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.
nina462 says
ooooh – let me know when & where the RR convention is planned. I’ve got my bags packed (and I’m ready to go…)
bobby kool says
Great to see memories of the 1950 to early 60’s era. Looks wonderful and can’t wait to visit. Will there be an entertainment casino hall-just like the country villas had back then which included a jukebox and various live entertainment in the evening.? COUNTRY Casino’s had no slot machines but playing cards for money was common then. Comedians, dancing to Rock n Roll music and pop tunes was often the best fun times……..check out my facebook.com/bobbykoolradio which has a theme titled BABY BOOMER GA-GA,… and view all related 1950/60’s nostalglia.
Nancy PeBenito says
Maybe they should have tried to restore the retro Garden Rooms and the diner at Disneyland instead of tearing it down. Those were so awesome, so sad to see them go.
Bill says
The heck with Disney World or Universal – THIS is what will make a trip to Orlando completely worthwhile!!!