Universal’s Best Value Resort Has Retro Fun for Everyone

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort provides a delightful stay on a budget. Here is a guide to the resort so you know exactly what to expect as you plan your vacation.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal Orlando currently offers 8 fantastic options for your vacation accommodation needs. You can see a guide to all of them right HERE. Soon those offerings will expand when new hotels open alongside Epic Universe.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is one of Universal’s Prime Value hotels. Prime Value hotels offer economical values and all the benefits of a value hotel with one big extra perk. They offer guests a private entrance to Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando’s water park.

At Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Guests enjoy vibrant, retro-style throughout the hotel, which is filled with amazing iconic architecture inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s. This includes rooms and suites brilliantly designed for fun and affordability.

Perks

Booking a stay at a Universal hotel comes along with solid perks. One of the best is Early Theme Park Admission. Check the theme park admission calendar to see what is available for you each day.

Another amazing perk is the complimentary transportation. Cabana Bay offers a shuttle bus to all of the parks. It is quick compared to what I am used to from theme park bus transportation. It runs about every 8 minutes or so.

Alternatively, you can also enjoy a walking path to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure from Cabana Bay. Finally, there is a private walking path entry to Volcano Bay.

You will also enjoy complimentary merchandise delivery to your hotel. You will want to pay attention to the details of that perk. For example, you can NOT use the service on checkout day. Also, you will not be able to pick up your merch until the hours of 9 AM-4 PM the day after you have it delivered. So if you want it sooner, carry it.

Finally, you can enjoy charging privileges throughout the resort. Simply charge everything to your room if you wish.

Pools

Cabana Bay has a GREAT pool scene considering it is a value resort. There are 2 separate pool areas. The first is Cabana Courtyard And Pool. It features a water slide and a dive tower. You will also find lots of Cabanas and plenty of fun poolside activities.

The other area is Lazy River Courtyard And Pool. It has a zero-entry pool, a beach, and a lazy river! With such nice pools, you may not need to leave the resort to have a nice vacation!

Dining

Cabana Bay also offers plenty of counter-service dining options. You will find a full-service Starbucks near the lobby. While you cannot redeem your stars, you can earn them!

You will also find Bay Line Diner, which is a food-court-style counter-service option. It features plenty of options for breakfast, including an omelet station and a yogurt bar with plenty of toppings to build your own parfait.

Lunch and dinner offer a grill for burgers and delicious sandwich options. There are also surprisingly good hot options like stir-fry. If you prefer a lighter option, enjoy premade salads or a salad bar.

This is also where you will find Free-style mugs to enjoy throughout your stay. If you are a soda drinker, you will enjoy being able to refill your mug at will.

Right next door, you will find Shakes! It is a soda shop ready to scoop up some ice cream creations for you such as milkshakes and sundaes. It is a sweet touch for sure!

There are two different pool bars including Atomic Tonic at Cabana Courtyard And Pool. Or you can visit Hideaway Bar & Grill over at Lazy River Courtyard.

Bowling and Fun

If you want a full-service restaurant where you can have a little fun, try Galaxy Bowl! You will have to have reservations to book a lane and enjoy a meal while you are here.

Right next door, you will find Game-O-Rama! It is a sizable arcade with plenty of games and prizes.

Shopping

Like other Universal resorts, you will find a Universal Studio Store. It is a large store with a variety of merch options. The Harry Potter Section is especially sizable, but you will also find Cabana Bay-specific merch, Simpsons, Despicable Me, Jurassic Park, and other popular IP.

Rooms and Suites

You will also find a selection of hotel rooms and suites. Standard rooms are the most economical rooms. These 300 sq ft rooms sleep four people and offer two queen beds.

However, you will also find 430 sq ft. family suites that sleep up to 6 people. They are appointed with two queen beds and a pull-out sofa bed in a separate living area.

The bathroom is divided into 3 areas to make getting ready a breeze! It is really nice for a large party or for a small party if you want some extra space.

The complimentary bath products are VO5 shampoo and conditioner and Zest bar soap, so plan accordingly. You will also find a decent hair dryer available.

I (Kate) stayed in a family suite on my most recent visit, and I was surprised at how spacious and well-appointed it was. Family suites have a kitchenette with a mini refrigerator, microwave, and sink!

Overall

Overall, I found the resort to be quite comfortable and fun. The food options were good enough to excellent, and I appreciated the Starbucks in the mornings.

Also, Universal did not skimp on the Cabana Bay Amenities! The pools are nice, especially for the price of the resort. Plus, there is plenty of extra fun to be had for those who utilize resort activities or book a lane for some bowling.

And, most importantly, the ease of access to the parks is a wonderful perk. Getting to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure is so easy. The bus system was much better than anticipated. I did not walk to the parks because the bus was quick enough during my stay, but it is so nice to have walking as an option! It really makes vacationing easy!

One of the only reasons to consider staying anywhere else in Universal is if you would like the free Universal Express Unlimited perk that comes with staying at a Premier Resort. But, if you are traveling during a non-peak season, you could easily enjoy the parks without it. For more information on Universal Express Pass, head over HERE.

Want more Universal Hotel Reviews?

• For Dockside Inn and Suites at Endless Summer, head HERE
• For Lowes Royal Pacific, head HERE

Using a Travel Agent can help you navigate the ins and outs of planning! I am here to help! Please fill out this form and put my name (Kate) in the Special Request box.

Have you ever stayed at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach resort? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments. And, be sure to share this review with your friends who are thinking of visiting Universal Orlando!