Want to vacation like it’s 1959? Get ready to head to Florida and Universal Orlando next spring when Loew’s opens an all-new resort modeled after the famous 1950s and ’60s beach-side hotels and motels of Wildwood, New Jersey. Googies and color rule! We love it! Scheduled to open in early 2014, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort will feature mid century modern design inside and out, along with two spectacular pools, a “Galaxy Bowl” 10-lane bowling alley, hula hoop contests, and much more. To top it off: It’s aimed at the “value” crowd, so room rates are not out-of-this-world.
Video with Russ Dagon, executive project director:
Inspired by iconic beach resorts of the 1950’s and 60’s…Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort…will evoke the iconic driving holidays so many Americans grew up enjoying with their families – spending time at unique lodgings just off the motorway, where families relaxed and played after a long day’s drive, as often portrayed in American movies.
The new hotel’s hip, vintage look will be accented with bold design, dramatic, clean lines, bright, period colors and touches of neon.
For a limited time, the whole family can experience Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s new family suites with rates starting at $97 per night for a seven-night stay to $139 per night for a three-night stay. Offering up to 50 percent savings off regular prices, this introductory offer is available now for purchase for stays from March 31st to June 14th, 2014.
[The resort] will offer … 900 family suites… 430 s.f. each… capable of sleeping six, which include kitchen areas, and 900 standard guest rooms. It will be operated by Loews Hotels & Resorts and is scheduled to open in 2014. Combining affordability with convenience, the hotel’s location is within walking distance of both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Plus, hotel guests enjoy Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before the theme park opens.
When complete, guests can enjoy a 10-lane “Galaxy Bowl” bowling alley, a Game-o-Rama game center, two massive pools with sand beaches, a lazy river, waterslide and more.
First to open, the North Courtyard and its 600 family suites will be inspired by the sweeping motor courts of the 1950s and 60s. Each of the 600, 430-square-foot suites will sleep up to six and include a fold-out foam bed, kitchenette, a sliding partition for privacy, two flat-screen TVs, and an extra-large bathroom with preparation spaces for three people at once. Cabanas will be available to guests for rent, and lounge chairs will ring the deck, backed by zones for sunning, game playing, picnicking and relaxing on the grass.
The South Courtyard (opening later in 2014) will feature a colorful, tropical resort design with serpentine, seven-story towers flowing like waves around a massive pool and lazy-river complex. In addition to 300 suites, the towers will feature 900 guest rooms that are each 300-square-feet and that sleep four and include two queen beds and mini-fridge.
On this site, we also saw that even poolside activities will be retro: Hula hoop contests, bingo, dive-in movies, ping pong, volleyball, pool tables. (Did you know: Pam is a hula hoop champion?)
Thanks to reader Doug for this tip. He spotted the story on the blog Yesterland. Hey, this may just be the ideal location for the first-ever Retro Renovation National Convention. What do you think?
To learn more or to make a reservation, call (888) 273-1311 or visit www.universalorlando.com.
Marcie BT says
LOVE this! Fantasy come to life! As for the 1st ever Retro Renovation Convention location….bring it! We’re IN!
heidi says
Love the idea of a convention. But what about actually in Wildwood? Could have a tour by the Doo Wop Preservation League. For those looking to sleep in an Airstream the Starlux has it. There are restaurants that haven’t changed their menus in decades. It could be tied in with a concert happening at the arts center.
pam kueber says
Yes, it probably makes more sense to go to Wildwood. Or, as another commenter mentioned: St. Louis.
Patty says
St Louis before the county library tears down this gem: http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2013/10/st_louis_county_library_plan_w.php
Chris says
Pam — doesn’t the B52s Kate Pierson (is that right?) have a motel that is all funky and mainly MCM?
This fun article reminded me of that…
🙂
Sid says
She has both a “Kate’s Lazy Meadow” and a “Kate’s Lazy Desert”. The Lazy Meadow is a collection of cabins and the Lazy Desert is 6 “docked” Airstream trailers (MCM on the go!) that you can stay in for the night. Both are them look to be decorated in the spirit of MCM, with a healthy dose of modern zest.
Sid says
Reminds me of the Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ. I’d love to stay here, but if I’m in Orlando, the only place I will be is WDW!
Chris says
Oh yeah! I’m a Disney Girl!!!!!! Love me some WDW!
robert norman says
Oh. My. God. When can I move in–I mean ‘visit’?…..
Scott says
They could have staged the cars near the lobby entrance MUCH better, but otherwise my mind is completely blown this is actually being built.
So many cool ideas here. And BIG reminder to self to pay LOTS more attention to vintage motel designs for interior and exterior room inspiration.
I also love seeing Nelson Bubble Lamps making a comeback. The Scioto Downs Casino that opened near me last year used them liberally as one of the many elements to give the casino addition the same MCM vibe as the original racetrack structure built in 1959.
Laura's Last Ditch--Vintage Kitchenwares says
This place lacks one thing: a roller skating rink. But maybe they think people don’t want to return home from Florida with broken arms.
pam kueber says
Yes, I’d LOVE to see a roller rink!
Tony says
It’s called what-ie architecture?
Martha says
The retro renovation convention idea is great. Name the time and day and I will be there!
Robin, NV says
Yes! A convention. I’d be willing to give a talk and I bet we could rope the Florida State Historic Preservation Office in too. I bet there are loads of mid century preservationist groups in FL that would want to join in.
Lisa Compo says
This place looks great. How fun. I really like the idea of a Retro Reno convention, too. I have often wanted to suggest a get together of us, but didn’t have any idea where. I thought of St. Louis for it’s central location and thrift shops and other retro goodies, but heck…this Florida place looks way more fun. They wouldn’t know what hit them if this group of Mid Mod Mad Crazies showed up. They would catch us taking things off the walls and trying to find the manufacturer’s name plate on the back so we can rush home and buy things. 😉
nina462 says
Sign me up for the Retro convention!
Robert @ Live Better Electrically says
Hmm, I like your St. Louis suggestion for a Retro Reno con location. Even though I live in STL I promise it’s not a bias response haha. I do need an excuse to go to this Orlando hotel though…