My wife and I stayed here last year for four nights and had a blast. We did park hoppers for both parks and visited Volcano Bay one day and having the side entrance within walking distance was so nice. Also the bus service to take you into City Walk was so helpful. Highly recommend staying here!

@HenryArdon3002

3 ай бұрын

I want Universal Orlando Resort for my future

I’m a local and Cabana Bay is my go to of all the park hotels, Disney included. One can have as noisy or quiet as one desires and still be close to everything. And I just love the kitchiness ❤️

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

I can’t wait to go back 😁

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

My only gripe about Cabana Bay is its sheer size. If I want a great view, it usually helps to book a room on the top two floors of the Americana wing. But this comes with a big caveat: it's a loooong walk to the elevators. I stayed there for four days in 2020 during the off-season. I immediately noticed how long the walk to my room was. Every morning, I had to whip out my phone and go through the checklist so I don't waste almost 4 minutes walking back and forth. Example of how long my checklist was: bag to carry everything sunglasses wallet and all cards (one thing to note: a guy held up the line at the gate because Universal demanded to see his driver's license with his ticket. He had to fumble through his backpack for it and it took quite a while.) room key roll-up jacket (I went during off season and South Florida can get pretty cold, always check the weather on the big info screens in the lobby) car keys backup battery with USB cable Universal park ticket refill mug (and for muggle parents, you better add for the kids: water bottles, wizarding robes and wands and cell phones if they carry them for emergencies!) Yes, that's how long the checklist was. Fortunately I only made one return trip back to the room during my 4-day stay.

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

PS: forgot to add: you probably don't need water bottles if your kids are patient. You can go ask for free ice water at any quick service kiosk in Universal's parks so maybe that item will be optional.

@pamelathomas847

Жыл бұрын

Is May a good time to visit ,end of May / June ??

@WaterBug46

Жыл бұрын

@@pamelathomas847 it’s a very good time as long as you come before school lets out for the summer. And all school scheds are different. But after all of that? Yes, it’s a very nice time to visit

Fun tip: the screens in the cafeteria show real commercials from the 1950s and 60s. Watch as many of them as you can. You'd be shocked at the "safety" standards they had back then. Truly astounding to see, especially when the ads for kids' toys comes up. That was mind-boggling! I researched some of these toys and a chemistry set may or may not have had refined gunpowder! It must have been crazy being a kid in those days, knowing your toys could put you in the hospital the next day! 😂😲

@gysareannoying.8430

Жыл бұрын

Natural selection.

@BellaGirl999

Жыл бұрын

I went to universal, AND IT WAS THE BEST! Definitely recommend to stay at this hotel/motel.

Cant stop myself re-watching vids on this channel, such a therapeutic yet informative experience, brings back loads of nostalgia from my family holidays to Florida as a kid. Does anybody know what music Frugal uses, its so uplifting.💆‍♂

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Matt 😁 I get most of my music from Epidemic Sound

Another outstanding in-depth video as I’ve come to expect from you. So professional and so informative. Keep them coming fella.

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Allan! Much appreciated as always 👍👍😁

No better way to wake up on a rainy Sunday morning than to your notification in regards to a Cabana Bay Resort overview! Love it!!! Thank you!! BTW, I booked a suite a few moments ago for the week of Thanksgiving!

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jenina that’s really nice to hear. Hope you have the best vacation 😁👍

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

Yikes, you're brave. I sincerely hope you have a great time there. The Disney tourists are abandoning their theme park because they're fed up with the Mouse's HORRIBLE management and soaring prices. Best thing I can offer is: listen to the locals and season pass holders. They can give some advice on what days to go. And one thing to note: Disney's Avengers campus is getting poor reviews. Universal has some weird ex-post facto clause in their contract with Marvel so Disney can't force them to tear down their Marvel attractions such as Doctor Doom's Fear Fall.

Another great video. Hadn't realized how appealing cabana bay is with the lazy river and slides. Thanks for all the tips and putting this together. Wonderful job again 😊

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jennifer, yeah definitely not short on things to do, can’t wait to go back 😁

Another top quality and informative guide from the Frugal one, keep them coming 👍🏻

This video has me wanting to go back to Universal! My daughter worked there, and the wife and I loved staying there. Great video!

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that, me too! Just waiting for some good deals to come in before I book again.

