Embark on a nostalgic journey to the vibrant 1950s and ’60s with a stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Nestled within the heart of Universal Orlando Resort, this value-priced hotel masterfully combines mid-century modern aesthetics with contemporary comforts, offering guests a uniquely themed experience that feels like stepping into a classic postcard. From its colorful decor to the thoughtful touches, Cabana Bay promises a delightful and memorable escape for families and travelers seeking fun, convenience, and a splash of retro charm.
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Discover the Retro Charm of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
From the moment you arrive at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you’re immersed in a world of vibrant colors, playful design, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. The attention to detail is impressive, from the vintage-inspired toiletries like VO5 and Zest Soap in the shower, to the iconic plastic chairs found throughout the property. This value-category hotel doesn’t skimp on character, making every moment of your stay a delightful treat. We thoroughly enjoyed our recent visit, spending several days exploring the resort’s numerous amenities and soaking in its unique ambiance. The spirited energy of the hotel is infectious, and our room provided all the essential comforts for a relaxing stay.
One of the most significant advantages of choosing Cabana Bay is its unparalleled convenience to Universal Orlando’s theme parks. A complimentary shuttle bus service operates frequently, whisking guests directly to Universal CityWalk, the gateway to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. This hassle-free transportation means less time worrying about parking and more time enjoying the magic.
Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the sheer scale of Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It’s much larger than many guests anticipate, with expansive grounds that invite exploration. While this means a bit of walking to reach your room or desired amenities, the journey itself is part of the experience. Pathways wind alongside inviting pools, and the interior corridors boast cool, retro architectural designs. The vastness of the resort truly surprised us; photos simply don’t capture its impressive size and the thoughtful layout that makes it so appealing.
Seamless Park Access from Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Getting to Universal’s acclaimed theme parks from Cabana Bay is incredibly convenient, offering multiple options to suit your preference.
Complimentary Shuttle Buses
A dedicated bus stop is conveniently located just a short stroll from the main lobby area, near the Bayside Diner. These complimentary shuttle buses run frequently throughout the day and into the night, ensuring you’re never left waiting for long. During our stay, we found that a shuttle bus arrived every few minutes, making park commutes a breeze. The efficiency of the bus service truly enhances the overall guest experience, allowing you to maximize your time in the parks.
Walk to Universal’s Volcano Bay
For those planning a splash-filled day, Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park is practically at Cabana Bay’s doorstep. A scenic walking path conveniently connects the resort’s Americana and Bayside Buildings directly to the entrance of Universal Volcano Bay. This direct access means you can transition from your hotel room to the thrilling slides and relaxing rivers of Volcano Bay in just minutes.
Alternative Boat Shuttle via Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Another fantastic option for reaching Universal CityWalk and the theme parks involves a short walk across the street to the elegant Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. From Sapphire Falls, you can board a complimentary shuttle boat that offers a picturesque ride straight to CityWalk. This scenic route provides a different perspective of the resort complex and is often a more relaxing way to travel. The brand new Aventura Hotel is also conveniently situated right next to Sapphire Falls Resort, expanding your dining and entertainment options within walking distance.
Insider Tip for Bus Riders: It’s important to note a small detail about the bus stop: while buses drop off passengers at the main bus stop sign, they typically pick up guests a little further down the sidewalk. On our first evening, we initially thought we had missed our bus when it pulled away just as we reached the sign. However, we soon realized that the active pickup point was a bit further ahead, out of sight from our initial waiting spot. Always walk towards the bus to ensure you don’t miss your ride!
Exclusive Benefits for Cabana Bay Beach Resort Guests
Staying at Cabana Bay isn’t just about the retro vibe; it comes with a host of valuable perks designed to enhance your Universal Orlando experience:
- Early Park Admission: Gain access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay up to one hour before the theme parks officially open to the general public. This is a game-changer for experiencing popular attractions with shorter wait times (valid theme park admission required).
- Resort-Wide Charging: Enjoy the convenience of charging purchases made throughout Universal Orlando Resort directly to your room key.
- Complimentary Merchandise Delivery: Any merchandise purchased at Universal Orlando Resort can be conveniently delivered straight to your hotel, saving you from carrying bags around the parks.
