Cabana Bay

[disneyflush]

So I started pricing out vacations for June, 2014 between WDW and Universal today. My wife and I along with our (to be) 4 year old, 7 year old, and two 17 year olds. This 6 person crowd doesn't fit very well into normal hotel rooms as can be expected. Anyway, I've been looking at renting DVC points for a 2 bedroom villa or booking family suites or adjoining rooms along with theme park tickets, food (possibly meal plans), and gas to get there (from Indiana). We want to go for 5 nights and 6 days starting June 2nd.

So the ballpark figure to visit WDW using any combination of rooms, tickets, food options for that week is approximately $4k give or take $500. In that ballpark which is what i was expecting. Nothing out of the ordinary there.

So then I go to the Universal website and price a vacation (we have never been to Universal but have toyed with the idea of going for a few years as we are big Harry Potter fans) and the cost for a family suite at Cabana Bay along with theme park tickets for the 5 days for all 6 of us is ~$1,500. TOTAL.

This seems absolutely amazing and makes booking our time in Orlando an incredibly easy decision. I guess I don't really have any questions, just wanted to share my amazement at the price I'm seeing and being able to save almost $3,000 for the 5 days.

 

[Dog Ate Mouse]

Some times thinking out of the box in your case pays off. You are going to have a great time and don't forget to splurge a little with all the money you saved. Have a happy and safe vacation. Uni is a fun time and great experience. Do something different have fun do things you never done before. Sit back and relax because Uni is built to please.

 

[BubbaQuest]

Welcome to the other side That was pretty much me 6 months ago. What originally was going to be 2 nights at a moderate Disney hotel became 3 nights at a deluxe Uni hotel (Portofino Bay) with park tickets and a gift card. It was a great eye opening experience for me. You'll have to post again and let us all know how it turns out.

FYI, there are a few gotchas -- Loews charges for parking and some have mentioned a charge for a refrigerator at the Royal Pacific. I splurged on valet parking with all the money I saved and was very happy.

 

[neoshinok]

This seems absolutely amazing and makes booking our time in Orlando an incredibly easy decision. I guess I don't really have any questions, just wanted to share my amazement at the price I'm seeing and being able to save almost $3,000 for the 5 days.

Universal has become very compelling and competitive! I may get crucified here, but I have to honestly say 4 days is about the maximum I'd recommend Uni for a family vacation. I live an hour away, have an AP and still only go about five days a year including Horror Nights. Even with Diagon opening, I think you'll get your fill with two days at each park. With the 4 year old in particular, I'd still plan on a day at MK to make sure everyone has a great time. Just my honest opinion, hope you all have fun!

 

[TalkingHead]

Universal has become very compelling and competitive! I may get crucified here, but I have to honestly say 4 days is about the maximum I'd recommend Uni for a family vacation. I live an hour away, have an AP and still only go about five days a year including Horror Nights. Even with Diagon opening, I think you'll get your fill with two days at each park. With the 4 year old in particular, I'd still plan on a day at MK to make sure everyone has a great time. Just my honest opinion, hope you all have fun!

I think there's enough in the parks now to justify 3 days (especially if you're wanting to save a day to re-ride your favorites like Spidey, Forbidden Journey, etc).

When Diagon opens--especially if the crowds are as bad as expected--I'm guessing you'll need a couple days just to do the USF park thoroughly.

 

[Magenta Panther]

So I started pricing out vacations for June, 2014 between WDW and Universal today. My wife and I along with our (to be) 4 year old, 7 year old, and two 17 year olds. This 6 person crowd doesn't fit very well into normal hotel rooms as can be expected. Anyway, I've been looking at renting DVC points for a 2 bedroom villa or booking family suites or adjoining rooms along with theme park tickets, food (possibly meal plans), and gas to get there (from Indiana). We want to go for 5 nights and 6 days starting June 2nd.

So the ballpark figure to visit WDW using any combination of rooms, tickets, food options for that week is approximately $4k give or take $500. In that ballpark which is what i was expecting. Nothing out of the ordinary there.

So then I go to the Universal website and price a vacation (we have never been to Universal but have toyed with the idea of going for a few years as we are big Harry Potter fans) and the cost for a family suite at Cabana Bay along with theme park tickets for the 5 days for all 6 of us is ~$1,500. TOTAL.

This seems absolutely amazing and makes booking our time in Orlando an incredibly easy decision. I guess I don't really have any questions, just wanted to share my amazement at the price I'm seeing and being able to save almost $3,000 for the 5 days.

Well, that is amazing, and thanks for the info: I will def be staying at Cabana next year. By the way, if you still want to visit WDW while staying at Universal, there's a shuttle service known as Mears that can make that happen. I haven't used that service myself, but I've heard good things about it. Just thought you might like to know.

 

[danpam1024]

There is plenty to do for 5 days, especially since CBRs pools look amazing We switched to Uni a few years ago- I still price out "Disney" vacations, but NO WAY am I paying that kind of money anymore when UOR is leaps and bounds nicer, better kept and cheaper! Enjoy!