We've stayed there twice and really enjoyed it. The family suites are a little small but hard to beat the lazy river and the pools for the kids and walking to Volcano Bay. Most of the maps they create for the resort are turned 90° from the actual north-south layout.

I had a great time at universals endless summer: surfside the room was great. Parks were great and this was my first time ever! We plan on going back next year to stay at cabana bay. Thanks for the video!

I'm going here in just a few days! Thank you so much for all the fun details

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Very welcome Tori, thank you for watching. Hope you have the best trip 😁👍

Fantastic videos! I appreciate how thorough you always are -- I'm in the US and find your videos more helpful than many from the locals. Wonderful work as always. 👍💐💕

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that! There’s some great locals on here so I’ll take that as high praise 👍😁

@Seoulsearch616

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit I appreciate the local channels that I follow, and I understand they each have their own focus. But I find that with many, you have to sort through hundreds of videos in order to just find the basic practical information needed to actually plan a trip there if it's not local. I love that I can come to your channel and just find exactly what I need, right down to the information about the type of plates they may have in the rooms! Very, very helpful for those who can't get there as often as we'd like. Thank you again! 👍

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

@@Seoulsearch616 I know what you mean. Vlogs provide something different. Really appreciate comments like this, thank you! 👍😁

Loved the video! Based on your earlier recommendations, we’re staying at Cabana Bay for the private Volcano Bay access for our trip later this year. It’ll be our first time visiting Universal as well. Keep up the great content!

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic, hope you have a great trip 🌴 🏊‍♀️ 🍹

A truly incredible hotel, I felt like I had been transported to another world. I loved it there. 2nd best holiday of my life. My best one was in Lanzarote.The beers and burgers we had in Disneyland was good and the kids lerned a lot about animals thair.

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Love this place, I’m back there in 8 weeks. Funny confession, until an age I’m not willing to admit, I thought Lanzarote was in Wales. I though it was spelt ‘Llanzarote’😂

@blackbeard6423

Жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit Enjoy - food is good in the main cafereria and at the various bars around the property. You will like it, be sure to try their pizza. It was unbelievable. By far the best we had in the USA.

fabulous review which made me pick this for our holiday this year. all reviews are bang on after visiting of r2 weeks.

Yet another spectacular video. Could not have been more clear. I imagine first timers will find this video particularly helpful too.

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Thank you 😁👍

Thank you for so many details, especially about gluten free food options! Fantastic review.

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Very welcome 👍😁

Absolutely superb review! Wife and I travelling from the UK in November & staying at Cabana Bay, then travelling again in July 2024 with my 18 year old (staying in ES Surfside) so this has been exactly what I was after! Thank you so much for your attention to detail 👍👏

@TheFrugalBrit

9 ай бұрын

Very welcome! Hope you enjoy your trips 😁👍

Amazing video, the best one I could find on the subject. Thanks for the tips and all the info, you helped a lot.

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!😁

Super informative and so interesting!! Love your videos.

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Much appreciated 😁

Loving your content! 🤩Subscribed and cannot wait to watch more. I am taking my 21 year old daughter for our 1st time to DW and Universal (something I have wanted to do for years) and as much as I need to make it as budget friendly in flight/hotels as I can.... I really want to do a split stay between DW and Universal value hotels. I am loving all the Universal hotels I have watched so far, and I almost want to do my whole stay in one. But, I have no interest in renting a car as we are flying there from middle of Canada so either we will stay off-site and use those not as great hotel shuttles and ubers... or if I can, I will do a split stay in value resorts at both! Thank you for the wonderful resort overviews! I am enjoying hearing the history of each resort and parks, I am finding it very interesting! ☺

as a new travel agent, you've helped me to decide which hotel is best for my family . Thank you so much!

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Very welcome, thank you for watching 😁

Thorough and thoroughly delightful as usual, good sir! I’ve almost never heard anyone who had anything but great things to say about this really well-themed resort! Hope your most recent visit (If I remember from your past videos, you said May?) went well!

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Yeah the trip went incredibly well, kids loved it. I stayed behind for an extra week on my own for extra filming. Back in September for horror nights 😁

@DarkMite2

Жыл бұрын

I really dislike CB. It's dirty and after only 5 years of operation becoming so worn down. I stayed there most recently in Sept. 2022. I won't go back. I'd rather upgrade to another hotel or stay at the value resorts. (That are much nicer - IMHO). I guess I'm your first CB isn't "great" comment.

