Cabana - how do they control access?

[Deck6crew]

Hi everyone,

We are traveling with a group of 20 in November. Some of us are thinking of booking a cabana. I understand that they are for up to 6 people.

My question: are only those six granted access to the cabana? If 2 "cabana people" decide to go do something else for a few hours, can 2 "non-cabana's" stop by for a visit or is it controlled with some sort of access pass?

Thanks.

 

[geekboy]

They don't really control the access to the Cabanas. While only 6 can really fit "inside" the cabana, the deck and the hammock and area around the hammock could provide comfort for many more. I don't think the cabana host/hostess would care so long as you don't have 20 people trying to be inside the cabana.

They may also, if they see a "crowd" near the cabanas, ask if you're a cabana guest. The concierge host/hostesses tend to recognize the people staying in the cabana that they "host". It is probably more for the amount of supplies provided at the cabana as well as the safe occupancy limit for the interior of the cabana.

So, there is no pass, but the cabana guest names are on the sign outside the cabana.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hi everyone,

We are traveling with a group of 20 in November. Some of us are thinking of booking a cabana. I understand that they are for up to 6 people.

My question: are only those six granted access to the cabana? If 2 "cabana people" decide to go do something else for a few hours, can 2 "non-cabana's" stop by for a visit or is it controlled with some sort of access pass?

Thanks.

Cabanas cost $549 (family beach) and that covers up to 6 people. Additional people (maximum of 10) cost $50.00 each. Everyone who's paid for will get a wristband (I believe they are non-removable) to wear to gain access to the Cabana area. I think there is a gate or someone watching to confirm that anyone entering the area has the wristband on.

 

[ILovePixieDust]

They definitely do check for wristbands in the cabana area and also on the beach section. There isn't necessarily a person stationed at the gate entering the cabana area the whole time but when they make their rounds they do look for the wristbands. If you are not wearing a wristband then you are asked to leave the area. You can have up to 10 people per cabana (up to 6 for $549 and then extra cost per person after that). They usually have the family name on the sign by the cabana but it is not each individual person's name.

 

[lorimay]

Yes, there is someone at the entrance to the cabana's on family beach. You must have on a bracelet to get in.

Its not quite as policed on Serenity Bay cabana's. Its much quieter over there.

 

[lanejudy]

They don't really control the access to the Cabanas. While only 6 can really fit "inside" the cabana, the deck and the hammock and area around the hammock could provide comfort for many more. I don't think the cabana host/hostess would care so long as you don't have 20 people trying to be inside the cabana.

They may also, if they see a "crowd" near the cabanas, ask if you're a cabana guest. The concierge host/hostesses tend to recognize the people staying in the cabana that they "host". It is probably more for the amount of supplies provided at the cabana as well as the safe occupancy limit for the interior of the cabana.

So, there is no pass, but the cabana guest names are on the sign outside the cabana.

This is NOT correct. They do issue wristbands to those guests booked to the cabana, and they do check for wristbands at both beaches. While it may be possible for someone to slip in unnoticed on occasion, I believe that's rare and I would never expect that a whole party of 20 could mix-and-match who's using the cabana throughout the day.

OP -- additional guests can be added to the cabana, I think the additional charge is $50 per person -- up to a maximum of 10 guests per cabana on the family beach and it might be 6 guests on Serenity Bay. Your party could get 2 cabanas on the family beach and accommodate everyone.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I have actually had two cabanas so can tell you correctly. On the ship the day before they ask you how many people will be with you in the cabana thru then give you bands to put on your wrist ours were green and said cabana on them. You have to show them at the gate. This is not maned all day but the concierge hosts know who should be there from checking in the morning and make visits. Often one host is patrolling the private beach to ensure cabana use only.


This isn't a " guess " answer I have done it twice.


The unmanned gate.

 

[geekboy]

This is NOT correct. They do issue wristbands to those guests booked to the cabana, and they do check for wristbands at both beaches. While it may be possible for someone to slip in unnoticed on occasion, I believe that's rare and I would never expect that a whole party of 20 could mix-and-match who's using the cabana throughout the day.

