Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort Tips

Traveling to the Universal Orlando theme parks? Grab these Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Tips | 15 Reasons Why Your Family Should Stay PRONTO! This post is sponsored by Universal Orlando Hotels. All retro opinions are my own.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Tips | 15 Reasons Why Your Family Should Stay PRONTO

You didn’t get the memo? Retro is the new modern!

Even when living in Orlando, I love a little Florida staycation. And with so many great hotels in the area, it can be hard to choose where to go. But Universal Orlando Resort is really stepping it up with it’s swankiest hotel – Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. If you haven’t had a chance to check out this ultra throwback hotel yet, I’ve got 15 reasons why your family should stay here PRONTO. Today I’m sharing all of the details of our weekend staycation and all of my best Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort tips.

We’re throwing the tips way back so you can start planning the ultimate family vacation, retro style.

Early Park Entry

More time, more rides, more memories! One of the best Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort tips is making sure to take advantage of early access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter AND Universal’s Volcano Bay – one hour before the theme park opens! This gives your family more time to ride, take priceless photos and enjoy minimal crowds for more Universal Orlando Resort moments!

Retro Décor

Normally I wouldn’t say that the décor of a place would sell me on anything. But I have to say, the 50s-60s theme throughout this resort was on point. Bright colors, bold patterns, swanky lines, and vintage cars, this hotel is like stepping back in time. And our family was loving the vibes all weekend long.

Ticket Sales/Pickup at the Hotel

Hate waiting at the theme park ticket booths? Buy and pick up your tickets and Universal Express Passes in the air conditioned lobby of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort! You can breeze by the gates when you have your tickets already in hand when you visit the Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Center. I love having the convenience of getting my tickets beforehand, especially when ticket sales hours start as early as 7 am!

Bonus Universal Orlando Resort Savings

While you’re picking up your theme park tickets at Universal’s Cabana Bay Resort, be sure to ask the ticket sales member for your extra Universal Orlando Resort savings! We were given a huge Universal Orlando coupon book filled with dining and entertainment coupons for all 3 theme parks and CityWalk! Most of the coupons expire at the end of the year too, so we have plenty of time to go back throughout 2019.

Large Family Suites | Perfect for 5 or more!

Two rooms, one full sized kitchenette, one happy family! The Family Suites at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort are so roomy and comfortable for families, especially those with lots of kids! A room divider, split bathroom plan, full size kitchenette and pull-out couch were just some of the amazing room features. Plus don’t forget the ultra swanky retro room décor too!

Multiple Pools

When one pool just won’t do – give them many! Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers guests plenty of room to cool off! With 2 zero entry pools, a lazy river, iconic dive tower water slide, and splash area, the whole family can enjoy these amazing pool areas on either side of this resort! Needless to say, our family spent an entire day just checking out the water areas!

Bowling Alley & More FUN Amenities

10 lanes of classic bowling? Yes, please! Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort has it’s very own bowling alley. Bring the family for this unique entertainment offer; they even have speed bowling rates if you have kiddos with short attention spans. There’s also a restaurant inside! Your stay also includes use of the Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio and access to the Game-O-Rama arcade (with modern and retro video games). You can even shop at the onsite Universal Studios Store.

FREE Shuttle to Universal Orlando Theme Parks & City Walk

You had me at NOT paying for theme park parking! The convenience of the free shuttle right outside of the hotel is such a plus for staying at Cabana Bay. With buses running continuously every 15 minutes, it makes travel between the parks and the hotel such a breeze! And BONUS – saving money on parking!

There are also plenty of walking trails throughout the resort, connecting Cabana Bay to the other onsite hotels (perfect for booking that Character Breakfast at the Loews Royal Pacific Hotel nearby) and the theme parks.

7 FUN Dining Options

You need options, Cabana Bay delivers! From a large retro food court to your comforts of Starbucks, there are plenty of great food options for your family throughout the resort. I highly recommend the wraps at Atomic Tonic – plenty big and perfect for sharing!

Bayliner Diner – huge cafeteria style grab n’ go food court. Watch retro commercials on big screens and eat at swanky style tables. They even have a dedicated gluten free section!
Galaxy Bowl Restaurant – casual sit-down service inside of the bowling alley.
Atomic Tonic – Poolside bar and grill inside of the Cabana Courtyard Pool Deck with sandwiches, wraps and more.
The Hideaway Bar & Grill – This Lazy River Courtyard quick service has burgers, drinks and more.
Swizzle Lounge – Catch live music on select nights and specialty drink orders in this lobby lounge.
Starbucks – Because we mamas have to have one! Specialty coffees, teas, and fresh food items.
Delizioso Pizza – Have home-style pizza served directly to your room!

Outdoor Lawn Games & Activities for the Whole Family

It’s an outdoor kid’s paradise. Hula hoops, corn hole, ladder toss, a giant Connect 4 set, and more family-friendly activities can be found around the Cabana Courtyard.

And let’s not forget a huge sand pit. Winning.

At night, the outdoor fireplace is the perfect spot for toasting marshmallows (you can purchase supplies inside of the Bayliner Diner) and you can also catch outdoor movies playing too!

Footsteps Away from Volcano Bay

This is one of the biggest perks. If you love Volcano Bay as much as our family does, (and if you haven’t been yet, you NEED to go!) Cabana Bay has it’s own private entrance to this must-see water park. Grab towels from the pool (yes, you will want these!) and walk mere footsteps to Volcano Bay.

Character Appearances

Love meeting characters? You can meet some of Universal Orlando’s favorites in the hotel lobby on Fridays. We got to meet Marilyn Monroe during out visit. She even loved my daughter’s shoes!

FREE Universal Merchandise Delivery

Shopping for souvenirs? Staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort makes shopping easy! When you shop at select stores at the theme parks and CityWalk, all Universal Orlando Resort onsite hotel guests get free delivery of their purchases straight to the hotel. No need to carry bags with you throughout your day!

More Than Just a Room Key

When is a key more than just a key? When you stay at Cabana Bay, of course! Guests can use their room key to charge for purchases throughout the resort, as well as obtain free access to select CityWalk venues and priority seating at select restaurants.

Perfect Staycation with Florida Resident Deals

Anyone else love a good hotel deal? One of my favorite Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort tips is grabbing great savings for a staycation! There are always lots of great Florida Resident deals on this hotel, with rooms starting as low as $124 a night (even for a family suite!).

I seriously could go on and on with our stay. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort was more than just a staycation. It was a weekend full of fun family memories. From pool time to theme parks to just spending time together, I really treasure this hotel and all of the amazing amenities. I hope you love these Cabana Bay Beach Resort tips to start planning your next Universal Orlando Resort vacation. Hurry and grab your Cabana Bay savings now! I know your family is going to love the stay as much as we did.