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🏖️ Cabana Bay Beach Resort Review with Volcano Bay View – A Retro Retreat Near Universal Orlando
Budget-Friendly Hotels, Couples travel, Family Travel, Florida Family Holidays, Florida Hotels, Hotel Reviews, On-Site Hotels, Orlando, Orlando Itineraries, Retro Hotels, Theme Parks, Universal, Universal Orlando Hotels, Universal Studios, USA, Volcano Bay, Water Park Holidays, Where to Stay in Orlando
Budget-Friendly Hotels, Couples travel, Family Travel, Florida Family Holidays, Florida Hotels, Hotel Reviews, On-Site Hotels, Orlando, Orlando Itineraries, Retro Hotels, Theme Parks, Universal, Universal Orlando Hotels, Universal Studios, USA, Volcano Bay, Water Park Holidays, Where to Stay in Orlando
🛏️ Hotel: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
📍 Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
👨👩👧👦 Best for: Families, couples, theme park fans, and anyone who loves retro vibes
🌋 A Picture-Perfect Stay with Volcano Bay Views
Looking for a hotel that’s fun, affordable, and close to the Universal parks? Our Cabana Bay Beach Resort review with Volcano Bay view highlights why this retro-style resort is a top pick for travellers wanting more than just a place to sleep. With 1950s and 60s theming, two huge pool areas, onsite bowling alley, and unbeatable views of Universal’s water park, this hotel brings both nostalgia and fun together in one unforgettable stay.
🛏️Rooms at Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Inside Our Volcano Bay View Room
We stayed in a Volcano Bay View Standard Room, perfectly sized for two adults or a small family but we’ve summarised the other options below.
The décor embraced a vibrant, mid-century modern style with colourful accents that gave the room a fun retro vibe. We found the beds incredibly comfy—ideal for resting after long park days—and appreciated having both a coffee machine and mini-fridge for those early starts and late-night snacks. Toiletries were included, and there was a handy retractable line in the shower to dry out our swimsuits, which we used after pool time. The room also came equipped with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV, so we could unwind with a bit of TV before bed, although after a day at the park’s, it wasn’t long until we were asleep.
But without a doubt, the main attraction was the direct view of Volcano Bay, including the majestic Krakatau volcano. Watching the mist rise in the morning or seeing the volcano lit up at night added a magical, almost cinematic quality to our stay.
🏨 Other Room Options at Cabana Bay – What to Know
While this Cabana Bay Beach Resort review with Volcano Bay view focuses on the Volcano Bay View Standard Room, there are several other room categories to choose from—each with their own perks, many that are very accessible. We’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
🏨 Standard Rooms at Cabana Bay – Know Your Options
No matter which room type you choose, every Standard Room at Cabana Bay offers 300 square feet of retro-inspired comfort. All options include two queen beds, a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, and mini refrigerator — ideal for unwinding after long days at the parks. In this Cabana Bay Beach Resort review with Volcano Bay view, we stayed in one of the most scenic versions — but here’s what you need to know about all three types:
🎨 Standard Rooms
These affordable and stylish rooms sleep up to four guests with two queen beds and fun mid-century décor. Expect colourful design, modern essentials, and a clean layout that gives you a cosy, no-fuss home base. Perfect for couples or small families looking for comfort and value without paying for views or extras.
🏊 Poolside Standard Rooms
Just like the classic standard layout, but with views of one of the resort’s lively pool areas — either the Lazy River Courtyard or Cabana Courtyard. You’ll be steps away from poolside movies, water fun, and tiki-style bars. These rooms are ideal if you plan to spend a lot of time enjoying the resort facilities.
Note: These rooms may have a bit more background noise due to pool activity.
🌋 Volcano Bay View Standard Rooms
This is the room featured in our Cabana Bay Beach Resort review with Volcano Bay view — and it truly lives up to the name. These rooms offer breathtaking views of Universal’s Volcano Bay™ water park, including the Krakatau™ volcano and surrounding tropical landscaping. It’s a perfect choice for those who want a little extra visual wow from their window.
Tip: Book early — these rooms are in high demand and worth the upgrade for the scenery alone.
👨👩👧👦 Family Suites at Cabana Bay – Space, Style & Smart Design
Travelling with a group? Cabana Bay’s Family Suites offer around 430 sq ft of retro-themed comfort, sleeping up to six guests with two queen beds and a pull-out sofa. A sliding privacy partition and compartmentalised bathroom make sharing the space easy — ideal for families on the go. Each suite includes a mini fridge, microwave, and sink for simple in-room meals. Choose interior hallway access for a traditional hotel feel, or exterior entry for quick poolside access.
