Universal Orlando invites you to step back in time by staying at the 1960’s inspired Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The retro themed resort marks Universal Orlando’s fourth on site resort and its first moderate value resort. We recently enjoyed a stay at Cabana Bay and found it to be family friendly and beautifully themed. So play your favorite Beach Boys record as we take you on a tour around Cabana Bay.
The lobby at Cabana Bay immediately transports you back in time, Mad Men style, with its bright colors and retro feel. Here you can enjoy some signature cocktails at Swizzle Lounge while enjoying the “latest” tunes from the late ’50s to early ’60s.
Walking along the hotel corridor will bring you to a fairly large Universal gift shop and a Starbucks joining previous Starbucks locations at both Universal parks and CityWalk. Further along is Cabana Bay’s main dining establishment Bayliner Diner. Bayliner serves a variety of family friendly menu items including pizza, pasta, and burgers. Bayliner really shines with its theming that includes large video screens showing retro commercials and TV shows. We also recommend stepping right outside Bayliner Diner to admire a line of vintage cars including a classic station wagon that many families used as a mode of transportation during this era.
Upstairs you will find a number of amenities including the Jack Lalanne Fitness Studio, named after the famous fitness legend. Nearby is also an arcade room and what is sure to be one of Cabana Bay’s calling cards, Galaxy Bowl. Yes, the resort even sports a 10 lane bowling alley that will surely please numerous families.
However the crown jewel of Cabana Bay awaits outside. Cabana Courtyard is home to the 10,000 square foot pool that boasts an enormous tower sure to become a signature landmark for the resort.
Adults can look forward to cabanas poolside for relaxing while little ones will enjoy a splash zone.
A water slide high above the pool attracted not just a number of kids but even some adults as well. Adults can also enjoy cocktails poolside courtesy of Atomic Tonic. Then come nightfall there is an opportunity to enjoy that cocktail by a fire pit or watch a classic movie by the pool. Coming this summer the pool amenities will expand with a lazy river and the Hideaway Bar & Grill.
That leaves arguably the most important aspect of any resort which of course is the actual accommodations themselves. During our stay we enjoyed the family suites which offer a small fridge and a microwave. The rooms contain two large beds and a pull out sofa bed, perfect for the kids. The fairly spacious accommodations provide the appropriate refueling station after a long day at the parks which are just a short bus ride away.
Today Cabana Bay only offers family suites but come this summer guests will also be able to stay in standard rooms bringing the total to 1800 rooms. Depending upon the length of stay and time of year, standard rooms will run from $93-$119 while family suites range from $134-$174.
So board up the family station wagon and take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to Universal Orlando’s 1960s themed Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
An IT professional by day and a theme park addict all day, Ricardo Escobar is proud to call Orlando his home, one of the world’s top vacation destinations. Ricardo applies his passion for attractions by sharing the latest and greatest in family entertainment for modernmami™ readers. Follow Ricardo on his adventures and connect with him via Twitter and Instagram.Disclosure: We were provided a complimentary stay at the resort to facilitate this post. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
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