Hotels

5 Hidden Gems at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

July 5, 2017
Cabana Bay Exterior

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The imagery shown throughout this blog post does not represent current operational and safety guidelines at Universal Orlando Resort.  Please refer to our safety guidelines here

If you’ve ever stepped into Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you know it transports you straight into Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 1960s. Each detail is vibrant and retro and nothing is overlooked to create a place you can’t wait to get back to, even when you’re surrounded by three incredible theme parks.

But what if there was even more than what meets the eye? Lean in as I share 5 hidden gems that will forever change your stay at Cabana Bay.

1. S’more the Merrier

CBBR-Fire-Pit

After a long and adventurous day at the parks, there isn’t a better way to refuel than a good old-fashioned s’more. Situated within walking distance of Cabana Bay’s two pool bars, the resort boasts 4 fire pits to kick up your feet at, located in both pool courtyards.

S’more kits are available at the Bayliner Diner, or you can bring your own supplies. Whether you like your marshmallow golden brown or scorched and crunchy, I think we can all agree that nothing caps off the day like s’mores.

2. Lazy River = Retro Relaxation

CBBR_Lazy River

Be transported into relaxation while beating the heat in Cabana Bay’s lazy river. While there are also 2 beautiful pools for guests to dip in on hot summer days, the calming current of the lazy river is unique to Cabana Bay. Plop into in an inner tube and let the river help you wind down.

3. Start the Day on the Right Foot With the Volcano Bay Walking Path

Universal's Volcano Bay view from Cabana Bay Beach Resort

This hidden gem makes your day at Volcano Bay a “walk” in the park! The resort is connected to Volcano Bay with a walking path. Because why should it be hard to get to paradise?

4. The Good Times Won’t Be Spared at Galaxy Bowl

Advertising Resorts Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando Resort CBBR, UOR Lobby Scope check in, bowling, pool hoola hoops signage

Just when you thought Cabana Bay Beach Resort couldn’t get better, Galaxy Bowl shows up on your radar. This ten-lane themed bowling alley provides fun for all of the family. Plus, you can enjoy a full selection of appetizers, entrees, and drinks from a full-service bar. You can even play a round of black light bowl at night. Whether you’re bowling strikes or still using bumpers, Galaxy Bowl is sure to be one of your favorite parts of Cabana Bay.

5. Swizzle Lounge is the Place to Hang

Universal Orlando’s fourth on-site hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is now open! The retro-inspired hotel features incredible amenities for endless family fun including a 10,000 sq. ft. zero-entry pool with iconic dive tower waterslide, 10-lane bowling alley, the Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio, family suites that sleep up to six and much more. This summer, guests will be able to enjoy even more family fun, including a second 8,000-square-foot zero entry pool, Universal Orlando’s first lazy river at an on-site hotel, The Hideaway Bar & Grill, and additional moderately-priced family suites and value-priced standard guest rooms. © Universal Orlando Resort. All Rights Reserved.

This is not your typical lobby lounge. Have your choice of seating at the bar or in the cozy lounge area while sipping on vintage drinks like a New Side Car or Spiced Mai Tai. There are delicious snacks to enjoy too, like an Asian nut mix that is to die for!

During your stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, make sure to check out these 5 hidden gems to truly maximize your retro and relaxing stay. Whether it’s kicking your feet up at the fire pit or bowling strikes at Galaxy Bowl, Cabana Bay is a place for everyone to enjoy.

If you’ve been to Cabana Bay Beach Resort, share some of your favorite spots in the comments below.

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24 Comments

  • Reply Sue clewlow July 5, 2017 at 1:58 pm

    This is possibly the best hotel I’ve ever stayed in and the best holiday EVER!!!!

    • Reply Mick July 6, 2017 at 11:41 am

      Do you have to pay extra for say the bowling or are all things in the price of the hotel ? Is there a resort fee on top as well ?
      Thanks

      • Reply Jen July 19, 2017 at 10:53 am

        Everything costs extra, and I think every hotel in orlando adds a resort fee. The lazy river is awesome but bring your own float or you have to buy one.

        • Reply Cynthia December 23, 2018 at 1:05 pm

          No resort fees at any of the on-site Universal hotels

      • Reply Erica October 23, 2020 at 3:16 pm

        Hi I just stayed there last weekend so I can answer your question about bowling. Bowling is an additional cost 12.99 pp for rental of shoes and 45 min game.

  • Reply Susanne July 5, 2017 at 4:22 pm

    We will be there in December, visiting from Switzerland.
    It is our third visit and we love the hotel and the lazy river 😀
    😀☀️😎🌴🏄‍♀️😀

  • Reply Rizzwal July 6, 2017 at 7:11 am

    Looking forward to our visit in September, first time at the parks and the USA, just don’t like the idea of the 9.5 hour flight from the UK!

