First timer needs hotel advice

[mrsgthatsme]

We are planning a last minute Universal trip for the end of April. We have only been to Disney in the past, and have the resort situation figured out there, but are clueless when it comes to Universal. We are a family of 4 with two kids, ages 12 and 15. We loved the Port Orleans resorts at WDW (moderate category). My first choice based on what I have read on this board was Sapphire Falls, but it is completely booked for our dates. I like the look of the pools/lazy river at CB, but prefer a less flashy and more beach and/or relaxing theme. We thought that the Endless Summer resorts' theming looked nice, and the price is certainly right. Would we regret staying at one of the Endless Summer Resorts? Is the bus ride over a deal breaker for you? Are the pools there decent? Are there other non-premier resorts that offer the more convenient boat dock security check in vs. the longer lines of the City Walk security? Would love to hear what your go-to non-premier resort is. Thanks!

 

[boogienights]

I've stayed at both Surfside and Cabana Bay and like both. I found the Cabana Bay vibe to be both relaxing and fun...not flashy/loud/cheesy like a Disney value hotel. Loved the pool/lazy river. There are more transportation options and you feel more in the "Universal bubble". Surfside is cheaper, suites are fabulous and it's great being across the road from non-theme park (ie...less expensive) restaurants and stores. But the only transportation option is bus and it just seems far from the Universal bubble. I prefer Cabana Bay, personally.

 

[macraven]

The 3 premier hotels and SFalls have the water taxi from those hotels to the park/ city walk section

The other onsite hotels has the free bus service
The bus service is prompt and have not read any complaints about it

the bus runs regally there so no extreme walk for you to the parks
It is a decent set up and it is free

 

[mrsgthatsme]

I've stayed at both Surfside and Cabana Bay and like both. I found the Cabana Bay vibe to be both relaxing and fun...not flashy/loud/cheesy like a Disney value hotel. Loved the pool/lazy river. There are more transportation options and you feel more in the "Universal bubble". Surfside is cheaper, suites are fabulous and it's great being across the road from non-theme park (ie...less expensive) restaurants and stores. But the only transportation option is bus and it just seems far from the Universal bubble. I prefer Cabana Bay, personally.

It’s great to hear that in person Cabana Bay is a relaxing vibe. I also do love the idea of the Universal Bubble. That’s one of the reasons we stayed on site every time we visited WDW. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[mrsgthatsme]

The 3 premier hotels and SFalls have the water taxi from those hotels to the park/ city walk section

The other onsite hotels has the free bus service
The bus service is prompt and have not read any complaints about it

the bus runs regally there so no extreme walk for you to the parks
It is a decent set UO has and it is free

So glad to hear that the bus service is prompt and reliable. That’s a plus! Is the area Surfside/Dockside are in safe feeling for walking as a family?

 

[boogienights]

So glad to hear that the bus service is prompt and reliable. That’s a plus! Is the area Surfside/Dockside are in safe feeling for walking as a family?

Surfside is right across the road from shops/restaurants. If memory serves, there's a controlled crosswalk and it's safe to cross. It's not a sketchy area, loads of tourists walking about. My daughter and I felt very safe.

 

[boogienights]

So glad to hear that the bus service is prompt and reliable. That’s a plus! Is the area Surfside/Dockside are in safe feeling for walking as a family?

My family and I will be at RPR in October for 4 days then transferring to Surfside for 2 days. One of the surfside days will be a Volcano Bay day and the other will be checkout and fly home so we won't be missing the bubble or wanting transpo options to US/IOA, I hope. But if I were doing the whole week at one hotel, it would be a family suite at Cabana Bay.

 

[macraven]

So glad to hear that the bus service is prompt and reliable. That’s a plus! Is the area Surfside/Dockside are in safe feeling for walking as a family?

it’s very safe !
It’s a long walk so many do use the bus service

 

[georgina]

I have never found City Walk security lines to be that bad. 5 or 10 minutes is all I have waited. They X-ray bags and you walk through a metal detector.

 

[Skippyboo]

Unlike Disney, you can pool hoop at Universal hotels, Cabana Bay has a retro early 60s vibe. It’s across the street from Sapphire Falls. It have 2 big pools plus a lazy river. Right by Volcano bay if you are interested in doing the water park.

 

[mrsgthatsme]

Unlike Disney, you can pool hoop at Universal hotels, Cabana Bay has a retro early 60s vibe. It’s across the street from Sapphire Falls. It have 2 big pools plus a lazy river. Right by Volcano bay if you are interested in doing the water park.

We are definitely planning on the water park, so that is great. The pool hopping option is very nice too!!

 

[Skippyboo]

We are definitely planning on the water park, so that is great. The pool hopping option is very nice too!!

If you are going to do Volcano Bay. Then definitely recommend Cabana Bay. You are above I-4 so you could walk back to the room if you want. Volcano bay is next to it. Bowling alley, food court, lazy river. Quick bus ride to parks. It’s definitely nicer than Disney values.