Cabana Bay Beach Resort is an homage to the motor hotels of the 50s and 60s, a time when families would pack into their cars and drive across the country to their dream vacation. With its vibrant color palette, iconic architecture, and themed décor, your vacation at Universal Orlando Resort will have the perfect touch of retro fun for any fan. As someone who is a lover and collector of vintage (especially mid-century), Cabana Bay is a hotel that I hold very dear. Let’s tour some of the spots Cabana Bay has to offer and learn a bit about what inspired the nostalgic look of this hotel.
The Entrance
When you first drive up to Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you are greeted by a gorgeous neon sign that welcomes you to the hotel which, rest assured, offers color TV and cold air. Featured in the drop-off loop is an array of classic cars that adds to that classic motel feeling.
The Lobby
As soon as you enter the lobby you are fully immersed in mid-century style. No matter what way you look as you enter the building, there is stylish furniture in eye-catching colors, a soundtrack of classics from the 50s and 60s, and a beautiful mosaic behind the check-in counter. One of my favorite design elements of the resort is the huge terrarium in the middle of the lobby that rises to the ceiling of the building. The lobby is heavily inspired by the former Americana Hotel in Miami Beach, a style icon itself.
Swizzle Lounge
Be sure to take some time during your stay to check out the Swizzle Lounge, located right in the lobby. Sit back and relax in style in the lounging areas and sip on classic drinks with a modern twist, such as the Swizzle Rum Punch or the Sunshine Mule.
PRO TIP: If you really want to have a swinging time, enjoy live music at the bar Friday through Sunday.
Galaxy Bowl Restaurant
Is there anything more retro than bowling? Challenge your friends and family to a bit of friendly competition at Galaxy Bowl. Inspired by charming bowling alleys of the past, such as the infamous Hollywood Star Lanes from The Big Lebowski , this 10-lane bowling alley combines retro style with modern technology. Galaxy Bowl also offers a sit-down style meal with delicious appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks. Some menu highlights include wings, burgers, and the Coca-Cola cake. Whenever I stay here, I always make sure I have time to play a game (or two) of bowling.
Pool Activities
Looking for a way to cool off in the Florida heat? Cabana Bay is the place to be, with two unique pool areas on each side of the hotel. In the Cabana Courtyard, you will find a pool with a giant diving tower as its centerpiece. The tower is purely decorative (so please do not practice your diving tricks), but it houses a 100-foot-long slide. Also in the courtyard area is the Atomic Tonic bar with a snazzy rocket-ship centerpiece inspired by the 60s space age era. If you want a bit of privacy while enjoying your pool day there are cabanas available for rent. All cabanas provide much needed shade, HDTV, Wi-Fi, a mini fridge with water, overhead fan (!), safe, and plenty of seating. Over at the Lazy River Courtyard, relax and unwind in the lazy river, complete with fountains and waterfalls. The Hideaway Bar & Grill is another poolside bar with a groovy vibe, delicious meal options and snacks, and — most importantly — great drink options. Some of my favorites include SPF 50, Cloud 9, and the Funky Monkey. Both pool areas offer sandy beaches, fire pits for roasting marshmallows at night, outdoor lounging areas, and postcard-perfect hotel views. There’s no view like floating along the lazy river looking up towards the lush tropical palm trees and a beautifully color-blocked hotel building. Be sure to check out the pools at night as well to see all of the neon signage come to life.
Bayliner Diner
The Bayliner Diner is the go-to for a wide variety of quick-service food. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, sandwiches, burgers, or international, you’re guaranteed to find something everyone will enjoy. My favorite food option at the Bayliner Diner is Delizioso Pizza (especially the Southwestern Flatbread), which even comes in a themed box! You can also buy smores kits for the fire pits here. A fun detail that I love that really adds to the vibe of the dining area is the neon signs for each of the stations. I absolutely love seeing neon signs and retro graphics, so it is always great to see signage in this style. Once you grab your food, head to the sunken dining room and enjoy watching a selection of vintage advertisements displayed at each end of the dining space. I love seeing all the old ads for kids’ toys and food items.
The Rooms
The retro-inspired fun continues into the Family Suite. Every part of the room bursts with vibrant and retro fun, from the geometric bedspread to the modernist wall art to the quintessential mid-century furniture. Some of my favorite small details in the room include the bedside alarm clock, vintage soap packaging, and various lighting fixtures. The room is also equipped with modern utilities like a flatscreen TV and a mini fridge, but trust me, the modern appliances definitely don’t take away from the comforting feeling of being in another era.
PRO TIP: Staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort gives you all kinds of benefits, but my favorite one is its proximity to Volcano Bay — if you follow the walking path inside the hotel, you can be inside the water park in just a few minutes! You also get early access to the theme parks, letting you get a head-start on the excitement and fun.
