Getting from Walt Disney World to Universal hotel nighttime

Question

How easy is it to get from Walt Disney World at night back to Universal Cabana Bay hotel?

If I pre book an Uber where would be the best pick up from WDW? (Mid January) Thanks

Answer

Traveling from Walt Disney World (WDW) to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort at night is generally straightforward, though it requires arranging your own transportation since there is no direct shuttle between the two resorts. Uber, Lyft, or a taxi is the most convenient way.

Here’s what to consider for a nighttime transfer in mid-January:

Uber/Lyft: You can pre-book a ride, but note that at WDW, pick-up locations are specific for rideshares. Each park has designated drop-off and pick-up areas, usually near the main entrances or transportation hubs.
Best Pick-Up Locations:
- Magic Kingdom: Use the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) near the bus and monorail area; follow signage to the designated rideshare pick-up spot.
- Epcot: Near the main entrance plaza or the Epcot International Gateway if exiting near the Skyliner station.
- Hollywood Studios / Animal Kingdom: There are dedicated rideshare zones near the main guest drop-off loop at the front of the park.
Travel Time: Expect roughly 25–35 minutes from any WDW park to Cabana Bay, depending on traffic. January evenings tend to have lighter traffic compared to peak holiday periods, but always give a few extra minutes.
Cost: Uber/Lyft rides are typically $35–$50 one way, depending on surge pricing, vehicle type, and traffic conditions.

Additional Tips:

Make sure your phone is charged and you can access the Uber/Lyft app, as some WDW zones have limited cellular coverage.
Communicate with your driver about the exact pick-up zone; some zones are small and hard to spot in the dark.
For convenience, consider waiting until you are at the front of the park or at the main exit area, rather than attempting pick-up inside the park’s transportation loop.

In summary, using Uber or Lyft from the designated park pick-up zones is the easiest way to reach Universal’s Cabana Bay Resort at night. Pre-booking can help ensure timely arrival, and knowing the rideshare pick-up locations will make the transfer smooth and stress-free.