Private Cabanas at Magic Kingdom: Last Day to Rent One - February 17, 2017

[KateP85]

Baby and I went over to Tomorrowland to look at them this afternoon. They're not where I assumed they were, and are more off to the side than I thought they'd be. I still think they look absurd - as they stand, I really think they take away from the theme of the land. I would think somewhere like Epcot, where things aren't quite so heavily themed, maybe they won't stand out quite so much. Honestly, even having them a different color would help - dark blue or something (but maybe that would make them hotter?)

I might go back again tomorrow and take photos/ask questions if anyone is interested?

I'm sure I'm going to get flamed up the wazoo for this, but I think the idea of napping in a tent in the middle of a theme park as an adult is bizarre. If I'm that tired in the middle of the day, I'd go back to the resort and sleep in my room.

 

[yellowfish]

I'm kind of interested in these...anyone know if they'd be able to be used during parties too? If we could get reserved spots during parties I'd really consider it. I called the WDW-Play and received the 45 minute hold time and opted out for now.

I was told that the cabana rentals do last into the parties, and that we would get reserved viewing areas during the parties, however, no one was able to tell me exactly where the reserved sections are.

 

[meaganmusing]

I was told that the cabana rentals do last into the parties, and that we would get reserved viewing areas during the parties, however, no one was able to tell me exactly where the reserved sections are.

Thank you so much!

 

[js]

I called today to inquire about NYE at both MK and EP. I was told there was a "strong possibility" they would be available at Epcot by NYE, and they took my info and said they would give me a call in the event it becomes available (this is WDW-PLAY, not the regular dining number or guest services number, and I've had very good experiences with them actually calling me when things like boat rentals and fishing excursions become available). They did have availability for MK for NYE, at the standard price (no holiday up-charge like firework boats, etc.), but I opted not to book as I prefer to do NYE in Epcot. I also asked about how they control guests, etc., and I was told I needed to have a guest list to them two days before ... I guess for the ears, and so each member of my party could check in individually? Apparently, upon check-in, guests will be given a wristband to allow access to the area. They are good for EMH as well, and I was told they do feature heating/cooling depending on the weather.

If these become available at Epcot, I most definitely will book one for Marathon Sunday at Epcot.

Also, I see no difference in people trying to find "shares" for these like they do for fireworks cruises.

Hi. Thanks so much for calling and reporting back to us.

Im a family of four, my kids are 23 and 18. If they call you back and you get to book one for NYE at Epcot Id be happy to pay for four people if you or anyone would want to share.

Thanks again for reporting back!

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I'm sure I'm going to get flamed up the wazoo for this, but I think the idea of napping in a tent in the middle of a theme park as an adult is bizarre. If I'm that tired in the middle of the day, I'd go back to the resort and sleep in my room.

No flames.

But I nap because I have lupus. Where I nap doesn't matter. Heck, I can nap sitting up in a theater. But if I can go somewhere private and it doesn't include leaving the park, I would do it.

 

[Scootypuffjr]

Equality is a good thing. Kids need to feel EQUAL in a Disney park!

How awful for the families like us - who will never see the inside of those structures due to $$$!!!

I don't think Walt would be too happy either!

Walt was all for Club 33 and that price is so high most people will never get to see the inside of it. Equity does not belong in this conversation. This is about money and convenience.

I would absolutely pony up the money for this, but it would be way better IMO if you could park hop with your cabana rental and use them at all parks for the duration of the day. We don't usually stay in one park all day so we would have to change our plans to make this work.

 

[klmall]

I feel like Disney is dangling another 'carrot' over our heads! Another option that doesn't really add to a better park experience for most people; the people who work hard, save hard and plan carefully for a good day at a Disney park. I'm not against the cabanas per se but I'd rather see Disney do things to improve the park experience for all visitors (i.e. better fireworks and parade viewing setups) than continue to dream up ways to rake in the cash and create more elitism. And yes, we could afford a cabana even for our small family. My disabled DH who doesn't do any rides would love this for part of a day, especially at Epcot but he'd rather be with us and use the money saved for meals and extra park hours.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

But what about Hall of Presidents for my nap?! Nah - can't give that up for a tent.

 

[ellie05]

Is it just me or does that ONE couch look way too uncomfortable to nap on. It doesn't seem you would be able to have more than one person nap at the time.

 

[HopperFan]

But what about Hall of Presidents for my nap?! Nah - can't give that up for a tent.

It will be closing for the 6 mo rehab ........ COP maybe?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

It will be closing for the 6 mo rehab ........ COP maybe?

A good substitute.

 

[OhhBother]

My biggest concern would be my own tendency toward inertia. I could picture myself sitting down, starting to surf the web on my iPhone and, before you know it, I've wasted a few hours of park time. For that reason alone, I can't see us doing this. I'm too lazy!

 

[EnchantedTikiGal]

Added: Share, December 25, 2016 MK Cabana, Christmas Day - 3 spaces available

Sooo... has anyone booked one for Christmas day? Seriously considering it, there is 5 of us, so we'd need to find another family of 3 to split with. Honestly, for the ears, drinks, fruit, ice cream, charging, and reserved viewing, I don't think this is that crazy at all. I find it more appealing than a dessert party.

ETA: So, yeah.. I went ahead and booked for Christmas day!
You have up until 2 days before to cancel if you need to. Total is $691 with tax. They said it's available from 9am until park closing, which is Midnight on Christmas.

