I just got back from an amazing vacation at Cabana Bay Beach Resort at the Universal Orlando Resort. We had an amazing time! I am excited to share with you my experience!
It. Was. Amazing!
As you pull up to Cabana Bay, you are instantly transported back in time to one of my favorite era’s, the 50’s and 60’s. I would have loved to live during those simpler times. This resort is themed after the iconic 50’s and 60’s beach resorts with a 2021 twist! Your family is sure to love the retro theming and all that this resort has to offer. From the classic architecture, bright colors, vintage cars, 50’s diner style food court and bowling alley! Even the complimentary shampoo and soap in you room fits the theming. They really thought of EVERYTHING!!
Let’s chat rooms…
There are a few different room categories to choose from, something for everyone! I originally chose a volcano view standard room for just 2 of us. When I learned Volcano Bay was closed during our stay, I inquired about the volcano asking if it would still be lit up and have the water features and I was told unfortunately no. Because of that, I decided to change my room to just a standard room to save a few dollars for an extra souvenir or 2.
Rest assured, the volcano is fully functioning now with the reopening of Volcano Bay and these rooms have an amazing view!
Standard Room: Even though this is considered a standard room, there is nothing standard about it. The blast from the past, retro theme continues as you step into your room. The colors are Fun, the furniture is Funky, the lighting and décor are Fabulous! See what I did there? You will also find a flat screen tv and a mini refrigerator in these awesome rooms. In the standard room category, there are a couple different views to choose from.
Poolside Standard Room: All the same great fun above but with a view overlooking one of the two pools at the resort.
Volcano Bay View Standard Room: She’s gonna BLOW!! Not really, but you’ve got throw a little humor in there somewhere! Again, this room has all of the same funky fun as the standard room but with an amazing view of Universal’s Volcano Bay – Water Theme Park. Yes, I said water Theme Park! It’s basically a theme park with a whole buncha water! And that volcano you can see from your floor to ceiling windows, that’s Krakatau and she is beautiful! Waterfalls of lava -err water- but lava sounds cooler, cascade down the volcano to the sparkling waters of the wave pool. At night, Krakatau is beautifully lit up to resemble actual lava flowing down the side. An amazing view from an amazing room!
Family Suites: These suites have the same character as the standard rooms, just BIGGER! In these spacious suites you will find two queen beds and a pull-out sofa which includes a sliding partition between the two areas. Compartmentalized bathroom allows enough space for three people to get ready at once. A kitchenette with a mini refrigerator, microwave and sink along with two flat screen TV’s.
Poolside Family Suites: All the same great fun above but with a view overlooking one of the two pools at the resort.
Volcano Bay 2-Bedroom Suites: Like all other rooms on property, these suites continue with the same retro theme but offer so much more! This suite features 2 bedrooms, the first with a queen sized bed and the second with two full size beds. It also includes a separate living space, 2 bathrooms and a kitchenette with a mini refrigerator, microwave and sink. With the same amazing views of Krakatau, this suite will leave your family in awe. Such an amazing experience.
Dining at Cabana Bay…
Bayliner Diner – Dine is style at this larger than life 50’s style diner complete with giant tv screens playing your old favorites. At Bayliner Diner, you are greeted at the food court where you can choose from many amazing dishes. Something to please everyone’s taste. Order your food, pick it up and pay before finding your perfect table in the diner.
I ordered the chicken fingers and fries. My son ordered the bacon cheeseburger with milkshake combo. We both enjoyed our dinner and definitely would have eaten there again if we did not have dinner reservations for our other evenings at Universal’s City Walk.
Galaxy Bowl – Grab a bite or grab a ball…or grab both for a PINtastick good time at Galaxy Bowl. (more about bowling below). At this full service hang out, you will find your all-time favorites on the menu. Burgers, wings, wraps, sandwiches, salads and let’s not forget to mention the beer, wine and signature cocktails.
The Hideaway Bar & Grill – A perfect hideaway shack by the pool serving some great pool side treats featuring the Honolulu Hot Dog’s. Located in the Lazy River Courtyard, grab a table and watch some sporting events. I preferred to grab some lounge chairs and eat as my son floated the lazy river, got out had a bite, floated the lazy river, got out and had a bite…well you get! It was the perfect place for us to enjoy our lunch cool by the pool!
Atomic Tonic – Every good pool needs a poolside bar…right? Look no further than Atomic Tonic, serving some out-of-this world cocktails, beers and soft drinks. Here you will find an amazing Mediterranean cuisine and recently added PIZZA! Yay. Who doesn’t love Pizza!
Swizzle Lounge – Chill out in this retro inspired lounge in the lobby of the resort. With made to order cocktails and snacks, you can stop in for a quick treat and be on your way for more fun!!
To round off dining, there is a Starbucks inside the resort for that caffeine fix we all need to get the day started. Cabana Bay Resort also offers Pizza to-go and in-room pizza delivery.
With so many dining options, the time to dine should be simple, relaxed and everyone will be happy!
Cabana Bay Water Fun…
With 2 pools, a lazy river, a dive tower and a water slide, you’re probably gonna get wet! Oh and I should mention the sandy beach and the zero depth entry for wading with the little ones.
The pools were amazing. My son floated the lazy river ‘til they closed for the evening. We were able to rent a tube to float the river and play in the pool for a small fee for the length of our stay. The coolest thing about the tube rental is, when you return it at the end of your stay, they give you a brand new one, in the package to take home as a souvenir. Needless to say, I ended up with 4 to take home as they are great quality, very affordable and as cute as can be with the Cabana Bay logo on them!
But wait…there’s more!
With bowling, Game-o-Rama, fire pits (they sell smores kits at Bayliner Diner) the Universal Studios Store, a fitness center inspired by the legendary Jack LaLanne, there is so much to do at the Cabana Bay Resort. Heck, you would need a whole day at just the resort to experience all the fun at this Fun, Funky and retro resort.
Transportation to the parks is simple. Catch a bus behind the Bayliner Diner that will take you straight to the escalators as City Walk. It’s like an 8 minute ride. I didn’t time it but in my head, it was about 8 minutes! : ) City walk is the center of all the awesomeness! Go right and it leads you directly to Universal Studios, the original park, or go left and head straight to Islands of adventure. When you have finished your day at the parks, take the short walk back through City Walk and grab your resort bus. It’s that simple.
Universal Orlando Special Offers
Thinking of a stay at Universal Orlando Resort and Cabana Bay looks like a good idea for your family? Check out these Universal Orlando Resort Deals and request a quote.
