Staycation at Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort

A Palm Springs inspired resort in Central Florida?

With “color tv” and “cool air” Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a mid-century modern fanatic’s dream! I was absolutely smitten with Cabana Bay from the moment we checked in.

Checking in

Thanks to Jane we booked a standard room using her Team Member discount! We paid roughly $98 a night, but they run around $149 otherwise. Checking in was a breeze and we were blown away by our very informative Team Member (he even gave us coupons for a free drink during our stay.)

The resort boasts 2 pools (including a lazy river!), a homestyle cafeteria, and enough drinks and entertainment to keep you occupied during your stay. If you’ve got time to spare be sure to explore it all!

The hotel lobby was one of my favorite spots on the property. I loved that they incorporated the ideal mid-century style: open floor plan and outdoor living in.

The 7th Floor

Our room was on the top floor with a city view.

Although we opted for a standard room, we had a lovely view of the brand new Aventura Hotel, the backside of USO, and the Orlando Eye.

I was surprised to find vintage-inspired toiletries in our room as well.

Hogwarts was just outside our window.

Who’s Hungry?

If you’re hungry pay a visit to the Bayliner Diner - a homestyle cafeteria with some unique dishes, a salad bar, and s’mores kits!

We also took advantage of the reusable mugs during our stay. They’re a great way to save on fountain drinks and coffee.

These reusable mugs were helpful during our stay and just too darn cute to pass up. They even came out with a seasonal Halloween mug, which I needed for obvious reasons.

I also found that the dining area itself was a lot of fun. It’s spacious, well-decorated, and played a continuous loop of vintage food commercials.

Poolside Living

There’s something for everyone who wants to enjoy fun in the sun. A major highlight is that you can rent a private cabana (their namesake) at one of their TWO large pools, there’s a lazy river with novelty floaties, cozy outdoor fire pits (get those s’more kits I mentioned), and poolside bars.

Even the ducks can enjoy the lazy river. Fun fact, the life guard said that all the ducks at Cabana Bay are named.

Rest & Recreation

Sadly, I never did get around to a round of bowling during my stay, but it sure looked swell though!

And I am a sucker for some neon!

Just outside of the top-floor bowling alley are a few display cases with one-of-a-kind kitschy bowling knick-knacks. Almost as fun as the game itself, right?

If bowling isn’t really your speed, they’ve also got some shopping on the first floor.

And if you need to let off a little steam after a frustrating day in the Florida sun; stay inside and enjoy Cabana Bay’s fitness studio, arcade, or full-service spa.

A Mid-Century Daydream

Being on property at Cabana Bay takes you back to such an aesthetically pleasing era - especially for cars!

Where to next?

Cabana Bay is also within walking distance to Universal’s new waterpark Volcano Bay!

I’ll be honest, I didn’t think I would stay on Universal property again after a few disappointing vacations at both the Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay, but I was blown away by Cabana Bay. I had such a positive and laid back staycation this time around. Only downside? Parking was a bit of an issue, but it wasn’t enough to dampen my spirit.

I’m looking forward to staying here again in the future! Are you ready to book your stay?

Till next time,
Mary! (❛▿❛✿)

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Mary @ Mousekears