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Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers all the onsite benefits of Universal Orlando at a very budget friendly cost. This retro themed resort is not short on amenities, location, or experiences. You’ll feel as if you have stepped back into the times of Leave it to Beaver or the Brady Bunch at this fantastically themed Universal Orlando hotel.

Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal is budget friendly, fun and well themed!

Cabana Bay Beach Resort is one of those Universal Orlando hotels that everyone loves. Parents love it for the theming, that sort of retro vibe that takes us back to childhood.  Parents also love it because it gives your family a great experience at a great price point!  Kids, well they love it because you can float around the lazy river all day, partake in a game of bowling, or be at Volcano Bay in roughly 10 seconds…well not quite, but you get the point. I am excited to share my tips with you for your next stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort!

Is Cabana Bay Beach Resort themed well?

The first thing you notice about Cabana Bay is the theming.  You can’t miss it!  Pulling into the main entrance, there are retro cars greeting you just outside the doors.  The music from the 50s and 60s is blaring on the soundtrack, and you’re pretty sure Annette Funicello is going to be checking you in at the front desk. As with all Universal resorts, the lobby is welcoming and fantastic!  As soon as you enter, you know you are in for a memorable vacation. This theming carries over to the Bayliner Diner, where there are 1950s cartoon and commercials playing on the reel, and the VO5 and Zest toiletries in the guest rooms remind you that you are back in time.

Cabana Bay offers rooms and suites for everyone in your family.  One thing that sets Cabana Bay apart from the other resorts are the rooms.  The standard rooms are perfect for smaller families.  Then, you have the family suites.  These can accommodate up to 6 or 8 guests in the 2-Bedroom family suites.  Talk about amazing space…and views!  The Two Bedroom Suites are like a small apartment, and provide plenty of space for everyone. 

Also, the standard rooms can connect to the Family Suites, giving you plenty of space if you are traveling with another party. The suites offer a kitchenette, and in the 2-bedrooms suites you’ll find two full bathrooms.  As a family of 5….all of which are older kids {ages 10+}, having the extra square footage and bathrooms have become increasingly important in our travels.

How family friendly is Cabana Bay?

Aside from Sapphire Falls, I would call Cabana Bay the MOST family friendly resort on Universal property.  First, the lazy river is stellar. You do need to purchase a tube to float along…or you are welcome to bring your own! The pool is huge, and has a zero entry sand area, a water slide, and a splash play area. Secondly, the resort houses a full bowling alley, Galaxy Bowl. This is perfect for an afternoon or rainy day out of the parks! And, as I mentioned above, the family suites and guest rooms are very family friendly and spacious. You will also find a full gym, and an arcade.  Cabana Bay is NOT short on amenities and activities.

This resort is also family friendly in terms of dining.  When we are looking for a family friendly place, food is important.  The Bayliner Diner has options for EVERYONE.  They have it set up like stations ~ pizza, burgers, pasta, salad bar, etc.  There is even a soft serve yogurt machine.  They make it extra convenient by offering your food to go, and there is a Starbucks in the lobby.  Also, Bayliner Diner has TONS of seating, which is always appreciated at a resort this large. Pizza delivery and pool side dining round out all the food options here, making it perfect for families. 

Is Cabana Bay conveniently located?

As far as location, Cabana Bay is walking distance to Sapphire Falls and Aventura Hotel. That means it is pretty convenient if you want to use those pools or dine at those resorts. The only “down side” to Cabana Bay in my opinion is the transportation.  Guests here need to take buses to the theme parks.  Whereas the other current resorts use water taxis.  While you can walk, it is quite a walk to Citywalk. However, Volcano Bay is literally a hop, skip, and jump from Cabana Bay.  Plus, a lot of the rooms at Cabana Bay have a fantastic view of Volcano Bay!

While Cabana Bay does not offer the perk of Express Pass, sometimes the nightly rate can be low enough that it offsets the cost of adding it to your tickets. Cabana Bay is definitely an amazing resort for families who are on a budget, yet want fun activities and amenities for their children.  I hope your family enjoys a stay at Cabana Bay Beach Resort!

 

 

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