Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BEAUTIFUL ROOMS
and excellent restaurants distinguish this mostly meeting-
and convention-oriented resort. The pools are large and lovely and include a lap pool,
a family pool, and a kiddie wading pool. There's an 18-hole golf course on-site as
well as a superior spa and an adequate fitness center. Child care is provided as well.
Though a state-of-the-art video arcade will gobble up your kids' pocket change, the
real kicker, especially for the 8-years-and-up crowd, is a natural area encompassing
lily ponds, grassy wetlands, Shingle Creek, and an adjacent cypress swamp. Running
through the area is a nature trail complete with signs to help you identify wildlife.
Great blue herons, wood storks, coots, egrets, mallard ducks, anhingas, and ospreys
are common, as are sliders (turtles), chameleons, and skinks (lizards). Oh yeah, there
are alligators and snakes, too—real ones, but that's part of the fun. If you stay at
Shingle Creek and plan to visit the theme parks, you'll want a car. Shuttle service is
limited, departing and picking up at rather inconvenient times and stopping at three
other hotels before delivering you to your destination.
Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Rate per night
$119-$194 standard rooms, $174-$294 suites.
Pools . Fridge in room
Suites only.
Shuttle to parks
Yes (bus).
Maximum number of occupants per room
4 for
standard rooms, 6 for suites.
6550 Adventure Way
Orlando
407-503-4000 or
888-464-3617
OPENED IN THE SPRING OF 2014,
Cabana Bay is Universal's first on-site hotel
aimed at the value and moderate markets. The theme is midcentury modern, with lots
of windows, bright colors, and period-appropriate lighting and furniture.
Kids will love the two large and well-themed pools (one with a lazy river), the
amount of space they have to run around in, and the vintage cars parked outside the
hotel lobby. Adults will appreciate the sophisticated kitsch of the decor, the multiple
lounges, and the on-site Starbucks. We think Cabana Bay is an excellent choice for
price- and/or space-conscious families visiting Universal.
