Tell Me Everything About the Beachcomber Shacks/Polar Patios....

[kristenrice]

In my 25+ visits to WDW, the only water park I have been to is River Country back in 1985. This year, we have 8 days planned at WDW and we will have 6-day park tickets and a split-stay so it seems like a no-brainer to visit a water park on our "switch" day. The travel party consists of three adult women, all of whom enjoy being around water, but not necessarily in the water. We prefer the lazy river over the wave pool and if the water slide is going to induce a wedgie, well, it's definitely going to be a no-go. We looked at some YouTube videos of the top-level private "cabanas" (the ones with the TV's, fans and refrigerators) and they look like something that would be perfect for us. I have a few logistical questions for those who have rented them before.

First, I assume they are booked at the 60+ 10 mark, correct? If we have a split-stay, can I book this at the 60+ 10 mark of our first segment? We plan to arrive for our first night on a Monday, but the "arrival" (free) day that we plan to go to the water park isn't until Friday because that is when we switch resorts.

Second, once we have the reservation secured, is there a particular time that we must arrive to claim it? We are thinking about attending the MNSSHP on Thursday night and if that happens, we won't arrive to the water park until at least noon. Is the cabana only held until a certain time?

Third, and along the same line as the previous question, since you get the cabana for the day, can you leave and come back? I know most people probably do not leave the water parks in the middle of the day and return later, simply because of the limited hours, but is it even an option?

Finally, I know that they used to offer refillable mugs with the cabanas but since they got rid of the mugs at the parks earlier this year (this is a VERY recent change) are they now stocking the beverage coolers with bottled sodas and water? Or are they providing free soda upon request? We often drink more soda than water so it would be nice to know if they are still providing free soda.

Any other input, including availability of discounts or hints at successfully booking, would be appreciated.

 

[summerlvr]

Wouldn't the last day of your first reservation also be the first day of your second reservation? If so, should be able to reserve on the first day of eligibility for the first stay. Have no answers for your other questions though. Hopefully someone with more waterpark experience will chime in.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Second, once we have the reservation secured, is there a particular time that we must arrive to claim it? We are thinking about attending the MNSSHP on Thursday night and if that happens, we won't arrive to the water park until at least noon. Is the cabana only held until a certain time?

It's yours for the day, no matter when you arrive. No need to rush to get there, other than the time your giving up enjoying the patio/shack and water park. Mid day is peak park crowds and if you happen to get any afternoon storms a fun water park day can be cut short so we tend to go at opening - but I get the late night MNSSHP day before thing!

 

[kylenne]

First, I assume they are booked at the 60+ 10 mark, correct? If we have a split-stay, can I book this at the 60+ 10 mark of our first segment? We plan to arrive for our first night on a Monday, but the "arrival" (free) day that we plan to go to the water park isn't until Friday because that is when we switch resorts.

You can. We have a BWI/Poly split stay at the end of the month and were able to book an umbrella at Typhoon Lagoon for our Poly check in day when our BWI window opened. For purposes of any kind of advance reservation swap day is generally treated as the last day of your first resort stay so you can still book things for it in your first window.

BTW we have 3 adult women and opted for the umbrella vs. the cabana. We have a late night planned at HS the night before and breakfast at Cake Bake Shop that morning, and I knew we probably wouldn't be there all day as storms generally hit in the afternoon. From experience you don't have to get there exactly at 10 either, it's just better if you want to do slides because the lines are shorter at park open.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Finally, I know that they used to offer refillable mugs with the cabanas but since they got rid of the mugs at the parks earlier this year (this is a VERY recent change) are they now stocking the beverage coolers with bottled sodas and water? Or are they providing free soda upon request? We often drink more soda than water so it would be nice to know if they are still providing free soda.

Our experience at a Deluxe Beachcomber Shack at Typhoon Lagoon recently (ignore the yellow thing, that was a melting candy we put in the fridge). Unlimited restocking. I sometimes worry about outdoor fridges in Florida heat, but ours was ice cold.

 

[brockash]

Our experience at a Deluxe Beachcomber Shack at Typhoon Lagoon recently (ignore the yellow thing, that was a melting candy we put in the fridge). Unlimited restocking. I sometimes worry about outdoor fridges in Florida heat, but ours was ice cold.

View attachment 968133

Thank you for the report. My kids will still be disappointed (they liked to mix their own drink in the mugs,) but cans are much better than bottle for me, so I guess that's better than what it could've been.