Planning a family vacation to Universal Studios in Orlando? I’m going to share with you everything you need to know about Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, one of the budget friendly on-property resorts.
Save this review for your next family trip to Universal Studios!
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Loews Hotels. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
Here’s a look at our recent trip to this vibrant, retro-style resort with rooms and suites brilliantly designed for fun and affordability. We were able to relax with a splash, surrounded by amazing iconic architecture inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s.
Planning a Family Vacation at Universal Studios Resort
We’ve been looking forward to a weekend getaway for our family in Orlando and could not wait for it to kick of at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, one of Universal Orlando Resort™ Hotels. We chose Cabana Bay Beach Resort for the relaxed & retro Beach 50s vibe and for the cost – starting at $120/night.
Florida residents be sure to check out their special rates just for YOU!
Our van was packed with our swimsuits and Harry Potter t-shirts as we headed down for a 2 night stay which included 2 day 3 park Tickets to Universal Studio Park! We arrived on Friday afternoon walking past “Dad’s station wagon” parked permanently outside the hotel, along with three other vintage cars.
Honestly I could feel the stress melt away as we ventured into the lobby on the Cabana Bay Beach Resort with the old time music playing.
It’s step back in time with vibrant colors and retro style decorations.
We checked in to our Family Suite which starts at $160 per night and was able to drive our car, near the room’s entrance. In a resort with 2200 rooms, this was a noticeable perk. They’ve done a good job of spreading out the entrances and parking ability. Once we parked our car, we didn’t see it until Sunday night when we left the theme parks.
I can’t tell you how nice it was to be able to stay on Universal property and be able to take advantage of their complimentary on site shuttle transportation and garden pathways to the theme parks. Plus Universal’s Volcano Bay™ was an easy walk from our hotel room on a special tropical path.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort™
There are two options for resort rooms at Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Upon arrival you’ll enjoy vibrant, retro-style with rooms and suites brilliantly designed for fun and affordability. The iconic architecture is inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s. I felt a little like I was stepping into my parents childhood and what they may have experienced, a perfect spot to bring the grandparents along with you too.
Rooms are wonderfully decorated and decently sized. The 1950s-60s vibe is carried through right down to small details such as the bedside clock and VO5 shampoo in the rooms!
Standard Rooms at Cabana Bay
Two queen beds, iconic decor and a flat screen TV turn each 300-square-foot Standard Room into a private getaway. You can upgrade to a Poolside Room to enjoy lush views of the hotel’s tropical foliage and expansive pool area.
Family Suites at Cabana Bay
There’s plenty of space for everyone with 430 square feet of living area. Suites sleep up to 6 with two queen beds and a pull-out sofa, plus it includes a sliding privacy partition and a compartmentalized bathroom so 3 people can get ready at once.
YES… you read that right everyone can be getting ready at once for early morning access to the parks!
You’ll find a kitchenette with a mini refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave and sink so you can enjoy a cold drink, quick breakfast, snack or a light bite to eat whenever you like.
Perks of Staying on Property at Universal Resorts
Enjoy one Hour Early Admission
Enjoy Early Park Admission to Universal Orlando including the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal’s Volcano Bay™ one hour before the park opens (valid theme park admission required).
A little tip.. be sure to check on the Universal Studios app which park is offering early admission that day.
My two girls were quite excited to spend a good portion of their time in the World of Harry Potter. With our Express passes we were able to do so much in the time we had during the two days we were there.
More Than Just A Room Key
When you stay at any Universal Orlando Resort™ Hotels you get resort-wide charging privileges using your room key card. You can also use your key card for complimentary access† to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk™ for the length of your stay.
Restaurants On Site
Cabana Bay Beach Resort has a variety of locations for restaurants to enjoy with your family. The Bayliner Diner is set up food court style with five stations as well as grab and go options — it offers TONS of hot and cold meal choices as well as snacks. It was nice to see a Starbucks right there on property too.
Resort Style Living for Your Family
The best part was that you could literally spend days just on the resort property having fun with your kids. Cabana Bay has their very own bowling alley, Galaxy Bowl which has it’s own restaurant. Plus a largeGame-O-Rama arcade, pool side ping pong tables and two beach style pools, slide, winding lazy river and more. Plus a large Jack LaLanne fitness center overlooking the pool area.
Pools at Cabana Bay Beach Resort
The Cabana Courtyard has a zero-entry pool with a waterslide, a kids play area, hot tub, the Atomic Tonic pool bar and cabanas for rent. On the other side of the resort was the Lazy River courtyard, with a zero-entry pool with a sand beach, a lazy river with waterfalls and cannons, The Hideaway Bar & Grill, and a nice big hot tub.
TIP: You’ll need to bring your own tube or you can purchase a new tube onsite for a few dollars and it’s yours for your stay.
Plus you’ll enjoy the exclusive benefits of staying in Universal and wake up to this view!!!
Volcano Bay
Did you know you also get Volcano Bay Early Access and special gate entry from Hotel? One our second day of vacation we arrived at opening and were able to do so many water slides in the limited time we had there at Volcano Bay.
The rapid river was once of our favorites, not tube to float you get life vests to experience as you quickly float along on the ride.
Plan your visit to Universal Studios Resort
Take advantage of early admission to the Universal Studios Parks, free shuttles and enjoy your stay at this Retro fun hotel. Click now to plan your next vacation at Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
Share your family’s adventure with the hashtag #CabanaBayResort!
