Just Scheduled Our Trip

[Disneylover1970]

We just scheduled our trip for May. We’re staying at the Cabana, have the park to park tickets, Cauldron and Three Broomsticks Breakfast, and Shutterbutton. We were going to get one of the meal plans, but decided against it. I’m not sure if the refillable mug is included? Any tips and tricks ? It’s just 2 of us(adults), kind of birthday present for us(62 and 60 yo). Thank you

 

[macraven]

Hope you have a fantastic time and wonderful birthday celebration

Be sure to get your celebration button when you check into your hotel or get them at guest service in the park

 

[TommyJK]

How many park days do you have? When in May are you going? Have you been before? That will help with giving some recco's

 

[macraven]

There is a current thread you should read since you are going in May

Many have posted their thoughts which can be applied to you for help

Express pass in mid May is the thread to check out

 

[Disneylover1970]

We are going the 7-12 and we have 3 park 4 day park to park

 

[bobbie68]

Hi we have stayed at Cabana Bay and really enjoyed it. As for the refillable mugs there are two types. You have the coke freestyle machine that is accepted at all the parks and at cabana bay. Cabana Bay also has their own refillable mugs where you can get coffee, tea, hot cocoa, slushies and soda. On our last trip this summer in July we bought both cups so we could use everything at the hotel and the parks.

Do you have reservation times with the two breakfasts? If you do great if not I would go as early as you can because it gets crowded. We have breakfast there every time we go.

If you are early risers I would hit the HP worlds in the morning at EE or and/or go back in the evening.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[TommyJK]

As for the refillable mugs there are two types. You have the coke freestyle machine that is accepted at all the parks and at cabana bay

you may want to adjust the wording of this part so there is no confusion. I think know what you mean, but it should be understood that the refill cups bought at the parks don't work at Cabana Bay, and the ones bought from Cabana bay don't work at the parks.

 

[bobbie68]

you may want to adjust the wording of this part so there is no confusion. I think know what you mean, but it should be understood that the refill cups bought at the parks don't work at Cabana Bay, and the ones bought from Cabana bay don't work at the parks.

Hi Cabana Bay installed a free-style machine in their dining area. If someone just wants to have soda at Cabana Bay they can use the free-style cup there if they choose. If they want hot beverages and slushies at Cabana Bay they will need Cabana Bay's refillable mug.

 

[TommyJK]

We are going the 7-12 and we have 3 park 4 day park to park

Last year mid may looked to have generally low to moderate crowds that week. Wait times for the most popular attractions that week were low in the mornings and closer to the evenings and were higher during the mid day (noon to 4:00)

Don't be afraid to take mid-day breaks back at Cabana Bay since it's so close. Take the time to enjoy the resort!

Use the app to continually check wait times. You will notice shifts in wait times throughout the day in different areas of the park where some attractions will have huge wait times while others are small. Just go to where it seems least crowded based on wait times shown on the app.

Enjoy the Butter Beer! The warm or frozen are both delicious! I'd skip the regular version as IMO it just tastes like a sweeter version of Creme Soda.

 

[TommyJK]

Hi Cabana Bay installed a free-style machine in their dining area. If someone just wants to have soda at Cabana Bay they can use the free-style cup there if they choose. If they want hot beverages and slushies at Cabana Bay they will need Cabana Bay's refillable mug.

I don't believe this is true from my last trip. All beverages at Cabana Bay (Freestyle machine or not) need Cabana Bay chip activated cups (the mugs or paper cups from the dining area that have the chip on the bottom that works for a single fill).

 

[bobbie68]

I don't believe this is true from my last trip. All beverages at Cabana Bay (Freestyle machine or not) need Cabana Bay chip activated cups (the mugs or paper cups from the dining area that have the chip on the bottom that works for a single fill).

I used my free-style cup that week I was there this past July. If things have changed then they changed but I did use it on the free-style machine.

 

[GoldmanTrust]

I have taken my in laws on our last 3 Universal trips ( 2 in Fla and 1 in LA).

Last September was our first time after Volcano Bay opened. They LOVED Volcano Bay. Really...as in wanted to move there.

Staying in Cabana Bay, you will be very close to VB. The Americana and Continental buildings (if I remember correctly) are closest to VB (i counted about 350 steps from our hotel room into the actual park).

We started almost every morning there. It is like heaven.

We stayed in Americana (so all rooms there start with 5. The second number in the room number is the level. So Americana 2nd level is 52 and then followed by the actual room number.

If you guys request 5X and then I’d guess 38-48 you should get a beautiful look at the man made Volcano. Really beautiful. So 5444 has you on the fourth floor with a great view.

 

[GoldmanTrust]

You can also cross the street (pretty big intersection so make sure to be quick over the street, no lights) and go through Sapphire Falls. Go down stairs and back out and you will see a little dock. Those boats take you to the parks. They have their own security check there so you wont have to wait in line where everyone else gets checked.

The bus is also nice. Will never have to wait more then 5-10 minutes.

 

[Disneylover1970]

Thank you for all the information.

We are rethinking the quick meal plan, but not really sure if it’s worth $200 for 2 of us? Especially with the 2 breakfast Reservations? How much are the refillable mugs? I wasn’t sure if it’s like WDW where u get a mug if you stayed at a resort? Can I make breakfast reservations before we go? We just changed our park tickets to 2 parks - 4 days.

 

[macraven]

Thank you for all the information.

We are rethinking the quick meal plan, but not really sure if it’s worth $200 for 2 of us? Especially with the 2 breakfast Reservations? How much are the refillable mugs? I wasn’t sure if it’s like WDW where u get a mug if you stayed at a resort? Can I make breakfast reservations before we go? We just changed our park tickets to 2 parks - 4 days.

Suggest you not buy the meal deal in advance

You can buy it at one of the eateries anytime

If I’m at the 3 B’s, I buy it at that time when I’m at the cash register
I use the beverage and snack coupon later while I’m there
If my meal is not at $17, it’s nit worth it for me to buy the counter meal deal

 

[Disneylover1970]

What is Shutterbutton Studio?