Sapphire Falls or Cabana Bay?

[Jessica0312]

Hi! I am torn between these two resorts. Mostly because Cabana Bay has the lazy river that I think my daughter would love, but Sapphire Falls is closer to the parks, has the water taxi, and has a pretty great pool from what I read as well. I know pool hopping used to be a thing at Universal which would have made this decision way easier but I don't think that is an option with COVID.

Thoughts?

Thank you!

 

[Bethany10]

Well we love Cabana Bay. Do you walk to the parks? This always puzzles me. We just took the bus and saved the steps for being in the park itself. Busses were very prompt and we were so tired at the end of the day that walking back to the hotel would have left me in tears.

You can walk over to Sapphire and take the water taxi, it's not just for SF guests.

Which theming do you prefer? We loved the Family suite at Cabana, and are actually staying in 2 connecting suites when we go in June.

 

[schumigirl]

As Bethany says, the bus service from Cabana Bay is reported to be excellent, haven`t seen anyone say anything negative about it as buses are always waiting.

And yes, you can use the water taxi`s too. The walk from Sapphire is around 10-15 minutes depending on your pace if you did want to walk.

Have a look at the rooms/theme of both and decide from there, but I wouldn`t let distance from the parks make your mind up for you.

The pool at Sapphire, while not having a lazy river, is still a lovely pool too.

 

[yesman70]

I stayed at Cabana Bay a few years ago when my son was younger. We loved it.
Just booked a trip in June at Sapphire Falls. Based my decision on my sons age now and Sapphire being a little closer to the parks.
Looking forward to it. But im
Guessing you can’t go wrong with either hotel.

 

[Grumpy92]

Love the lazy river and Bayliner Diner. The rooms are bginnin to show their age. Sapphire falls has the largest pool and the boat to the parks. You can’t go wrong with either

 

[Wakey]

Aventura is a really nice hotel.

 

[ricosuave]

We've stayed at both and prefer Sapphire.

Cabana pros- walk to Volcano Bay, lazy river
cons- room furniture is very worn out, walls are very thin, kids running the halls (interior rooms) and leaf blowers going by 7:30 am every morning.

Sapphire pros- GORGEOUS! Feels like a deluxe resort, boat taxi, quieter, less crowded at the pool
cons-NONE!

 

[jpholic]

I've stayed at CB a couple times now and really enjoyed each visit, the pool areas and amenities are so cute and fun. Love the retro feel and the food court, the sbux and the shops. Never really had noise issues. Busses were always coming and going so never a terrible wait.

I am staying at Sapphire Falls this coming October and really looking forward to it. The design and room aesthetic looks lovely and looking forward to the pool. Super excited because I have heard only fantastic things about this resort.

 

[Monykalyn]

Stayed at both including Cabana bay in past year.
CBBR- pools are great, Bayliner diner is probably one of the best quick service places in either Disney or Universal. I love the family suites, love having the fridge, sink, microwave and the space. I always ask for high floor and don’t care if it’s near elevator so rooms have been fine for me. LOVE Swizzle lounge as well, and great rainy day activity with the bowling alley (and good food there too). Bus service has never been an issue even with covid and limited capacity. And I love the themi g down to retro products in bathrooms

Sapphire falls - gorgeous resort, beautiful pool, nice rooms. The boat service saves so many steps as the boats pick you up in city walk after you exit park. Busses you walk alll through city walk, then down to buses. We stay here for HHN because we don’t need the EP during day (we have APs that have the after 4 express) and it’s nice to take boat back, I do miss the space in the room but it’s not a deal breaker. I found quick service options here more limited but a box of Voodoo donuts for mornings (or late night snack) works out ok lol! The staff at all the resorts we stayed at are just exceptional! Like Disney used to be.

as others have said you really cannot go wrong with either.

 

[CindyPA]

I just got back from SF… love it! Staff is wonderful, resort is gorgeous. And walking to Volcano Bay is also very quick and easy. Literally out the front lobby and walk around the front of Aventura. Less than 5 minutes. Have not stayed at CB, but just wanted to say walk to VB from SF was also very easy if that was a factor.