What's so special about the Cabana's?

[agame2323]

I saw the prices and they cost as much (if not more) than a hotel room? Is this (the Cabana's) just a place to sit, eat and relax? I can't imagine paying that much money just to have a "resting place."

 

[havoc315]

I paid more for the Cabana than my room at Portofino bay.

First off, don't underestimate the value of having a shaded comfortable spot to return to, if you're spending hours in a hot water park. Instead of a scrounging for loungers. Including a lock box to keep your stuff.
Concierge service to deliver food and drinks... instead of long lines to get food. Included bottled water and towels.
And finally... using Tapu Tapu to book rides from the cabana, instead of running around the park just to reserve rides.

The actual dollar value is going to be subjective, but there is unquestionably value there.

 

[peg110]

They started to do this in MK too, but the stopped it. I think it would be great for those "Special" type of days... You know, New Years Eve... Fourth of July, etc...

 

[bobbie68]

I paid more for the Cabana than my room at Portofino bay.

First off, don't underestimate the value of having a shaded comfortable spot to return to, if you're spending hours in a hot water park. Instead of a scrounging for loungers. Including a lock box to keep your stuff.
Concierge service to deliver food and drinks... instead of long lines to get food. Included bottled water and towels.
And finally... using Tapu Tapu to book rides from the cabana, instead of running around the park just to reserve rides.

The actual dollar value is going to be subjective, but there is unquestionably value there.

Hi I totally agree! My family and I do a lot of water parks and we started renting a cabana occasionally last year. Yes it cost more than my room but it is so worth it for all the reasons above. I have not seen as much offered with cabanas as these at VB are so I have paid the same for less. We do plan on staying from open to close when we go in July and that cabana will be worth everything.


I also agree it is subjective to people and that is fine too.

 

[scoopmorgan]

It's my understanding that cabana prices vary by season, but I am not sure where to look for those prices. Anyone know?

 

[bobbie68]

It's my understanding that cabana prices vary by season, but I am not sure where to look for those prices. Anyone know?

Hi Unfortunately right now you will not find anything on line. If you call and just ask for prices they might tell you even though you can't reserve them anymore prior to your park visit. If you go back to the forum there is a Cabana Pricing thread where we have all listed our prices we are paying. Most of it is for this summer but I believe there were a few prices. I paid $399.00 for a single cabana in the wave village for Tuesday August 1.

 

[cbsnyber1]

I'll second what others already stated: A cabana gives you a preferred spot regardless of the crowd level - really important when crowds are crazy busy. You have guaranteed shade all day (nothing worse than that plastic chaise lounger roasting in the sun all afternoon). You have a secure place to lock up valuables without having to trudge back and forth to a rental locker. Mini fridge - priceless. You have bar/food attendants, plus whatever freebies they give you. Do they have a TV (those at the resort pools do)? If so, a plus for the family sports fans who were dragged along for the day. If it's not a budget breaker, go for it, unless it's a really slow time.

We rented a cabana for a day during our stay at the Royal Pacific last November, and I would do it again because of the above benefits. It was just so convenient!

 

[keishashadow]

I can see the value of a cabana, just not for our travel patterns. Think it'd be good for larger groups, people sensitive to sun/heat, especially small children & elderly.

Nice idea for special celebrations. Have talked to locals who tend to spend their time at resort vs park as they can visit them often via a day trip

I'm too much of a park fan to spend more than a few hours at any onsite property pool. It would be wasted in me lol

We tend to use pool in am when quiet, especially with FOTL perk. Never a problem there

Aquatica we have an AP, only spend a few hours there, usually mid day. Easy enough to find shade there while we dry off a bit

Wdw WPs we rope drop to stake out a spot, usually back in parks by mid to late afternoon.

Love WPs but not my Orlando focus, have plenty of options at home to enjoy.

We tend to want to be participating in activities vs lounging in a cabana. A personal choice. Nice there are so many options

We do use a kyss bag, locking, it attaches to umbrella/lounge chair easily. Have small waterproof drybag that attaches/tucks u to swimsuit out of sight too

 

[Annchristine65]

Hi Unfortunately right now you will not find anything on line. If you call and just ask for prices they might tell you even though you can't reserve them anymore prior to your park visit. If you go back to the forum there is a Cabana Pricing thread where we have all listed our prices we are paying. Most of it is for this summer but I believe there were a few prices. I paid $399.00 for a single cabana in the wave village for Tuesday August 1.

Wait. You can't reserve in advance anymore?

 

[bobbie68]

Wait. You can't reserve in advance anymore?

Sorry no you can't. They stopped all advance sales about a week ago. A lot had to do is they were over booking I think because a lot of them are not finished yet. In the future they might but right now you have to do it the day in the park. They are honoring all purchases made before they stopped the advance purchase.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

Correct, because those people paid in advance. I'm sure the reservation system will be back but the end of July. The park isn't finished yet in all honesty. There are still cabanas that need to be placed in. I hear that after closing, lots of work is being done.