🏨 Family Suite – Interior Entry
These suites offer a quieter, hotel-style experience, accessed via indoor corridors. Inside, you’ll find a spacious layout perfect for families who value both comfort and a little separation at the end of the day. The sliding partition helps keep morning and evening routines calm and coordinated.
🏖️ Poolside Family Suite – Interior Entry
These suites come with all the same features but with added flair: views of the pool courtyard right outside your window. It’s the best of both worlds — interior hallway privacy combined with lively scenery. Great for families who love the energy of resort life without sacrificing comfort.
🚪 Family Suite – Exterior Entry
With doors that open directly outside, these suites feel more like a retro motel — fun, nostalgic, and ultra-convenient. If you’re planning lots of pool time or coming and going frequently, the exterior access makes it super practical. Inside, everything mirrors the interior version — separate bedroom, pull-out sofa, kitchenette, and that handy split bathroom layout.
🏊 Poolside Family Suite – Exterior Entry
For families who want maximum convenience, these suites are right by the pool courtyard, with your own private exterior entrance. They’re ideal if you want to dash back and forth from the lazy river or snack bar without trekking through long corridors.
🌋 Volcano Bay View 2-Bedroom Suites (Sleeps 8)
If you’re travelling as a larger group or want even more space and luxury, these two-bedroom suites are the ultimate upgrade. Sleeping up to eight guests (with one queen bed, two full-size beds, and a pull-out sofa), they also offer direct views of Volcano Bay, making them a dream choice for fans of Universal’s water park. These are among the most exclusive rooms at the resort — combining the suite layout, extra beds, and a front-row seat to Krakatau’s tropical skyline.
🌋 Direct Volcano Bay Access – A Cabana Bay Exclusive
Planning a splash-filled day? Cabana Bay Beach Resort has its very own guest-only entrance to Volcano Bay, making it the most convenient resort if water park time is on your itinerary. Skip the crowds and walk straight from your room into the park through a private gate — ideal for early entry, mid-day breaks, or quick returns after riding Krakatau one too many times.
🌀 Pools, Lazy Rivers & Retro Fun
Cabana Bay isn’t just a hotel — it’s an experience. And no Cabana Bay Beach Resort review with Volcano Bay view would be complete without spotlighting the incredible poolside vibes. The resort features two sprawling pool areas, each designed to offer something unique — from high-energy water fun to peaceful floating and starlit movie nights.
🏊♂️ Cabana Courtyard Pool
The Cabana Courtyard is where you’ll find one of the resort’s main pools, complete with a dive tower-style water slide, one of the resort’s two hot tubs, perfect for an evening soak, shaded picnic areas, plenty of loungers, shady spots, the lively Atomic Tonic pool bar and a large communal fire pit perfect for cosy evenings. If you’re craving your own slice of luxury, consider reserving a private cabana. These stylish poolside retreats seat up to six people and include a range of luxuries. Cabanas are located in the Cabana Courtyard and need to be reserved.
🌀 Lazy River Courtyard Pool
Time to chill? Head to the Lazy River Courtyard, where you can float through lush gardens in the gentle current, sink your toes into the sandy beach, or sip a frozen drink from the Hideaway Bar & Grill. It’s the perfect spot to relax while little ones build sandcastles or splash in the shallow water. Just like the Cabana Courtyard, this area also includes its own hot tub, tucked away near the greenery — a quieter corner for recharging after a long day in the parks. For a slower pace, the Lazy River Courtyard has everything you need for a sun-soaked recharge.
Remember: you can’t bring your own float to the Lazy River, but rental rings are available poolside via vending machines or from the resort shop. It’s an easy tap-and-go setup, and they’re perfectly designed for this gentle, relaxing current.
🏖️ Poolside Activities & Hotel Entertainment
Cabana Bay hosts a rotating schedule of fun and games throughout the week such as Hula hoop contests, Splash competitions, family games and activities. Check with the front desk upon arrival or look for signage around the resort for the schedule during your stay. DO NOT MISS the resort’s poolside movie nights, where classic family films are shown on a big screen right beside the water (we got to watch Grease). You can grab a lounger — or better yet, float in the pool under the stars.
🎳 More fun at Cabana Bay Beach Resort
🎳10-Lane Bowling at Galaxy Bowl
Galaxy Bowl is a full 10-lane bowling alley decked out in colourful retro design and cinema-inspired décor — the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon or a fun evening with friends. It features a table-service restaurant and full bar, so you can dine while you play. Ideal for families or groups, just note that reservations are required and fees apply.
