After staying at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort several times, including our most recent visit last month, we can honestly say this resort continues to be one of our favorite places to stay at Universal Orlando.
What makes Cabana Bay different from many other theme park hotels is that it feels like a vacation destination by itself. While it is convenient to the parks, there is so much to do at the resort that you could easily spend a relaxing afternoon there without leaving the property.
From the retro 1950s atmosphere and amazing pools to the dining options, bowling, and fun family activities, Cabana Bay offers a lot of value for your vacation.
The Retro 1950s Theme
One of the first things you notice when arriving at Cabana Bay is the incredible attention to detail. The entire resort is designed around a classic 1950s Florida beach resort theme.
The vintage cars outside the lobby immediately set the mood, and the colorful murals, neon signs, and retro décor continue throughout the property.
The theme is fun without feeling outdated. It gives the resort a personality that makes it stand out from traditional hotels.
The Pools at Cabana Bay
The pools are one of the biggest reasons we continue to return to Cabana Bay.
The resort has two large pool areas:
The Beach Pool
The Beach Pool is the larger of the two pools and features a sandy beach area, a large pool deck, cabanas, and a relaxing vacation atmosphere.
This area is perfect for families because there is plenty of room to spread out, and it feels like you are at a Florida beach resort rather than a hotel pool.
The Lazy River Courtyard Pool
The Lazy River Courtyard Pool is one of our favorite parts of Cabana Bay.
The lazy river is a wonderful way to relax after spending a long day walking around the parks. You can rent tubes and spend time floating around the winding river while enjoying the Florida sunshine.
This is definitely one of the amenities that makes Cabana Bay worth staying at.
Dining at Cabana Bay
Cabana Bay has some of the best resort dining options at Universal Orlando, especially for a value-priced resort.
Bayliner Diner
The main dining location is Bayliner Diner.
This large food court has a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is convenient whether you need a quick meal before heading to the parks or something easy after a long day.
There are plenty of seating areas, making it much easier than some smaller hotel dining areas.
The Swizzle Lounge
For adults wanting a place to relax, Swizzle Lounge offers cocktails and a retro lounge atmosphere.
Atomic Tonic
Located near the pool area, Atomic Tonic offers casual poolside food and drinks.
The Galaxy Bowl Restaurant & Bowling Alley
One of the unique features of Cabana Bay is Galaxy Bowl Restaurant & Bowling Alley.
This 1950s-inspired bowling alley is a fun option when you want a break from the parks. It has bowling lanes, food, drinks, and a retro atmosphere that fits perfectly with the rest of the resort.
It is a great rainy-day activity or a fun evening option after returning from Universal Studios.
The Atomic Tonic Malt Shop
Another fun stop at Cabana Bay is the Atomic Tonic area near Volcano Bay.
(For the malt shop, I would verify the exact current name/location before publishing because Universal has changed some dining concepts over time.)
The retro-inspired treats and snacks fit perfectly with the 1950s theme and make it feel like you stepped back in time.
Other Resort Amenities
Cabana Bay offers many extras that make your stay more enjoyable:
- Free shuttle transportation to Universal parks
- Walking path to Universal CityWalk Orlando and Volcano Bay
- Fitness center
- Game areas
- Poolside activities
- Fire pits and outdoor gathering areas
- Universal Studios Store for souvenirs and necessities
One thing we especially appreciate is the frequent shuttle service. Compared with other Universal resorts we have stayed at, Cabana Bay’s transportation has always been reliable with short wait times.
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Our Final Thoughts After Multiple Stays
After returning to Cabana Bay several times, it continues to be one of our top Universal Orlando resort choices.
The resort offers so much more than just a place to sleep after visiting the parks. The pools, lazy river, dining options, bowling alley, retro atmosphere, and convenient transportation make it a destination in itself.
If you are looking for a Universal resort that is fun, comfortable, and packed with amenities without the price of a premier resort, Cabana Bay is definitely worth considering.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort at a Glance
Location: Universal Orlando Resort
Address: 6550 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 503-4000
Theme: Retro-inspired Florida resort with 1950s and 1960s design
Best For: Families, Universal visitors, and travelers looking for a fun resort experience without the premium price tag
Highlights: Two pools, lazy river, bowling alley, family suites, and easy access to Universal parks
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