The first hotel to be inducted into Universal Orlando Resort's Prime Value category, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the ultimate retro getaway. Inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s, this vibrant, vintage slice of paradise is perfect for our fellow amphibious froggies. Not only does this hotel house two sparkling pools AND a relaxing lazy river, but it's also a mere hop away from Universal Volcano Bay. Sound groovy? Then grab your flip-flops and slap on some sunscreen because we're diving into everything you need to know about Cabana Bay Beach Resort!
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Overview of Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Featuring 2,200 rooms ranging from standard accommodations to family suites, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the perfect hotel for any frog fam. Spacious and bright, this mid-century beach retreat was actually the first hotel to join Universal's three original hotels (i.e. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort) in over a decade when it opened in 2014. The undertaking proved to be so successful that Universal expanded the resort in 2017 (alongside the opening of Volcano Bay) — adding two towers that contain 200 rooms each. Despite having the most rooms of any hotel on property, Cabana Bay still manages to sell out during busier times of the year ... and it's no wonder why!
As with all of Universal's hotels, Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers exclusive theme park benefits that make staying at a Universal hotel a terrific value for guests, such as free transportation to the parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges and complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort. Best of all, all Universal hotel guests are granted Early Park Admission to Universal Studios Florida AND/OR Universal Islands of Adventure up to one hour before they open and Volcano Bay up to 30 minutes before it opens, so you can get a head start on all the frogciting fun!
Before we hop into all the frogciting specifics of this ribbeting resort, check out our full video tour of Cabana Bay:
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Rooms
Let's start with the rooms since everyone is looking for a comfortable place to unwind and catch some ZZZZZs after their day in the parks. First of all, the decor is bright mod and beachy in oranges and blues. There are far-out nods to the past with its vintage-inspired furniture, a retro alarm clock and toiletries. Of course, there are also some amenities that the modern family can't live without, and you'll be hoppy to know that the TV is a flat-screen.
Another seemingly small thing that really is a big deal for modern families is the electrical outlet situation. We're an especially wired family with all of our cameras and other gear, but most families these days need multiple outlets for charging phones, cameras, tablets and gaming devices. As a family of four, we have no trouble finding outlets, which made Tad especially thrilled since he normally has to wait for us to finish charging before it's his turn.
As for the different room types, there's a wide variety to choose from. Standard rooms are comfortable and affordable and sleep up to four frogs with two queen beds. Book a Poolside room if you want to overlook the expansive and lively pool courtyard or book a Volcano Bay View room if you want stunning views of the mighty Krakatau volcano and tropical landscape of Universal's water theme park.
While there are plenty of standard rooms, larger families or even smaller families staying longer than a few days should consider a Family Suite, which accommodates up to six guests with two queen beds and a pull-out sofa. These rooms — which range from Interior Entry to Exterior Entry — include a kitchenette, two flat-screen TVs, a sliding partition to the bedrooms for privacy and an oversized bathroom area that allows three frogs to get ready at once. You can even book a Poolside suite if you so choose!
Lastly, if your heart is set on extra square footage and epic views, splurge on a Volcano Bay View 2-Bedroom Suite. This room features one queen bed, two full-size beds, two full bathrooms, a living room with a pull-out sofa, three flat-screen TVs, a kitchenette with mini-refrigerator, microwave and small sink ... and, of course, gnarly views of the land the Waturi call home.
Transportation at Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Like all Universal Orlando hotels, Cabana Bay offers complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the hub at CityWalk for access to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Buses arrive at the hotel every 10 to 15 minutes. You can also walk to CityWalk and the theme parks, but that will take you anywhere from 25 to 30 minutes. The only way to enter Volcano Bay from Cabana Bay, however, is via the designated walking path, but that's right next door and will only take you five to 10 minutes to get to!
If you're bringing a car to Cabana Bay, overnight guest self-parking is $26 plus tax, per vehicle. If you're just visiting for a few hours, day guest self-parking is complimentary for up to five minutes, $10 plus tax, per vehicle for anywhere from five to 30 minutes and $50 plus tax, per vehicle for any time over 30 minutes. (Regular parking at Universal CityWalk is only $32, so we recommend parking there and taking a shuttle to the hotel if you're just hopping over for a bit!)
Amenities, Recreation and Shopping at Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Possibly even more important to you than the rooms, the amenities are Cabana Bay are second to none. The Cabana Courtyard features a fabulous 100-foot water slide in the guise of a retro dive tower, chic cabanas available for rent, fun poolside activities and shaded picnic tables, whereas the Lazy River Courtyard features a blissful winding river (tubes are available for purchase) and plenty of outdoor seating perfect for soaking up rays. At both courtyards, you'll find a massive, zero-entry pool, a tropical sand beach and at least one sizzling fire pit.
