I haven’t stayed there yet but after watching this video, I’ll stay at Loews Pacific next time around. I’ve walked around Sapphire Falls and yes I felt bouje! I’ll consider them for Orlando Meetups! Great video and thank you!
@@fudge_factor I’m trying to come. My birthday is November and that’s what I want as a birthday gift! My hubby works for Amtrak so the auto train schedule is not out just yet. I refuse to ever drive 16 hours to Orlando again. We live in Va Beach VA!😂😂
Yeah I just checked it and as a annual pass holder for when I’m going September 4th thru 9th it’s only 20 dollars more a night to stay at the Portifino Bay, and you get the express
Great video on pros/cons of staying at Sapphire Falls. I have a trip booked for the OI meetup in December and we got a great rate at Royal Pacific. Around $250/night before taxes and fees. If I remember correctly Sapphire was around $170 for the dates we are going after Thanksgiving through the first couple of days in December. The extra $80/night is well worth it for Unlimited Express for our dates but we may find that we don't need it that much for the slow season.
Thank you so much! We are glad you enjoyed the video! $80 dollars for express pass is a steal. Even if you don’t NEED express pass it will be a nice thing to have for your trip! Especially that amount! Are you excited?
@@fudge_factor Can't wait!! We have never been to an OI meetup or got a chance to ride anything at Universal after dark since we have only gone during the summer season. We have taken many enjoyable trips to Disney during the fall/winter season so we are looking forward to Universal for the holidays. Cooler temps will be a plus as well!
@@twinblwn you are going to have so much fun at the OI meetup! There is so much food, so many rides, it’s actually hard to get it all done….talk about a bad problem 😂 Are you going for both nights?
@@fudge_factor We will probably only go on Friday night but my wife and I are still discussing whether we should just pull the trigger and get both nights or just one. I'm sure our 13 year old daughter will get all of our money's worth with the foods!! She's like a bottomless pit! What would you suggest on the one or two night dilemma??
@@twinblwn We think two nights is the way to go, but we totally understand that OI meetups are not the cheapest tickets in the world. We think two nights allows you to have a leisurely stroll around the parks and enjoy the emptiness of the parks! Especially when its Christmas time....it's amazing! We just think that if you do one night you will wish you did the second!
just found your channel. I'm going for OL meet up in June and I can't make up my mind between Adventura and Sapphire. I think you guys talking about ep just made me change my mind.
We love sapphire falls. We think you’d enjoy it! OI will have a group rate a day or so after tickets drop! Thank you for watching! We appreciate the support!
I’ve been wanting to stay at Sapphire Falls for years but I was saving it for a special occasion (engagement, anniversary etc) but 😂 haven’t had to much luck there. So I’ll have to maybe book it for my birthday. This might sound surprising but I’ve never had express at the park except for HHN 😮
We stayed at sapphire falls when it first opened. I remember taking the plastic film off of the back of the TV that was left on when it was pulled out of the box. The bushes in the landscaping were only knee high. The carpet was still “fuzzy” and new. I’ll never see that again.
I fully understand that Sapphire Falls looks beautiful but I would rather do Royal Pacific again because it does include express pass and I do like using express pass. Plus Royal Pacific I would say looks nice as well but it will be a slightly different atmosphere. I seriously think Royal Pacific is more worth considering than Sapphire Falls.
That is a great assessment. Royal Pacific and Sapphire Falls are very similarly themed. Both tropical, but very unique in their own ways. The express pass you get at Royal Pacific is a gamechanger, and is very nice when the parks are busy.
Im pretty sure the biggest thing overlooked at sapphire falls is the Hotel Texting service. They text you upon check in and throughout your stay. They can get you into restaurant locations and add reservations for you just like the premiere hotels. I cant tell you how many times ive wanted to eat at confisco or even toothsomes. Trying to book through the UOAP app or the website for the restaurant and it says full. But then you text the hotel and say, hey can you get me a reservation here....boom they can make it happen. This is by far one of the most overlooked perks while here.
Great video on Sapphire Falls guys! Such a great resort for the water taxi and HHN nights. We'll be staying at Sapphire Falls on 9/14 & 9/15 for HHN nights! Maybe we can share a water taxi ride after the parks close! Water Taxi is probably my favorite ride in the parks! LOL🤣
haha that water taxi is going to be clutch at the end of a long HHN night! Not to mention they will probably have a separate entrance for resort guests for HHN! HHN can't come soon enough!! We are so ready!
