Want to meet the Minions, soar above Hogwarts and battle the Decepticons? If you've been aching to explore the spoils of Universal Orlando Resort, now’s a very good time to book that stay. Be among the first to experience its newest property at preview rates.
The Cabana Bay Beach Resort, opening in 2014, will nearly double Universal's on-site occupancy with 1,800 rooms, including 900 family suites that sleep up to six. Sliding partitions will offer added privacy. Book now through January 31, 2014 for rates starting at $104/night for a seven-night stay to $134/night for a three-night stay. It's an introductory rate for stays from March 31 - June 14, 2014, and offers considerable savings.
Retro-Activity: Renderings depict the splashy style of the resort's South Courtyard — Photo courtesy of © 2013 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.
Cabana Bay will boast the most affordable rates at Universal, its décor and vibe inspired by the beach resorts of the 1950s and ‘60s – when the vacation focus fell to pool-time relaxation after a day spent road-tripping.
“The late 50s and early ‘60s were times of great optimism and progress in the United States,” says Russ Dagon, vice president and executive project director at Universal Creative. “Our goal with Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort was to tap into this nostalgia and take our guests back to what is perceived to be a much simpler time. The design imagery from the era is compelling and clean. We have tried to let the design of the time speak for itself, and not get overly ‘themed’ with our delivery.”
Actual photo: The family suites of the Castaway building will welcome their first guests in early 2014. — Photo courtesy of © 2013 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.
It need not be. An impressive array of water amenities, including Universal’s first lazy river, will offer guests a cool respite from all the theme park action and the hot Orlando sun.
The property’s first phase (now booking) is the North Courtyard, featuring four-story buildings of family suites with open corridors and direct guest-room access. At a spacious 430 square feet, suites will feature kitchenettes (microwave, mini-fridge and sink) allowing guests more flexibility and options for meals.
Suites will be spacious and bright, but sliding partitions allow for privacy — Photo courtesy of © 2013 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.
The North Courtyard’s heart and oasis will be a zero-entry pool – more than 10,000 square feet – with a 100-foot water slide, waterfall features and an interactive play area for the kids to enjoy. True to the resort’s name, cabanas will be available for rent. Loungers will abound, placed in areas zoned for games, picnicking and all manner of sun worship.
Opening later in 2014, the South Courtyard will feature a colorful, tropical resort design and seven-story buildings around an additional pool and lazy-river complex. Suites here will be smaller, at 300 square feet, and sleep up to four guests. When complete, Cabana Bay will also boast a 10-lane, retro-style bowling alley. Dining options will include a food court serving American and international fare.
The Cabana Bay vibe will grab guests with subtle kitsch right up front — Photo courtesy of © 2013 Universal Orlando Resort. All rights reserved.
A new pedestrian bridge will make guest access to CityWalk Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure a breeze, but free shuttles will be available as well. Other benefits will include early park admission, complimentary delivery of park-purchased merchandise and resort-wide charging privileges with a room key.