Not for Serenity Bay. I have only stayed at Serenity Bay. I was never issued wristbands, there was no gate, and no one posted along the outside path on either the beach side or land side.

It think it makes total sense for the family beach cabanas to control access as there are many more people on the family beach. Even with the safe inside the cabanas, I would not want non-cabana guest rummaging through my unattended cabana.

Now you're making me think that the $50 difference (from a Serenity Bay cabana to a Family Beach cabana) is for the extra security. LOL (just joking)

 

[msrlest8]

What a great question. I've often wondered this. I mean, the cabanas are so expensive (IMHO) that if our family was in the water, or walking / playing on the beach I always wondered how 'safe' our stuff would be in the cabana or how to avoid people from going into the cabana - especially new cruisers who really dont know about them and that they are paid areas.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

What a great question. I've often wondered this. I mean, the cabanas are so expensive (IMHO) that if our family was in the water, or walking / playing on the beach I always wondered how 'safe' our stuff would be in the cabana or how to avoid people from going into the cabana - especially new cruisers who really dont know about them and that they are paid areas.

Two concierge hosts are there all day often one on the beach and they know who should be there. Often most are concierge guests they know, they pay visits to you regularly.

The gate maybe manned at the start of the day only then left unattended.

If anyone without a wristband was seen they would be told to leave.

 

[geekboy]

Now I want my Cabana wristband!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Now I want my Cabana wristband!

I not mine in an envelope the night before from concierge.

Now just in case you do not which one is yours.....





And this is how it all comes......

 

[geekboy]

I think someone stole mine. I do remember the box with the layout. We were not at concierge level at the time... just two CAT 4As. My name was definitely on the sign for #20SER.

 

[bobdcl]

I was just in cabana on FB last month. Disney Fantasy is correct. Concierge hosts "patrol" the area and know who should be there. If families share a cabana, then both family names will appear on the "welcome sign". When we were there only our cabana and one other had one family, the rest were shared. The cost for the 4 of us was $ 549. If cost is an issue then I would suggest sharing with another family.
When we arrived at the gate there was no one at the gate & no one throughout the day. The bands are not transferable between guests,they snap on and need to be cut off. We were in #6 which had great views and is close to everything. cabana #9 is a little further down the road and has a nice big palm tree in front of the hammock which blocks the sun!! Enjoy

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I was just in cabana on FB last month. Disney Fantasy is correct. Concierge hosts "patrol" the area and know who should be there. If families share a cabana, then both family names will appear on the "welcome sign". When we were there only our cabana and one other had one family, the rest were shared. The cost for the 4 of us was $ 549. If cost is an issue then I would suggest sharing with another family.
When we arrived at the gate there was no one at the gate & no one throughout the day. The bands are not transferable between guests,they snap on and need to be cut off. We were in #6 which had great views and is close to everything. cabana #9 is a little further down the road and has a nice big palm tree in front of the hammock which blocks the sun!! Enjoy

Thank you and agree.

At least the correct information got out in the end!


It's sad some prior posters answer and guess incorrectly giving readers the wrong information.

 

[Bear3412]

We have 8 unused Cabana wristbands.

Let the auction begin.

Just kidding

 

[savage1117]

We were in #6 which had great views and is close to everything. cabana #9 is a little further down the road and has a nice big palm tree in front of the hammock which blocks the sun!! Enjoy[/QUOTE]

So happy to hear you liked cabana 6. We have that one booked for our trip in November.

 

[DizMagic]

I have been in a cabana on serenity bay and confirm we were issued wrist bands. The kind like you used to get at the fair. Tyvek plastic snapped to fit your wrist. Would have to be cut off or Houdini to remove. Our were checked upon entrance when we first arrived and when we returned back after lunch they were checked again.

 

[emefoe823]

What all is included in the Cabana?

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

On our August cruise, Julia and Kimesha who are hosts in the concierge lounge on board the Fantasy were responsible for the cabanas. They already know all of the concierge guests by sight and name by the time you get to Castaway Cay. Since many of the cabanas are taken by concierge guests, there are not too many other people for them to get to recognize as belonging at the cabanas.