Which Value hotel for opening week of Epic?

[Artygal90]

I am planning to book a 3-night Universal package tomorrow morning for the weekend Epic Universe opens. I’m not sure who, if anyone, will be coming with me, but if I end up with a large group we’d want to be in a suite. Edited to add: I’m also not sure if I should book a suite anyway just in case, or stick with a standard room. We might bring my 2 year old or he might stay home with grandma, but otherwise we will all be adults.

What onsite budget hotel should I pick? I probably will be taking it very easy this trip, hitting the parks for early entry and then going back to the hotel for naps and pool time (although I’m not fussy about the type of pool).

 

[The Gatekeeper]

The new prime value hotels don't have suites (Stella Nova, Terra Luna) so that leaves you with Endless Summer's two resorts, Cabana Bay and Adventura to research and see which you like best.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

For budget and/or suites - Dockside or Surfside
For more relaxed / adult feel, better pool options (pool hopping), option to take boat/walk (though not to EU) - Aventura
For fun retro vibe and/or suites, lazy river - Cabana Bay
For shiny new hotel - Stella Nova/Terra Luna

FWIW, it appears that for standard rooms, Stella Nova & Terra Luna will be priced the same as Aventura & Cabana Bay.

 

[Artygal90]

The new prime value hotels don't have suites (Stella Nova, Terra Luna) so that leaves you with Endless Summer's two resorts, Cabana Bay and Adventura to research and see which you like best.

Sorry, I edited my post to clarify. Part of my question is not just where to book a room, but what *type* to book - ie should I just get a suite upfront (and then my choices are between Dockside and Surfside, as you mentioned), and downgrade if fewer people come - or, stick with a standard room and cram people in if needed.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Either way, you pay more for additional adults beyond 2. They are fully refundable up until 5-6 days out, so you can either pick the most likely or book both options and cancel whichever one you end up not needing. If you're going to be spending much time in the room, or if you want a microwave, for more than 2 adults you'd probably want the suite.