The SATURDAY SIX Spends a Night at Universal’s CABANA BAY BEACH RESORT

This week’s SATURDAY SIX spends a night at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort! We’ve been making our way around the Universal Orlando Resort since their reopening after an unprecedented months-long shutdown to see what changes have been made to their on-site hotels.  Today we’re heading into pound for pound the best “value” hotel in Orlando, Cabana Bay…

Cabana Bay Beach Resort. (photo by Scott Sanders)

It seems like a million years ago now, but when Cabana Bay opened in 2014 it was Universal’s first on-site hotel that was targeted to a different audience from the premium experiences offered by the Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific Resort, and Portofino Bay. The immediate success of Cabana Bay led to the fast tracking of a collection of resorts which more than doubled the amount of rooms at Universal; including Aventura, Sapphire Falls, and Surfside Inn & Suites.

For those who have never been to the Universal Orlando Resort, Cabana Bay is located right next to Aventura and Sapphire Falls. Both Aventura and Sapphire Falls were closed at the end of August until at least the end of 2020. Cabana Bay remains open, and we’re going to check out what’s going on at the resort, starting with…

# 6 – Safety First

One of the biggest strengths Universal has across the board since reopening is making guests feel safe during these “unprecedented times.” While you will see sarcasm on social media from people who just can’t believe it’s true, both Universal and Walt Disney World are leaps and bounds above anyone else in Florida when it comes to enacting safety changes and following through with them. Let’s take something as simple as wearing a mask. Now, my “day job” is in the medical field and because of that I have been wearing a mask every single day since about the middle of March. I wear a mask at work and everywhere we go when I’m not at home. Over the last six months, Universal and Disney are the only two places I have EVER seen employees not only tell people who weren’t wearing masks they had to wear them, but also remind guests to wear them correctly. I’ve seen bus drivers tell guests they couldn’t get on a bus without a mask. I’ve seen temperature check security guards tell guests they couldn’t enter a hotel without a mask. I’ve seen Team Members and Cast Members in the parks kindly remind guests to pull their masks above their nose. This may not seem like much to those reading this at home, but I have not seen this type of diligence anywhere else I have been in the entire state.

With that out of the way, let’s get to some more things Cabana Bay is doing for guest safety, such as the previously mentioned “temp check.”  Every guest coming into Cabana Bay gets their temperature taken. If you’re temperature is under 100.4 degrees you will get a colored wristband to wear. Each day is a different colored wristband, so you will need to get your temperature taken each day of your trip. If your wristband comes off (or you rip it off, like our kiddos did), you’re going to have to get your temperature taken again. Like the masks, there is no “ifs, ands, or buts.”

Temp check at Cabana Bay. (photo by @Nitro230)

There is signage throughout the resort reminding guests of safety guidelines.

(photo by Captain Cruiseline Scott Sanders of the world famous Disney Cruise Line Blog)

The check-in process has markings on the ground for guests to keep socially distancing from each group.

Cabana Bay check-in. (photo by @DCLBlog)

The check-in desks themselves have plexi-glass to protect the Team Member and guest.

Cabana Bay check-in. (photo by @DCLBlog)

Sorry Millenials, no “venmo” accepted for payment during these unprecedented times.

Apparently Cabana Bay also not accepting “IOUs” from The Unofficial Guides‘ own Seth Kubersky, despite his insistence “they’re as good as cash!” (photo by @DCLBlog)

Social distance reminders at every elevator.

Cabana Bay elevator banks. (photo by @Nitro230)

You will find hand sanitizer at every elevator bank, or any other place at the hotel where you’ll be touching something another guest may have touched (such as a gate into the pool area).

Hand sanitizer. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Signage. (photo by @Nitro230)

At dining locations, you’ll find some tables have been taken out of commission to ensure social distancing between groups.