Quality as always Jay.

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! 👍😁

It did answer all the questions I was looking for. Thank you so much for this video! Cabana Bay should pay you for this video because it encouraged me to stay there😅

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

You’re every welcome Amal. That’s a great compliment, much appreciated!

Excellent video! I’m staying here in October, one thing I haven’t been able to find is if drinks are allowed in the lazy river. I hope they are!

Great video I'm thinking of booking this weekend for next May from Ireland,great video, thanks

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Hope you have the best trip 😁

We will be checking into Cabana Bay tomorrow for our first time staying there. I am looking forward to it.

Perfect timing, i’m going in about 2 weeks for the first time in my life to america en especially this hotel. Greetz from The Netherlands

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

You are in for a treat 😁

a definite YES! I loved it when we went there 🥰🥰🥰

Love the food court, International Grill. I love both the beef and chicken dishes and really appreciate the choice of side dishes. I’ve stayed at Sapphire too. And while I loved it , still doesn’t give express pass, so not sure the extra up charge is worth it to me. I think an EP compromise for SF would be good. A Limited express pass maybe.

This guy needs to be sponsored by universal. Literally could not ask for a more informative video. And the visuals and footage were spot on. One thing I'm curious of though. We are strapped for time and money so we only booked cabana bay for 1 night but we have park tickets for 2 days. Do we still have early access to the park on the 1st day, or does that take effect only after check in?

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

If you haven't gone, it's best to call the hotel and ask about it. And beware, for some reason, early entry rotates between the two lands! One day, Universal has early entry. The next day, it jumps to Islands of Adventure!

@blackbeard6423

Жыл бұрын

Best call the Cabana Bay Resorts Orlando helpline the kind staff behind the desk in Orlando will fix your problem.

Very good video we are going to universal and staying at cabana bay in a few weeks this was very helpful.

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Robert, glad it was useful 👍😁

Great video! It has been very helpful in helping us select a hotel. I was a little confused by the Early Park Admission section though @9:22 when you mentioned the parks it applies to and then said it ''tends to be Island of Adventure more often than not" I was under the impression you could only choose one park to use the EPA on, are you saying that which park has EPA will be decided by the parks day of? Thanks!

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Hi Joseph. So yeah only one park at a time will be early park admission at a time. On my last trip, it was available for IOA for every trip, so that meant it was never available for USF. If you go on the website, you’ll be able to see the schedule for it, but apparently it can change with fairly short notice. Hope that makes sense!

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit That's strange. When I went, they did it on a rotating schedule. One day, IOA had early admission. The next day, it was in Universal. Then on day three, it switched back to IOA.

The vlog was amazing informative answered everything i wanted to know about the resort, roll on November, Thanks again.

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Very welcome Martin, glad it was useful. Hope you have the best trip in November 👍😁

@martinwatts434

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit Thank you

Hi frugal Brit , love the videos , we are planning a trip from Nz to Orlando next may (your videos are my education on all things theme park) I’d love your thoughts on whether the premium/deluxe style accomodation are worth it for the perks , are the line cutting feature at Orlando make a big difference ?

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I think it depends on your budget and how long you’ll be staying at the resort. If it’s more than a few days, then I find it hard to justify the deluxe/preferred hotels at Disney and Universal.

the bus service at universal is fantastic! we never waited more than 5 mins to get the next bus!

Thank you so much for the videos they are very helpful. I just called and requested the Castaway building on a high floor for our family suite stay in September 😂. It will be our first trip to Universal.

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Great choice! Hope you have the best time 👍😁

When staying at Cabana Bay and when using the Volcano Bay entrance do you need seperate tickets for this park or are they included or amenity with staying at this resort?

Thanks for the video! I like how Universal Studios resorts always have affordable hotels than Disney.

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Me too! 😁

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

Universal needs to hire better photographers, LOL. The room I booked was MUCH larger than the pictures suggested. I thought it would feel very tight but I had room to easily drop my rolling luggage and backpack in front of the dining table and still sit on the bed to watch TV. And the bathrooms are big enough that someone can shower while the parents are brushing their teeth at the sink together. It offers plenty of room. And yes, that really is Alberto VO5 shampoo. I bet guests snitch those bottles like crazy to show to their parents and grandparents...

