Cabana Bay Beach Resort is one of Universal Orlando's most popular hotels, for plenty of reasons - though its remarkably affordable room options are certainly among them.
When it opened in 2014, Cabana Bay set a new standard for what a lower-priced theme park hotel can be. Since then, Universal has further strengthened its offering in and around the price point with the addition of the Endless Summer Surfside and Dockside, in 2020, this year with Stella Nova and Terra Luna near Epic Universe.
Cabana Bay, on the doorstep of the Volcano Bay water park, is "mid-century inspired" and brings with it lots of charm, style and nostalgia with it retro styled rooms (and its own bowling alley!).
The private entrance to Volcano Bay for resort guests is a bonus, and the resort shuttle bus service makes transport to the Universal theme parks quite straightforward.
A key thing for guests booking at Cabana Bay is that the more affordable resort offers multiple room options, including a family suite, and can cater for larger groups.
Here, we take a closer look at Cabana Bay's room options, including their layouts and prices, as well as what guest reviews say about them.
Standard rooms
Cabana Bay’s standard rooms make up roughly half of the hotel’s 2,200 accommodations.
At about 300 square feet (which is notably bigger than Disney's All-Star resort rooms), the standard rooms at Cabana Bay can quite comfortably sleep up to four guests, with two queen beds.
The rooms are airy, light-filled and stylish. Expect bright retro colors — turquoise, orange, and yellow — plus padded headboards, wall-mounted reading lights, and framed 'mid-century' inspired artwork.
In terms of practicality, the rooms live up to modern expectations. Guests will find a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, small coffee maker, and a compact table with two chairs.
Cabana Bay's nostalgic feel runs through to the bathroom amenities.
The bathrooms use a split layout with a sink and vanity separate from the toilet and shower/tub combo. It is an ideal setup, which makes it easier for families to get ready at the same time.
Views and locations make a big difference to guest experiences. The standard rooms in Cabana Bay's Americana and Continental buildings are close to the lobby and food court, while the tower rooms, on the eastern side of the resort, provide sweeping Volcano Bay views (these are bookable separately, at a higher nightly rate).
Guests can also book a standard room with a 'poolside' view.
Generally, according to guest reviews, Cabana Bay's standard rooms are found to be clean, functional, and are seen as a fantastic entry point for those who want an on-site Universal stay without blowing their budget.
For families, it is a popular choice. Whilst the rooms are not especially luxurious, they are distinctly more comfortable and spacious compared to other classic budget theme park resort hotels.
Family suites
Arguably, the family suites are what make Cabana Bay special in the 'value' resort category.
At around 430 square feet, these rooms are particularly large for the price, and can sleep up to six people - with two queen beds and a pull-out sofa.
The family suite layout is designed with families in mind.
A sliding partition separates the bedroom from the living space, giving parents and kids a little privacy.
The living area includes a sofa, lounge chairs, and a raised counter with stools — perfect for snacks or planning the next day’s park strategy.
Perhaps the most popular aspect here is the kitchenette. The family suite comes with a larger fridge, microwave, sink, and utensils.
Guest reviews consistently call this out as a game-changer, not least as it can allow groups to save money on breakfasts and quick meals.
The bathrooms are, as you'd probably expect, family-friendly too. They are split into three parts: a central vanity with dual sinks, a separate toilet room, and another enclosed space with a tub/shower and second sink.
This thoughtful setup means three people can get ready at once — a big plus for rope-drop mornings.
Simply put, families love the space, the kitchenette, and the efficiency of the bathroom design.
Two-bedroom suites
If those options don't quite work for you, Cabana Bay also has a smaller number of two-bedroom suites.
These especially large rooms span 772 square feet and sleep up to eight guests.
The room setup includes one bedroom with two beds, another bedroom with a queen, plus a sofa bed in the living area.
With two bathrooms and a kitchenette, they’re ideal for larger families or multi-generational trips.
Most two-bedroom suites are located in the towers, meaning they often come with panoramic views of Volcano Bay.
Pricing: How Cabana Bay stacks up
One of Cabana Bay’s strongest selling points is its affordability.
Standard rooms typically start around $140 to $160 per night, though prices can climb up to $250 or more in peak seasons.
Family suites generally cost between $180 and $220 on quieter dates, with rates often pushing past $350 during the high season.
The rarer two-bedroom suites sit at the top end of the scale, usually at $400 or more per night.
Even so, guests repeatedly highlight how competitive Cabana Bay is when compared to Disney’s Value Resorts.
Besides the rooms, Cabana Bay has a lot more to offer around the resort including a lazy river, a bowling alley, a Starbucks, multiple bars and restaurants, and even a private entrance to Volcano Bay.
Who should stay at Cabana Bay?
Cabana Bay is the kind of resort that appeals to a wide range of guests, though different room types naturally suit different people.
Families of four to six will find the Family Suites to be in the sweet spot, with the kitchenette and extra space making a noticeable difference compared to squeezing into a standard room.
Couples and smaller groups, on the other hand, often prefer the simplicity of the standard rooms, especially if they opt for a tower upgrade with sweeping views of Volcano Bay.
For larger families or multi-generational trips, the two-bedroom suites provide a rare amount of breathing room, although their availability is limited and prices are higher.
Ultimately, Cabana Bay is best suited to anyone who wants to stay on Universal property without stretching their budget too far.
It doesn't deliver the luxury or Express Pass perks of Universal Orlando's pricier resort hotels, but for families chasing fun, convenience, and atmosphere, it is clearly one of Universal’s more practical and enjoyable choices.
In case you missed it ...
How big are Universal's Cabana Bay standard rooms and what do they include?
Universal's Cabana Bay standard rooms are about 300 sq ft, sleep up to four in two queen beds, and include a TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and a split bathroom layout.
What makes Cabana Bay's Family Suites stand out for value travelers?
Universal's Cabana Bay Family Suites are around 430 sq ft for up to six guests and add a sliding partition, living area, kitchenette, and a three-part bathroom that speeds morning routines.
How large are Cabana Bay’s Two-Bedroom Suites and who are they for?
Universal's Cabana Bay Two-Bedroom Suites span 772 sq ft, sleep up to eight, include two bathrooms and a kitchenette, and are ideal for larger or multi-generational groups.
What are typical nightly prices at Cabana Bay across room types?
Universal's Cabana Bay standard rooms typically start around $140–$160 (peaking $250+), Family Suites run $180–$220 (often $350+ in high season), and Two-Bedroom Suites usually cost $400 or more.
Does Cabana Bay offer Volcano Bay views and special park access?
Universal's Cabana Bay towers often provide panoramic Volcano Bay views, and the resort includes a private Volcano Bay entrance plus shuttle bus service to the Universal theme parks.
