Getting excited now :) Am I on the right track?

[mommymanda]

Huge thank you to everyone who's helped me with my "2nd guessing..." thread. I am back to being ready for an official booking. Again since this will be our first Universal trip I'd love advice if my plan seems reasonable.

Travel dates will still be Aug 21-26

I've decided on Cabana Bay for our family of 5. This drops the cost of the extra cot being needed, as well as costs in general.

I am finding the deal of 2 day 2 park to park tickets + 2 free days and thinking that seems like a good deal. At this point if I add my hotel from the same company it works out to under $2200 U.S for room and tickets (so I believe $2700 CAN).

I decided against Volcano Bay at this point as my kids are not massive water fans and even just pool hopping would be fun for them.

With the 4 days of park to park, and hoping since its late August the express pass won't be necessary.

Also since we decided on Cabana Bay I was able to drop my food budget quite a bit. Having the option of a food court and lower priced restaurants on site. So I think I'm looking at around $1100-$1200, and planning on getting the C.B mugs into that. I know we use our Disney ones all the time there (and its my one and only souvenir).

Am I looking realistic? I am nervous about booking through the online site, but my travel agent is not finding me those prices.

TIA

 

[bchbetha]

I recommend getting a family suite. You’ll appreciate the extra space AND mini kitchen (microwave, fridge big enough to hold a gallon of milk, freezer and some work space). You can order some breakfast and snack staples via Instacart for delivery.
If you get one annual pass, you might be able to get a room discount but I’ll let someone else confirm that.

 

[mjhtvchick]

Looks like a great trip to me! You will have a blast!! Enjoy!

Hope you report back after your trip!

 

[glocon]

CB has two really nice pools- one with a lazy river and one with a slide. You’ll have fun there!

 

[wookiebeck]

We have done almost exactly what OP is planning. Exploring the resort pools was enough watery fun for the whole family. The CB mugs can only be used while at CB. I used them for coffee in the morning (don't need $6 starbucks). The kids used them for slushies by the pool. The pools have soda dispensers to fill the cups as well. Good deal IMO.

The family suites were great. They had a little separation to the "living room/kitchen" for my DD to have the sofa bed and a tv to herself. The microwave saved money via hotpockets and oatmeal (teens snack constantly).

EP is also not necessary, and using the early entry is extremely helpful. It is the coolest you will get in the day. You can get many rides in before the wave hits. Then take a pool dip in afternoon and finish back in the parks. Use the app to gage line wait times. You will do great.

 

[TommyJK]

Your plan is rock solid IMO and something nearly identical to what I would do if going at the same time (and what I've done nearly identical in the past, just at different dates)

If I recall correctly from the other thread you said you were going to have a car? If so, you are also really close to I-Drive which has a ton of inexpensive dining options as well with only a 5-10 drive (that we took advantage of on our last trip).

 

[bobbie68]

Hi I think it is realistic and looks like a great trip. We love Cabana Bay and would go back again. We always buy the resort mugs and use them all the time. The slushie machine a lone with the kids is worth it. I agree with pp about looking at the family suite. We just did that this summer and loved the extra room.

I have used onsite travel sites and have not had a problem . You have to have peace of mind and if you feel better through a travel agent then I would.

Enjoy the trip!