Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach resort family suites offer accommodating space for families staying on-site at the Universal Orlando theme parks. We have stayed at Cabana Bay numerous times and today I am sharing my review of Cabana Bay Beach resort at Universal Orlando Resort.
Finding space for a family of 5 or more at a theme park can be challenging. That is why we were excited to check out the Cabana Bay Beach Resort family suites at Universal Orlando.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach resort is a retro themed prime value resort at Universal Orlando. It offers on-site amenities, family suites and early entry to the theme parks.
My First Reaction to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Family Suites
As soon as you enter the lobby of Cabana Bay you are transported to a different time. Cabana Bay is one of my favorite themed resorts at Universal because it has an overall really cool vibe.
It is retro-themed to the 60s and you step into that world as soon as you enter the resort. Let’s get into the things I love as well as things I don’t love about the resort.
Things I Love about Cabana Bay Beach Resort Orlando
- Theme of the resort is great! Retro vibe is well done from the rooms to the lobby and guest areas.
- On-site amenities are top notch, especially in the price range. Guests can enjoy the Cabana Bay Water Slide, Lazy River, and bowling alley.
- Family-friendly hotel with food court in lobby, Starbucks, and gift shop.
- Exclusive theme park benefits like early access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Things I Don’t Love about Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- The hotel room could use an update. The resort opened in 2014 and I believe it could use a room refresh.
- The family suite fits up to 6 people, but I think there are better options on-site at Universal for a family of 5 or 6, like the Endless Summer Resorts that have 2-bedroom suites on a budget, with less amenities but it depends on the prioritize of your travel party.
Overall we do like staying at Cabana Bay Resort. It has such a fun vibe and we have stayed there multiple times.
Want more details? Read on for my full review of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach resort family suites as well as a Cabana Bay Beach resort review. I hope this will help you decide if it is a good resort for your trip.
Overview of Cabana Bay Beach Resort
The minute you pull into the resort you are transported to a different era. Vintage cars line the front entrance and the retro vibe is felt immediately.
We love visiting Universal’s theme parks, Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe (opening summer 2025).
Staying on-site is our favorite way to enjoy the parks. Guests can take the complimentary shuttle bus transportation or walk the 15-20 minute walk to the parks.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Family Suite Interior Entry vs. Exterior Entry
If you are looking for an interior entry family suite you will want to book accommodations in the towers. If you would like an exterior entry family suite you will want to book a room in the courtyards.
We have stayed at both the towers and courtyard family suites.
The Courtyards family suites are Motel style rooms. The entrance to the room is directly outside and the area is close to the water slide pool.
The Tower family suites are hotel style rooms. The entrance to the rooms go to the hotel hallway. The family suites are the same in both areas. It is more a personal preference on what works best for your family.
The tower rooms tend to cost a bit more. They also have Volcano Bay view rooms. If you stay at the Volcano Bay view rooms you are a very close to walk to the park. Cabana Bay is about a 5 minute walk to Universal’s Volcano Bay. Read our Volcano Bay tips to help plan your visit.
A few questions to ask yourself to help decide which is the better area to stay in:
- Do you want to be close to Water Slide and Splash Pad or Lazy River?
- Do you want to be inside or are you okay with the motel style?
- Are you trying to stay within a specific budget?
- Will you be visiting Volcano Bay?
Honestly I really like the Courtyards. I like being able to drink my coffee outside the room as my family sleeps and watch the sunrise over the resort. It is close to the walking trail to the theme park and it is less expensive than the towers.
Review of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Family Suite
When making your reservation you can request a Tower Family Suite or Courtyard family suite.
The room has two queen beds, a pull-out sofa, mini-fridge, coffee maker, microwave oven and one bathroom. There are two flat screen tv in each parts of the suite.
The living room area has the pull-out sofa and a partition wall to the main sleeping area and bathroom.
We have stayed at the resort for a week and it has been a good fit for our family of five. As the kids have gotten older we may look into booking two standard rooms for more comfortable sleeping options. The sleeper sofa is fine for little ones but may be uncomfortable for adults.
If you are looking for more space you may want to consider the family suites at Endless Summer Surfside and Endless Summer Dockside. They offer 2 bedroom suites and cost less than Cabana Bay. As our kids are getting older the space is appreciated.
Cost of Cabana Bay Beach Resort Family Suite
The price of Cabana Bay Beach Resort family suite fluctuate depending on the time of year you visit. I found the rates to start around $250.00 and up.
If you are visiting during the holidays and school breaks you will pay more than during low season. Universal also offers discounts for longer stays so be sure to check their website.
