The Affordable Universal Resort

The latest Universal resort has now opened with its throw back to the 50's and 60's motel experience, but in a 21st century style. It's partly open now with the complete resort ready for the summer season.

Who needs the Parks?

Cabana Bay Beach Resort was the largest hotel construction in the world outside of China and it's Universal Orlando's first moderate/value hotel, but they have given it some luxuries. So let's get the facts out the way:

• 1,800 rooms, 900 standard and 900 family suites, - it's huge people!
• 10,000 square-foot swimming pool - well you need it for that many rooms
• 100-foot water slide with a waterfall - sweet!
• Lazy River ride - even sweeter!
• 4,000-square-foot play area - That's the kids sorted then
• 10-lane bowling alley - That's the teens sorted then
• Gaming room - OK, standard feature
• Fitness center - Not standard in moderate/value resorts so a nice touch

 

Now I don't know about you, but I don't think I've ever stepped into a fitness center (or gym) in a hotel. Perhaps we'll take the kids to the gaming room if we have to kill some time before a dinner reservation. But the pool, you betcha and a monster swimming pool at that with with a slide and water fall, then throw in a Lazy River and a 10 Lane bowling alley into the resort! Well you really have yourself a self contained holiday resort. So the fact you're on Universal property with all the perks that brings you (Early entry to Wizarding World of Harry Potter for one), then this has just given the guest another alternative to staying on Disney property.

This feeds into the competition of on-property resorts and we the punter reap the rewards as Universal go head-to-head with Disney.
Although the shear land mass Disney own, the range of choice can't be beaten, unless Universal buy out most of International Drive! Anyway, back to the subject in hand.

On first impressions, this looks like it's going to be an awesome hotel, but for me the shear size of it could be a little off putting. I get this feeling that they'll be a fight for sun loungers by the pool and you'll need advance reservations for a bowling lane on peak seasons. But we're not there yet, so I'll reserve judgement on that.

Time to Eat

So what's on offer as far as culinary experiences go? Well it's a moderate/value resort, so no signature restaurant, well at least not yet as we wait for the complete resort to open, but for now we have the following:

• The Bayliner Diner food court
• Atomic Tonic and The Hideaway Bar & Grill pool bars
• And the Swizzle Lounge lobby bar

Nothing different to report here, expect to see the usual themed menus.

Time to Rest

So now the bit you'll probably use the least, the rooms themselves. Let's face it, you're not there to rest in your room all day right?
Anyway, there are standard rooms for your value stay and the family suites for the moderate stay.

The Standard rooms are just as you'd expect with the following:

• Temperature controlled room with two Queen Size beds
• Small dining table with two chairs
• Internet access (fees apply)
• TV with on demand movies (fees apply)
• Mini Fridge
• Hairdryer, Iron, ironing board and In-room safe

 

The Family suite consist of the following additional features:

• Kitchenette with a sink, mini fridge, microwave and bar counter
• Living Room with a Sofa bed 
• Two TV's, one in the Living room and one in the bedroom
• Three split bathroom, toilet and vanity area.

Early impressions

The first reviews coming out of Trip Adviser are generally good, but there are a few bad ones as you'd expect from a new resort.

So there you go people, another option for on-property fans. I hope this helps you plan your next trip and if you're booked to stay there or have already been, I'd love to here from you in the comments below.

So what ever you do, enjoy more.

Dale