Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort Overview & Review

[@WaterBug46]

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]

I can’t wait to go back 😁

[@largol33t1]

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]

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]

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

[@WaterBug46]

@@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

[@FanThemePark]

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]

I want Universal Orlando Resort for my future

[@kathope6838]

im going to universal for the first time as an adult and first time staying on the property! As an autistic 22 year old videos like these are my saving grace. Thank you for showing me exactly what i can expect as surprises are very hard for me. This was SO helpful!

[@allanbrown4922]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Allan! Much appreciated as always 👍👍😁

[@largol33t1]

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]

Natural selection.

[@blackbeard6423]

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]

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]

@@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.

[@Justagirlwholovesthemeparks]

Thanks

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Bless you, thank you so much for that 😁

[@outstate9218]

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.

[@GhostofSicklesleg]

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]

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

[@Cokey670]

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

[@santaclaritadrone2844]

Great video. We stated at this hotel for 4 nights in 2022. Great hotel and location. Bus service to the parks was flawless. Good food court. Two big pools. Love the decor and theming. No issues. Staying here again when we go in 2025. We booked to family suites with interior entry that were also connecting

[@LifewithKelss]

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!

[@Notchedto11]

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]

Very welcome! Hope you enjoy your trips 😁👍

[@n_a992]

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]

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

[@jeninaslicer352]

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]

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

[@largol33t1]

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.

[@gone4daystravel]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Very welcome, thank you for watching 😁

[@jenniferlorimer9644]

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]

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

[@May54321]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Very welcome 👍😁

[@ttoribrooke]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

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

[@PvMalot]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you 😁👍

[@Amal.Mansour]

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]

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

[@dakosaurusrex9850]

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]

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]

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

[@Seoulsearch616]

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]

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

[@Seoulsearch616]

@@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]

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

[@picturebataljon2574]

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]

You are in for a treat 😁

[@davidrodrigues9758]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Glad it was helpful!😁

[@susanmeredith4957]

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.

[@mattgarland2891]

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]

Thank you for that 😁 I get most of the music from epidemic sound 👍

[@mattgarland2891]

@@TheFrugalBrit Cheers! Looking forward to the next vid!

[@sabrinapoole9052]

I'm bringing my daughter for a sweet 16 trip next year July it's going too be here Golden Bday she would love this I hope

[@hugolloyd1973]

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

[@patnrach]

Super informative and so interesting!! Love your videos.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Much appreciated 😁

[@edvaira6891]

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]

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]

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.

[@TheMesmerizingCollective]

Quality as always Jay.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you! 👍😁

[@josephc04]

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]

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]

@@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.

[@Dragonofmaroonvalley]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Me too! 😁

[@largol33t1]

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...

[@cynthiastlaurent3878]

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! ☺

[@rb5078]

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.

[@christinedrowne8922]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

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]

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

[@pamelathomas847]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Hope you have the best trip 😁

[@janesdresser8843]

What a brilliant review , wow you are good ❤

[@averyring3409]

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!

[@PhilAm-Animations317]

6:28 I literally went to cabana bay 3 days ago and I think that room was mine… what number was it?

[@markw3455]

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

[@Klynch111]

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.

[@robertadcock2793]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Thank you Robert, glad it was useful 👍😁

[@stevenschindler8342]

Great video. Please tell me this. I have knee issues and going up and down stairs is a problem with me. Does this resort have facilities in place (elevators, ramps, golf carts etc) to help me get everywhere I might want to go? (ie: from room to restaurants, beach, pool etc..) Thanks so much, Steve S.

[@iilikeitlikethatii]

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,

[@katepalmer4423]

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]

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]

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

[@martinwatts434]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

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

[@martinwatts434]

@@TheFrugalBrit Thank you

[@pam863]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

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

[@lovingit824]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

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

[@redros311]

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

[@cesargalue]

another awesome video! keep it up

[@TheFrugalBrit]

😁 thank you!!

[@benandstefflauchlan3946]

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]

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.

[@Fa__timaaaa]

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]

Great choice! Hope you have the best time 👍😁

[@lesliereynolds4492]

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]

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]

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.

[@VoiceoftheBoa2]

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]

Completely agree 😁

[@mcurt9]

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

[@Rich-ge4bt]

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

[@TheFrugalBrit]

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

[@ronaldfish1569]

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

[@jeffrey8859]

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?

[@shereenwallace7790]

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]

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]

@@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]

@@TheFrugalBrit also thank you for your reply.

[@TTYT945]

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 KZbin videos I have seen. Universal definitely x Thank you again for all your help.

[@TheFrugalBrit]

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]

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]

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

[@richardshillings1251]

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]

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

[@richardshillings1251]

@@TheFrugalBrit nice one, thank you 😊

[@CallumHull13]

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]

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

[@CallumHull13]

@@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

[@alextucker5129]

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

[@TheImpossibleCube]

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

[@jacquelinewagner2210]

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

[@kimgrod]

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]

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

[@danthomasburton]

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]

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]

@@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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@kimgrod]

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]

That’s a good point!

[@largol33t1]

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.

[@roccosophie6498]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Glad it was helpful! 😁

[@ThemeParkStudios-rx4lw]

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

[@brianpatry6362]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@edwardcrabtree2352]

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?

[@arshixoxo]

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]

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

[@Kristalizednails]

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]

@@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...

[@dandicristina1389]

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

[@kevincampbell9757]

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]

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

[@kevincampbell9757]

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

[@dano612s]

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

[@javierdeleongaitan8651]

Excelent review

[@WillBillBilly]

Never had an issue with the Volcano Bay entrance.

[@skatergirl8019]

Great video!! Thank you!!

[@hunterworthen6467]

Do they have options with views of islands of adventure?

[@dano612s]

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

[@albertvillalobos1377]

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.

[@shannandfinn]

Does the standard queen room have a mini fridge?

[@ericteneyck8691]

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]

I’ve always been sensitive to parking charges 😤

[@largol33t1]

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."

[@MamaLetsPlay]

Untill What time is the pool Open?

[@brookedurbin1575]

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

[@TheBeautimousChannel]

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]

Yeah this is a major downside to the towers.

[@largol33t1]

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.

[@TrainerCTZ]

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

[@pamelathomas847]

Are there internal corridor family suites in Americana side

[@Lorena-OT7]

Do you know how thin the walls are at Aventura?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Pretty good if I recall 👍

[@RWernsing]

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

[@dennisgillespie4961]

does cabana bay still have the fire pits for smores

[@TheFrugalBrit]

They do indeed, I always forget to film them 🙈

[@dennisgillespie4961]

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

[@largol33t1]

@@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.

[@altarush]

Review Disney resorts. Which hotels are best for buck?

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Pop century is best value at Disney IMO

[@hunterworthen6467]

Do family suites get a volcano view?

[@lennytheleopard]

Great vid. Thanks

[@chriswood1210]

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]

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

[@yeidycacho9736]

It’s an amazing hotel

[@TheFrugalBrit]

Agreed 😁

[@PjThePlatGod]

Make one on portofino bay!

[@TheFrugalBrit]

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