Here's the breakdown I'm figuring.

Mickey Ears - $14.50 + whatever personalization costs now
Soda + Water, if 1 of each - $6
Ice Cream Treat - $5
Fruit - $3
The CM said there would be assorted pre-packaged snacks, and they're thinking it's going to be traditional ones like chips, pretzels, popcorn. So I'll say another $5 maybe
So that's about $30-$35 per person in snacks/drinks/hat

Add on
Locker - $7-12
bug spray/sunblock.. Yes we usually bring, but sometimes forget, so that's handy
Charging stations.
PLUS the reserved viewing for parades and fireworks, and a respite from the crowds on Christmas day. I'm thinking WELL worth it.

Maybe I'm crazy, but this my family's dream vacation, we've never been to WDW, we've been DL Passholders though for years. We have ressies for Crystal Palace at 8am and LTT for Christmas Dinner at like 7pm. This gives us a chance to do the full day at MK and have the chance for a break without worrying about them closing to re-entry, etc..

 

[miamimi]

Walt was all for Club 33 and that price is so high most people will never get to see the inside of it. Equity does not belong in this conversation. This is about money and convenience.

When Walt created Club 33 it was for Disneyland sponsors. People who had invested in the parks. The Club 33 admission today is totally different.

 

[Scootypuffjr]

When Walt created Club 33 it was for Disneyland sponsors. People who had invested in the parks. The Club 33 admission today is totally different.

The point was he wanted an elite VIP experience for those sponsors and the general public was never meant to go. I see this as being no different, minus the corporations. It's an elite VIP experience and if you have the money it's yours for the taking.

 

[JonesFamilyTravels]

This is expensive, but I love this idea for families with little ones. This could be great when you get to Disney early, but cannot get into your hotel yet. You can let the kids have a little break or nap in the cabana in between having fun at the park. Including drinks, snacks, and preferred viewing are also really great value added. I love Disney is offering these other options.

 

[miamimi]

The point was he wanted an elite VIP experience for those sponsors and the general public was never meant to go. I see this as being no different, minus the corporations. It's an elite VIP experience and if you have the money it's yours for the taking.

He needed corporate sponsorship to create Disneyland. But you know what the biggest difference was? Disney plowed profits back into the park and was always thinking of how to plus the attractions and create new attractions for the parks.
I'm glad you are happy with the current management and the tents, but there is a huge difference between Walt Disney's Theme Park management and the current regime.

 

[chartle]

This would be a really cute place to have a celebration as well - birthday, anniversary, family reunion. If you compare it to a private Illuminations or Wishes cruise, it's actually more cost effective as you get the cabana the whole day instead of only about 2 hours. Get a cake, some balloons and you have your own private party space in MK. People are always asking on these boards, "where can we celebrate so-and-so's b-day". Well, here you go.

Sorry that has to go through the Disney Celebrations Department that has a $1,500 min for any park celebration.

 

[GillianP1301]

Sooo... has anyone booked one for Christmas day? Seriously considering it, there is 5 of us, so we'd need to find another family of 3 to split with. Honestly, for the ears, drinks, fruit, ice cream, charging, and reserved viewing, I don't think this is that crazy at all. I find it more appealing than a dessert party.

ETA: So, yeah.. I went ahead and booked for Christmas day!
You have up until 2 days before to cancel if you need to. Total is $691 with tax. They said it's available from 9am until park closing, which is Midnight on Christmas.

Here's the breakdown I'm figuring.

Mickey Ears - $14.50 + whatever personalization costs now
Soda + Water, if 1 of each - $6
Ice Cream Treat - $5
Fruit - $3
The CM said there would be assorted pre-packaged snacks, and they're thinking it's going to be traditional ones like chips, pretzels, popcorn. So I'll say another $5 maybe
So that's about $30-$35 per person in snacks/drinks/hat

Add on
Locker - $7-12
bug spray/sunblock.. Yes we usually bring, but sometimes forget, so that's handy
Charging stations.
PLUS the reserved viewing for parades and fireworks, and a respite from the crowds on Christmas day. I'm thinking WELL worth it.

Maybe I'm crazy, but this my family's dream vacation, we've never been to WDW, we've been DL Passholders though for years. We have ressies for Crystal Palace at 8am and LTT for Christmas Dinner at like 7pm. This gives us a chance to do the full day at MK and have the chance for a break without worrying about them closing to re-entry, etc..

To me, this is exactly the scenario where the cabana makes sense. You're going to be there on the busiest day of the year and it's going to be bananas crazy in the park. Having a private retreat to get away from all of that has a pretty high value, IMO. Add the fact that you'll be able to send a runner CM to pick food up for you (I know you have to pay for the food), means you aren't spending a ton of time in a food line. If it's something you can afford, then I definitely see the value in a Christmas Day booking.

 

[alliecat523]

I think this is a great idea and I would definitely book one. For our touring style and family needs I think it's a great option for us. I do think it will be popular and end up permanent.

I see it as just another option for our vacation. Just like choosing a resort (value vs. deluxe vs. off site), dining (QS vs. signature vs. bring my own food), or water parks, parties, EMM, etc. In my mind, we go to Disney for the core park experience (rides and characters). If my budget allows and I'm interested then I add on the extras.