in Orlando, United States
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Updated 1 July 2026
- Baby
- Toddler
- Kid
- Teen
Cabana Bay is Universal's big, cheerful value resort, and it punches well above its price with two resort pools, a lazy river, a waterslide and even a bowling alley. Crucially, it sits within walking distance and a short water-taxi ride of the parks, and on-site guests get Early Park Admission. For families doing Universal on a budget, this is the obvious base.
Our verdict
Cabana Bay gives families the Universal on-site perks, walkable park access and a proper set of pools, all at a price that leaves room in the budget for park tickets. Skip it only if a free Express Pass matters more to you than saving money.
The rooms
A retro 1950s motor-hotel theme wrapped around genuinely practical family suites. About half the rooms are suites that sleep six, with two queen beds, a pull-out sofa, a split bathroom that lets one child wash while another brushes teeth, and a kitchenette for snacks and breakfast. Standard rooms with two queens work well for smaller families. Cots are available on request.
At a glance
- Rooms
- Family suites for 6 and standard rooms
- Parks
- Walk or water taxi to Universal
- Water
- Two pools, lazy river, waterslide
- Perk
- Early Park Admission included
- From
- ~155 EUR/night
How the KidProof Score works
Every hotel is rated on eight things families actually care about, then weighted by how much each one drives your choice. Room setup counts the most. The little touches break the ties.
Sleeps how many? Connecting rooms, family suites, a real extra bed?
Clean travel cot, high chair, bottle warmer, changing table, kit to borrow.
Shallow pool or paddling area, playground, kids club (free or paid).
Quick breakfast, kids menus, allergy options, snacks on hand.
Secured windows, protected corners, watched pool, well kept grounds.
Laundry, in-room fridge, stroller access, parking, reliable Wi-Fi.
Close to family attractions, easy transport, park tickets or access.
Welcome gift for the child, staff who talk to kids, themed rooms.
Why families love it
- Two large resort pools plus a lazy river and a dive-tower waterslide
- Family suites for six with a kitchenette and a split bathroom
- Early Park Admission to Universal parks for on-site guests
- Walkable to the parks, with a complimentary water taxi as backup
- On-site ten-pin bowling and a food hall that suits picky eaters
Plan your stay
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Live prices & availability
Stays near 6550 Adventure Way, Orlando, Florida, USA
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Parents also ask
Can we walk to the Universal parks?
Yes. There is a walking path to CityWalk and the park gates that takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes, plus a free water taxi if little legs are tired. It is one of the resort's best features for families.
Does the room have a kitchen?
The family suites have a kitchenette with a microwave, mini-fridge and coffee maker, which is enough for bottles, snacks and simple breakfasts. It is not a full kitchen, so plan to eat main meals out.
Is the water safe for toddlers?
Both pools have shallow zero-entry sections and lifeguards on duty, and the lazy river is gentle. Toddlers who are not toilet-trained need a swim nappy, and as always you should supervise closely; there are no beach or open-water hazards, as Orlando is inland.
Do we get a free Express Pass?
No. The complimentary Universal Express Pass is a perk of the three premier deluxe hotels, not the value tier. Cabana Bay guests still get Early Park Admission, which lets you into a park an hour before the general public.
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