I am an out of state annual pass holder. The rates for Sapphire Falls are very good. BUT. No unlimited express is an issue. Headed to Universal later on but staying at a Premier hotel.
If you guys are going in November, I don’t see the point of the Express Pass. Unless it’s Thanksgiving week, and especially this year, the parks shouldn’t be too crowded.
Great explanation of pros and cons . I normally stay at Portofino or Hardrock but scored a king pool view room at Sapphire Falls for first week of Dec for only $157 a night with a Florida resident rate . I’ve never stayed there so looking forward to it . Traveling by myself so will buy the express pass separately and still come out ahead . FYI ..Porto Fino is doing renovations so they dropped the room rates . Down as low as $290 which is quite reasonable for them . 😎😎😎
That is very reasonable!! And the renovations don’t impact normal operations too much. Just a bit of an eye sore over by the hillside pool currently. We don’t know what the overall plan is for the refurb thought Oooo going for a bit of grinchmas fun?
@@anthonylagano2371 that’s awesome! The decorations definitely put you in the Christmas spirit! And totally feel you on the weather. We are at a universal right now and it’s toasty 🥵
That is a great question, and I don’t actually know for certain. I can say the beds are quite comfortable! We’ve never had any issue falling asleep after a long day 😅
We are traveling thanksgiving weekend and was thinking of staying at Sapphire and buying the express pass, there's 5 of us. Should we stay here and not buy the express pass or should I upgrade to the Pacific hotel and have it included? thanks :)
Royal Pacific is a wonderful hotel and has a great pool! Very well themed and great for kids! There will be some debate with this, but our favorite pool is at Portofino Bay! We by no means want to short sell Royal Pacific's pool....its absolutely wonderful also and is simply matter of personal preference.
@@fudge_factor I can see why people like Portofino, but not a big fan myself if honest. Theming seems too “artificial” and the rooms desperately need updating and modernizing. It is also not an ideal walking distance from the parks. It does have the best pool though (and better restaurants than the others).
Sapphire Falls does look beautiful. Have not stayed there yet myself. I have stayed at Cabana Bay and this year staying at Aventura. Can I still go and use the water taxi at Sapphire Falls even If I am at Aventura or will I be turned away?🤔
That is one of our secrets of staying at Aventura....you absolutely can go over to Sapphire Falls and utilize the water taxi. Are you excited for Aventura?
@@fudge_factor oh, yay! That is what I was hoping for! I’m very excited about everything just a little over 30 days we’ve got our RIP tickets! So EXCITED! 🎊🎊🎊🤩
@@kittykathy9532 GAHHH it's coming up so quickly!! Riding the water taxi back is going to be super nice at the end of the night! Is it too early to start packing??
Sapphire falls is great! Super modern rooms that are nice and spacey . The boat to the park is close and easy to get too. Their bar has a great Rum Flight. IMHO this is just a notch down from say Royal Pacific. I also will say I’ve consistently seen fewer younger kids at this hotel compared a majority of the others. Just need an express pass lol
That is an interesting observation. Agreed on the sentiment of just a drop down from Royal pacific, but wonderful hotel none the less! What is your go to hotel?
@@fudge_factor all Time favor will always be Royal Pacific. When we went in June for my sons birthday Family loves Cabana Bay. So I say stay at Cabana Bay take sapphire falls boat into universal then you have the best of both worlds lol be careful when you cross the street it’s kinda crazy right there
@@damianspalma2524 both hotels are super nice! We are glad you take advantage of Sapphire falls water taxi! That’s a tip that doesn’t get taken advantage of enough! Absolutely agree on the traffic in that area! Getting hit by a car would not make for a good Universal memory 😅
@@fudge_factor yes do not play frogger in the median. A lot of people do not realize if you are staying on properties you can access some of the others hotel stuff including transportation boats buses etc
I just can't make an argument in my mind (meaning my wallet) to stay there. I am either staying on the cheap and doing Dockside with a group or Cabana Bay/Aventura with just me an my buddy or I am staying at a hotel I can get an Express pass. I don't spend a lot of time in the room. As long as it is clean, I am good. For HHN opening weekend my son an di are at Aventura and Cabana. Why the split? I couldn't get AP rates for all nights if I didn't. So, we are doing this one on the cheap.
