Second guessing my hotel choice

[Mom3girls]

We are booked for 4 days to lay by the pool this weekend at Dockside. Now I’m beginning to wonder if I should change to Cabana Bay? What can you tell me about these two different pools? I know if we stay at Cabana Bay we can pool hop. (Not sure if pool hopping is a headache transportation wise)

 

[gmi3804]

You will be happy at either place. The good times come from things that are not planned, things you have no idea about during the planning process. I like to just let things happen, and look forward to those surprises.

 

[CamillaF]

I switched to Cabana Bay because of the pool and we never had time to swim in it. We were open to close at the parks and then a hurricane closed everything down including the pool. It depends on your trip and how much downtime you will have......

 

[georgina]

I often pool hop from Cabana Bay, usually to Portofino Bay. It involves taking the bus to City Walk, going through security there, and catching the boat to PB. There are free lockers in the restroom by the Villa pool at PB, the quieter pool I always go to, but it is not far from the Beach pool. I stash a change of clothes to use before I leave.

You could just walk to Sapphire Falls pool, which is closer, also Royal Pacific, and skip the whole bus/security at City walk thing. Or you may be happy with the pools at CB (not sure if the lazy river has reopened yet?)

 

[bababear_50]

I have been to both and love both. (This year).
Check and see if Cabana Bay Lazy River is open ,,,it was closed for refurb .
Also I think Shakes just opened at Cabana Bay. (Kind of a Retro Fun vibe). (plus a Bowling alley).
Have a look here:
https://www.insideuniversal.net/202...-opens-at-universals-cabana-bay-beach-resort/

I think my sons (3 ) would have like Cabana Bay better when they were younger,, now as young adults I think they'd like
Dockside/Surfside better.
Dockside pool has a few cool areas to just sit and chill,, chat,, use iPad /phones,,, felt very tropical but urban.

**Of note all three sons love Hot Tubs but Dockside does not have one..


Hugs Mel


Good info and a Map here on Cabana Bay
https://2traveldads.com/universals-cabana-bay-beach-resort/

 

[Mom3girls]

We decided to stay with Dockside and we LOVE it here!! The big pool is Gorgeous!!! Tons of seating/side tables/umbrellas. Tons of to make it tropical. Great at the pool bar We LOVED the Sandy beach area with walk in pool side!! We arrived today about 9:15 (hardly anyone here…less than 10 people) Sun came over tower 2 building about 9:50am Here are some pics. If anyone has any questions I can try and answer, fire away…

 

[bababear_50]

Mom3girls​

Wow
Thanks for sharing all the photos! Lovely!
I am glad you went with Dockside and have a great Fun In The Sun Holiday.
Cheers!

Hugs Mel

 

[Mom3girls]

Mom3girls​

Wow
Thanks for sharing all the photos! Lovely!
I am glad you went with Dockside and have a great Fun In The Sun Holiday.
Cheers!

Hugs Mel

Thank you!! Kinda miss going to the parks…just means I have to plan another trip!! Bought an annual pass

 

[georgina]

Thanks for the report! I have never been there so it is nice to see.

 

[Mom3girls]

Thanks for the report! I have never been there so it is nice to see.

I know everyone has their ideal resort and I thought this was gonna be too much of a step down for me but we are pleasantly surprised.

 

[wdwrule]

I know everyone has their ideal resort and I thought this was gonna be too much of a step down for me but we are pleasantly surprised.

We stayed there on our first night of our first ever UO trip and we were very pleased. Like you, we were also pleasantly surprised with this ‘value’ resort. It doesn’t seem like your typical ‘value’. Everything was bright and clean, not dated and worn, and staff members were wonderful.

 

[DizKids2]

I know everyone has their ideal resort and I thought this was gonna be too much of a step down for me but we are pleasantly surprised.

We stayed at surfside two weeks ago after only ever staying multiple nights at the premier resorts with express pass and were perfectly happy there (we have done other prime value resorts for a night at the start/end of our trip). It was just DH and I - I would still try to plan a trip with the kids at a time the premier resorts were cheaper to have express, but we were perfectly happy there.