Family of 6, best place to stay for Universal, newbie

[lizzilou]

We are planning our first family trip to Orlando. I have 4 boys, 17, 14 , 5 and 3. Any suggestions on where to stay for Universal? I was looking at Cabana Bay, but I was disappointment to learn you don't get express passes if you stay there. I looked into staying at one of the other on site hotels, but most of them, even in the kids suite, only allow 5 people. Staying in two rooms at the other 3 on site hotels is out of our budget.

Would getting in early be enough of a benefit to stay st Cabana Bay?

 

[HM]

Have you priced out what two rooms at RPH would be with discounts? Our family of four adults got two connecting rooms at RPH over spring break so we'd have more room. It was expensive, but to us, the price included Express Passes that would have cost us a lot if we'd paid for them and stayed in a suite at Cabana.

How many nights are you staying? The longer you stay, the greater the discount (Stay More, Save More) or you can call and ask about AAA rates (not available online).

If Cabana Bay is the only place you can afford, I'd stay there IF you know that everyone would be willing to get up for Early Entry. If not, I'd just stay offsite in a bigger place and drive in each day.

 

[WebmasterPete]

The express pass question depends on what time of year you're visiting. If its during peak/busy times of the year, then yes - it's absolutely worth factoring in. Remember, you can stay at Cabana Bay and purchase express passes on a day-to-day basis as needed.

 

[macraven]

if you have a car and stay at Cbay, parking would be $10 per night.
stay off site and park in the city walk garage, would cost more.

Cbay will allow you to use the early entry for that first hour.


the main question is:
what are your dates for staying onsite?

stay 3 nights and you'll qualify for the SMSM (general public code for anyone to use) of about 20% off.

use the third party vendors and might get more off of the basic discount rate you see onsite.
but would be required to pay vendor entire stay when you book.

2 rooms at the deluxe could work if you obtain a great discount.
much easier to start your day for EE by not having a lot of down time to get ready for the day.
quick walk or boat taxi ride to the parks then.

think of how much you would appreciate having connecting rooms at a deluxe.
2 bathrooms and 2 tv's.

i say that as i have 4 boys and it allowed me not to go crazy by having more space in the rooms.

play with the numbers and see what is affordable for you.

 

[schumigirl]

Yep.....when are you going?

If you do stay at Cabana Bay the extra hour can be a real benefit, you can get a fair bit done in that time.

However if you're going at a exceptionally busy time, then consider buying EP when you are in the park. Don't buy them in advance as they cannot be exchanged.

If you could stretch to the other hotels it would make such a difference. Having the EP is worth it's weight in gold, plus the resorts are all beautiful.

Good advice above, have a good look around for discounts......hope you get what you want

 

[lizzilou]

If we stay one night at a deluxe then switch to Cabana Bay, do you get EP for your whole stay, or only the nights you stay deluxe? I've read conflicting things.

We are going at a peak time, so I'm thinking we need as much help not waiting in line as possible.

 

[schumigirl]

If you stay one night at one of the deluxe hotels you get two full days of EP.

Check in early on day 1. Even if your room is not ready you will still get room keys to make EP in the lobby. Bell services will keep any bags.

On day 2 EP is valid till park closes..........

But EP won't transfer over to your CB stay.