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Pumpkin1
LIF Adult
Member since 12/05 3715 total posts
Name:
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Universal Studios: Hotel planning
Is it worth it to stay on one of their properties? Also, am I better off just booking online directly with Universal or does someone have a travel agent that has gotten them good deals?
I am familiar enough with Disney to do that myself, but I'm new to the Universal stuff.
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Posted 5/17/16 8:53 AM |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
nycgirl
Angels!

Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
Name:
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Re: Universal Studios: Hotel planning
Definitely worth it: you get the fast pass at the properties.... Not to mention, the hotels are really nice (muuuuuuch nicer than Disney)! They are literally a walk or boat ride away from entertainment! Restaurants on site are really good. I always booked through a credit card to get free breakfast & resort credits... American Express used to do this for us.
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Posted 5/17/16 9:17 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Universal Studios: Hotel planning
Just an FYI, Cabana Bay hotel does NOT get the express pass when you stay there, unless you of course pay for it.
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Posted 5/17/16 10:01 AM |
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Pumpkin1
LIF Adult
Member since 12/05 3715 total posts
Name:
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Re: Universal Studios: Hotel planning
Posted by BargainMama
Just an FYI, Cabana Bay hotel does NOT get the express pass when you stay there, unless you of course pay for it.
I noticed that, I think it is only included if you stay at the Hard Rock (which appears to be twice as expensive). But, it seems to include the 1 hour early admission to the Harry Potter parks and we are going on what's considered off-peak, so (fingers crossed) we are hoping that the lines won't be too bad.
Did you stay at Cabana Bay? If so, do you recommend it?
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Posted 5/17/16 10:13 AM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name: Jenn
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Re: Universal Studios: Hotel planning
Posted by Pumpkin1
Posted by BargainMama
Just an FYI, Cabana Bay hotel does NOT get the express pass when you stay there, unless you of course pay for it.
I noticed that, I think it is only included if you stay at the Hard Rock (which appears to be twice as expensive). But, it seems to include the 1 hour early admission to the Harry Potter parks and we are going on what's considered off-peak, so (fingers crossed) we are hoping that the lines won't be too bad.
Did you stay at Cabana Bay? If so, do you recommend it?
Royal Pacific and Portofino offer it as well.
I am looking into Royal Pacific at the moment and it doesn't seem crazy expensive - it looks on par with a Disney moderate, maybe a touch more, but you get free unlimited express pass which can be $$$$.
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Posted 5/17/16 10:21 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Universal Studios: Hotel planning
Posted by Pumpkin1
Posted by BargainMama
Just an FYI, Cabana Bay hotel does NOT get the express pass when you stay there, unless you of course pay for it.
I noticed that, I think it is only included if you stay at the Hard Rock (which appears to be twice as expensive). But, it seems to include the 1 hour early admission to the Harry Potter parks and we are going on what's considered off-peak, so (fingers crossed) we are hoping that the lines won't be too bad.
Did you stay at Cabana Bay? If so, do you recommend it?
We have never stayed at their hotels, I just know the above since I was looking into booking there at one point.
They also have a new hotel Sapphire Falls, not sure when it opens.
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Posted 5/17/16 10:31 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name: ..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Universal Studios: Hotel planning
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by Pumpkin1
Posted by BargainMama
Just an FYI, Cabana Bay hotel does NOT get the express pass when you stay there, unless you of course pay for it.
I noticed that, I think it is only included if you stay at the Hard Rock (which appears to be twice as expensive). But, it seems to include the 1 hour early admission to the Harry Potter parks and we are going on what's considered off-peak, so (fingers crossed) we are hoping that the lines won't be too bad.
Did you stay at Cabana Bay? If so, do you recommend it?
We have never stayed at their hotels, I just know the above since I was looking into booking there at one point.
They also have a new hotel Sapphire Falls, not sure when it opens.
Funny you say Sapphire Falls- I JUST saw that pop up on my FB like 5 min ago and I thought it was some luxury resort in the Caribbean or something. It looks BEAUTIFUL. It's a Loews I believe. I was like- DAMN I might have to go to Universal just to stay there! LOL
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Posted 5/17/16 11:32 AM |
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Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy

Member since 3/08 10420 total posts
Name: Momx100
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Re: Universal Studios: Hotel planning
We stayed at Royal Pacific and had a great time. The pool is good for the kids. Zero entry and also has a spray area with cannons.
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Posted 5/23/16 2:30 PM |
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