- Universal CityWalk Access: Flash your room key for complimentary club-to-club access to select Universal CityWalk venues for the duration of your stay.
- Character Meet & Greets: Every Friday, some of Universal’s most beloved characters make special appearances at the hotel, offering fantastic photo opportunities and memorable interactions.
Comfortable & Themed Guest Rooms at Cabana Bay
Ready to experience the retro comfort? Book your Cabana Bay Resort room here!
Our stay was in a two-queen room located in the Bayside Tower, which offered an incredible view of Universal’s Volcano Bay. When we say “overlooked Volcano Bay,” we mean it literally – we could see guests enjoying meals and splashing in the wave pool, a testament to the hotel’s fantastic proximity to the water park.
The room itself was thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality. The beds, described as semi-soft, provided a good night’s sleep, especially after removing the decorative pillows. A small table in the corner, accompanied by two classic plastic chairs, proved to be a perfect nook for catching up on emails or getting some work done in the evenings. Practical amenities included a flat-screen television on the dresser and a small refrigerator, ideal for keeping water bottles and snacks chilled. Given Orlando’s warm climate, even in October with temperatures soaring above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, having cold water readily available in our room each night was a real lifesaver.
The bathroom setup was efficient, featuring a separate sink area from the toilet and shower, which is a great convenience for multiple guests. Our particular room had a spacious walk-in shower without a tub, though it’s worth noting that some Cabana Bay rooms do offer bathtubs.
Our primary concern during our stay was the noise level. Beginning early in the morning, we could distinctly hear the chimes, gongs, and South Pacific-themed music emanating from Volcano Bay. For someone accustomed to West Coast time, the gongs going off at what felt like 5 AM (8 AM Orlando time) was quite jarring and certainly prevented any sleeping in. The sounds continued late into the evening, with the faint noises of cleaning and employee movement within Volcano Bay. While I’m not typically a light sleeper, these noises did interrupt my sleep on the first night.
If you are a light sleeper, traveling from a different time zone, or have children who require uninterrupted sleep past early morning, we highly recommend requesting a room on a higher floor or one situated further away from the direct line of sight and sound of Volcano Bay.
The Bayside Tower, where we stayed, is a moderate walk from the main lobby. Guests can choose to walk through the interior hallways of the various buildings or take the scenic route along the exterior. The journey typically takes between 5 to 10 minutes. Factor this into your schedule if you have dinner reservations, plan to meet friends or family, or need to catch a shuttle bus from the lobby area.
Standard Room Amenities Included:
- Complimentary wireless internet access in each guest room and most common areas of the hotel
- Cuisinart single coffee pod brewer
- Iron, ironing board, hairdryer, and in-room safe
- Mini refrigerator
- One flat panel television with HD channels
- Two queen-size beds (in two queen rooms)
- Option to upgrade to Premium Plus wireless internet access for enhanced entertainment and business needs
A Culinary Tour of Cabana Bay Beach Resort Restaurants
Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers a diverse array of dining options, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate, from quick bites to sit-down meals.
Bayliner Diner
The Bayliner Diner serves as the resort’s expansive food court, providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a vibrant, cafeteria-style setting. With ample seating available, guests can easily find a spot after selecting their meals from various food stations. The diner’s atmosphere is enhanced by large screens playing classic 1950s and ’60s commercials, adding to the immersive retro theme.
A popular choice here is the refillable plastic mug, offering unlimited beverage refills for a single day or for the entire duration of your stay. The self-serve beverage bar features a wide selection, including Coca-Cola products, hot chocolate, coffee, and iced tea, perfect for keeping hydrated throughout your Universal adventure.
The Hideaway Bar and Grill
Conveniently located by the smaller pool near the Bayside Towers, The Hideaway Bar and Grill offers a casual dining experience with a full bar and a counter-service restaurant. Its menu boasts a variety of crowd-pleasing items, from loaded nachos and hearty sandwiches to classic hot dogs and juicy cheeseburgers, perfect for a poolside lunch or a relaxed dinner.
All cocktails are served in distinctive plastic Cabana Bay cups. The initial drink includes a $3 charge for the cup, which can then be reused for discounted future cocktails, a great souvenir and a smart way to save.
