Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Retro fun and great value on Universal property

★★★★★📍 Universal Area$$

Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort is one of Universal Orlando's "prime value" on-site hotels, and it's a riot of fun, nostalgic style — designed to evoke the classic mid-century American beach motels and resorts of the 1950s and '60s, with bright colors, retro signage, period furnishings, and a playful, family-friendly atmosphere throughout.

For a value-tier resort, it's remarkably well-equipped. There are two huge pool courtyards, one featuring a lazy river and the other a water slide and a zero-entry pool, plus a sandy area, hot tubs, and a poolside bar — a genuine resort-pool experience. Other amenities include a vintage-style bowling alley (Galaxy Bowl), a large food court and several dining and drinking outlets, a fitness center, and a Universal-themed game arcade. Accommodations include both standard rooms and family suites with kitchenettes and separate sleeping areas, well-suited to families.

As an on-site Universal hotel, guests get early admission to the parks (and convenient transportation, including a walking path/garden walk and shuttle/water taxi access nearby), though note the value-tier hotels do not include the free Express line-skipping perk that the premier hotels offer. The combination of fun theming, strong amenities, family suites, on-site convenience, and a wallet-friendly price makes Cabana Bay an excellent choice for families and budget-minded travelers who want the benefits of staying on Universal property without the deluxe price tag. Booked directly through Universal/Loews.