivating their refillable reusable cups.
Sapphire falls is my go to resort-love everything about it. I have the upper tier pass with EP after 4 so no need for higher tier hotels and unless family staying that don’t have it, or over busy busy holiday

 

[tony67]

Aventuras food options didn’t impress me either.

Yeah - I will say the pizza is very good though - I make sure to stop in at least once for that

 

[Monykalyn]

Yeah - I will say the pizza is very good though - I make sure to stop in at least once for that

I almost ordered the room service pizza one night-kinda wish I had to see if still delivered by robot! Seemed like a decent price too

 

[mechteach1]

Quick question since we're new (just cancelled our March 2022 wdw trip and booked 10 nights at HRH instead. If I buy an AP (since we're there for 10 nights) are the AP's activated at purchase or when they're first used. This will help us determine whether we buy now to lock in prices or wait until closer to when we go. Thanks!

You know your own vacation style best, but I would think that 10 nights at UO would end up being a bit drawn-out and disappointing. As others have said, one of the great things about USF and IOA is that everything is very close together (VB is a bit further, but seriously no big deal), and it is so easy to ride everything in a day with EP, and eat where you want without planning that 60 days in advance (more restaurants take/require reservations now, but it is still *nothing* like at Disney). For us, a 3, *maybe* 4, day stay (like RamblingMad, above) is perfect for spending a lot of time at all three parks, eating at CityWalk, and enjoying the pool at our resort.

 

[cfoxga]

You know your own vacation style best, but I would think that 10 nights at UO would end up being a bit drawn-out and disappointing. As others have said, one of the great things about USF and IOA is that everything is very close together (VB is a bit further, but seriously no big deal), and it is so easy to ride everything in a day with EP, and eat where you want without planning that 60 days in advance (more restaurants take/require reservations now, but it is still *nothing* like at Disney). For us, a 3, *maybe* 4, day stay (like RamblingMad, above) is perfect for spending a lot of time at all three parks, eating at CityWalk, and enjoying the pool at our resort.

For our first three trips (3-4 nights each), we tended to go in the parks early each morning, take a break at lunch, and then hit the parks again in the evening. We rode the rides several times during the trips, and got to see most of the shows. So the trips felt "complete".

But then we spent 7 nights over Thanksgiving last year. We were planning just Sat-Wed at HRH, but decided to stay 3 more nights. The kids and I still got our ride time in the morning, but my wife slept in a couple days. We took longer breaks for lunch, and had a couple dinners at CityWalk instead of grabbing something quick in the parks. We spent more times at the shows than we normally do, since we had more free time. But we never felt bored. So I now think I understand why some people via UO as a "second home" and can spend large amounts of time there.

So is a 10-day stay at UO overkill? For most people, probably. If you rush in and ride everything twice on the first day, you might think you did "everything" and get bored. But if you really take your time and soak in all of the details/shows/etc, visit all of the nearby resorts, and try a good mix of restaurants, then that would be a great vacation. Plus, you can spend some time at other places like SeaWorld, Bush Gardens, etc if you want to change it up a bit.

 

[maverik85]

I agree. 10 days might be a bit long if staying solely on Universal property. But can be good stay there to mix in some other areas. I think you can easily spend 4 days doing the parks alone, have a day dedicated to just relaxing at the pool(s) and resorts. You can add in stuff at Sea World and Aquatica if you want for another day or two. You can go to Disney Springs for a day. And just other activities around Orlando. You can definitely make a 10 day vacation staying at Universal, but trying to fill 10 days with just Universal might become a bit long.

 

[jeni1072]

I found Cabana Bay to be extremely small. Felt like we were tripping over each other the whole time. That being said the food options were awesome, and I loved the theming. We only do Hard Rock or Royal P now because we don't go without express passes. Also we can walk to the parks in 5 minutes. We arrive day one in the evening and will go in and walk around for a bit, then spend two full days at the parks with express passes riding everything multiple times.