Ready for your Cabana Bay getaway? Book now!
Atomic Tonic
Situated by the main pool area, Atomic Tonic is another fantastic spot for refreshing cocktails and light meals. Similar to The Hideaway, cocktails here are served in 16 oz. Cabana Bay Pool Cups, with a $3 charge for the first drink including the cup, and subsequent refills at a reduced price.
The food menu at Atomic Tonic features an exciting array of options, including grilled doner kabobs, roasted beef sandwiches, flavorful falafel wraps, chicken and avocado wraps, fresh salads, and indulgent cheese fries, catering to diverse tastes.
Galaxy Bowl Restaurant
Combine delicious dining with classic entertainment at Galaxy Bowl. This unique venue allows guests to enjoy a full lunch or dinner menu while engaging in a fun game of bowling. The menu includes all your favorite appetizers such as mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, pretzel bites, loaded fries, and chicken flatbreads. For more substantial meals, they also offer a selection of salads, sandwiches, and juicy burgers, rounded off with a variety of tempting desserts.
Swizzle Lounge
Located in the lively main lobby of Cabana Bay Beach Resort, the Swizzle Lounge is the perfect spot to unwind with a themed cocktail and some delightful small bites. Opening in the late afternoon and continuing into the evening, this lounge offers a sophisticated yet playful atmosphere. Their bar menu features creatively crafted drinks that perfectly complement the hotel’s retro theme. We regrettably missed experiencing the Swizzle Lounge on our last visit due to late returns from Halloween Horror Nights, but it’s high on our list for our next stay!
Secure your retro retreat at Cabana Bay today!
Starbucks
For your daily dose of caffeine, a convenient Starbucks is located just off the main lobby area. As a licensed store, you can seamlessly pay with your Starbucks app, though it’s important to remember that you cannot redeem points or place mobile orders here. The store opens promptly at 6 AM, and we were advised that it tends to get quite busy by 7 AM, especially on park days. Beyond their extensive coffee menu, Starbucks offers a wide selection of bakery items, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, along with branded Starbucks mugs and merchandise.
Delizioso Pizza
After a long day of exploring the parks, with thousands of steps under your belt, nothing beats the convenience of having Delizioso Pizza delivered right to your room. This fantastic service allows you to kick off your shoes and relax while enjoying a delicious meal. They offer a diverse selection of pizzas and appetizers, brought straight to your door, making for a perfect end to a fun-filled day.
Hotel Dining Shuttle
If you wish to explore dining options at other Universal Orlando Resort hotels, a complimentary shuttle service is available. This shuttle departs from the Cabana Bay lobby approximately every 30 minutes, running from 6 PM to 10 PM. To ensure you arrive well before your dinner reservation, it’s advisable to board the shuttle at least 15 minutes prior. Reservations for this shuttle can be made by calling (407) 503-DINE (3463) or by visiting Luggage Services.
Recreational Delights at Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Cabana Bay Fire Pits
As evening descends, the fantastic fire pits located near Cabana Bay Resort’s pool areas become a focal point for relaxation and fun. Guests can purchase s’mores kits at the Bayliner Diner, or for a more budget-friendly option, bring their own from home (though be aware that the kits at the diner can cost around $2 per s’more!). Gathering around the fire pits is a wonderful way to enjoy a tranquil evening at the hotel, unwind, and perhaps enjoy the cooler Orlando weather after a busy day.
Plan your perfect retro getaway to Cabana Bay now!
Each night of our stay at Cabana Bay, a different family-friendly movie was screened by the pool. This is the quintessential way to relax after an exhilarating day at the theme parks. Imagine settling back, perhaps with a snack, and enjoying a great film under the warm Orlando night sky – pure vacation bliss!
Cabana Bay Resort Pools
Cabana Bay Resort boasts two fantastic pool areas, each offering unique features and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. The larger pool complex is a hub of activity, featuring an exhilarating water slide that cleverly winds its way through a retro-inspired diving platform. Surrounding this impressive pool, you’ll find ample seating, perfect for lounging and soaking up the sun. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, private cabanas are available for daily rental.