Bayliner Diner. (photo by @Nitro230)
Face Mask signage. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Cabana Bay laundry room. (photo by @Nitro230)
Cabana Bay laundry room. (photo by @Nitro230)
Gym cleaning schedule. (photo by @DCLBlog)

# 5 – The Retro Theming

If you are a fan of vintage ’50s and ’60s minimalist designs – and who isn’t – Cabana Bay is the place for you. The retro theming is everywhere. Before you even check in there are classic cars outside available for photo ops. Inside the main lobby building you have artwork, seating, and an entire design aesthetic that brings you back to another era. The rooms themselves have analog clocks along with Zest soap and VO5 shampoo in the bathroom. There is neon signage throughout the resort, which gives the hotel some great elements at night. Many value resorts hit you over the head with larger than life gaudy theming, but Cabana Bay surrounds you like a 1950s sit-com mom’s hug and delivers coherent top-to-bottom theming you generally find at much higher-end resorts.

Cabana Bay logo “with color TV and cold air!” (photo by Mike Sperduto)
Old-timey cars for photo-ops. (photo by Mike Sperduto)
Some fun posters. (photo by @theDCLblog)
These postcards are just for design purposes in the Cabana Bay gift shop, but you’d better believe I’d be buying them if they sold em! (photo by @servoisnaked)
More retro-style postcard design. (photo by @servoisnaked)
Walking into a Cabana Bay suite with Volcano view. photo by @Nitro230)
Cabana Bay suite. (photo by @Nitro230)
Bedroom area. Look at that art handing above the bed! (photo by @Nitro230)
Bathroom area. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Bathroom area. (photo by @theDCLblog)
E-Ticket toiletries. (photo by @Nitro230)
Look at that clock!!! (photo by @Nitro230)

# 4 – Galaxy Bowl

Some people enjoy the athleticism of basketball, while others admire the grace and skill of soccer, but we at the SATURDAY SIX favor bowling as our favorite sport, as it is the only one you can participate in while eating chili cheese fries or chicken wings (preferably both). Cabana Bay is the only theme park resort in Florida to offer a 10-lane bowling alley.  Galaxy Bowl is actually inspired by the famous Hollywood Star Lanes, the bowling alley seen in The Big Lebowski. Galaxy Bowl can also be considered the resort’s only “table service” restaurant as they have their own dedicated menu along with a full bar. There are even two separate souvenir cups (a 32 oz cup for beer, and a fun bowling pin cup for non-alcoholic drinks).

Galaxy Bowl (photo by Mike Sperduto)

During busier times, Galaxy Bowl may be reserved for Cabana Bay guests only. Otherwise it is open to everyone.

Galaxy Bowl. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Galaxy Bowl. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Social distance reminders on seating. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Galaxy Bowl. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Someone got three strikes! Gobble Gobble!! (photo by @DCLBlog)
Galaxy Bowl. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Galaxy Bowl menu. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Galaxy Bowl menu. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Sampler platter.  (photo by @theDCLblog)
Super power salad. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Grilled chicken caesar salad. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Coca Cola cake. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Galaxy Bowl bar. (photo by @DCLBlog)

# 3 – The Pools

Cabana Bay has two large pool areas.  One features a waterslide designed to look like a large diving platform from years ago. The other pool area doesn’t have a slide, but it features something even more unique for a theme park hotel pool area: a lazy river!

Atomic pool area. (photo by Mike Sperduto)
Pool slide. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Right now, because of the lack of travel to Florida reducing the overall amount of guests, some areas of Cabana Bay are only open during busier times (such as weekends). (photo by @Nitro230)
Hideaway pool area. (photo by @Nitro230)
Lazy River!(photo by @theDCLblog)
You can bring your own tube, or purchase one at Cabana Bay. If you bring your own, Cabana Bill will fill it up for air for you. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Who doesn’t love a lazy river?!
Loving the Cabana Bay lifestyle.
Highly trained ducks are out and about each morning making sure guests don’t reserve lounge chairs. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Poolside cabanas are available to rent for the day. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Those of us a certain age remember when many people would have birthday parties or gatherings at Pavilions in state parks or rest stops along the highway. Cabana Bay incorporated that into the pool area. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Cabana Bay pavilion. (photo by @DCLBlog)

# 2 – The Food and Drink

Similar to Disney’s Value Resorts, the Bayliner Diner is a large food court with several stations featuring a wide array of items. Pizza, burgers, paninis, and chicken sandwiches are like those at similar venues, but you’ll also find an international section with mahi mahi, Brazilian beef churrasco, and a vegan stir fry. There is a dedicated grill and fryer for those looking for cooked gluten-free options, along with a wide selection of pre-made gluten free items.

