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
I want to go!! But I also want everyone dressed like it’s 1959 – and not in modern day attire. Now, that would be a hoot!
Ken says
I live in Orlando and have been gleefully watching this being built for awhile now! I am so excited…we plan to book a stay there once it’s open even though we only live about 20 minutes away! LOL!
gsciencechick says
I have my major conference end of May at the Orlando convention center. Is this nearby? I hope so!
Ken says
Well it’s kind of close to the convention center and kind of not! Probably about 10 miles or so. However both Universal (where this hotel is) and the Convention Center have exits off of I-4……so even though it’s not too close you could get from one to the other relatively easily and quickly…though I-4 during rush hour can get a bit prickly!
gsciencechick says
Yeah, I can see on Google maps that it’s not that close, but I can probably make it work. It looks like I can go down Turkey Lake Rd. OTOH, the other convention hotels are more expensive and probably nowhere near as fun especially for family who will join me. I have it booked for now.
lexavline says
This place looks amazing! It’s sad that the real Wildwood is losing more and more of it’s classic motels every season. they’re all being replaced by 3 story vinyl-sided vacation condos. I’ll go to Florida for this!
Lynne says
A Retro Renovation Convention! Sounds great. Sign me up!
Jennifer Kepesh says
New word before breakfast–googie!
pam kueber says
Here’s a bit of background on the word “googie”: https://retrorenovation.com/2007/11/08/are-we-all-googies-googies-unite-atomic-50s-wallpaper-authentic-reproductions-now-available-from-bradbury-bradbury/
tammyCA says
Here’s some neat Googie architecture:
http://www.spaceagecity.com/googie/
(Googie’s was a coffee shop in 1950s Hollywood)…sad, that so many of the space age architecture is torn down to make way for parking lots, strip malls, etc.
There are still some in existence and some neat “Googie” churches around here…some of the neat buildings are hard to spot because they’ve become used furniture places or just plain decrepit…at least, they saved & designated historic, the LAX theme building.
Geronimom says
What? No shuffleboard?! 😉 Looks like a ton of fun! I live in Florida and I’d definitely consider checking it out. Hoping the beds are bigger than the old standard full size version my parents always had, tho. No WAY 6’2″ hubby and I’d be able to do that comfortably – unless we both had our own separate beds!
Queen of Fifty Cents says
Looks like a hoot; love all the colors. But, ummm, sweeping motor courts of the 1950s?? My memory of motor courts is that they were pretty darned small, little cabins that you could park your car by. Maybe in Florida they swept, but in the Midwest I think any sweeping was still done with a broom!
Jay says
Yes, you made me laugh! The Wildwood motels sit at the street with pools and parking crammed onto the lot. Heck, I think the entire town of Wildwood could fit into this resort. Nice inspiration though, the atomic age motels are dissapearing from WW or are undergoing “updating” even though the old motels are embraced.
Gavin in the UK says
I wonder if somewhere nearby might rent classic cars? How cool would it be to stay there and travel the area in a 1957 Dodge or such?!!!
Roundhouse sarah says
Let’s all go at the same time, like an RR convention. Maybe we can get a group rate lol
Mod in the Burbs Abra says
OHHHH! THAT WOULD BE SO FUN!
Gavin in the UK says
Wow, I’ve been waiting to see if this was really going to be built. Maybe now I can finally persuade other half that 11 year old’s desire to head for Florida for holiday might be a good idea after all. Fantastic news!