Sounds like you're in a very similar position as I am with a family of 5! We're going for the last two weeks in August and I've ended up going for Dockside primarily because of the "proper" beds. I am starting to worry two weeks in a single hotel might be a bit much and as we're looking to do both Universal and Disney, I am second guessing my choice :/ I assume a Family Suite at Art of Animation by a good second week alternative?

Thank you so much for the information I upgraded our hotel to Cabana Bay it's going to be out first time 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

This hotel looks so fun it’s like an attraction all its own. I checked out the premier resorts first, but while beautiful they seemed sort of boring. This is definitely my pick for our upcoming trip.

another awesome video! keep it up

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

😁 thank you!!

Very helpful. Thank you!

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! 😁

Another useful tip I dunno if you cover, is, if you want a free way to get to international drive, get the coach from cabana bay to citiwalk then hop on the coach for endless summer Surfside and your right by I drive. I plan on doijg this and going over to wallgreens.

Cabana Bay has been my go-to choice of hotel for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal come September. Since I usually go alone, it's super affordable, giving me more budget to upgrade my tickets (which is a must for that event). All 5 times I've stayed there, it's been an awesome experience! You could easily spend a day at the hotel and Volcano Bay and feel just as satisfied.

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Completely agree 😁

Just the video I was looking for! Staying there in October with an volcano bay view room. Requested the bayside tower based on the view from your other channel when you went in November

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

That view is unreal tbf, really angry that I forgot to get some footage at night.

@CallumHull13

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit I bet it’s special at night. Stayed in Enclave suites back in 2019 and had a room that could see the top of it all lit up so excited for that

Does the standard queen room have a mini fridge?

Do they have options with views of islands of adventure?

Enjoyed your video ! Do you know if the bus from Cabana Bay takes you to the other Universal resorts?

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Technically no, but if you wanted you can sneak over to Volcano Bay bus depot which will take you to every universal resort 👍

Excelent review

Can you tell make a video on what it's like to travel to America as a tourist? Airport, what to pack, weather, culture, hotel/park etiquette,

Hi thanks for video, do you know if endless summer guests are allowed to access cabana bay facilities? Thanks 😊

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

They can’t use the pool areas, but they can do all the other stuff I think 👍

I am staying there this weekend I can’t wait I am a premier pass holder

I had never heard of this hotel buy now I am dying to go!!!

I’m sorry to hear this- when we stayed in May, we had full housekeeping and our plates etc were replaced daily.

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

That’s interesting. Yeah I might’ve exaggerated this a bit, I’m sure they changed the beds etc more times than I realised.

@christinedrowne8922

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit I will say that in other aspects, the staffing did seem low

Took the boat from Saphire one day, it was very nice!

Great vid. Thanks

Are there internal corridor family suites in Americana side

Great video , regarding the free style mugs if you buy one at the resort can you use it at the theme parks ? :)

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Thank you rich! Unfortunately you have to buy separate ones for the parks :(

Fully agree about Endless Summer being the better value overall. You can get a two-bedroom suite (3 queen beds!) for the same price as a standard room at the Prime Value hotels. In my opinion, if you're looking to save money, you want an Endless Summer hotel. If you're looking for a bunch of amenities but can't afford Sapphire Falls or the Prime Hotels, then you want Aventura because you can pool hop and easily walk over to Sapphire Falls and use its amenities and water taxi. If you also want a family suite in addition to that, or if you want to do the Halloween events exclusive to the resort hotels, then you want Cabana Bay.

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

All quite true and I fully agree. I picked Cabana Bay because of the pool areas, the diner and the cool decor. Yes, Frugal Brit moaned a few times about the food but I found it affordable and decent. Plus it was a trip down memory lane dining cafeteria style. Yes, this place does it the old way: after eating, you have to clear your table and leave the dishes, cups and trays in the dirty dishes stations in the center of the dining area. Some tourists were actually quite confused and I suspect its because they were born after cafeterias started going out of business nationwide or they came from a country that never had this. I was born in the very late 1970s and as a kid, my parents dined out at Furrs, which was a nationwide cafeteria chain. The food was good and cheap for the whole family. That's why I understood the dining concept while others totally misunderstood and left their trays and dishes at the tables.