The seating area for Bayliner Diner is huge, and has a ton of tables and booths. One nice feature is that all the booths have easy access outlets near them to charge your devices (the actual rooms at Cabana are also filled with many outlets and USB charging stations). There are Coke Freestyle machines for those buying the Sonic Fill souvenir mugs, as well as regular soda stations for those purchasing “one time use” cups (which have RFID chips allowing three extra refills over the course of two hours). There are several large TVs playing ’60s era television ads, which carries that same level of fun nostalgia you’ll find at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, It is extremely rare to find a food court worth going out of your way to dine in, but Bayliner Diner even tops AOA’s Landscape of Flavors.

Bayliner Diner as seen from outside the hotel. (photo by Mike Sperduto)
Bayliner Diner seating area. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Cabana Burger.
Carved turkey with curry masala. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Black beans. (photo by @theDCLblog)

Cabana Bay’s pizza station has their own themed pizza boxes. One is for pizza, the other for breadsticks.

Themed pizza boxes are why the term “chef’s kiss” was invented. (photo by @Nitro230)
Cheese pizza. (photo by @TheDCLblog)
Mediterranean flatbread pizza. (photo by @the DCLblog)

Bayliner also serves some excellent breakfast options before you spend the day at the pool or the parks.

Belgian waffle. (photo by @geeknotice)
Ham & cheese croissant with breakfast potatoes (photo by @geeknotice)

Cabana Bay also has THREE great bars, including the incredible Swizzle Lounge located directly in the lobby. That’s right, go tell someone else in the family to check in while you saddle up to a bar ripped straight out of the ’60s. Outside in the Cabana Courtyard is Atomic Tonic, which has a wide selection of themed drinks as well as a souvenir cup that you can take with you in the pool.  Meanwhile, over in the Lazy River Courtyard is The Hideaway Bar & Grill, which also has its own set of themed drinks (as well as a full bar).  All three bars have TVs (generally playing a current sporting event), and The Hideaway is directly next to a shockingly great made-to-order take out window, so you can grab a bite to eat as well. Cabana Bay is the gold standard of value resort bars and lounges.

Swizzle Bar. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Swizzle Bar. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Swizzle Bar. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Atomic Tonic. (photo by @theDCLblog)
The Hideaway. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Hideaway seating. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Hideaway food area. (photo by @Nitro230)
Fish tacos from Hideaway. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Chicken wings and mixed fruit from Hideaway. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Buffalo chicken wrap from Hideaway. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Hummus platter from Hideaway.  (photo by @DCLBlog)
Caprese salad from Hideaway. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Hideaway menu. (photo by @DCLBlog)

That’s right, you can take your drinks to the actual pools at Cabana Bay.

A POOL CUP!!! (photo by @DCLBlog)
Some of the beer taps at Hideaway. (photo by @DCLBlog)
More beer taps. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Old timey feel Coke freestyle machine/soda dispenser at Hideaway. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Coke Freestyle. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Coke Freestyle. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Coke Freestyle. (photo by @DCLBlog)
Disposable wipes. (photo by @DCLBlog)

Oh, did we mention Cabana Bay has a STARBUCKS in the lobby?!

