Do You Need to Activate the Universal Orlando Photo Package? Hereâs My Experience
Wondering if you need to activate your Universal Orlando photo package before using it? Hereâs my first-hand guide on how activation works, where to go, and how to save time.
When I head to Universal Orlando, I almost always add on the My Universal Photos packageâitâs the easiest way to collect all the ride photos, character meet-and-greets, and those candid shots in front of the globe without fumbling with my phone. But thereâs one question I get asked all the time:
Photo Shop at Universal Studios Florida
đ âIf I buy the Universal Orlando photo package, do I need to stop at the photo center to activate it?â
The short answer is yesâbut itâs not as much of a hassle as you might think.
How the Activation Works
When you purchase My Universal Photos, whether you buy online ahead of time or at the park, youâll still need to activate the package inside Universal Orlando. This step links your purchase to the physical photo pass cards youâll use throughout the day.
Hereâs where you can activate:
On Location at Universal Studios Florida
DeFotoâs Expedition Photography at Islands of Adventure
Waturi Marketplace at Volcano Bay
Or even the will-call window at the front gate
Once you activate, the team member gives you a lanyard and photo cardâand you can request extras if your group is splitting up. Every card links back to your account, so all of your photos end up in one place.
Do You Have to Activate Right Away?
Nope! You donât need to run straight to the photo center the minute you enter the park.
Hereâs a pro tip Iâve learned: you can start using a temporary card that ride photographers hand out at attractions. When you finally stop by a photo center to activate your package, those early photos will be transferred over to your account. That way, you donât waste rope-drop time standing in line.
My Advice
If you want to maximize your photo package:
Grab a temporary card as soon as you get your first photo taken.
Wait to activate until the middle of the day when crowds are lighter.
Ask for extra cards if your family is splitting upâit keeps everyoneâs photos together.
For me, this system works perfectly. I get all my ride photos, family shots, and even those silly green-screen pictures without stressing.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you do need to activate your Universal Orlando photo packageâbut you donât need to stress about it. Start snapping photos with a temporary card, then swing by a photo center when itâs convenient. Youâll walk away with a full album of memories without sacrificing valuable park time.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Inside Universalâs Cabana Bay Beach Resort: My Full Experience
I just released a new video all about Universalâs Cabana Bay Beach Resort! In this post, I share who this retro-themed, budget-friendly hotel is best for, plus some tips from my stay. If youâre considering Cabana Bay for your Orlando vacation, hereâs what you need to know before booking.
Whenever I visit Orlandoâs theme parks, Iâm always looking for that sweet spot between convenience, comfort, and value. On my most recent trip, my family and I stayed at Universalâs Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and I filmed the entire experience for my YouTube channel.
đ You can watch my full video tour of Cabana Bay Beach Resort here: https://youtu.be/BSV__puCup4
But in this post, I want to do more than just share the video. I want to give you my honest take on who Cabana Bay Beach Resort is for â and who might want to look elsewhere.
Why I Chose Cabana Bay
Iâve stayed at plenty of Orlando hotels over the years, from budget motels to deluxe resorts. Cabana Bay caught my attention because itâs technically a âvalueâ resort within Universal Orlando, but it offers way more personality and perks than your average budget hotel.
From the moment you drive up, Cabana Bay feels like youâve stepped into a retro postcard from the 1960s. Neon lights, bold turquoise panels, and even a vintage bowling alley inside â itâs like the Jetsons meet Florida beach vacation.
For me, this wasnât just about saving money. I wanted a resort that felt fun, had easy access to the parks, and still gave my family some space to relax. Cabana Bay checked all of those boxes.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Can you spot Krakatau Volcano in the background?
The Big Perks of Staying at Cabana Bay
Hereâs what stood out to me during my stay:
Early Park Admission â Even though Cabana Bay doesnât include Universalâs Express Pass (thatâs for the pricier premier resorts), you do get early entry to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and soon Epic Universe. This can make a huge difference for families trying to beat the crowds.
Direct Access to Volcano Bay â Cabana Bay is the only hotel with a private entrance to Universalâs water park. After spending a day in the sun, that easy walk back to the room really mattered.
Two Massive Pools + Lazy River â My kids couldnât get enough of the lazy river. And Iâll be honest â I floated right alongside them.
Family-Friendly Dining Options â Bayliner Diner, the food court, has something for everyone (plus a Starbucks when I needed my caffeine fix).
Retro Fun â Between Galaxy Bowl, the Jack LaLanne fitness studio, and themed dÊcor everywhere, the resort feels more like an experience than just a place to sleep.
See exactly what Cabana Bay Beach Resort is like in my latest video tour:
Who Cabana Bay Is Perfect For
Based on my stay, hereâs my advice on who should consider booking Cabana Bay:
1. Families with Kids
The pools, lazy river, bowling alley, and casual dining make this a no-brainer for families. Kids will be entertained even if you take a âday offâ from the parks.
2. Budget-Conscious Travelers
If you want to be on Universal property without paying deluxe resort prices, Cabana Bay is a solid middle ground. Rooms are straightforward but still themed and comfortable.
3. Theme Park Fans Who Want Convenience
The free shuttle buses and Volcano Bay entrance make it easy to maximize park time without the stress of driving or parking.
4. Retro & Design Enthusiasts
Honestly, even if youâre not a theme park person, the mid-century modern vibe is reason enough to stay. It feels like youâre living inside a vintage travel ad.
