By: Craig Engstrom, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
I had the opportunity to visit Universal Orlando and stay at one of their prime value resorts. The Cabana Bay Beach Resort is definitely one of the best and affordable step-back-in-time experiences you can get. This 50’s and 60’s themed resort is one of a kind. Neon lights, chrome, vinyl chairs, Formica topped tables, pinks, turquoise, mint green, pale yellow, and blue were at every turn. From the moment I stepped on the sidewalk to the resort I was energetically greeted by neon stars and lines, bubble shaped windows, palm trees, tall sculptures, and arrows blinking their welcome. Mid-Century design, here I come! I literally went into a time machine. The only thing I was missing was my Dacron golf hat and my cardigan sweater. I know, too hot for the sweater.
For those of you that are up on 50’s and 60’s style, space travel became a big deal in art and design. Big bold polka dots, stars, boomerang shapes, and strips are carried out in all of the buildings. The mid-century style is everywhere. It is carried right into the rooms which are so much fun. Everything I remember from being a kid. My favorite was the cone shaped bed lamps hanging from each side of the beds. Orange and turquoise decor spills out throughout the room. Swirling lava like colored headboards, Scandinavian style dressers and lamps accompanied the room. There was even an electric Westinghouse clock on the side table...priceless!
The amenities of this resort are also handled in a throwback fashion. As you know, bowling was and is still a great family pastime. Well, Galaxy Bowl is located on the second floor of the main building. You and your family can enjoy a game or two of this great sport while enjoying some great appetizers and beverages. They’ve even created clever names for their food. It’s a hoot! Don’t forget to pack your bowling shirts. Or if you forgot them, you can purchase one in the gift shop. Also themed to match the Galaxy Bowl. This is a great place to go after you spend the day in the park. How many resorts can you visit that have bowling alleys available?
If you are into the workout scene you will not be disappointed. Any of you readers that are old enough, you may remember the popular television athletic trainer, Jack LaLanne. His show ran from 1951 until 1985. He was a leading jumpsuit dressed health coach guru of the time. His television show was aimed at women’s health and fitness. Beyond that he was conscious of what the ordinary household would have to exercise. They didn’t have those high-tech treadmills, rowing machines, and step machines. He would use ordinary household items as exercise equipment. Items that everyone would have in their homes. The Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio is not only filled with your favorite workout machinery but also Jack’s memorabilia. On the wall hang old replicas of black and white televisions where you can watch and exercise, to old episodes of his shows. It is nostalgic and motivational at the same time. Get that jumpsuit on everyone, you’re going to get fit on this vacation. You’re going to need it after eating all that food you’re going to eat on vacation...Am I right?
Speaking of food, no resort would be complete without food and drink. Cabana Bay Beach Resort has locations throughout the property that you and the family can enjoy all day long. Very reasonably priced options are available for all of your favorite foods. My favorite is the Bayliner Diner. It is a great place for you to sit and enjoy some great food. While eating you can see some of the most popular commercials from those bygone years. It’s a little embarrassing that I remembered most of them. Yikes, I’m showing my age. Other locations include: Atomic Tonic, Swizzle Lounge, The Hideaway Bar & Grill, and of course there’s a Starbucks. Hmm, that’s not very 50’s or 60’s (snicker, snicker).
Staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort has so much to offer for lodging. It has standard rooms, family suites which include a small kitchenette, 2 queen beds, and a sleeper sofa along with a sliding screen to separate the room into two areas. There are handicap accessible accommodations, adjoining rooms, and several different views to choose from. The layout of the resort has four main wings that lead off of the resort's main lobby. Each of the two wings surround a fantastic pool and lazy river. On one end are two towers. These towers have some of the best views around. On one side is one of the two fantastic pools and main resort. On the other is a view of Volcano Bay Water Park. When you stay in the towers you MUST ask for a Volcano Bay Water Park view on the highest possible floor. The windows in these rooms go from floor to ceiling. It’s quite breathtaking to say the least. If you are afraid of heights you may want to stand back a bit or ask for the resort view.
There are so many benefits to staying in one of the on-property resorts. But the added bonus of staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort is you have Volcano Bay right at your doorstep. You can’t deny that Florida can be extremely hot. My best day is one that allows me to spend time at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios and then spend some time at Volcano Bay cooling off in the wave pool or flying down one of several tube slides. Be careful though, an entire day at Volcano Bay will go in a flash. It’s that fun. Volcano Bay is a whole other story. Plan on it for sure!
I’ve only given you a small glimpse into the lens of all there is to offer. If you are as nostalgic as I am, you will not be disappointed. It brings back memories of my family growing up in the 60’s and especially my grandparents who lived their prime years during this amazing period of time in our history. They have it right, down to the linoleum floors and Formica countertops. It is a site to behold! Wear those drainpipe jeans, capri pants, casual button-down shirts and have a swell time!
Please reach out to Craig, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.
