Hotel recommendation needed, Disney/Universal

[suzerich]

I will be coming to Orlando with my 15 yr old son and his friend. We haven't taken a friend along before so there are new challenges. We stayed at Pop Century 2 years ago and loved the fact that I could park the car and ride the buses to the parks. We did not get back in the car until the drive home. This year we are driving again. But, we are going to go to Universal for at least 2 days, 4 at Disney. I am looking for a place to stay that is comparable in price to a stay at Pop Century. Because my son's friend is with us, I am not real comfortable staying in the same room. So, we are considering something that would separate us. The only thing I see at Disney is a Family Suite at All Stars Music. CABANA Bay looks good, but we would not have buses to Disney. Also, if anyone has traveled with a minor friend before, I would appreciate any tips. This is my first time taking a friend so far from home.

 

[spiceycat]

if you want disney - then 2 rooms at a value connecting is your cheapest.
when are you going - would do US separately if the summer - if you stay at a US hotel (which I think Cabana Bay is) you get FREE - early park admission and you will need it at US/IOA.
or you can stay offsite (and pay early park admission around $50 - sorry I am a florida resident and their florida resident discount started to appear and does not let me see the non-residents)

offsite you will have to drive to both parks - and pay for parking. So would do either US/IOA or WDW - next year come back and do the one you did not do this time. It will save you a ton of money.

 

[Upatnoon]

I would stay at Cabana Bay for universal and Disney for Disney.

Note, that at Cabana Bay, you get two areas in the room, but the bathroom is in the main bedroom area. The shower, toilet and sink area all in separate areas to speed getting ready.

 

[janicept]

You could also look at vacation rentals. They are mainly near Disney since Universal area condo places don't allow them. You can get a two or three bedroom place for fairly cheap. Since you have a car it won't be an issue. You won't get the onsite perks but you will get more than one bedroom for a better deal than a suite. I own a condo down there that is managed by a company advertised on this site if you need a deal.

 

[Belle83]

I would stay at Cabana Bay while at Universal and then move to a Disney hotel.

 

[bobbie68]

Hi we take DD's Boyfriend with us for going on 3 years for vacations. I have his mom write up a note for any medical issues. I am very comfortable with him for he is at my home all the time. We get either one room with a pull out sofa or bring an air mattress. We have on occasion gotten a 2 room suite. There is usually only one bathroom so we have to share. It really is a matter of just making sure everyone is walking around appropriately. If your not that comfortable with him I suggest his own room. It's understood that in the absence of his mom we are his parents on this trip and will have to follow our rules. We do make him feel part of the family so we take his ideas and suggestions into account for things to do and food. We try and find a balance. I will tell you the first time is a little scary and awkward and a little hectic. You will feel like some of your privacy and your way of doing things is being infringed on. However, to see your teen happy having fun and sharing with his friend this trip is awesome. This will also give you some time for yourself. Overall having an only child we always knew we would be bringing someone when she was a teen. I actually enjoy it but I had the say as to who comes. Any questions please PM me.

As far as hotels I think Cabana Bay family suite is good. We are doing that this trip with him for Universal. For Disney I would consider an off-site. Check out the Disney Springs resorts. I hear they are good, cheaper, and roomier. I think you will spend too much at Disney for a bigger room/2 rooms.

Hope this helps!

 

[suzerich]

Hi, thanks for your response. After hours of trying to figure all of this out, we decided to cut our stay by one day, and stay the entire time in a Cars suite at AoA. It is more than I wanted to spend, but we can get tickets for the days we want to go to Universal closer to our stay, and drive there. This way everyone has their own bed and I have my own room. I still think the Cabana Bay hotel would be fun for the boys, but my son liked the experience at Disney last time.

 

[BigredNole]

For Disney, I would stay offsite. For US, I would stay at Hard Rock, Portofino, or Royal Pacific. That front of line pass is worth every bit of the one night stay for 2 days of benefit.