Stepping into the bright lobby of Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort with its sky-high palm trees and retro themed furnishings, you are hit with an instant blast from the past. Back to the days of when Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon rocked movies like Beach Party and Bikini Beach. Here, guests can effortlessly drift back to a simpler time with sandy white beach areas, a Galaxy Bowl bowling alley, lazy river and fantastically themed hotel rooms with retro amenities from Zest and V05.


The Room


Bright shades of tangerine, lime, and turquoise light up each room at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Modern amenities in spacious family suites include a kitchenette area complete with mini fridge and microwave, two 40" flat-panel TV's, and free in room wifi. Mixed with these modern amenities are retro furnishings straight out of the 1950's and 60's. Funky shaped pillows, patterned carpets and nostalgic seating all help to paint the picture of a family beach resort of bygone days.




With plenty of outlets, there is always room to charge all of your family's electronics. The living room area gives you a place to come together and relax during the day, with a sofa that pulls out for additional bedding at night. The unique bathroom area is divided into three sections, a toilet, vanity area and shower with sink, all allowing three different people to get ready for the day at once.



The bedding at Cabana Bay Beach Resort is cozy, with plenty of pillows. The family suites feature two queen beds in the bedroom with the pull-out couch in the living room. Fun touches are in place throughout the room, including an old style alarm clock and Zest soap, these touches add to the authentic experience you'll have at this resort.

Activities


Take a break from the parks and knock down a few pins at the Galaxy Bowl, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort's ten lane bowling alley. Complete with a restaurant, it is the perfect place to catch a quick bite and enjoy an afternoon of fun.



Game-O-Rama will keep the kids busy for hours playing old-time favorite video games. Adults can work up a sweat at the Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio.



As the Florida sun shines above, enjoy a dip in either of two themed pool areas that the Cabana Bay Beach Resort has to offer. The Cabana Courtyard provides a 10,000 square foot zero entry pool with an iconic dive tower centerpiece and water slide. Get a refreshing adult beverage at the Atomic Tonic Bar. Sand beach play areas provide volleyball and other outdoor games. Nightly movies are held on the lawn near the pool, and cabanas are available for rent during the day.



The Lazy River Courtyard provides another zero entry pool and Universal Orlando's first lazy river. Enjoy floating with the family passed waterfalls and water guns while taking in views of the landscaping and resort around you.

Dining


Enjoy a wide range of meal options at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort's Bayliner Diner, with theming that includes large movie screens that show retro TV clips, and antique cars parked just outside the doors. Here you can find a variety of ordering options for breakfast, lunch and dinner all available food court style with ample seating.




Enjoy the perfect poolside bite to eat at The Hideaway Bar & Grille that serves up ice cold drinks as well as lunch and dinner entrees. Starbucks and Delizioso Pizza are also available in the resort as quick pick-up dining options.


The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is so much more than just a place to rest at night. It is a destination in itself. With family friendly activities to keep everyone happy, your family will take away plenty of modern memories from this retro themed resort.

My accommodations were covered as part of the Facing Fears Together trip planned by Two Traveling Moms, but all opinions are my own.