Why We Love Universal Orlando’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort!
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A retro-inspired, budget-friendly gem that’s packed with fun — and one of our favorite places to stay in Orlando.
When it comes to planning Universal Orlando vacations, there’s one resort we keep coming back to — not just for clients, but for own own families too: Cabana Bay Beach Resort. It checks all the boxes — affordability, family-friendliness, convenience, and just the right amount of vintage flair.
Here’s why Cabana Bay might just be your family’s new favorite home base in Orlando — plus our top tips from experience!
The Rooms: Spacious, Clean, and Family-Approved
Cabana Bay has that mid-century retro charm that makes everything feel fun. But more than that, the rooms just work for families.
- Standard Rooms sleep up to 4 with two comfy queen beds, a mini-fridge, and space to unwind.
- Family Suites are my personal go-to — they sleep up to 6 and have a kitchenette (great for snacks and picky eaters), a split bathroom (perfect when you’re getting multiple kids ready), and even a sliding partition to separate the sleeping area from the living space.
Tip: Book a Volcano Bay view if you can! Waking up to that view adds a little extra magic.
The Pools: Two Words — Lazy River!
If your kids are anything like mine, the pool is the vacation. Cabana Bay has two amazing pool areas:
- One has a zero-entry pool with a water slide, splash pad, and poolside games that will keep younger ones entertained for hours.
- The other has a lazy river, which we all loved floating around (tubes available to buy or bring your own!)
- There are also poolside cabanas for rent — Cold drinks, shade, our own space? Yes, please.
More Than Just a Hotel: Bowling, Arcade, and More
Even after the parks, there’s so much to do right at the resort. My teens loved the Galaxy Bowl, and we had a blast doing family bowling night followed by dinner right there at the attached restaurant.
There’s also a great arcade, and even a Jack LaLanne fitness studio if you’re one of those magical people who works out on vacation (I am not, but it’s nice to have!)
Food Options: Easy and Kid-Approved
You don’t need to leave the property to eat well.
- The Bayliner Diner has solid variety — we loved the breakfast burrito, and the kids lived on pizza and burgers.
- There’s Starbucks on-site (my morning lifesaver).
- Hideaway Bar & Grille by the pool is perfect for afternoon snacks or an adult beverage while the kids swim.
- And yes — in-room pizza delivery is a real thing. It’s as glorious as it sounds.
Parent tip: The quick service options made it super easy to feed my crew without a reservation or a long wait.
Location, Perks, and What Makes It So Easy
Staying at Cabana Bay means you get some great perks as a Universal resort guest:
- Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay — game-changer for shorter lines.
- Free shuttles to the parks (always quick), or you can walk to Volcano Bay right from the resort.
- Charging purchases to your room and delivery of park merchandise back to your hotel room? Yes, please.
It’s a value-level resort, but honestly, it feels like more. The experience is packed with thoughtful touches, and the vibe is just fun. My kids always ask when we can go back!
Who It’s Best For
- Families who want to stay on-site without blowing their budget
- Larger families or those with teens/tweens who want space to spread out
- Anyone who loves that nostalgic 60s/70s vibe (think colorful, clean, and fun — not dated)
- Groups traveling together who want lots to do even after park time
We understand how important it is for a resort to feel easy, fun, and worth the money. Cabana Bay Beach Resort hits that sweet spot for so many families — it’s playful, convenient, and totally stress-free. If you’re thinking about a Universal Orlando vacation, we’d be happy to help you put together the perfect package!
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