\n

We recently took a trip to Universal Studios in Orlando and stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort for the first time. We learned a lot during our short stay. Here are 10 things to know before you go to Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. It really does feel like a trip back in time.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cabana Bay truly is a visual playground. The theme is 1950’s and 1960’s and it’s really well done. You know it’s going to be good just from the classic cars parked out front.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much as that isn’t my favorite time period, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It felt a little like stepping into Mad Men.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

There is a lot of attention to detail, right down to some blasts from the past in the bathroom. Perhaps I didn’t phrase that perfectly, but my kid thought I had lost my mind when I wandered around the room singing “you’re not fully clean until you’re zest-fully clean!”<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2. Upgrades can and do happen.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I know because it happened to us. We were upgraded to a suite and I didn’t even ask. Never occurred to me to inquire, really. It had been a rough few travel days and I was just happy to arrive, but got even happier upon news of the suite. It was so nice to have a separate space and divider between sleeping space and living area, which could have also been more sleeping space had we needed it.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

3. Despite the premium pricing, but be prepared to pay for add ons.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I know that Cabana Bay is the “value” option at Universal Studios Orlando, but it still feels like the prices are far from cheap. Despite premium pricing, there is a lot not included in your room charge.<\/p>\n

For example, you pay to park at Cabana Bay. While some people I’ve seen on comment boards seem to expect this charge, others are pretty shocked, especially those used to staying at Disney where there is no charge. Also, the fee for one night of parking only extends until 11 a.m. If you’re like us, and arrive in the afternoon or evening, plan to go to the park and then return to your car, that’s going to cost you two days, which now is $12\/day. The good news is that, keeping with the old motel theme, we were able to park very close to our room. (And hang on to your room key – you’ll need it to get out of the parking lot. Wish I had known that so I didn’t have to search for it after a long day at the park.)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

You also have to buy your own inner tubes for the lazy river. We were surprised that you had to purchase your own inner tube, at either $6 for a 36″ or $8 for a $38″.\u00a0\u00a0 Again, some people were shocked by this, including the poor grandma in front of me who thought she was just getting inner tubes and was unprepared to shell out $40.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

4. Hang on to the map they give you at check in.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Speaking of the Lazy River, my kiddo and I were very excited to check it out but it took us a while to get there. First, there are two pool complexes. One has a slide, the other is next to the lazy river. They are not within sight of each other. Be smarter than I was and actually take the time to look at the map and determine the location of the one you want to visit.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

5. The Lazy River is not always so lazy.<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

You don’t have to have an inner tube to go in the Lazy River, and some kids did not, probably because their parents weren’t prepared to pay. Kids used the Lazy River to practice the butterfly stroke, do handstands, and swim under people with tubes. Nothing unexpected from a place with kids in the water, but not the zen, lazy experience I had conjured in my head and paid $12 for.<\/p>\n

The inner tubes are deflatable and you can bring them home, but we weren’t looking to be packing two extra items and so gave them to another family when we were done for the day. They were thrilled, and it’s a small way to pay it forward.<\/p>\n