Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a vibrant, retro-themed value resort that brings 1950s and '60s mid-century-modern style to a fun, family-friendly hotel at Universal Orlando. Despite its accessible price, it offers resort-scale amenities: two enormous pool areas with a lazy river and a water slide, a vintage bowling alley, a food court and bars, family suites with kitchenettes, and the on-site perk of early park admission. Lively, colorful, and great value, it's a top pick for families and budget-conscious travelers who still want to stay on Universal property.
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort is one of Universal Orlando's "prime value" on-site hotels, and it's a riot of fun, nostalgic style — designed to evoke the classic mid-century American beach motels and resorts of the 1950s and '60s, with bright colors, retro signage, period furnishings, and a playful, family-friendly atmosphere throughout.
For a value-tier resort, it's remarkably well-equipped. There are two huge pool courtyards, one featuring a lazy river and the other a water slide and a zero-entry pool, plus a sandy area, hot tubs, and a poolside bar — a genuine resort-pool experience. Other amenities include a vintage-style bowling alley (Galaxy Bowl), a large food court and several dining and drinking outlets, a fitness center, and a Universal-themed game arcade. Accommodations include both standard rooms and family suites with kitchenettes and separate sleeping areas, well-suited to families.
As an on-site Universal hotel, guests get early admission to the parks (and convenient transportation, including a walking path/garden walk and shuttle/water taxi access nearby), though note the value-tier hotels do not include the free Express line-skipping perk that the premier hotels offer. The combination of fun theming, strong amenities, family suites, on-site convenience, and a wallet-friendly price makes Cabana Bay an excellent choice for families and budget-minded travelers who want the benefits of staying on Universal property without the deluxe price tag. Booked directly through Universal/Loews.
Why stay here
- ✓Two large pools (lazy river, water slide)
- ✓Retro 1950s-60s theming
- ✓Bowling alley
- ✓Family suites with kitchenettes
- ✓Food court and bars
- ✓Early park admission
- ✓Fitness center
- ✓On-site Universal convenience
Good questions
What's the theme and vibe at Cabana Bay?+
A fun, retro 1950s-and-'60s mid-century-modern beach-resort theme — bright colors, vintage style, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, at a value-tier price.
What amenities does it have?+
Resort-scale for its price: two huge pool areas (with a lazy river and a water slide), a vintage bowling alley, a food court and bars, family suites with kitchenettes, a fitness center, and an arcade — plus early park admission as an on-site hotel.
Does it include the free Express Pass?+
No — the complimentary Universal Express line-skipping perk is only at the premier on-site hotels (like Portofino Bay). Value-tier hotels like Cabana Bay include early park admission but not free Express. It's the trade-off for the lower price.