That makes total sense since you don’t plan on spending much time in the room unless you are sleeping. Are you excited for hhn? How do you feel about the houses?
Where does Sapphire Falls rank on your list of Universal Orlando hotels?🏝☀
I haven’t stayed there yet but after watching this video, I’ll stay at Loews Pacific next time around. I’ve walked around Sapphire Falls and yes I felt bouje! I’ll consider them for Orlando Meetups! Great video and thank you!
@@jeninaslicer352 will you be at the November meet up?!
@@fudge_factor I’m trying to come. My birthday is November and that’s what I want as a birthday gift! My hubby works for Amtrak so the auto train schedule is not out just yet. I refuse to ever drive 16 hours to Orlando again. We live in Va Beach VA!😂😂
@@jeninaslicer352 haha that’s a great birthday gift! We second the idea of you coming to the November one! That’s the one we are for sure going to!
during HHN = #1
Yeah I just checked it and as a annual pass holder for when I’m going September 4th thru 9th it’s only 20 dollars more a night to stay at the Portifino Bay, and you get the express
That’s an absolute steal! We would totally upgrade for that little of a price difference!
Great video on pros/cons of staying at Sapphire Falls. I have a trip booked for the OI meetup in December and we got a great rate at Royal Pacific. Around $250/night before taxes and fees. If I remember correctly Sapphire was around $170 for the dates we are going after Thanksgiving through the first couple of days in December. The extra $80/night is well worth it for Unlimited Express for our dates but we may find that we don't need it that much for the slow season.
Thank you so much! We are glad you enjoyed the video!
$80 dollars for express pass is a steal. Even if you don’t NEED express pass it will be a nice thing to have for your trip! Especially that amount! Are you excited?
@@fudge_factor Can't wait!! We have never been to an OI meetup or got a chance to ride anything at Universal after dark since we have only gone during the summer season. We have taken many enjoyable trips to Disney during the fall/winter season so we are looking forward to Universal for the holidays. Cooler temps will be a plus as well!
@@twinblwn you are going to have so much fun at the OI meetup! There is so much food, so many rides, it’s actually hard to get it all done….talk about a bad problem 😂
Are you going for both nights?
@@fudge_factor We will probably only go on Friday night but my wife and I are still discussing whether we should just pull the trigger and get both nights or just one. I'm sure our 13 year old daughter will get all of our money's worth with the foods!! She's like a bottomless pit! What would you suggest on the one or two night dilemma??
@@twinblwn We think two nights is the way to go, but we totally understand that OI meetups are not the cheapest tickets in the world. We think two nights allows you to have a leisurely stroll around the parks and enjoy the emptiness of the parks! Especially when its Christmas time....it's amazing! We just think that if you do one night you will wish you did the second!
just found your channel. I'm going for OL meet up in June and I can't make up my mind between Adventura and Sapphire. I think you guys talking about ep just made me change my mind.
We love sapphire falls. We think you’d enjoy it! OI will have a group rate a day or so after tickets drop!
Thank you for watching! We appreciate the support!
I’ve been wanting to stay at Sapphire Falls for years but I was saving it for a special occasion (engagement, anniversary etc) but 😂 haven’t had to much luck there. So I’ll have to maybe book it for my birthday.
This might sound surprising but I’ve never had express at the park except for HHN 😮
Your birthday is a special occasion!! Send it!!
Really?? That is an interesting tid bit. Any particular reason why?
Yayyy...we will be staying there for the OIM in November too. First time staying there and first time for OIM. :)
That’s a lot of firsts!! Are you excited?!
Big difference for our family is the size of the rooms we can get at Sapphire Falls. Hospitality suite and extra bedrooms for the kids is great.
Oooo we’ve never even seen the suite, except for pictures. Is it nice??
I am going in 9 days, I am in a countdown because of excitement
That is so exciting!! Are you ready?! What are you most excited for?
We stayed at sapphire falls when it first opened. I remember taking the plastic film off of the back of the TV that was left on when it was pulled out of the box. The bushes in the landscaping were only knee high. The carpet was still “fuzzy” and new. I’ll never see that again.