🏋️ Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio
Fitness fan? This retro-modern gym is inspired by the iconic TV fitness legend Jack LaLanne. You’ll find treadmills, weight machines, and a collection of memorabilia — all complimentary for hotel guests.
🎮 Ace The Arcade – Game-O-Rama
Get your game face on at Game-O-Rama, the resort’s on-site arcade with a mix of timeless favourites and modern video games. It’s a great option for kids and nostalgic adults alike.
🛍️ Shop the Look – Universal Studios Store
Need pool gear, souvenirs, or forgot your toothbrush? The Universal Studios Store at Cabana Bay has you covered. You’ll find everything from toys to convenience items, and a great selection of retro collectables and Universal merchandise — perfect for a last-minute grab or a keepsake from your stay.
🍔 Dining & Drinks
Bayliner Diner – All-Day Food Court (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
The Bayliner Diner is Cabana Bay’s main dining hub, offering a great variety across themed stations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s even a convenient grab-n-go area where you can snag snacks and drinks perfect for stocking your room or taking to the pool. You can place a Delizioso Pizza To Go order online for pick up at the Deli Station.
Expect burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, salads, desserts, and even frozen yogurt. Portions are generous, and while prices are “theme park standard” (around $8–$22 per meal), most guests find it offers great value for a resort of this size.
We recommend trying for breakfast, the cooked-to-order omelettes and jumbo buttermilk pancakes. For a standout lunch or dinner, grab the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich – it’s possibly the best theme park grilled cheese on the planet!
☕ Starbucks & Swizzle Lounge
Lobby Starbucks is perfect for your morning caffeine fix or a midday pick-me-up — and it fits right into the hotel’s retro style, complete with mid-century décor
Swizzle Lounge, located in the lobby, offers vintage cocktails like the Swizzle Rum Punch (This is lovely) or Smokey & the Banana, often accompanied by live music on Friday and Saturday nights
🎳 Galaxy Bowl Restaurant
Inside the bowling alley, Galaxy Bowl Restaurant serves full meals and cocktails amidst retro-futuristic décor. Enjoy the likes of burgers, wings, pizza while bowling or watching others play. Reservations are required and fees apply
Delizioso Pizza – Pick up at Bayline Diner or Delivered to your room
Offering 10-inch pizzas as well as salads, brownies and cheesecake.
Delizioso Pizza serves up tasty snacks on demand to your room at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort. You can also pick up your order at the Deli Station.
Shakes Malt Shoppe
Whether you’re starting your morning with a smoothie or winding down with something indulgent, Shakes Malt Shoppe at Cabana Bay keeps the treats coming. Pop in for a fruit smoothie and bakery bite on the go, cool off with a classic ice cream scoops, or—if you’re 21+—treat yourself to one of their Grown-Up milkshakes.
🍹 Poolside Dining – Atomic Tonic & Hideaway Bar & Grill
🍢 Atomic Tonic (Cabana Courtyard)
Located beside the dive tower slide and shaded cabanas in the Cabana Courtyard, Atomic Tonic is a retro-themed pool bar and grill offering quick bites and colourful cocktails in a vibrant setting. The menu includes:
- Grilled chicken or steak kebabs
- Falafel wraps with creamy tzatziki
- BBQ pulled pork sandwiches
- Grab-and-go sides and kids’ meals
🍸 Our pick: The Atomic Tonic cocktail — a signature fruity vodka blend served frozen or over ice. Refreshing, sweet, and surprisingly strong, it’s a poolside favourite that lives up to its name.
There’s plenty of shaded seating here, and it’s close to both the pool and fire pit — perfect for lazy lunches or an afternoon cooldown.
🌮 Hideaway Bar & Grill (Lazy River Courtyard)
Nestled in the more tranquil Lazy River Courtyard, Hideaway Bar & Grill serves up casual American eats with a tropical twist. It’s an ideal choice for lunch, snacks, or evening drinks after a float through the lazy river. Menu options include:
- Chicken Wings
- Burgers & Hot dogs
- Fish Taco’s
- Crisp chicken Caesar salads
- Smooth frozen cocktails and mocktails for all ages
🍴 What to try: The Ultimate Beef Nacho’s and pair them with a frozen piña colada or mango margarita for a true vacation moment.
The Hideaway area also hosts regular poolside games and contests, including hula hoop challenges, bingo, and trivia — check the activity board or ask at the front desk for the week’s schedule.
🌟 Why We’d Stay at Cabana Bay Again
🎢 Early Park Admission
We loved being able to beat the crowds with early entry to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay — it made mornings so much easier and gave us a real head start on the rides.