Universal Studios Store
What’s a vacation without a quick stop at a gift shop? Along with a wide variety of Universal Orlando merchandise including all of your favorite characters, you can also shop for fun Cabana Bay themed merchandise with t-shirts, bathrobes (I bought this the last time I stayed here), candles, pins representing some of the resort’s signage, and more! Keep an eye out for the decorations on the shelves. Hidden within it are suitcases with vintage-style Cabana Bay travel stickers and postcards, and references to popular tourist destinations in Florida.
For me, a true retro-style lover, Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the perfect hotel for immersive family fun with plenty to do for guests of all ages. From poolside fun to exploring the themed offerings, you’re sure to enjoy your next visit.
If you’re like me and enjoy everything retro, make sure to click here to make a reservation and travel back in time with Cabana Bay!
Must be 21 years and older with valid photo identification to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Drink responsibly.
66 Comments
I called to ask about the lazy river being closed during our stay. I was hung up on twice by the same person!! Wow we aren’t even there yet and this is the service we are getting. I hope our stay will be better then the guest services I have received so far.
Hi Celena,
We apologize for any inconvenience that you may have experienced while trying to reach out to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. We would be happy to assist you with any questions, or If you would like to discuss your experience further. Please do not hesitate to contact our Guest Services Department at 407-224-4233 or via email at GuestServices@universalorlando.com for further assistance.
Can you check into the hotel and get your reserved room at any time of day or night? Is it a 24-hour service?
Hi Katie! Rooms would not be guaranteed before 4:00PM check in. However, you are welcome to arrive any time after 7:00AM on your check in day. Even if your room isn’t ready, your hotel will be able to store your luggage and issue your room keys, so you can head to the parks or enjoy the hotel’s amenities while you wait for the text notification that your room is ready. Front Desk Agents would be available for late-night check ins, but we encourage you to contact the hotel in advance, so your reservation can be notated with your estimated arrival time.
Are Harry Potter, Universal and Volcano all separate parks?
Hi Donald, Guests can enjoy the fun of three different theme parks on our property: Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, and Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park. While we do offer Park-to-Park Tickets for Guests to jump between these different parks, they are all separate and will require their own theme park admission. We recommend exploring our tickets options here, https://bit.ly/3PsciRZ, and more about our theme park offerings here, https://bit.ly/3XkN9dW. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Universe!
Is it possible to get a massage at the hotel?
Hi Mette, while Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort does not offer Spa services, we recommend heading over to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel to enjoy their Mandara Spa & Fitness Center!
What is the height requirement for the slide at the cabana bay resort?
Hi Abby! Guests must be 36 inches tall to experience the water slide at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Guests between 36 and 48 inches must wear a life vest.
Do the rooms have a microwave?
Hi Wendy. Guests that require a Microwave within their room while staying at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort must reserve a Family Suite. There are no microwaves permitted in the standard rooms.
Hi Sam. The Standard, Poolside, and Volcano Bay View Rooms include a Wall Mounted Hair dryer in the bathroom!
Are there coffee makers in the family suites? If so what type of coffee do they use?
Hi Cindy! All rooms at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, including the Family Suites, have a coffee maker. Single serve Cuisinart coffee pods will be provided.
Are there life jackets for little kids to use on site? And are there tubes to rent or purchase? I’m curious the cost for those.
Hi Meghan. Complimentary life vests are provided for Guests. Guests can bring their own tubes, and tubes can be found at the Lazy River Floats Tube Shack for the following prices:
Sit N Float: $12 +Tax
47″ Tube: $12 +Tax
38″ Tube: $8 +Tax
36″ Tube: $6 +Tax
Is parking free for guests staying at Cabana Bay?
Hi Marianne. Self Parking for overnight Guests at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is currently priced at $18.00, plus 6.5% tax per night, per vehicle, subject to change.
For the lazy river- are tubes provided? do we need to bring our own?
Hi Shaz. Guests can bring their own tube. There are also tubes available for purchase at Lazy River Floats Tube Shack.
Does the Standard Volcano Bay room have a bathtub?
Hi Jeri,
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort rooms with a view of Universal Volcano Bay offer bathrooms with either a shower or a shower and bathtub combination. If you would like to make any room requests, be sure to contact our Hotel Reservations team at (888) 273-1311 so they may further assist you! Please keep in mind room requests may be subject to availability. We hope to welcome you soon!
Hi, what time is the pool/lazy river open till in late OCTOBER?
Hi George. Hours for our amenities do vary and are subject to change. We recommend reaching out closer to your visit for the most up-to-date information.
Are the pools heated? Planning to be there in January.
Hi Tanya! Both the Atomic Pool and the Hideaway Pool at Cabana Bay Beach Resort are heated. Cannot wait to see you!
What time are the hot tubs open until?
Hi Brittany! Hot tub hours can vary depending on the day and pool, and are subject to change. We recommend checking the most up to date information upon arrival!
