There’s nothing better than a pool day in the summer, but at Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World, pool days can often mean heading to one of the on-site water parks. For Universal, that means Volcano Bay. At Disney, there are two options: Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. And while you could get to any of the parks early to stake out the perfect spot with multiple chairs and umbrellas, there is another option for a home base for your family: renting a cabana.
I know what you’re likely thinking: these cabanas are hard to get and add a lot of money to your vacation budget. But what if I told you they also offer perks that could be worth the additional vacation funds? Keep reading to learn more about Universal and Disney’s cabanas, if they are worth the added cost, what’s included in the rental, and which one I think comes out on top after testing both.
How much are water park cabanas at Universal Orlando and Disney World?
All three water parks across Universal Orlando and Disney World have cabanas, but how much you pay depends on a lot of factors. The two biggest factors are when you’re planning to be at the water parks and how many people are in your group.
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Universal Volcano Bay offers two types of cabanas: single cabana units for up to six people, and family suite cabanas for up to 16 people. Because each cabana type has dynamic pricing, we’re sharing the cost range. To know exact prices and book a cabana, the only option is to call Universal Orlando. Single-unit cabanas range from $160 to $800+ per day for the entire unit. The lower units are often cheaper than the upper units, but the upper units offer better views of the park. Family suite cabanas clock in at $300 to over $1,000 a day. Just know that there is a limited number of family suite cabanas available, so if you want one, you’ll need to book as early as possible.
Over at Walt Disney World, the Polar Patios at Disney’s Blizzard Beach can be more affordable. Polar Patios have two levels: Polar Patios Standard (no roof) and Polar Patios Premium Plus (with a roof). Both offer room for up to 10 guests, though there’s seating for only six people. Prices for a standard patio range from $225 to $425, while premium plus patios range from $350 to $525.
At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, there are three cabana styles, called Beachcomber Shacks. The first is Beachcomber Shacks Standard, which can accommodate 10 people and ranges in price from $225 to $425. The Beachcomber Shacks Deluxe are slightly larger, holding 12 people, and prices range from $300 to $500 per day. Then there’s the Beachcomber Shacks Premium Plus, which has the most amenities and can hold 10 people, with prices ranging from $375 to $550. All the Typhoon Lagoon cabanas have a roof.
What’s included with a water park cabana rental at Universal Orlando and Disney World?
There are a host of free amenities at the Universal and Disney water parks.
At Volcano Bay, the included amenities are lounge chairs and couches to enjoy, a small fridge stocked with water, a fruit and snack basket delivered upon your arrival, towels, and a locker right in your cabana. You’ll also have a dedicated cabana host to help you throughout the day.
At Blizzard Beach, standard Polar Patios include towels, a locker, water, soft drinks, cushioned furniture, and a dedicated attendant. Premium plus cabanas offer more amenities, including a mini fridge, fan, and cell phone chargers.
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Over at Typhoon Lagoon, the standard and deluxe Beachcomber Shacks offer the same basic amenities as the standard Polar Patios. The real difference in amenities is with the premium plus Beachcomber Shacks, which offer the standard amenities, plus a dining table, mini fridge, flatscreen TV, fan, and four electrical outlets.
Both Disney water parks also offer a cabana host who can assist you throughout the day.
What’s not included with a water park cabana rental at Universal Orlando and Disney World?
The biggest thing that’s not part of a cabana at any of the water parks is your entry ticket. If you’re staying at Universal Orlando Resort, you can bundle a ticket to Volcano Bay into your ticket package or buy a single-day ticket.
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Those going to Walt Disney World have a few ticket options. You can bundle a water park ticket into your ticket package or buy a single-day ticket. And for those staying at a Walt Disney World hotel, you get free entry into either on-site water park on your check-in day from now until September 8, which can really help with your overall vacation budget.
At all three parks, food and some drinks are not included, but can be brought to you by your cabana attendant. Start a tab, and a bill will be delivered at the end of the day.
Do cabanas really make a difference for families at a water park?
If you have a large family, are traveling with multiple groups, or just want a good home base, cabanas can definitely make a difference at a water park. And even better, with all the amenities provided, you can walk into the water park without having to worry about drinks for everyone, towels getting wet and unusable, or finding enough chairs close together for the entire group.
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While cabanas can be expensive, if you’re splitting the cost between a few friends or families, the cost per smaller group can actually be really affordable. For instance, if you’re going to Walt Disney World and want to get a standard cabana at Typhoon Lagoon, for the average cost of $325 and fill it with the maximum number of guests (10), each person would only have to pay about $33. This same idea works at Blizzard Beach and Universal Volcano Bay, too.
Our theme park editor’s pick for the best water park cabana
I’ve tried and tested cabanas at all three water parks, and no matter which one you book, you’ll have a good time. But one cabana option definitely rises to the top for me, and that’s the single units at Universal Volcano Bay. The cabanas themselves are really beautiful. On my visit, I had an upper-floor unit, which offered incredible 360-degree views of the water park.
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I also think Volcano Bay’s snack and fruit basket pushes the amenities over the top for me. The basket is filled with freshly cut fruit and delightful little muffins. And since my group didn’t finish the tray before we left Volcano Bay for the day, our server offered to box it up so we could enjoy the rest in our hotel room.
If you can find a good deal on the Volcano Bay cabanas, or you have a large group traveling together and can split the cost among a few people, it can be a cost-effective way to enjoy a cabana and have a set base for your water park day.