Starbucks. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Starbucks cup. (photo by @Nitro230)

# 1 – Steps Away From Volcano Bay

I’ve gone on the record saying that Volcano Bay has become my favorite park in all of Florida, and Cabana Bay is all but connected to it! In fact, guests staying at Cabana Bay have their own dedicated walkway (and security check) to get to the park. For me personally, being close to a park is my absolutely favorite part of an onsite hotel. Being able to walk to Disney’s Magic Kingdom made me love The Contemporary. Being able to walk to EPCOT and DHS made staying at Yacht Club and the Boardwalk a blast. I always thought the walk from the Royal Pacific to Islands of Adventure was quick, but the jaunt from Cabana Bay to Volcano Bay is the fastest of all. With everything considered: view, price point, and amenities, a Volcano View room at Cabana Bay is the best place to stay not only at Universal, but in all of Orlando.

Cabana Bay hotel room with Volcano view. (photo by theDCLblog)
Volcano Bay signage for Cabana Bay guests. This is located near the Cabana Bay bus stop area.
More signage leading guests to the Volcano Bay entrance. (photo by @Nitro230)
Crosswalk to Volcano Bay entrance area. (photo by @Nitro230)
Volcano Bay entrance area. (photo by @theDCLblog)
You’ve arrived! (photo by @nitro230)
Walkway signage. (photo by Mike Sperduto)
INSIDE Volcano Bay there is signage leading you back to Cabana Bay. (photo by @theDCLblog)

Honorable Mention – The Resort-Specific Merchandise

We just celebrated the SEVEN anniversary of The Magic, The Memories, and Merch!, the sister article to the SATURDAY SIX, and it is safe to say we love theme park resort merchandise. Cabana Bay has hands-down the most unique resort-specific merchandise at  any Disney or Universal hotel, let alone value resorts. There are your usual pins, keychains, t-shirts, and coffee cups, but also beach towels, beach bags, candy, and even waterproof phone cases. There are Galaxy Bowl-themed bowling shirts, Atomic Tonic shot glasses, and more Jack LaLanne-related items than you could have ever dreamed existed. Cabana Bay’s gift shop is actually one of the top five stores at Universal, as it also contains a great mix of items from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, Despicable Me, Transformers, and even Marvel. Chocolate frogs, unicorn plush (“It’s so fluffy!”), King Kong shirts, and Cabana Bay breath mints–that’s what I call a gift shop!

Cabana Bay merch. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR beach bag. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR towels. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR tumbler. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR coffee cup. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR shot glass. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR merchandise. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR shirt. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR shirt. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR shirt. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR shirt. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR shirts. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR hooded sweatshirt. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR pins. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR photo magnet. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR Christmas ornament. (photo by @theDCLblog)
CBBR keychains. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Jack LaLanne merch. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Jack LaLane shirt. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Jack LaLanee hat. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Jack LaLane insulated cup. (photo by @theDCLblog)
Jack LaLanne GYM BAG!!! (photo by @theDCLblog)

So there you have it: The SATURDAY SIX Spends a Day at Universal’s CABANA BAY! See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll look at something fun from the world of Disney and Universal. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles covering the latest from the Disney Outlet Stores. You can also follow Your Humble Author on Twitter (@derekburgan).

If you enjoyed this article, you will surely like the following: 

The SATURDAY SIX Spends a Day at the UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

The SATURDAY SIX (and Bacini) Spends a Night at UNIVERSAL’S ROYAL PACIFIC RESORT

The SATURDAY SIX (and Bacini) Spends a Night at UNIVERSAL’S SAPPHIRE FALLS RESORT

Special Thanks to The Elite Brandon Glover, the bio-est of all reconstructs @bioreconstruct, Captain Cruiseline Scott Sanders of the world famous Disney Cruise Line Blog, my personal protege Hunter “Elvey” Underwood, the SAT SIX Fun Squad of Parkscope Joe and “the Dadalorian” Nick, hot shot Michael Carelli, charter member of the Universal Four @Nitro230, and Hermione Granger’s tutor Megan Stump for their invaluable assistance with this article. The SAT SIX is inspired each week by goofballs Aengus Mackenzie and LitemAndHyde and you Potterheads will  enjoy Meg’s other blog work over at the Central Florida Slug Club.

Cabana Bay, confusing Millenials since 2014.

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