Universal Prime Value Resort: Cabana Bay Beach Resort
By Julie Elster
Last reviewed: October 2026
Cabana Bay Beach Resort is one of Universal Orlando's Prime Value hotels. It has two pools, a lazy river, a bowling alley and the shortest walk to Volcano Bay. Standard rooms are 300 square feet and family suites sleep 6. It does NOT include Express Unlimited.
*This resort is a Double Your WDW Favorite!
This room has amazing theming based on Florida beach resorts of the 1950's and 60's.
Basic Hotel Information
6550 Adventure Way
Orlando, FL 32819
407-503-6000
- Tier: Prime Value
- Check-in 4 PM, check-out 11 AM
- Overnight self-parking: $26 a night plus tax
Rooms Available
This resort has several different rooms types to accommodate any group size. Note that unlike Disney, if you get more than one room Universal does not guarantee that your rooms will be adjoining. But they will do everything they can to make your request happen.
The standard rooms at Cabana Bay are a spacious 300 square feet, and have floor to ceiling windows. So even if you don't want to spring for a family suite, you will definitely have plenty of space.
Suites are also incredibly spacious at 430 square feet, and even have a compartmentalized bathroom so multiple people can get ready in the morning. The kitchenette has a mini refrigerator, microwave and sink.
Standard Room
- 2 Queen beds
- 4 person max occupancy
Poolside Standard Room
- 2 Queen beds
- 4 person max occupancy
Volcano Bay View Standard Room
- 2 Queen beds
- 4 person max occupancy
Family Suite Interior Entry
- 2 Queen beds / pull out sofa
- Kitchenette, separate living area, and compartmentalized bathroom
- 6 person max occupancy
Poolside Family Suite Interior Entry
- 2 Queen beds / pull out sofa
- Kitchenette, separate living area, and compartmentalized bathroom
- 6 person max occupancy
Family Suite Exterior Entry
- 2 Queen beds / pull out sofa
- Kitchenette, separate living area, and compartmentalized bathroom
- 6 person max occupancy
Poolside Family Suite Exterior Entry
- 2 Queen beds / pull out sofa
- Kitchenette, separate living area, and compartmentalized bathroom
- 6 person max occupancy
Restaurants on Property
There are several restaurant options available at this resort:
Bayliner Diner
- Quick service
- This is a higher end cafeteria style restaurant with lots of options and tons of seating
The Hideaway Bar and Grill
- Quick service
- This poolside restaurant has a full bar and a window for ordering food. Lots of outdoor, covered seating
Atomic Tonic
- Quick service
- This bar and grill is located at the other pool and offers a full bar and lots of food options with outdoor seating
Galaxy Bowl Restaurant
- Full service
- This restaurant is located inside the bowling alley and offers a full menu of American fare in an extremely fun location
Swizzle Lounge
- Bar
- Full service bar located in the hotel lobby
Starbucks
- Quick service
- Full Starbucks location in the hotel lobby area
Shakes Malt Shoppe
- Snacks
- Smoothies, sundaes and more
Delizioso Pizza
- Quick service/Delivery
- Small pizza menu that can be picked up in the lobby area or delivered to your room or the pool
Resort Shopping
The Universal Studios Store at Cabana Bay Beach resort is located off the lobby of the resort. Here you can find a lot of the merchandise that you'll see at the parks, as well as sundries and toiletries that you may have forgotten at home.
Resort Recreation
Cabana Bay has two large pools that are both absolutely amazing. If you are comparing Disney value resorts to Universal, this is one area where Universal comes out ahead.
The first pool has a lazy river. You can either bring your own tube or you can purchase a tube at the pool. They will even inflate it for you.
The other pool has a water slide themed after a dive tower.
The pools offer cabanas to rent (head to the front desk to reserve)
In the lobby area Game-O-Rama arcade is available for guests. The arcade offers a variety of games for all age ranges.
The thing that makes this resort stand out above others is the bowling alley located on the second floor of the lobby area. Galaxy Bowl has ten bowling lanes and a full service restaurant. Reservations to bowl must be made in person, and they fill up fast. So if you plan on bowling, plan on heading to the bowling alley at open.
There is also a free fitness center, the Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio.
Transportation at Cabana Bay
- Universal Buses: Buses can be taken to City Walk to get both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. The bus stop is located off the lobby.
- Walking Path to Volcano Bay: Volcano Bay is located right next to Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and has a private entrance for resort guests. There is no bus that heads to Volcano Bay, so walking is your only option.
- Walking Paths to the Parks: Walking paths also connect Cabana Bay to CityWalk, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Volcano Bay closes for maintenance on October 26, 2026. Universal's pages give two reopening dates, on or before March 24, 2027 and on or before April 1, 2027. If the water park is your reason to stay here, check your dates.
What Perks Come With a Cabana Bay Stay?
- Early Park Admission, up to one hour before the park opens, at select attractions (park ticket required)
- Free shuttle buses to the parks
- Charging to your room key
- Free delivery of park purchases to your hotel
Universal Express Unlimited is NOT included. Only Loews Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay include it. You can still buy Universal Express, and my complete guide to Universal Orlando Resort explains how it works.
How Much Does Cabana Bay Cost?
For Sunday, November 8 to Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the lowest rate Universal showed for 2 adults and 2 kids was $163.50 a night before tax. With the 12.5% hotel tax, that is $183.94 a night.
Rates change by date. To see how that compares with Disney hotels and Universal tickets, see my Disney World and Universal trip cost page.
Who Is This Resort Best For?
This resort is an amazing value for families. Suites are available if you need more space or want a kitchenette. But even the standard rooms are fairly large. This resort is also great if Volcano Bay Waterpark is a priority for your group. The walking path is quick and easy, and there are no buses needed.
The Downside?
This resort does not offer Express Unlimited with your stay like the Premier resorts do. Rooms with a view of Volcano Bay and the pool can get loud at times.
Comparing Universal hotels? See Dockside Inn and Suites (Value) and Loews Sapphire Falls (Preferred, with a water taxi).
Want a Rate Quote on Cabana Bay?
Get a rate quote on this resort here.
Still Confused or Need Help?
I am happy to help! Contact me.
See you at the parks,
-Julie