A Master Class in what a value resort should be
Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a unique hotel located at Universal Orlando. It’s not in the same central hotel zone as Aventura Hotel and Sapphire Falls, and unlike most resorts, Cabana Bay offers a much closer walking path to Volcano Bay than to Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios.
But that’s not the only thing that sets it apart, oh no. Cabana Bay also has a totally different style and vibe compared to other Universal hotels. While Hard Rock is all about Van Halen and KISS, Cabana Bay celebrates 1950s America.
It feels like something straight out of Mad Men, and could even pass for a set on Amazon’s new Fallout series (which, by the way, is pretty good, go watch it). Rooms start at a very affordable $170 per night, making it especially appealing for families visiting Universal Orlando. The price is good, even if the walking path to Universal Citywalk can take up to 30 minutes if you’re pushing a stroller. But for that price tag, is a stay at Cabana Bay really worth it? Let’s check it out.
What we like about Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
The first thing that stands out is the price. A $170 price tag is great news for a resort that offers a walking path to Volcano Bay, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida. On top of that, you get the early park admission perk, which lets you enter Islands of Adventure one hour before the gates officially open.
Add to that the bright, colorful rooms - starting at 300 square feet, which is larger than Disney World's Value Resort rooms (typically around 260 square feet) - and Cabana Bay starts to look like an even better deal.
Another big advantage is how close Cabana Bay is to Universal’s Volcano Bay. Poor Volcano Bay, no one ever talks about it! This is Universal’s water park, and there's a short 6-minute walking path that takes you straight from the resort to the entrance. If you’re a water park fan, this is the resort for you. Some rooms even offer a great view of the massive volcano centerpiece at Volcano Bay.
Cabana Bay has two pools: one is a traditional large resort-style pool, and the other is a lazy river. The lazy river tends to be quieter, while the main pool can get a bit crowded and chaotic at times. That’s understandable - this is the resort for water park lovers, and with its affordable pricing, it’s a great option even if your main goal is just to relax and spend a full day by the pool.
As you can see, there are tons of cool amenities for a resort at this price point. You’ll find plenty of food options too, including a food court with various kiosks and quick-service restaurants. There’s even an area called Galaxy Bowl, where you can go bowling. I mean, name another resort at Disney or Universal where you can go bowling. I’ll wait.
What we don’t like about Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
The "worst" thing about Cabana Bay isn’t even that bad. While the resort is technically within walking distance of Universal CityWalk, the path is a bit long and winding, and it takes about 20 minutes on foot. If you’re pushing a stroller, it could take closer to 25–30 minutes to reach the park gates.
That said, it’s not a huge deal. You’re still super close to Volcano Bay, and there’s a free complimentary shuttle that’ll take you to CityWalk if you’d rather skip the walk.
Another issue some guests have mentioned is that Cabana Bay might feel too big. With around 1,800 rooms and accessible pricing, it can get noisy and crowded pretty easily. The pools can fill up fast, the food court gets busy, and the hallways can be a bit loud at night. That said, this isn’t something unique to Cabana Bay, as it’s a common experience at large, budget-friendly resorts like Pop Century and Art of Animation at Walt Disney World too.
All in all, Cabana Bay is an absolutely great choice for families looking to enjoy Universal Orlando. You can’t go wrong with the price, you get perks like Early Park Admission, access to a lazy river, and even a bowling alley. It definitely offers more amenities than what you’d find at a Disney World Value Resort, plus the added bonus of being close to Volcano Bay and within walking distance of Universal CityWalk.
Cabana Bay, we love you.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort FAQ
How much is a room at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort?
Room prices depend on the date and room category, but they start at around $170 per night.
How long is the walking path from Cabana Bay to Volcano Bay?
The walking path to Volcano Bay is short - it should take you about 6 minutes.
Is Cabana Bay close to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure?
Yes! Walking to both theme parks typically takes 25 to 30 minutes.
Is Cabana Bay close to Epic Universe?
No, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is not located near Epic Universe, but complimentary shuttle buses will be available to take you there.
