Universal Orlando- Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort has been our go-to for a Prime Value level resort a Universal Studios Florida. Since 2023 I’ve booked the resort for both family trips and as an adult-only girls’ weekend with friends.
Resort Layout
etro mid-century modern themed lobby and central spaces make it fun for both kids and grown-ups alike. Details like VO5 brand “cream rinse” in your room and pay phones transport you to a different time and give you tons of chances to tell your kids about life before the modern amenities that they enjoy today.
Rooms
Room options include family suites and standard rooms. Different wings offer different styles of rooms, from retro-motel style exits to the pool or parking lots to rooms in the towers overlooking Volcano Bay Beach Resort.
Family Suite, 2023
We booked a family suite in 2023 and loved the extra space and exterior exit for convenience to the pool and other outdoor amenities.
Standard Room-20th1 & 2024
During our first trip We loved our Americana Wing standard room’s access to the exit closest to the Volcano Bay Entrance and buses to the Parks.
More recently in 2024 our standard room was located in the Bayliner Tower. The walk was the furthest possible to the lobby and walkway to the parks, however we were less than a 5-minute walk to the entrance to Volcano Bay waterpark.
Amenities & Dining
There are two pool sections, each with a quick service restaurant. We opted for poolside dining in the Lazy River Courtyard (and the best cocktails!) from the Hideaway Bar and Grill. The Cabana Courtyard offers a waterslide and sand beach for sunbathing.
We took our food and drinks from the lobby’s Swizzle Bar to the lobby patio for sunset. Guests at the resort also have the option to book a bowling lane and dining reservation at the Galaxy Bowl. For early park-goers Starbucks opens at 6am.
Dining at Cabana Bay was convenient for quick meals before and after park visits. The central Bayliner Diner is a cafeteria-style huge central dining space that televises retro-style tv shows and ads. The food options were surprisingly diverse; and the international section was filled with healthy options.
Our Stay at Cabana Bay
Quick list of our favorites from Cabana Bay Beach Resort:
- All of the theming, especially the lobby with rotary dial pay phones
- Mediterranean Pizza from Bayliner Diner.
- Shopping for retro clothing and goods at the Universal Store.
- Antique cars lined up at the Resort Entrance.
- The retro bath products in our room.
- The super easy 5-minute walk to Volcano Bay waterpark for hotel guests only
Choose a Resort
Universal Florida has so much to offer, and staying onsite is the best way to experience all of it. From the affordable (& brand new) Aventura Hotel to the luxury of Portofino Bay, there’s a place to stay for every interest and budget. Staying at a Universal Resort even gets you early admission to a park!
Go from Muggle to Wizard
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is rightfully the biggest draw to Universal Florida. This immersive experience is enjoyable if you’ve seen the movies, but even better if you’e read the books. Put on your robes and exchange your Muggle money, explore the dark corners of Knockturn Alley, and drink all the butterbeer.
Pick Your Parks
Universal Orlando is home to three parks: Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. (Note: a park to park ticket is needed to ride the Hogwarts Express.)
Dine at Universal Orlando
Finding fare to fit all budgets and dietary preferences is easy at Universal Orlando. Pre-order a quick meal using the App, reserve table service meals, or enjoy fine dining at a resort
One Comment
Aan Zee
Great tips on getting from MCO to Cabana Bay: https://www.orlandosuperiortransportation.com/blog/how-to-get-from-orlando-airport-to-cabana-bay-resort