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Cabana Bay vs. Aventura Resort

Located right across from each other on Adventure way, Cabana Bay and Aventura are Universal’s Prime Value resorts. 

Not to be confused with Endless Summer Resorts; Dockside and Surfside, which are Ultra Value Resorts. 

Although they are in the same resort category, they are very different resorts. If you prefer videos, you can check out our Cabana Bay vs. Aventura comparison on YouTube.

Pricing of Cabana Bay vs. Aventura

The cost of staying at Cabana Bay vs. Aventura Resort is pretty comparable. They are often exactly the same price with only minor differences based on room type and dates of travel.

Theming of Aventura vs. Cabana Bay

Cabana Bay is a retro-themed hotel based in the 50s. Aventura has a sleek, modern theme with modern amenities. 

You might also enjoy: Is it worth it to visit Universal Orlando in 2020?

Rooms at Aventura and Cabana Bay

Aventura

Aventura’s rooms are very clean, minimal, and modern. The iPad controls almost everything in the room. From the TV to A/C to ordering room service, the iPad is a wonderful feature. 

Aventura has incredible views, especially from the highest floors. You can either view the theme parks or the Orlando skyline. Although I prefer the theme park view, you can’t go wrong. 

The provided amenities are all-natural and vegan which is a bonus if you love natural items and don’t want to bring your own. 

Aventura also has special robots you can bring items to your room upon request, make sure to try it. Overall, we found that Aventura feels more high-end while offering a great price!

Cabana Bay

Cabana Bay has more options for rooms. Some have outdoor access and some have indoor access. Some have views of the pool or even Volcano Bay. 

The whole resort has the 50s theming and this happens in the rooms as well. From the artwork to the furniture, everything has a retro theme. 

The soap and shampoo in the bathroom look like something I would have found in my grandma’s house in the 90s (VO5, etc,) but I guess she just stuck with what was popular in the 50s. 😂

Are the rooms at Aventura or Cabana Bay better?

While the room sizes are similar, that is truly where the similarities end. If you want more options, Cabana Bay definitely has them. Both resorts offer family suites, but you may find more availability at Cabana Bay simply because it has more rooms. Cabana Bay has about 2200 rooms total where Aventura only has 800.

One more thing worth mentioning, you’ll do a lot more walking at Cabana Bay. Since the resort is so spread out, request a room close to the lobby or transportation if you have any mobility issues or very young children. You will likely be walking all day anyway!

The pools at Cabana Bay and Aventura 

This is one area where I will say that Cabana Bay is the clear winner. Cabana Bay has two pools and a lazy river. Aventura has one pool and while it’s a very nice pool, it is on the smaller side. However, during my stay the pool at Cabana Bay was more crowded than the pool at Aventura, so that is worth mentioning. 

Amenities at Cabana Bay and Aventura 

Both Universal Prime Value Resorts have amenities such as:

• Early Park Admission
• Transportation to the parks and City Walk all-day
• Onsite dining
• Helpful staff
• Fitness Centers
• Gift shops (including resort-only merchandise.) 

Cabana Bay also has a bowling alley. Aventura has quick access to Sapphire Falls, which offers a water-taxi as a convenient way to access City Walk. You can, in theory, walk from Cabana Bay to Sapphire Falls, but you can’t walk directly across the street and it’s a very long walk and would be quicker to just take a bus. 

Pro-tip: If you stay at Aventura, make sure to catch the sunset from Bar 17 Bistro, the rooftop bar and grill. 

Sunset at Aventura with a view of Cabana Bay Resort!

Is Aventura or Cabana Bay a better resort?

Now that we have compared Aventura vs. Cabana Bay, which one is better?! Cabana Bay offers more room types, more rooms in general, and maybe a better option for families who plan to spend a lot of time in the resort.

For a couple, or a family with older kids, I say that Aventura wins hands-down! My 12-year-old son and I stayed in both resorts to compare and we both preferred Aventura. You are allowed to “pool hop” at Universal resorts, so you can always check out pools at other resorts as long as you are a resort guest. 

The good news is that no matter which Universal Orlando Resort you stay in, you’ll be well taken care of. The wonderful staff and great amenities make it worth the slightly higher cost vs. staying offsite. We used to stay offsite and now we’ll never go back!

Universal’s Cabana Bay vs. Aventura

What do you think? Did I miss anything? When doing the research before my last Universal vacation, I noticed that a lot of people love Cabana Bay. It’s not that we didn’t like Cabana Bay, but Aventura was the clear winner for us. Again, you can’t go wrong no matter where you stay!

If you want to see more of my Universal content, check out the following posts:

• 7 things to buy at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• 15 Genius Universal Studios Hacks
• The 7 best rides at Universal Studios.
• 7 things to buy before visiting Harry Potter World.
• 25 Wizarding World of Harry Potter tips.
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit Secret song list.
• 20 things to know before going to Universal Orlando.

Are you planning a Universal Vacation?

I know that it can be overwhelming, especially with three parks, new resorts almost every year, and a HUGE new park coming in a few years! I am a graduate of the Universal Orlando Resort Travel Agent Training Program, and I’ve love to help plan your Universal vacation! Contact me now for more info.

If you plan to DIY your vacation, I understand that too! I highly recommend buying your tickets through Undercover Tourist if you choose not to use a Travel Agent. There are a lot of really scammy sites out there, so make sure you’re booking through an approved partner (like Undercover Tourist,) or an approved Travel Agent.

I also highly recommend staying online at Universal Orlando. Universal Orlando is now home to eight resorts; Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Loews Royal Pacific, Aventura Hotel, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal Endless Summer Resorts – Dockside Inn and Suites and Seaside Inn and Suites.

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