Cabanas provide a private retreat, typically including a refrigerator stocked with four bottles of water, an HDTV, a table with four cushioned chairs, and a safe. Tucked away slightly from the main pool action, they offer a relaxing escape from splashes and crowds. Please note that prices shown in older images (e.g., October 2018) are subject to change.
The second pool area, while slightly smaller, offers its own unique charm with a winding lazy river. To enjoy a leisurely float, guests will need to either bring their own pool float or purchase one from the convenient Tube Shack located nearby. The Tube Shack provides various sizes of tubes, and a great perk is that they will inflate and deflate your purchased tubes for you.
For those driving to Orlando, bringing your own tubes from home is an excellent way to save money and ensure you have your preferred float for the lazy river, without worrying about luggage space.
Book your unforgettable Cabana Bay experience today!
Galaxy Bowl
For a unique evening of entertainment, Galaxy Bowl at Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers ten state-of-the-art bowling lanes. It’s an ideal activity for families and friends to enjoy a break from the theme park hustle. Bowling rates are $10.99 for kids and $16.99 for adults (prices subject to change). Beyond the lanes, guests can enjoy a full menu of delicious food and a well-stocked bar, making Galaxy Bowl a complete entertainment destination within the resort.
Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio
Maintain your fitness routine even on vacation at the Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio. This retro-themed gym offers a range of workout equipment in an inspiring setting, surrounded by memorabilia from the legendary Jack LaLanne show. It’s a fun and functional space to stay active during your stay.
Universal Gift Shop
For all your souvenir and essential needs, the Universal Gift Shop is conveniently located near the lobby. Here you’ll find a wide selection of Universal-themed gifts, apparel, and personal items – perfect for those last-minute necessities or forgotten toiletries.
Don’t miss out on the retro fun! Book your stay at Cabana Bay today!
Essential Information for Your Universal Cabana Bay Resort Stay
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, here are some key details to keep in mind:
- Check-in: 4 PM
- Check-out: 11 AM
Housekeeping Services: Housekeeping operates daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. If you prefer not to have your room serviced early, remember to place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door.
Guest Laundry Facilities: Convenient self-service laundry facilities are available for guests. You’ll find them on the first floor of the Castaway, Thunderbird, Starlight, Bayside, and Beachside buildings. Additionally, laundry rooms are located on the third and sixth floors of the Americana and Continental Buildings. Vending machines are available on-site to purchase laundry soap if needed.
Non-Smoking Policy: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a 100% non-smoking hotel. A minimum charge of $250 will be applied for smoking in any guest room.
Fitness Center Hours: The Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio is open from 5 AM to Midnight and can be accessed using your room key.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Address:
6550 Adventure Way
Orlando, FL 32819
Room Reservations:
(888) 273-1311
Parking at Universal’s Cabana Bay Resort
Hotel Guests: Self-parking is available for hotel guests at a rate of $14 plus tax per night, per vehicle.
Day Guests: For day visitors, self-parking costs $45 plus tax per day, per vehicle. If you are visiting Cabana Bay Resort to enjoy amenities like bowling at Galaxy Bowl or dining at one of its restaurants, be sure to ask for your parking ticket to be validated. This can significantly reduce or even waive the parking fee.
Miscellaneous Tips for Your Stay:
- Pet Policy: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort does not allow pets, with the exception of service animals.
- Smoke-Free Environment: As a reminder, all Universal Orlando Resort hotels maintain a 100% smoke-free policy within guest rooms and public indoor areas. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Map
Navigate the expansive resort with ease using the official Cabana Bay Beach Resort map. Familiarizing yourself with the layout before arrival can help you locate your room, favorite amenities, and the quickest routes to the parks.
Explore More of Universal Orlando Resort
Dive deeper into the Universal Orlando experience with these additional helpful articles:
Aventura Hotel: A Modern Gem at Universal Orlando Resort
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: A Tropical Escape at Universal Orlando
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Experience Italian Charm at Universal Orlando Resort
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium: A Sweet Adventure at Universal CityWalk
Halloween Horror Nights: Your Ultimate Survival Guide for Universal Orlando
Holiday Celebrations at Universal Orlando Resort: A Festive Guide
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Essential Tips and Tricks!
Discover the Best Waterparks in Orlando for Family Fun