@DarkMite2

Жыл бұрын

@@largol33t1 People aren't confused, just lazy. The idea of taking your tray, trash & such to the trash can happens at fast food places all over the world to this day. Every hotel on property that offers quick serve is the same too. Guests leave their trash all over restaurant tables in all the parks and CityWalk.. It's not due to theme

@dano612s

11 ай бұрын

@@largol33t1 while i was born in '83, i sill picked up my dishes and put them away! 😁 the food there was super good!

What are the pool side activities? Are they regular and year round?

Question, is there a bar on the rooftops of Beachside and Bayside buildings?

Do family suites get a volcano view?

Where is there sand? Is it around both pools and lazy river?

Thank you. This video is great. I’m looking at staying here or endless summer at Easter 2024. We are a family of 4 with boys who will be 11 and 9. Never been to Florida. I’m thinking of staying here for 11 nights. My boys will totally love all of Universal. I was thinking the pool means we can have a mix of relaxing days and theme park / water park days. Do you think I would be crazy not to do Disney parks as well?

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

No you’re not crazy. I always say that if you can, it makes sense to pick either Disney or Universal, as you save a fortune. Universal is absolutely perfect for that age group 😁

@katepalmer4423

Жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit thank you. That’s what my instincts told me so it helps to hear from an expert! X

Thanks for this info! So I’ve costed a DIY package and then called an operator (Ocean) but the operator is coming out about £400 more expensive than using TUI and Floridatix separately. As TUI is already Atol protected are there any other benefits of going through the operator to justify the extra costs? Trying to balance budget with making sure we are not missing anything as this’ll most likely be a once-in-a-lifetime trip with our 11 year old.

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Hi Daniel, I would just go with TUI if they are cheaper tbh. They have a much bigger reputation to uphold. What price are you looking at and for how many nights?

@danthomasburton

Жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit thanks so much! We’re looking at 14 nights during the last 2 weeks August in 2023 in a cabana bay suite with 2 week tickets for both Disney and Universal. It’s worked out at just under 8k flying from Manchester in total. I’ve watched so many of your videos it’ll feel like I’ve already been soon!

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! It’s hard to judge value when it’s packaged with tickets and everything, but as I said, I would pick TUI over Ocean personally. Hope you have a great time 👍😁

@danthomasburton

Жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit thanks so much! It’s been a dream since I was 10 and saw an advert for Blizzard Beach - cannot wait. I studied video editing as part of my degree and you are way better than me btw.

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

@@danthomasburton Odd, doesn't Virgin Holidays have agents planning trips to Universal? Or were they much more expensive than TUI?

Great video! Would love to hear your thoughts on Portofino Bay. I considered Cabana Bay at first but when I came across Portofino Bay my heart is now set on Portofino Bay even though it’s very expensive 😭😭

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

There’s a chance I might be staying there in September 👍

@Kristalizednails

Жыл бұрын

Portofino Bay is nice but be prepared for a lot of walking, it's a big resort so if you get a room far from the lobby area it's a journey, the pool areas were small and mostly for stylish decor in my view( like a boutique hotel). The restaurants there were nice ( ate at mama's Italian and was serenaded with an individual performance but not to my liking when it comes to food taste, its the NY in me 😪😂.) They had other restaurants too, I didnt try them; a small Starbucks store as well. The sang opera or other Italian theme songs at certain times at night and the boat area scenery is beautiful and felt like I was away in Europe but the walk from portofino to city walk compared to the hard rock is far 😮‍💨 so we took the boats alot. Overall a nice luxury hotel in esthetic style but too much walking for my taste especially when you're tired from a day in the parks. Ooh! we also did the spa there, it was super nice (pre-book in advance though).

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

@@Kristalizednails The only walking I had the nerve to do was cross a bridge to Aventura to try out their dining area. Everything else is going to require a lot of walking and remember, you're doing this in the hot Florida sun too so that takes some of your energy away...

Hello I just want to say thank you so much for your videos I have watched a few and they are extremely helpful, detailed and clear. You have a lovely voice which keeps my attention. This video in particular has really helped eased our minds about where to stay, we are going to choose Cabana Bay. Could I ask your advice, after lots of research we have decided against Disney World for a few reasons, and would rather stay at Universal and possibly a trip out to Seaworld and Kennedy Space Centre. My son will be 10 and not really a Disney fan anymore, do you think not going to Disney will be something I will regret perhaps? I’m not particularly wowed with the KZread videos I have seen. Universal definitely x Thank you again for all your help.

