When visiting the various theme parks in the Orlando and Central Florida area, it can be hard to know if you should stay at an on-site hotel or stay off-site with your family. As a Central Florida resident, we didn’t realize the many benefits that staying on-site can bring, but after staying at a few on-site resorts while visiting Universal Orlando and other Orlando theme parks, I sincerely think it’s a great option for families. My family recently visited Universal Orlando Resort and stayed at their Cabana Bay Beach Resort; they loved their time and on-site home for a few days. Let me share with you why the new Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando – with its many amenities and affordable pricing – is great for families!
11 Reasons Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando is Great for Families
1. Good range of dining options
You won’t even have to leave the hotel to feed your family, as right on-site at Cabana Bay Beach Resort you’ll find convenient restaurants and quick-service dining options, including the hotel’s Bayliner Diner and Starbucks! This is great for grabbing a quick early-morning breakfast before heading to the theme parks or if you wish to grab a casual dinner after a long day at the parks. You can even have pizza delivered to your hotel room from Delizioso Pizza!
2. Awesome pools, plus a lazy river!
Cabana Bay Beach Resort has two family-friendly pools and a lazy river, all of which your family is sure to love. Both are zero-entry pools and have sand beaches, but Cabana Courtyard also has a waterslide and kids splash area, making it perfect for your family. The Lazy River Courtyard is also good for families, with a relaxed setting and the wonderful lazy river with waterfalls!
3. Fantastic accommodations
During their stay at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, my family enjoyed a wonderful family suite, with a small kitchenette included, that sleeps up to 6. One of the things my husband especially enjoyed about the family suite was the partitionable space, allowing him to separate the living room area from the beds. Standard rooms sleep up to 4 people and also have a mini-fridge, but no microwave.
4. Fun arcade
Game fans will love the on-site arcade, Game-O-Rama, open daily from 11 am – 11 pm. This fun arcade features a variety of video and arcade games, including a few retro games to delight your family. Our three-year-old was able to get in on the fun, as well as our eight-year-old and Dad – so this arcade is great for the entire family!
5. On-site bowling alley!
With 10 lanes of bowling, Galaxy Bowl is a great option for a more relaxed day with your family or a fun end to your evening after a day at the parks. Bowling shoes are available for rent and Galaxy Bowl also features a restaurant, making it an all-inclusive family hangout.
6. Have a family movie night!
Each of the two pools at Cabana Bay Beach Resort offer nightly movies, with one featuring movies appropriate for younger kids (and the entire family) and the other showing movies good for older kids.
7. Colorful architecture and décor
The eye-catching decorations, colors, and look of Cabana Bay Beach Resort make for a fun ambience that can be appreciated by both adults, and even kids. Our little ones loved seeing a “retro” look and enjoyed the fun vibe all-around Cabana Bay.
8. Easy access to parks
Shuttle buses are provided at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, allowing for easy transport to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk. In addition, by staying on-site at Universal Orlando Resort, you get early park admission (1 hour prior to park opening) to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios.
9. Plenty of recreational options!
In addition to the two pools, the bowling alley, and arcade, there are recreation areas and outdoor games for your family to enjoy. You’ll find table-top checkerboards, pool-side billiards, and more!
10. Kids’ Camp available for a kid-free night!
While not on-site at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, as a guest of the hotel, you can take advantage of the Kids’ Camp at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. This is a great option for those seeking a kid-free night!
11. Great value
As a value hotel, Cabana Bay Beach Resort is an affordable option for families looking to enhance their Universal Orlando Resort visit. With hotel room prices ranging from $100-220 per night (depending on the season, room type, and available promotions), your stay at Cabana Bay Beach Resort will provide comfort, convenience, and lots of fun!
If you’re looking for an affordable and family-friendly hotel to make your visit to Universal Orlando Resort more convenient and fun, then consider Cabana Bay Beach Resort! What are some of the reasons you feel Cabana Bay Beach Resort is great for families?
Disclosure: We were provided a complimentary trip and stay at Universal Orlando Resort to experience the resort’s theme parks and many amenities. All thoughts and opinions are our own.
Except where noted, all photos © modernmami™
Frank Belzer says
Great Post Melanie!!
Sandy Persons says
Great post, Melanie. I loved your point of view!
Melanie Edwards says
Thanks, Sandy! My family had a great time!