🌋 Direct Entrance to Volcano Bay
This was a surprise bonus! As Cabana Bay guests, we had our own private entrance to the water park — just a short walk from our room. It meant we could come and go without the queues or fuss.
🏊 Pools, Lazy River & Hot Tubs
From floating through the lazy river to warming up in the hot tub after dark, the pool areas were a real highlight. Watching Grease from the water during a poolside movie night? Unforgettable.
🛏️ Comfy, Retro Rooms for Families
We stayed in a Volcano Bay View Standard Room with two queen beds — super comfy, clean, and full of 60s-style charm. There’s even a drying line in the shower for wet swimsuits!
🧳Free luggage storage before and after checkout! Don’t miss out on fun time, leave your bags and go play!
🎳 Entertainment Without Leaving the Hotel
With an on-site bowling alley, games arcade, and poolside activities every day, Cabana Bay felt like its own mini theme park.
💸 Real Value for Money
For everything you get — early access, pools, activities, and location — Cabana Bay offered amazing value. It was the perfect base for our three-night Universal break, and yes, we’d absolutely stay again.
📝 Tip: Always check your hotel booking terms for current benefits — correct as of July 2025.
FAQ’s & Tips
🏃♂️ Is Cabana Bay walkable?
Yes — but it’s big! With over 2,000 rooms, Cabana Bay is a large resort, so expect some walking between your room, the lobby, pools, and dining areas. Rooms in the Americana and Continental buildings are closer to Volcano Bay and the lazy river, you can always email the hotel to request a room in these area’s but there is no guarantee. If walking is a concern, request a room close to the lobby or transportation hubs when booking.
✨ Looking for a smaller layout? Consider Loews Sapphire Falls or Aventura Hotel.
🥤 Do the refillable mugs work in the parks?
No — refillable resort mugs are for Cabana Bay and other Universal hotels only. They’re great for soft drinks and coffee throughout the day at places like Bayliner Diner or pool bars, but they do not work inside Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure.
💡 You can buy refillable souvenir cups in the parks separately. Stay hydrated, but plan ahead!
🎢 Does Cabana Bay include Universal Express Pass?
No — Express Pass is not included with stays at Cabana Bay. If skipping the lines is a must for your visit (especially during peak season), you’ll need to upgrade to a Premier hotel like:
- Hard Rock Hotel – Closest to Universal Studios
- Loews Royal Pacific – Includes Express and tropical vibes
- Portofino Bay Hotel – Elegant, peaceful, and family-friendly
Alternatively you can purchase an express pass separately or on the day (limited availability and sell out fast!) We’ve found the best prices here.
🌋 Is it really that close to Volcano Bay?
Yes! Cabana Bay is the only Universal hotel with its own private guest entrance to Volcano Bay. You can walk from your room, scan your key, and step right into the water park without going through the main gate.
💦 It’s one of the best perks for water park fans — perfect for families with little ones or midday breaks.
🎳 Is there stuff to do in the evenings?
Yes! You can bowl at Galaxy Bowl, play in the arcade, enjoy poolside movies, or relax with a cocktail at Swizzle Lounge. Plus, Universal CityWalk is just a short walk or shuttle away — offering themed dining, mini golf, live music, and more. Be sure to check for special events like Halloween Horror Nights for even more fun (Requires additional ticket)
🎟️ Tip: Make a dinner reservation at CityWalk if you’re visiting on weekends or holidays — it can get busy!
📦 Can I get my souvenirs delivered to the hotel?
Yes! Universal offers in-park merchandise delivery for on-site guests — shop during the day and have your items sent to the Cabana Bay gift shop for pickup later. Just show your room key at checkout.
🧼 Are towels provided at the pool and Volcano Bay?
Yes! Pool towels are free to use at both Cabana Bay’s pools and Volcano Bay. You don’t need to pack extras — just grab one before you head out and return it when you’re done. It’s one less thing to carry, especially with kids in tow.
🚘Parking Fees
🚗 Heads up: On-site parking is available, but charges apply (around $20–$28 per night as of 2025). Budget this in when planning your stay.
✈️ Book with Confidence with our Travel Tools
🧳 Final Word from us
This Cabana Bay Beach Resort review with Volcano Bay view is a glowing one—and for good reason. The views, the pools, the nostalgic charm, and the Universal perks all add up to a resort that feels like a destination in its own right. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends, or as a family, Cabana Bay is a vibrant, fun-filled place to stay in Orlando.
Been there? Got a tip, idea, or hidden gem to share? Come chat with us over on our socials – we’d love to hear from you! 💬🌍✈️
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