Wow! You’ve literally watched the hotel grow and change! What are your thoughts on sapphire falls?
I fully understand that Sapphire Falls looks beautiful but I would rather do Royal Pacific again because it does include express pass and I do like using express pass. Plus Royal Pacific I would say looks nice as well but it will be a slightly different atmosphere. I seriously think Royal Pacific is more worth considering than Sapphire Falls.
That is a great assessment. Royal Pacific and Sapphire Falls are very similarly themed. Both tropical, but very unique in their own ways. The express pass you get at Royal Pacific is a gamechanger, and is very nice when the parks are busy.
Im pretty sure the biggest thing overlooked at sapphire falls is the Hotel Texting service. They text you upon check in and throughout your stay. They can get you into restaurant locations and add reservations for you just like the premiere hotels. I cant tell you how many times ive wanted to eat at confisco or even toothsomes. Trying to book through the UOAP app or the website for the restaurant and it says full. But then you text the hotel and say, hey can you get me a reservation here....boom they can make it happen. This is by far one of the most overlooked perks while here.
That is a wonderful point! That is a huge benefit and stress relief! It certainly adds to having a wonderful Universal experience!
Great video on Sapphire Falls guys! Such a great resort for the water taxi and HHN nights. We'll be staying at Sapphire Falls on 9/14 & 9/15 for HHN nights! Maybe we can share a water taxi ride after the parks close! Water Taxi is probably my favorite ride in the parks! LOL🤣
haha that water taxi is going to be clutch at the end of a long HHN night! Not to mention they will probably have a separate entrance for resort guests for HHN! HHN can't come soon enough!! We are so ready!
We're staying there for the November meetup. Normally we go cheaper and stay at dockside but decided to try something different
Treat yourself! You will have a great time! Plus the OI discount was really nice!
will be there next week and I can't wait!!! what would you suggest for transportation from the airport.
That’s a great question! We suggest Uber or Lyft. The superstar shuttle is fine, but you have to work on their schedule….not as much fun
@@fudge_factor that's what I was leaning towards!!!!
@@stephenmays4391 an Uber or Lyft will cost about the same as the shuttle
@@fudge_factor awesome thank you!!!!
@@stephenmays4391 if you have any other questions feel free to ask! We are more than swilling to help answer!
I am an out of state annual pass holder. The rates for Sapphire Falls are very good. BUT. No unlimited express is an issue. Headed to Universal later on but staying at a Premier hotel.
Unlimited express pass at the premiers is super nice to have! We absolutely agree with you! Which preier are you staying at?
@@fudge_factor Royal Pacific, which is my favorite of the three.
@@prwong80 that’s awesome! That’s where we are staying for hhn! Such a good hotel!
I’m so exited for hhn
Right?? It's coming up so quick! It's like waiting for Christmas!
If you guys are going in November, I don’t see the point of the Express Pass. Unless it’s Thanksgiving week, and especially this year, the parks shouldn’t be too crowded.
We are going for the OI meetup with Aub's parents. We won't be getting express pass. No need with the meetup and all
Great explanation of pros and cons . I normally stay at Portofino or Hardrock but scored a king pool view room at Sapphire Falls for first week of Dec for only $157 a night with a Florida resident rate . I’ve never stayed there so looking forward to it . Traveling by myself so will buy the express pass separately and still come out ahead . FYI ..Porto Fino is doing renovations so they dropped the room rates . Down as low as $290 which is quite reasonable for them . 😎😎😎
That is very reasonable!! And the renovations don’t impact normal operations too much. Just a bit of an eye sore over by the hillside pool currently. We don’t know what the overall plan is for the refurb thought
Oooo going for a bit of grinchmas fun?
@@fudge_factor Yes I love when it’s decorated for Christmas. Plus it isn’t as hot . I live in South Florida so I go a few times a year
@@anthonylagano2371 that’s awesome! The decorations definitely put you in the Christmas spirit! And totally feel you on the weather. We are at a universal right now and it’s toasty 🥵
Are the Sapphire Falls beds/pillows the same as the 3 premier resorts??
That is a great question, and I don’t actually know for certain. I can say the beds are quite comfortable! We’ve never had any issue falling asleep after a long day 😅
We're staying there for Halloween Horror Nights this coming September
Nice!! Are you excited??