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Hi Kay, thank you for those kind words! Sort of depends whether it’s a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip or not. I actually think picking one or the other (universal or Disney) is the smartest way to do it, but is often difficult deciding between the two. For his age, there’s a high chance he will prefer Universal to Disney. Disney World is incredible of course, but is horrendously expensive these days.

@TTYT945

Жыл бұрын

I appreciate your reply and value your opinion thank you so much. I think we will stick to Universal as yes a big factor is the money and my OH is not so keen on rides so I think to be fair on him just Universal will be plenty 😁 look forward to watching more of your videos! Sending best wishes to you and your family 🙏

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

@@TTYT945 hope you have a great time!! 😁

Absolutely the best hotel at Universal that you don’t have to be rich to stay there they have amazing amenities two pools lazy river lazy river to

Would like to know how long the lazy river is at this hotel. I really want to stay there for that and the design. That is my childhood all over the place. Great review.

@gunieapig2lovecats886

2 жыл бұрын

The lazy river isn’t long as compared to the ones in Volcano Bay. However, it’s still cool the river lights up at night and they play a different universal movie each night while you swim in the pools. In the lobby they have a guide to the weeks movies (Ex: E.T, the mummy, dolphin tale, etc.)

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

I stayed there four days in 2020. Size isn't a huge factor for me. There was enough room to do some swimming. You do NOT have to use a raft to get into the lazy river.

i noticed the cabana bay rooms have carpet vs laminate type at dockside. something to consider. I also heard that the walkway will have homeless people hanging out there and not very safe.

While the Starbucks line looked really long, it moved very fast. So overall it was not too bad!

I've seen that they can check where you are staying and not let you ride the boat if you at Cabban Bay, has this changed? Only asking because I would like to ride the boat and Saffire Fallsis the cheapest with that.

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

I’ve not seen them turn people away. I may be out of the loop, but I’d be surprised if they decided to make it exclusive to just sapphire falls.

@shereenwallace7790

Жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit it was exclusive to Saffire and premium hotels, they could have changes it, I'll double check cuz that was a big pull for me to stay at Safire and not Cabanna Bay.

@shereenwallace7790

Жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit also thank you for your reply.

You can get a complimentary, free cup of water from almost anywhere at UOR, including the hotels. No need to buy a Coke style refillable cup

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah that’s true, sometimes it’s just nice to not have to ask anyone though, I always feel cheap lol.

Do you know how thin the walls are at Aventura?

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Pretty good if I recall 👍

A disadvantage of staying at Dockside is that you cannot pool hop to the higher priced hotels including Cabana bay. If that's something you'd like to enjoy, it maybe worth spending a few more dollars to stay at CB, or any of the other on site hotels.

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a good point!

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

Kim, one problem: I TRIED this. I stayed at Cabana Bay and they didn't let me pool hop at Aventura or other hotel pools. If your room key won't open the gate, you can't get in.

We didn't know about the SeaWorld shuttle, that will save us some UBER cost. The parking fees that resorts and parks charge are just outrageous, nearly pure profit. $18 per night is crazy, but it's still less than Disney. All in all, you have reenforced our thinking that Cabana Bay will be a great place to stay.

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve always been sensitive to parking charges 😤

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

I think at this point, ANY hotel on Harry Potter's doorstep is cheaper than Mickey's. Right now, I've heard a lot of people dumping a Disney hotel and picking something off Disney property because the prices and amenities can't compete with others like Hampton Inn or Loews hotels. PS: Loews provides the staffing and management for all Universal hotels. If you read the brochures, look on the back. The fine print on the very bottom says something like "Division of Loews Hotel Group."

Hi we are going to dockside in sept from the uk ,£3600 for 2weeks price includes fights hotel universal Disney volcano bay passes. Do you think that’s a good deal

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Kevin, how many people did you get flights for?

@kevincampbell9757

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit two of us that price was for both of us not each

Never had an issue with the Volcano Bay entrance.

Hi you explained you go get a coffee from Starbucks at 6:30am while your wife sorts the kids out, I assume you are up this early to take advantage of the early park admission? If that’s the case what time would you normally go to bed since that seems like a very long day?

