Universal Orlando’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a perfect hotel for families with children who love swimming. The resort features brightly-colored retro theming, two pools, a lazy river, a bowling alley, and transportation directly to the parks.
Universal Orlando’s accommodations range from the brand new, budget-friendly Endless Summer Resorts to the premier offerings at Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay, and Hard Rock Hotel. Universal Orlando has something for everyone.
Universal Orlando Resort has 8 Hotel Properties:
- Loews Premier Hotels:
- Royal Pacific Resort
- Portofino Bay Resort
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Preferred Hotel:
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (pictured above)
- Prime Value Hotels:
- Universal’s Aventura Hotel
- Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Value Hotels:
- Universal’s Endless Summer Dockside
- Universal’s Endless Summer Surfside
Video: Check out the view from the 17th floor rooftop of the Aventura Hotel
Cabana Bay Resort
Universal’s Cabana Bay Resort is a short bus ride or walk from the Universal’s City Walk: Universal’s entertainment, dining and shopping complex. City Walk is the gateway to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, Universal’s two dry parks. Even more conveniently, it is only a very short walkway (in fact, it is Universal’s closest resort) to Volcano Bay, Universal’s Water Park in Florida.
The Garden Walkway
The Garden Walkway exits City Walk on the opposite side of the bridge from Islands of Adventure, just before Margaritaville. First, guests will exit the security gate, then enjoy a stroll along the water taxiway to the docks at the Royal Pacific. Before reaching the docks, Cabana Bay guests will take a turn to the left up through gardens that lead over the street to the gate entrance to Cabana Bay. Be sure to have your room key to unlock the gate.
We walked back to the resort from the parks on two of our days there. We found that on the weekends, when the parks and City Walk were even busier than during the week, it took us less time to walk back to Cabana Bay than it would have taken to wait and ride the bus. It’s definitely a beautiful and easy walk for adult legs!
The Rooms at Cabana Bay
Rooms at Cabana Bay are colorful, neat, and fairly comfortable. The retro theming is carried throughout the hallways and rooms with bright teal and orange colors, zest soap, Alberto VO5 hair products. The alarm clocks are even 1950’s style! The rooms would be well-suited to families who did not plan on spending a lot of time in the room.
Standard amenities such as coffee maker, coffee & creamer were well-stocked.
The front desk used a mobile chat feature we found very responsive! We were able to request additional towels and even check-out through the chat.
Bayliner Diner
The Cabana Bay’s cafeteria offers a Deli counter, Grill, International Eats, and Pizza Counter. They serve guests primarily for breakfast and evening dinner.
For dietary requests, ask to talk to a chef, who will happily chat with you about your needs and what they can offer you.
When the counters aren’t cooking, pre-packaged sandwiches, snacks, and drinks are available in the Diner.
Grill International Eats Pizza
Cabana Bay Atomic Pool
Cabana Bay Beach Resort has two pools and a lazy river. The Atomic Pool is the main pool behind the hotel lobby. In the evenings, the Atomic Tonic Bar is open to serve guests:
Cabana Bay Beachside Pool
The Beachside Pool is behind the Bayliner Diner. It has sandy areas for lounging, a lazy river, & the Hideaway Bar & Grill:
Bowling Alley, Gift Shop & More!
One unique opportunity Cabana Bay offers is the Galaxy Bowl Bowling Alley at the top of the spiral staircase in front of Starbucks! Families can bowl (of course!), order food and enjoy an off-park day. Perhaps you’ll spend the day lounging at the pool and the evening at the lanes while you’re taking a break from the parks.
The Universal Gift Shop has a wide range of Universal and Harry Potter products – some of which you won’t find anywhere else on property. I’m still wishing I had snagged that Hogwarts Mug while I was there!
Check out my full overview of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s areas:
Pros:
- Closest resort to Volcano Bay
- Complimentary & frequent transportation to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure
- Great resort for kids
- Fun theming
- Great Pool Areas
- Bowling Alley
- Lazy River
- Responsive Front Desk
- Easy on your budget
- Good basic hotel
Cons:
- Hard to find something good to eat during the day
- Quality of food
- No-frills
- Possible con: expect a lot of kids & their noise!
Traveling with children? Older Parents? Multi-generational? Friends trip? I’ve done that, too!
I’m ready to help you design the getaway you’ve been wanting. Text or call 816.866.8883 or email Kimberly@NextAdventureVacations.com
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