Have I mentioned that Cabana Bay Beach Resort has its very own 10-lane bowling alley? On the second floor of the lobby building, you can get in on the 10-pin action at Galaxy Bowl. A perfect activity for your check-in day if you're not planning on hopping to the parks, this alley even illuminates at night for an out-of-this-world touch! The lanes are open from noon to 11 p.m. every day. (The last lane reservation is at 10:45 p.m.)
If reaching your step count in the theme parks isn't enough of a workout for you, check out the Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio. Covered in memorabilia of the famed television physical fitness pioneer, this fitness studio is complimentary for all hotel guests! As for the tadpoles, they can burn off some steam at Game-O-Rama, an arcade filled with timeless favorites, as well as more modern video games.
Lastly, like every hotel on property, there's a Universal Studios Store located in the lobby where you'll find towels, T-shirts, toys, toiletries and more. Momma and Poppa frogs looking for a night out can use the kids' clubs at other on-site hotels.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in every guest room (and in public spaces) and a complimentary Pack'n Play is available upon request.
Dining at Cabana Bay Beach Resort
From diner classics (e.g. burgers and milkshakes) to buzzy beverages (e.g. cocktails and coffee), Cabana Bay Beach Resort has delicious dining options from just about every era!
Shakes Malt Shoppe
New to Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Shakes Malt Shoppe serves up chilly sweet treats, such as smoothies, sundaes, shakes and floats (even the adult kind).
Bayliner Diner
Lots of food and drink options make this convenient food court perfect for families (and picky eaters). Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you'll find croissants and waffles, sandwiches and soups, pizza and pasta, churrasco and rice, burgers and fries and so much more. Stock up your room or take your meal to the pool for a picnic!
The Hideaway Bar & Grill
Just steps away from the lazy river, you'll find this poolside escape. Silence your grumbling stomach with grilled lunch and dinner options, such as salads, burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches, or quench your thirst with their selection of frozen and non-frozen drinks, crafted cocktails, beer and wine.
Atomic Tonic
Over on the Cabana Courtyard pool deck, you'll find this shaded bar and grill serving up gyros, pizzas, sandwiches, salads and so much more. As for beverages, order the namesake fruity vodka cocktail or any of the refreshing wines, beers, specialty mixed drinks and nonalcoholic sips. Enjoy DJ entertainment on Saturdays from 12 to 4 p.m.
Galaxy Bowl Restaurant
Among your streak of spares and strikes, hit up Galaxy Bowl's on-site restaurant for Americana at its best. Fuel up on salads, burgers, hoagies, wings and more. Feeling parched between frames? Check out the refreshing selection of signature cocktails, beer and wine from the full-service bar.
Swizzle Lounge
Kick back in a cozy chair and enjoy retro favorites, good company, great ambiance and even better cocktails at this lobby lounge that's anything but ordinary. Choose from a wide variety of tasty libations, from updated versions of vintage drinks, such as the PB & Rye Old Fashioned, to signature sips, such as the Swizzle Rum Punch.
Starbucks
No Universal hotel is complete without Starbucks coffee. Grab your morning boost or afternoon pick-up at this roomy, retro-chic cafe on the lobby level.
Delizioso Pizza
Getting some late-night cravings? Dial 3-4300 from your room's phone and order from a mouthwatering selection of salads, pizzas, desserts and more!
What to Consider Before Staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Whether you're itching to float your cares away in a lazy river, go 10 rounds at a bowling alley, indulge in a succulent shake or sundae or soak in the sun and the retro vibes, Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a wallet-friendly option that's just mere steps away from Waturi paradise. It's also perfect for frogs wanting more space ... or just some breathtaking views from their hotel room.
Keep in mind that only guests at Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific and Hard Rock get Universal Express Unlimited included in their stay. The same goes for priority seating at select restaurants.
Apart from that, the mellow ambiance and iconic colors of this brilliantly designed beach resort are truly outta sight! A TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Award-winner (and for a good reason), we can't recommend this nostalgic hotel enough for frogs of all ages. As they used to say, it's a gas!
Have questions about Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort? Leave them in the comments below. For more tips, hop over to our Where to Stay in Orlando page inside the Orlando Planning Timeline!
Related: The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Universal Volcano Bay
Hoppy planning!