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Yeah that’s for early park admission days. I sleep between 5 and 7 hours per day, which I wouldn’t recommend lol

@richardshillings1251

Жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit nice one, thank you 😊

👍

The Frugal Queen strikes again! Bravo, another informative one.

Thanks

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Bless you, thank you so much for that 😁

It’s an amazing hotel

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Agreed 😁

does cabana bay still have the fire pits for smores

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

They do indeed, I always forget to film them 🙈

@dennisgillespie4961

Жыл бұрын

@@TheFrugalBrit the reason i ask is my grandson likes to roast hot dogs there and of corse smores,

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

@@dennisgillespie4961 The fire pits are built into the ground. They sell the smores and rods in the cafeteria near the drinks fridges. However, I do not know how to turn the pits on. I guess you have to make reservations to use them. Better call the front desk for more information.

We stayed in March paid for upgrade of volcano bay volcano view worst mistake ever, they play loud music from 7am- midnight everyday and you can hear it in your room.

@TheFrugalBrit

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah this is a major downside to the towers.

@largol33t1

Жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that. If you stay in the hotel wings, you won't hear the loud music. Example: the end rooms in the Americana section on the top floor have great views of Volcano Bay but I didn't hear any loud music when I slept at night.

So I'm booked this hotel for horror nights. Im not really a family guy. But I can walk to city walk from this hotel. So can anyone tell me, is it like kids running around or I can survive 5 days stay. I do have everything planned out. But I like to lay at the pool and listen to my music

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Lot of kids to be honest, but only when the kids are off school. Aventura might be a better choice.

Review Disney resorts. Which hotels are best for buck?

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

Pop century is best value at Disney IMO

Make one on portofino bay!

@TheFrugalBrit

Жыл бұрын

I’m booked in for September, but I think a ‘should you book’ video might not be out for a whole tbh.

Can we get one thing strait, the pizzas aren’t over priced their underpriced

When I’m traveling with friends I love staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort! The 50s theme and decor make me feel happy. We walk across the street to use the water taxis at Sapphire Falls my other favorite property at Universal. The cafeteria has a lot of choices but they never change! Consider renting a car to go off property for dinner. Universal food is expensive and it’s not that great except for breakfast. Be carefully when staying in the tower facing the water park! While the rooms have magnificent views, the noise level even if your room is on a high floor is very loud. Every night there’s a very annoying alarm that goes off for a long time and it can drive you insane. I’ve never heard that noise in any other room other than a water park facing room. There are a lot of children at this property and they are everywhere! If that bothers you it might be hard to relax and I would recommend Sapphire Falls as a great alternative.

I stayed here in Sept. 2022. TL;DR = It's over hyped! If you have kids that can't or don't want to be in the parks for long periods of time then CB offers lots of alternative activities. Otherwise stay at an Endless Resort hotel or spend the extra for Sapphire Falls. As far as actual comfort and stay, it's only 5 years old and already looking so worn down. The campus is huge and everything is spread out. IT"S TOO HUGE. You have to take a hike to get to anything. The buses are less frequent, IME, than Endless Summer. Also, it's another hike to get to the bus stop. The walls in the room were bare. There were only 2 USB ports in the room. (We had to juggle who got to charge up their devices and when) The rooms are carpeted. I stayed there for a week and never ONCE heard or saw a vacuum anywhere! YUCK!! (One day I was in the room until 3pm as I'd stayed out until 4am for HHN and such. Not a single vacuum heard all day.) I don't hate CB, but it doesn't offer what I need and is more expensive than the more modern and clean Endless Summer Resorts.

Warning to families: it’s called Cannabis Bay for a reason. I learned the hard way.

@TheFrugalBrit

11 ай бұрын

😮

5/5 stars this is the only place i ever stay around here

I'm already staying at this expensive resort and I what? need to pay $18 for parking?!?! INSANE

The food was terrible the hotel was ridiculously expensive,the staff were rude. The beds are full of bed bugs 🐜 the cues are ridiculous for the transportation and the food halls.This could put enormous stress on a family coming over here as the prices are horrendous considering this is supposed to be family friendly. Better hotels and amenities on Idrive unless your wealthy and have a rock star budget!