    • Reply Laura August 8, 2017 at 5:46 pm

      It honestly isn’t that bad, it’s all part of the fun and goes so much quicker than you think it will! I’ve flown from the UK 4 times and it’s been brilliant 🙂

  • Reply Gina July 7, 2017 at 12:03 am

    I stayed at Cabana Bay on a “staycation” (I live fifteen minutes away). I had begun to think all hotel rooms, be they bargain or luxury, look the same. But not Cabana Bay’s. The use of tropical turquoise with bits of orange makes the rooms a cut above the rest.

  • Reply KMcG73 July 7, 2017 at 5:34 am

    Another gem is the staff of Cabana Bay – they are absolutely WONDERFUL!!! (Shout out to Nicole in the Bayliner and Collin in Luggage Services!)
    We are SO looking forward to our next visit!

  • Reply Christine July 9, 2017 at 6:47 pm

    Hi
    Will be there in September travelling on my own so looking forward to it all

  • Reply Christine Newton July 21, 2017 at 8:54 am

    We stayed there in May and had a blast. I love the music and the retro colors of the era. I can’t wait to go back. When we return we will stay at Cabana Bay because we really didn’t get to enjoy all the pools and slides and surroundings. I was a little disappointed when I found out that we had to pay for the tube to ride the Lazy river. Next time we will bring our own. Other than that it was great.

  • Reply Colette July 22, 2017 at 5:12 am

    We are also going to be going to other parks. I noticed it said that you can get transportation to Disney for a fee but anyone know if it is the same for Sea World, Aquatica, etc?

  • Reply Pat Hall July 22, 2017 at 7:21 pm

    July 22nd 2017….Just returned from Cabana Bay Beach Resort………..the **best*** Everything was…*****SWELL******
    The BayLiner Diner food was really good and the ambiance of the 50’s and 60’s was everywhere.
    It was like waking up and I was a teenager again. My favorite…really….Alberto VO5 shampoo and Zest soap in the bathrooms, I am still singing “Your not fully clean
    till you are Zestfully clean…..Stuck in my head like It’s A small World. Favorite comment I overheard, was a dad (30ish) and his son in the elevator and the son
    say’s “dad, I really like this music” You can’t go wrong if you stay at this resort.

  • Reply McCaskill's August 9, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    I don’t usually leave comments on hotel stays but Cabana Bay is without a doubt the Best!! We was there in July with family and friends and we all had a great time. I believe we have found our annual vacation spot.

  • Reply Rachel Gregory October 18, 2017 at 5:43 am

    We stayed last Christmas and it was amazing! Totally the best hotel ever!! This Christmas is going to be so boring in comparison! Wanna go back so bad!! But it’s a big trip form the U.K , maybe next year !!

  • Reply Kimberly April 1, 2018 at 8:15 am

    I’m so excited will be there in August

  • Reply AMY December 22, 2018 at 8:40 am

    Also, the huge cafeteria/restaurant with the big screens, nostalgic tv ads and big booths with lots of space is fantastic! The Jack Lalane gym is also a hidden gem that we always use. Really, we do…

  • Reply Trish December 22, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    I absolutely love Cabana Bay! We’ve stayed here 5 times, can’t wait for #6!

  • Reply Gabriela Rojas December 31, 2018 at 2:57 pm

    Your hotel is AMAZING!!! So looking forward to our next visit in 2019….not sure when but dreaming is for free!! Enjoyed walking over to Volcano Bay and maybe next time we can bowl. I believe we’ve been there three times and wow! Best wishes to you all in the New Year!! Keep up the wonderful job!!

  • Reply Silvina October 23, 2020 at 10:35 am

    We’ve been twice and both experiences were amazing! December 2017 and February 2020. Good service, kind people. Love it!!!

  • Reply Kristy D Tigue June 14, 2024 at 12:49 pm

    I am concerned about parking, we have reservations for June 29th through July 5th 2024. We have never been but are so excited about the visit. Can someone tell me where the parking is located and the price of parking?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications June 14, 2024 at 3:57 pm

      Hi Kristy! Parking is available in multiple parking garages and surface lots across the hotel property. Our front desk Team Members will be happy to direct you to the most convenient parking location once you’ve been assigned your room. Parking is currently $23 per night, per vehicle (prices subject to change).

  • Reply Digital Guest Communications June 14, 2024 at 3:56 pm

    Hi Kristy! Parking is available in multiple parking garages and surface lots across the hotel property. Our front desk Team Members will be happy to direct you to the most convenient parking location once you’ve been assigned your room. Parking is currently $23 per night, per vehicle (prices subject to change).

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