Cabana Bay Beach Resort recently celebrated eight years since it first opened its doors to guests, having joined Universal Orlando’s impressive hotel line-up back in 2014. For some, Cabana Bay is the obvious choice as its 50s and 60s inspired decor makes it the perfect addition to a sunny Orlando stay.

However, given that Cabana Bay is classed as one of Universal’s value resorts, this retro beauty can oftentimes get overlooked. Here are four reasons why you should consider Cabana Bay for your next trip to Orlando...

1. Take a step back in time...

Cabana Bay’s vibrant theming means that from the very moment you enter the resort’s expansive lobby (which features the rather funky Swizzle Lounge bar) you’re immediately met with the dreamy atmosphere and retro vibes that make that “just arrived” feeling all the more sweet.

From the beautiful classic cars in the parking lot that are just waiting to be admired, to the old-school commercials that play on huge screens within the diner, you’ll feel as though you’ve just travelled back in time, all while being a short bus ride (or walk) away from the thrills and excitement of the Universal parks.

2. Perfect for a lazy resort day...

Walking around the theme parks all day can be tiring work and sometimes all you need is a lazy resort day to rest, recharge, and get yourself ready for the next big adventure. What makes Cabana Bay perfect for a well-deserved chill day is that you can easily fill an entire morning and evening without ever leaving the resort grounds.

After a big breakfast in the Bayliner Diner, take a wander upstairs to the Galaxy Bowl bowling alley for a game or two. Then, of course, it’s time for a relax around one of the two pools, before you head to watch a Movie on the Lawn before dinner. For a sweet treat, you could even grab a s’mores kit and relax around the fire pit while you toast some marshmallows. Cabana Bay also has a fully-stocked gym for those who still want to get those 20k steps in on your off-day.

3. A lazy river on your door step...

Speaking of a lazy day, if you’re the person in your party that immediately makes a bee-line for the lazy river upon entering a water park, Cabana Bay has got you covered. Located just outside of the Americana building, Cabana Bay’s own lazy river is the perfect end to a busy day in the parks, or the perfect wake-up to set your day off to a great start.

Grab a tube and unwind as you listen to the relaxing music that drifts throughout Cabana Bay’s grounds. The best part? It’s open until 11pm, which means it makes for the perfect post-travel-day refresh.

4. Moments away from Volcano Bay...

At some point though, you will have to leave the resort and where better to head than Volcano Bay, which is only a hop, skip and a jump away. Just a short walk from Cabana Bay, be sure to make use of the designated entrance that is exclusively for CB and Aventura resort guests.

Being in such close vicinity, some of Cabana Bay’s rooms even come with an incomparable view of Volcano Bay’s Krakatau volcano, so you can scope out the crowd levels and plan which ride you’re going to head to first, before you even leave your room. (P.S Early risers can also show their Universal hotel room key to enter the park before regular day guests and nab that perfect sun-lounger spot on the park’s stunning Waturi beach.)

Honorable mention: Looking for a midnight snack after Halloween Horror Nights? 
Cabana Bay’s Bayliner Diner has been known to stay open until the early hours on select days throughout September-October's Halloween Horror Nights season. Combine a value stay with post-scare snacks and you’ve got a no-brainer for your perfect weekend at Halloween Horror Nights.

Is Cabana Bay Beach Resort your onsite pick at Universal Orlando? Would you consider staying there on your next Orlando vacation? Let us know by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.