@@fudge_factor very much so, Sept 17-24
That’s a good vacation!! It’s gonna be toasty toasty! But nice and close for hhn!
We are traveling thanksgiving weekend and was thinking of staying at Sapphire and buying the express pass, there's 5 of us. Should we stay here and not buy the express pass or should I upgrade to the Pacific hotel and have it included? thanks :)
Hello!! Thank you for watching! How long are you staying at Universal? It’s hard to say, are you only doing one night at Universal for all weekend?
We are staying at Royal pacific later this year. In your opinion which resort has the best kid friendly pool?
Royal Pacific is a wonderful hotel and has a great pool! Very well themed and great for kids! There will be some debate with this, but our favorite pool is at Portofino Bay! We by no means want to short sell Royal Pacific's pool....its absolutely wonderful also and is simply matter of personal preference.
@@fudge_factor thank you!
@@jwoody8582 absolutely! If there are any other ways we can help feel free to ask! We are more than help to help!
@@fudge_factor I can see why people like Portofino, but not a big fan myself if honest. Theming seems too “artificial” and the rooms desperately need updating and modernizing. It is also not an ideal walking distance from the parks. It does have the best pool though (and better restaurants than the others).
@@prwong80 the rooms could use some updating for sure, but like you said the pools are great! And the bathrooms at pb are huge!
Sapphire Falls does look beautiful. Have not stayed there yet myself. I have stayed at Cabana Bay and this year staying at Aventura. Can I still go and use the water taxi at Sapphire Falls even If I am at Aventura or will I be turned away?🤔
That is one of our secrets of staying at Aventura....you absolutely can go over to Sapphire Falls and utilize the water taxi. Are you excited for Aventura?
@@fudge_factor oh, yay! That is what I was hoping for! I’m very excited about everything just a little over 30 days we’ve got our RIP tickets! So EXCITED! 🎊🎊🎊🤩
@@kittykathy9532 GAHHH it's coming up so quickly!! Riding the water taxi back is going to be super nice at the end of the night! Is it too early to start packing??
@@fudge_factor Already 99 percent packed!😂
@@kittykathy9532 Oh man!! we need to step our game up!!
Sapphire falls is great! Super modern rooms that are nice and spacey . The boat to the park is close and easy to get too. Their bar has a great Rum Flight. IMHO this is just a notch down from say Royal Pacific. I also will say I’ve consistently seen fewer younger kids at this hotel compared a majority of the others. Just need an express pass lol
That is an interesting observation. Agreed on the sentiment of just a drop down from Royal pacific, but wonderful hotel none the less! What is your go to hotel?
@@fudge_factor all Time favor will always be Royal Pacific. When we went in June for my sons birthday
Family loves Cabana Bay. So I say stay at Cabana Bay take sapphire falls boat into universal then you have the best of both worlds lol be careful when you cross the street it’s kinda crazy right there
@@damianspalma2524 both hotels are super nice! We are glad you take advantage of Sapphire falls water taxi! That’s a tip that doesn’t get taken advantage of enough! Absolutely agree on the traffic in that area! Getting hit by a car would not make for a good Universal memory 😅
@@fudge_factor yes do not play frogger in the median. A lot of people do not realize if you are staying on properties you can access some of the others hotel stuff including transportation boats buses etc
@@damianspalma2524 exactly!!
I stay At a Disney hotel and just visit islands of adventure for one day
Universal doesn't make me want to stay there or visit more than one day
Why is that?
Your husband is so handsome.
He really is 😉🤭 thank you!
Bouje ha ha ..I use that word ……definition,,,,not as posh as it thinks it is 😂😂😂😂
Haha wanna be posh? Gilded possibly? 😂
@@fudge_factor ha ha brilliant 😂😂
I just can't make an argument in my mind (meaning my wallet) to stay there. I am either staying on the cheap and doing Dockside with a group or Cabana Bay/Aventura with just me an my buddy or I am staying at a hotel I can get an Express pass. I don't spend a lot of time in the room. As long as it is clean, I am good. For HHN opening weekend my son an di are at Aventura and Cabana. Why the split? I couldn't get AP rates for all nights if I didn't. So, we are doing this one on the cheap.
That makes total sense since you don’t plan on spending much time in the room unless you are sleeping.
Are you excited for hhn? How do you feel about the houses?