Who Might Want to Skip Cabana Bay
Of course, no resort is perfect. Cabana Bay might not be the right fit if:
You must have Universalâs Express Pass included. For that, youâll need to book Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific, or Portofino Bay.
You prefer luxury touches like fine dining, plush bedding, and upscale lobbies. Cabana Bay is fun and stylish, but itâs still a value-to-moderate category hotel.
You donât like big resorts. With over 2,000 rooms, Cabana Bay is large and busy. If you want something more boutique, youâll want to look elsewhere.
My Final Take
So, would I stay here again? Absolutely.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a fantastic choice if youâre visiting Universal Orlando with family, on a budget, or just want to soak up a playful retro atmosphere. Itâs not about luxury â itâs about fun, convenience, and getting great value for what you pay.
If youâre planning your own Orlando vacation, I highly recommend checking out Cabana Bay. And if you want a full walkthrough of the resort, from the lobby to the lazy river, watch my video tour here: [Insert YouTube Link].
And if youâre already planning ahead to Universalâs brand-new Epic Universe park, youâll want to see my guide on how to beat the crowds there. Thatâs right here: [Insert Link to Epic Universe Post/Video].
âĻ Iâd love to hear your thoughts. Have you stayed at Cabana Bay Beach Resort? Drop me a comment below or share your favorite Universal hotel experience!
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Insiderâs Guide to the Universal Orlando Mobile App
Using the Universal Orlando Mobile App
The official Universal Orlando Resort mobile app includes a variety of tools and resources to help you before and during your Universal Orlando vacation.
The Universal Orlando app allows you to
Link park tickets
Place mobile food and drink orders
Join a virtual line
Create your own "must-do" list
Explore park maps and so much more
Insider Tip: The map has helpful features like Express Pass-enabled locations, height restrictions, show times, dietary options, and more.
Download the official mobile app (itâs free)
Once you download the app, create or sign in to your Universal account.
Set up your wallet
The wallet feature is known as Universal Pay. Using Universal Pay makes your day easier.
Itâs most helpful when ordering food because Universal Orlando encourages mobile orders at quick-service restaurants.
You can place an order and pay for it right in the app (more on this below).
Using Universal Pay at Volcano Bay Water Park
Going to Volcano Bay water park? (Itâs only the best water park in Orlando!) Leave your phone in your locker or in your beach bag and your bag of rice at home, youâre phone wonât be getting wet here.
You can purchase food, beverages, and merchandise using Tapu Tapu, a waterproof wristband that is provided upon entry to the park.
Use Tapu Tapu anywhere Universal Pay is accepted in the park. No need to carry your phone, cash, or cards in your bathing suit.
You can also set up and manage sub-accounts for others in your party and set spending limits so they can make purchases with Tapu Tapu as well. See my Tips for Volcano Bay here.
Tapu Tapu at Universal Orlandoâs Volcano Bay Water Park
Use the App to Plan Your Trip
Scroll through the rides and shows that are available at each park.
Tap the heart on your favorite attractions to add them to your favorites list, making it easy to reference wait times and attraction details once you are in the park.
Doing this helps ensure that you wonât miss any must-dos while touring the parks.
Linking tickets to the Universal Orlando mobile app
If you booked a vacation package with me, youâll pick up your tickets when you arrive at your Universal Orlando hotel.
To add a ticket to the mobile app, select âScan Tickets & Add Onsâ to scan the back of your ticket or enter your ticket number (located under the barcode).
If you need help, just ask a Team Member at the ticket desk, located inside the hotel lobby.
Placing Mobile Food and Drink Orders
Order ahead from select restaurants when youâre in the theme parks and at CityWalk.
How to place your mobile order
Open the side navigation and select "Mobile Food & Drink Ordering"
Select an available restaurant
Browse menu options and make customizations
Tap âPrepare My Orderâ
Wait at the pickup window to receive your order
Join Virtual Lines at Universal Orlando
During busier times of the year, some of Universal Orlandoâs most popular attractions allow you to join a Virtual Line. Rather than stand in a physical line, you can reserve a time to ride and go off to enjoy other areas of the park. This feature is free.
Hereâs how Virtual Lines work:
Pick your ride in the app
Join the queue for a time window that works for you
Show the Team Member your phone to scan and enter the attraction
The app will display the attractions that are offering a Virtual Line, if any. You can almost always find Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon as an option.
Depending on how crowded the park is, Universal may also offer Virtual Line on the following:
Hagridâs Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Fast & Furious: Supercharged
Revenge of the Mummy
Universal Orlando adjusts Virtual Line throughout the day. The day may start off without any Virtual Lines being offered but as the park gets busier, some Virtual Lines may begin to come online. Universal may also remove the option during the day if itâs no longer needed - but they will still honor existing reservations.
Insider Tip! I recommend you check for Virtual Lines starting 20 minutes prior to the park opening time.
Insider Tip! Use the âWait Time Alertâ feature on the app to get notified if the wait for a favorite attraction is under a certain time. For example, you can set up an alert to be notified if the wait for Hagridâs Motorbike Adventure drops below 60 minutes.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Plan a smooth visit to Universal Orlando with this helpful accessibility guide for guests using wheelchairs and mobility devices. Learn how ride transfer requirements work, what to expect in queues, and how to navigate the parks confidently in 2025.