 

[Disxuni]

Due to the price is the reason why I am waiting until things settle down and wait until it's not considered peak season. That way it's potentially more affordable. Might wait til the end of the year, or perhaps even next year during non-peak season. Also, that way all the kinks get worked out before I show up to make sure I'm more likely to have less issues and likely to have a better time. While a lot of people are stating they had a great time in reviews, there also seems to be a lot of negatives as well, with them still working on things, having technical difficulties, and TT / wait times not working as people expected.

I'd rather wait a little longer than fish out a lot of money now, only to experience a lot of technical drama.

 

[schumigirl]

My niece and her family have rented a cabana both days they have visited VB last couple of weeks.

They really enjoyed it as they were going to be there full days.....they love water parks. Anyway, they had no issues with any technical difficulties and loved the shade and service they received while they were there. I`ve seen a few pictures of them and both looked lovely.

They thought they were worth every cent.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

Due to the price is the reason why I am waiting until things settle down and wait until it's not considered peak season. That way it's potentially more affordable. Might wait til the end of the year, or perhaps even next year during non-peak season. Also, that way all the kinks get worked out before I show up to make sure I'm more likely to have less issues and likely to have a better time. While a lot of people are stating they had a great time in reviews, there also seems to be a lot of negatives as well, with them still working on things, having technical difficulties, and TT / wait times not working as people expected.

I'd rather wait a little longer than fish out a lot of money now, only to experience a lot of technical drama.

That's not how peak season works. Peak season is now until the 2nd week of Aug. It doesn't change. Also waiting means a higher chance of sell out IMO you're better off booking and canceling before the 72 hours.

 

[Disxuni]

That's not how peak season works. Peak season is now until the 2nd week of Aug. It doesn't change. Also waiting means a higher chance of sell out IMO you're better off booking and canceling before the 72 hours.

You just said it doesn't change, but then said it's peak season until 2nd week of Aug? To me that's considered a change.

Also, from what I heard, people can no longer book in advance anymore, it's first come and first serve now. That being said, there's no telling how they will be doing reservations when I decide to go since I'm thinking about towards the end of the year (fall), or beginning of next year (towards the end of winter) when it's non-peak season.

So, I'll just have to take my chances.

 

[k&Jsmom]

I belong to alot of universal groups on facebook. A few people who rented the cabanas said the Tapu Tapu was not working in their cabana. They had to walk to the rides instead. And some people said their cabana backed up to the highway and they heard alot of noise. I was going to rent one but I need to hear more reviews before I do so. Thats alot of money to spend and risk being disappointed. i guess they need time to work out the kinks. I just don't know yet what i'm going to do.

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

You just said it doesn't change, but then said it's peak season until 2nd week of Aug? To me that's considered a change.

How is that a change? Peak Family travel times are always June through the second week of Aug. and any school vacation weeks. There is really no offseason other than the Fall.

 

[dizneedoll]

We are going first week in December and I had called to get a cabana price. She told me it would be $170 for the single unit (6 person) cabana. This was before they stopped taking reservations. So yes, it is cheaper in the off season. I didn't reserve at that time because I wasn't sure what day we would visit VB and the weather can be unpredictable in December. Now I'm glad I didn't because after seeing actual photos I'm not impressed. Where are the lounge chairs?? Two regular chairs and a very long padded bench is all they have, neither look comfortable at all. The premium seating looks more comfortable than the cabanas and other than no Tapu Tapu kiosk thingy, they sound like they have all the important amenities...shade, lockbox, wait service. I don't need free towels and water, I can bring my own. I'm actually disappointed I don't like them as much as I though I would. I was looking forward to having one.

 

[schumigirl]

We are going first week in December and I had called to get a cabana price. She told me it would be $170 for the single unit (6 person) cabana. This was before they stopped taking reservations. So yes, it is cheaper in the off season. I didn't reserve at that time because I wasn't sure what day we would visit VB and the weather can be unpredictable in December. Now I'm glad I didn't because after seeing actual photos I'm not impressed. Where are the lounge chairs?? Two regular chairs and a very long padded bench is all they have, neither look comfortable at all. The premium seating looks more comfortable than the cabanas and other than no Tapu Tapu kiosk thingy, they sound like they have all the important amenities...shade, lockbox, wait service. I don't need free towels and water, I can bring my own. I'm actually disappointed I don't like them as much as I though I would. I was looking forward to having one.

My niece and family were very happy with their cabanas both days they've spent there......and I consider her fussy. They didn't have any complaints about comfort. They were glad to have them.

But, maybe you wouldn't have liked them, so, glad you didn't book after all. The Premium seating does look ok.

 

[Disxuni]

How is that a change? Peak Family travel times are always June through the second week of Aug. and any school vacation weeks. There is really no offseason other than the Fall.

Yes, which is why I originally stated I was going in the fall and I was waiting until non-peak season. I'll take my chances.