If we use the Charge to Room service in the park and at the resort can we pay the bill with universal gift cards or does it need to be paid via a credit or debit card that was registered for the service?
Hi Kristal! While you would need to provide a credit card to place on file, you are welcome to pay off the balance with a Universal Orlando Gift Card. We recommend speaking with a Team Member at the Front Desk for assistance with this prior to your check-out.
Hi will the Lazy River at Cabana Bay be available the week of March 18th? Also do I need to make reservations for bowling?
Hi Denise! The Lazy River is anticipated to be open during your visit. We recommend contacting Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort directly at (407) 503-4230 for further information on Galaxy Bowl, as they will be able to provide the most updated information on this offering.
Will the Lazy River be opened from 2/16 through 2/19?
Does the hotel offer rides to Universal Studio?
Hi Rebecca! We recommend calling Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort at 407-503-4000 for verification on its lazy river operations. The resort does offer complimentary bus transportation to Universal Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk, where you will be able to walk to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.
Hi,
Do the family rooms have any plates, cups or spoons, forks etc?
Hi Valerie! The Family Suites at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort come equipped with plastic utensils, plates, and bowls.
Do you provide pool towels or do we need to bring out own?
Hi Carla, towels are provided for Guests to use at the pools.
Is there an exercise room at the resort? If yes, what does it have?
Hi April! Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers the Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio. It features treadmills, up-right and recumbent bicycles, Elliptical Machines, Variable resistance weight machines, a stretching area, and medicine balls (offerings subject to change).
Hi April! Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers the Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio. It features treadmills, up-right and recumbent bicycles, Elliptical Machines, Variable resistance weight machines, a stretching area, and medicine balls (offerings subject to change).
Which building are the Poolside Family Suite – Exterior Entry located on?
Hi Claude. The Poolside Family Suites – Exterior Entry rooms would be located in Starlight, Thunderbird, and Castaway.
Buenas Noches, tango viaje muy pronto mi esposo esta de cumpleaños, quiero algo especial para su Dia, pero nadie me da Informacion, o poder reservar algo para el, no se si el hotel o los restaurantes alrededor den un servicio, quedo atenta.
Are the floats for the Lazy River for purchase or a daily rental? Also, is there a shuttle service offered to the resort from the airport?
Hi Bethany! Tubes are available for purchase at the Lazy River Floats Tube Shack. We do also have Universal’s SuperStar Shuttle, which offers roundtrip or one way transfer from Orlando International Airport to all Universal Orlando Resort Hotels.
Olá! Em qual edifício estão localizados os quartos standard ?
Hi Roberta. Standard rooms are located in the Americana Tower, Continental Tower, and Bayside and Beachside Towers at Cabana Bay Beach Resort. If you have any specific questions regarding your reservation, we recommend reaching out to the hotel directly at ( 407) 503-4000 or CustomerService@CabanaBayOrlando.com.
Hi I have emailed Cabana Bay today about an urgent matter and they haven’t replied. It’s causing me so much anxiety.
Hi Alison, we recommend contacting this team directly at (407) 503-4000 for the most immediate assistance.
Are there microwaves available for the rooms?
Do you have use a tube to access the lazy river? My daughter does not like the tubes and prefers to swim.
Hi Victoria! Guests are welcome to visit the Lazy River at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort without a tube if they prefer.
Hello what is the deposit we have to pay at check in?
Hi Crystal! Guests will be required to pay a deposit of one night’s stay when booking. The remaining balance will be paid at the front desk.
Hi can you tell me what time check out is please? Also does cabana bay off late check out? Thanks
Hello Amy! Check-out time is at 11:00am, and we recommend partnering with the Front Desk for any further assistance.
Does the hotel have somewhere to store luggage if my room isn’t ready?
Hi Julie! Great question! If your room is not ready upon arrival, you can leave your bags at the bell stand, use the front desk safe to store any valuables, and obtain room keys to use for theme park benefits. You can also enjoy the restaurants and pools if you would like until your room is ready.
Do you have to pay daily to park my car there..?
Hi Daniel! Yes, more information can be found on our website here: https://bit.ly/47dI786.
Does the hotel have fans or some sort of white noise that we can get on check in for our room? I have hearing problems and have to use a fan to sleep for the ringing.
Hi Jenn. The Standard, Poolside and Volcano Bay View Rooms at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort include Smart room technology for automated heating and air conditioning. Please feel free to contact the Team at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort for additional information.
Can we use the pool the morning of check-in even though we can’t check in until 4pm? Can we use the pool the day we check-out AFTER checking out? Or will our key no longer get us pool access once we have checked out that day?
Hey Julie! All Guests are welcome to “pre-register” any time after 6:00am. Once this is done (at the Front Desk), they will provide you with your room keys to use your hotel and park benefits. Once your room is ready, they will let you know. The room keys will give you access from the check-in date to the check-out date, so you are more than welcome to enjoy the amenities even after checking out!