OUR TAKE AFTER STAYING
Would it suit your trip?
A useful Universal base if the resort facilities matter as well as the park day. Compare the exact room, transport and ticket benefits rather than assuming every Universal hotel includes the same extras.
What worked for us
- We were upgraded to a suite, giving us extra living space.
- Two pools and a lazy river gave us things to do away from the parks.
- Our episode shows the resort, food areas and journey towards CityWalk.
What to weigh up
- A free upgrade is never something to budget on receiving.
- Standard rooms and family suites are different bookings.
- The hotel stay does not replace a theme-park ticket or automatically include Express Unlimited.
The room and the space
We booked a room and received a suite upgrade at check-in. Our experience is one stay, so book the category you actually need.
Universal currently describes standard rooms with two queen beds. Family suites add living space, a kitchenette and a sliding privacy partition. Check the exact sleeping arrangement and entry type of your chosen suite.
See our actual room in the episode ↗Getting around from here
We stayed before our Universal day and explored the route towards CityWalk. Universal lists shuttle transport to the CityWalk hub plus walking paths, including a dedicated path to Volcano Bay.
Early Park Admission requires valid admission and applies to selected parks and attractions on the operating calendar. Cabana Bay is not one of the hotels that includes complimentary Express Unlimited. Confirm the current benefit details before pricing the stay.
Read our Orlando without a car guide →Food and the breakfast question
The resort has a food court and other dining choices, which our Day 7 episode explores. A suite kitchenette can be useful for simple snacks; it is not a full holiday meal plan.
Budget separately for dining and paid leisure activities such as bowling. Check current opening hours and prices at the hotel.
What we paid and what to check
Our recorded room cost for one night in August 2026. The suite upgrade was a bonus.
- Our room booking
- £127.32 · 1 night
- Suite upgrade
- Complimentary on our stay only
- Our Universal tickets
- £471.96 for 3 · bought separately
- Meals and paid activities
- Budget separately
These are recorded August 2026 costs, not a quote for your dates. Add taxes, mandatory fees, transport and food when comparing rates.
Before you reserve
- Standard room versus family suite
- Current Early Park Admission calendar
- Separate park admission and Express options
- Parking, taxes and the rate’s cancellation terms
The useful questions
Does Cabana Bay include free Express Unlimited?
No. The complimentary Express Unlimited hotel benefit applies to selected other Universal hotels. Check the official comparison; Cabana Bay does not include that benefit.
Will we get a free suite upgrade?
Our upgrade was a surprise. Book the room you need and compare the exact rate; an upgrade is subject to availability and cannot be assumed.
Check the details for your dates
Our opinions describe our own stay. Room descriptions, current benefits and operating details are checked against the hotel’s official information; rates and availability depend on your booking.
Official Cabana Bay information ↗