Just back from four nights at Cabana Bay. Some thoughts:
1. We had a Beautiful view of Volcano bay from our fifth floor "pool" view room in Americana. Not sure if these rooms will remain priced as pool views, but it was awesome.
2. Maybe it was just me, but we were largely underwhelmed with the bus service on pick-up. Not quite as bad as Disney, but they certainly know how to sardine pack people in the buses just as well at peak times. I thought they'd have a few more running. I know it was a peak time. We even went last night and took a boat to Sapphire Falls at park close so we could cut through their pool area and out the back gate there to the crossover. Probably not too many more steps and no line or crowd stress.
3. We tried the walkway, buses, and the aforementioned combo boat/walk to the parks. IMO, the best bet to get TO the parks was the bus. There was almost never a wait for security at Citiwalk and we were either first or second at our turnstile for all three days of early entry we went this week. To get back to the resort, I think it's easier to hop on the Sapphire Falls boat and then walk through their resort and to the crossover. A few more steps, but a lot more sitting as well and less stressful.
4. Cabana bay BY FAR has the best pools on the entire property. The Phase II pool between Americana and Continental has in-pool speakers as well that is just as good as the sound system at Hard Rock. The lazy river is HUGE. And the dive tower pool has a great slide. You really cannot go wrong with it.
5. Bayliner Diner was always fairly empty and had a very good selection of food. We bought one resort mug and had no problems. The beef nachos by the pool were a super value. Enjoyed the beer selection at the pools and Swizzle lounge, plenty of new stuff to try.
6. The size of the resort is something to consider. I was planning to walk to the parks a lot more than I did. But being near the end of Americana, adds a good bit of distance and time needed to even get to the crossover and beginning of the walking path. Continental and the new towers are even further. The crossover is all the way at the end of the resort closest to the park. A lot more tempting to walk from that end time-wise.
7. Super-easy to show right up, activate our AP's and check in. Room wasn't ready but they texted us when it was and activated the keys they gave us on check-in. Check-out worked like a charm as well. Charging to the room worked well at the park, but we had problems in the park and at other resorts. We just took our cards with us instead of trying to get it all worked out. Nothing worth hassling over.
I'll gladly try to answer anymore questions. We LOVED Cabana Bay are are seriously considering scratching and premium stay days in June and just stay at CBBR the entire trip. Especially with the waterpark open.