Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a family-friendly resort at Universal Studios with multiple restaurants, family suites, a bowling alley, multiple pools, and more.
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Cabana Bay Beach Resort
The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is throwing it back, way back to the 1950s. This retro hotel has old classic cars in front of its hotel, 1950’s themed rooms, and old school toiletries that were available back in the day. The retro rooms are adorable and set up well for families with a kitchenette, separate sink, shower, and toilet areas, and a living room.
It was quite nice to have the toilet area separate from the bathtub. With four people staying in the room it made things a lot easier for us. Imagine how helpful it is when a family of six is staying here. The couch folds out into a bed, so larger families can definitely stay here!
The bedroom is a little cramped. There is plenty of bed space, but depending on how many suitcases you have in the floor things can get congested quickly.
One thing I appreciated was the price. Unlike many theme park hotels, this one is not expensive. Rooms here typically cost between $110 – $160. Our family suite had a fridge and microwave which allowed us to be able to have breakfast in the room each day and save money on food. The fridge has no freezer! I learned this the hard way when I bought popsicles for the room.
We stayed in a room that faced the parking lot. I liked this because I never heard any noise from the pool area. It costs $12 a day to park.
Oddly enough, I loved the amenities in the bathroom. It was just Zest soap and VO5 hair products, but my grandpa always used Zest. Seeing the packaging instantly made me feel nostalgic. Then the kids and I used it and the smell took me back to the 80s and 90’s when I would stay at my grandparent’s lake house each summer in Brownwood, Texas. My grandfather’s go-to soap was Zest. Isn’t it amazing how one smell can just flood you with memories. 
Swimming Pool
There are two swimming pools, both family-friendly and large. At the main pool, there is a lazy river and a hot tub. At the second pool, there is another hot tub. My kids enjoyed the water slide. At both swimming pools, you can find bars, for the grown-ups, food options, and a sandy area for the kids. The pools and the lazy river are heated!
The sandy areas are filled with all kinds of fun toys to play with like sand toys, horseshoes, ping-pong, connect four, and more. 
Restaurant and Bars
They have quite a few on-site restaurants and bars. I met a friend at one of the pool bars one night. It was great catching up over cocktails while the kids swam. Another night we met up at the Lobby bar, it stays open later than the pool bars. We did not try any of the restaurants here. Instead, we dined at Universal City Walk where there are lots of restaurants. One of my favorite restaurants in Orlando is at the City Walk, CowFish Burger and Sushi Bar.
Bay Line Dinner
They have a massive cafeteria-style restaurant with four different types of affordable food options. The shrimp and grits are excellent and my kids loved the frozen yogurt bar. There’s also a salad bar.
Atomic Tonic
There is a food place next to the Cabana Courtyard pool too at Atomic Tonic. This is the Steak Salad I got at the pool food window for $7.99. In addition to salad, they also have sandwiches, wraps, and kebabs. Next to it is the bar and the mojito I got was excellent, it was however around $11. So although the food is cheap the drinks are not.
Galaxy Bowl
Galaxy Bowl is the hotel’s very own bowling alley featuring ten bowling lanes. You can find the bowling alley on the second floor of the lobby building. They have happy hour prices on bowling just $8 per person for 45 minutes.
They have a restaurant and full bar so you bowl and eat. Hours: 12 noon–12 midnight, daily. They have affordable food options including the super salad I had, it was only $7.50. According to 2 Travel Dads the best beer deal in all of Universal is the beer pitcher of Lagunitas IPA.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Perks
Early Admission – One of the best reasons to stay at Cabana Bay is the early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Diagon Alley. You can get into these sections of the park one hour before the rest of the park opens. Since these two areas are always the busiest parts of Universal Orlando this is an excellent perk. You can get through one whole section without fighting the crowds.
Walking Distance to Volcano Bay – Guests have a secret entrance to Volcano Bay water park. It’s a short walk over.
Free Shuttle – Not only can you get into Universal early, you can also catch the bus over to the entrance. This to me was a huge perk because I do not like having to pay to park in the parking lot and the extra walking. The buses run all day.
Meet Characters – On Friday nights various characters from the park make an appearance in the lobby.
Delivery Service – Merchandise purchased at select locations throughout the resort can be delivered to your room free of charge.
No Express Passes – Unlike some of the hotels at Universal staying at this hotel does not get you an express pass for the ride lines.
Check current rates and book your own stay today!
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
6550 Adventure Way
Orlando, FL 32819
Reservations
Room Reservations: (888) 273-1311
Phone: (407) 503-4000
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Cabana Bay Beach Resort FAQ
Does Cabana Bay Beach Resort allow pets?
No
Is there an airport shuttle?
No, there is no shuttle. I personally think the cheapest way to get here is by Uber or Lyft. I do not recommend getting a taxi. This will run you at least $60. Instead, use Uber and Lyft. Use my Uber invite code, meagans343ue, and get a free ride up to $15. Use my Lyft invite for a $5 credit! Although there was a while the Orlando airport wouldn’t allow Uber and Lyft to pick up this is no longer the case.
Universal Orlando Resort has something for everyone, including the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Whether you’re a family looking for an affordable hotel with great amenities, or a couple seeking an upscale resort experience, this hotel offers something for everyone. From the retro-inspired furnishings to the family suites and lazy river, Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation at Universal. Plus, you’re just steps away from two amazing theme parks. So what are you waiting for? Make your reservations and plan an epic Universal adventure today! Now here’s the big question: What’s your favorite hotel at Universal Orlando? Let us know in the comments below – we can’t wait to hear what you have to say!
