This funky, retro-themed hotel offers unforgettable family fun at a great value, right in the heart of the Universal Orlando theme parks.
Universal Orlando’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the kind of place where you’d expect Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra to stroll in and sit next to you poolside. Though brimming with swanky style, it’s the least expensive of the on-site hotels and offers family suites for up to six people at a very affordable rate. In addition to being located right in the middle of the action, some of the advantages of staying on-site include early park admission, complimentary transportation to the parks, resort-wide charging privileges with your room key, and complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased through the resort to your hotel. However, be aware that some of the perks included at the more expensive premier and preferred hotels do not extend to guests at Cabana Bay – namely, Universal Express Unlimited ride access (though you can purchase it separately) and priority seating at select restaurants throughout the resort.
Accommodations at Cabana Bay Beach Resort
The cool, 50s-style resort is large with guest rooms in five separate buildings. The Continental and Americana Towers have interior corridors and surround the Lazy River Pool and Courtyard. The Starlight, Thunderbird, and Castaway buildings have exterior, motel-style corridors and surround the Cabana Pool and Courtyard, which is home to the large water slide. We had a room in the Castaway, facing the Cabana pool. We did hear noise from the pool during the evenings, so keep this in mind if you have light sleepers in your family.
There are two types of rooms available: standard rooms which sleep four and family suites which sleep six (two extra guests are accommodated on a full-size, pull-out sofa) and have a kitchenette. The family suites also have a second television and an extra-large bathroom where three people can get ready at the same time. Standard rooms are only available in the Americana and Continental towers, while family suites are available in all five buildings. Our group of six was comfortable in our family suite, but our youngest two children did have to share the pull-out sofa. This arrangement might not be comfortable for older kids and in that case, two connecting rooms may be a better choice.
Cabana Bay is Universal Orlando’s only value hotel and offers the cheapest rates of all the on-site properties. Prices range from $110 to $150/night during low season and $230 to $250/night during high season.
KidTripster Tip: Although all of the guest room are located centrally to the lobby, the resort is large; you will do quite a bit of walking. Bring a stroller for small children to make getting around easier.
Activities at Cabana Bay Beach Resort
There’s plenty to keep your family busy at Cabana Bay Beach Resort when you need a break from the parks. The Cabana Courtyard features a zero-entry pool, tower waterslide, and private cabanas for rent. The Lazy River Courtyard is home to a zero-entry pool with a sand beach, poolside bar and grill, and lazy river. Inner tubes for the lazy river are only available for purchase. Cost: $6 for 36” child tube; $12 for 47” adult tube, includes inflation and deflation. When we were there, the water in the lazy river was freezing, so we spent more time at the Cabana Pool, where my kids especially enjoyed the waterslide. In addition, outdoor movies are shown nightly at each pool.
Not something that you usually find at a hotel, the 10-lane bowling alley offers a unique indoor experience. Cost: Youth (9 and under) $9; Adult $15; includes one hour of lane time for parties of one to three and 90 minutes for parties of four to eight. Reservations are recommended but not required.
Also worth noting is the Game-o-rama arcade, which offers a mixture of classic and modern arcade games, and an unusually large, modern fitness center. It’s a nice extra for a value resort.
KidTripster Tip: The food court sells $8 s’mores kits to roast over a gas-fueled fire pit near the Lazy River Courtyard.
Dining at Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Dining options at Cabana Bay include the Bayliner Diner food court, Galaxy Bowl Restaurant, the poolside Hideaway Bar and Grill, and Starbucks. We chose the Bayliner Diner for breakfast both mornings and thought that the selection, quality, and service were all excellent. The space is wide open, user-friendly, and easy to navigate with kids in tow. I’m not usually a fan of food courts, but this one pleasantly surprised me. For dinner, we chose the Galaxy Bowl Restaurant, which provides table service and a great view of the bowling lanes. Once again, the food and service exceeded my expectations. Seating is limited during peak hours, so call ahead for a reservation.
KidTripster Tip: If you would rather relax in your room after a long day, pizza delivery is available from noon until midnigh
Getting to Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Cabana Bay is located approximately 17 miles from Orlando International Airport. A taxi will cost about $45 to $50, plus tip. Shuttle services also are available and run about $25 to $35 per person, round trip (children under age 3 ride free). Be warned, however, that you’ll most likely have to make several stops along the way to drop off shuttle passengers at other resorts, significantly increasing travel time.
If saving time and hassle is worth spending more, then hire a town car. Your driver will meet you at baggage claim and help you with your luggage. Call ahead to request a car seat. There’s a Hertz car rental location at the resort, so a one-way rental also is an option. If you prefer to keep the rental car for the duration of your stay or if you drive your own car to the resort, the self-parking fee for overnight guests is $22/night, while valet parking is $29/night.
Because Cabana Bay is located on the Universal Orlando property, getting to the theme parks is a breeze. There’s complimentary resort-wide transportation via shuttle bus and water taxi, and you’re also within walking distance to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal CityWalk, and Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. In addition, there are complimentary shuttles available to Sea World and Wet ’n Wild, though reservations are required; see the concierge desk for assistance.
In addition to an amusement park lover, Diana Smith is an expert cruiser. She and her family, including her three Disney princesses, have set sail on eight Disney cruises. For more, check out Disney Cruise Mom Blog.
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