FAQ’s About the Family Suites at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Family Suite Layout
The basic layout of the family suites is you enter to a small kitchen area with bar seating for 2 in the same space as the living room area. Then there is the sleeping space, bathroom, and closet area. It is a typical layout for a 300 square feet hotel room.
Where are the Family Suites at Cabana Bay located?
The family suites at Cabana Bay are located in the towers and the courtyards. Guests staying at the towers do not have to go outside once arriving at the lobby to reach their room. Guests staying at the courtyard will have to go outside to reach their rooms.
Can you get adjoining rooms at Cabana Bay Beach Resort?
Yes you can get adjoining rooms at Cabana Bay Beach resort family suites.
Are Universal tickets included in your stay at Cabana Bay Beach Resort?
No, tickets are not included in your stay at Cabana Bay. Check the latest ticket prices from our partner Undercover Tourist.
Can you walk to Universal from Cabana Bay?
Yes! There are walkways from Cabana Bay to Universal CityWalk and the Universal theme parks. They are easy paths and a very nice walk. The walk will take about 15-20 minutes depending on your traveling party.
If you don’t mind walking or your kids are older it can save you a little time. Especially when visiting Islands of Adventure because you will enter CityWalk near Margaritaville-close to the Island of Adventure entrance.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort On-Site Perks
Guests staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort have early park admission and complimentary transportation.
Early entry allows guests to enter one of the theme parks early, before the general admission guests. This will mean shorter wait times for the most popular attractions.
Express Pass is not included in your stay at Cabana Bay. Express Pass is a paid add-on to your daily admission that allows guests to skip the lines.
Guests staying at a premier resort have express pass included with their stay. Check out our stay at Hard Rock Hotel for more information and to see if it is worth it.
At times during your stay guests can meet characters in the lobby of Cabana Bay. This is always a hit for the kids and the lines are shorter than meeting the characters at the parks. Upon check-in you can learn which characters will be there and the times.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Pools
There are two main pools at Cabana Bay. One is located in the Courtyard area. There is a water slide, infinity pool, and a splash pad. We preferred this pool area because my kids loved the water slide. The splash pad was a nice addition but geared towards younger kids.
The second pool is located in the Tower area. There is a lazy river and a regular pool for swimming. The lazy river is nice but they do not provide inner tubes. You can purchase ones during your stay that you take back to your room or you can bring them from home. They will blow them up and inflate them for you.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Dining
There are a few dining options at Cabana Bay. The main dining area is a quick service restaurant called the Bay Line Diner. They offer grab and go snacks as well as meals. We have always been happy with the service and quality of meals.
There is also a Starbucks, The Hideaway Bar & Grill (Located at the Lazy River Courtyard), Galaxy Bowl Restaurant, Swizzle Loung(Bar) and the Atomic Tonic(Located at the Cabana Courtyard).
Our favorite on-site place is the room or poolside pizza delivery service, Deliziozo Pizza. The pizza is our favorite and we loved having it delivered to our room after a long day at the parks.
You can also take the on-site transportation to CityWalk for a meal or snack. The milkshake at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium are a must for every visit to Universal Orlando.
All of the on-site resorts have restaurants and are fun places to explore. If you have the energy after a long day checking them out can be a fun activity away from the parks.
Amenities at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Galaxy Bowling Alley
- Game-O-Rama (Arcade)
- Jack Lalanne Physical Fitness Studio
- Private Cabanas (For Rent)
- Poolside Activities- pool tables, hula hoops, ping pong, + more
- Dive-In Movies
- All activities can change. You will receive the resort schedule at check-in.
Is Cabana Bay Beach Resort Family Suites Worth It
I already shared that the Cabana Bay Beach Resort family suites are what attracted us to the resort but we keep coming back because of the close proximity to the park, the on-site perks for guests, the pool, on-site amenities, and the comfortable rooms that work great for my family.
I think the value in comparison to the price is fantastic. You are getting a family suite, with 2 amazing pools, on-site activities, and within walking distance to the parks for a moderate price.
On our most recent stay we did find the value resorts to offer more space for our family. When you are planning your trip you should definitely consider how much time you will be at the resort and what your vacation needs are.
The value resorts do not have the amenities that Cabana Bay Beach resort has. We loved the vibe of Cabana Bay and would stay there again. I would even consider booking two standard rooms for the space we are looking for without sacrificing the on-site pools and amenities.
Are you in the early stages of planning your Universal Orlando vacation? Check out this helpful post to get you started: Beginners Guide to Universal Orlando Theme Parks and Resorts
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.