Today, I want to share with you guys the most amazing hotel that I’ve probably ever stayed in, The Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando
When Patrick and I spontaneously decided to extend our trip in Orlando by one night, that meant we also needed to find a last minute hotel.
Lucky for us, the new resort opened not too long ago and had rooms to spare that evening.
This retro-themed hotel is designed to look like the iconic beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s, and not a single detail was spared.
I don’t know if you watch Mad Men, (I’m a fanatic) but the Cabana Bay Beach Resort reminded me so much of the ones that Don would stay in while he was off galavanting in LA.
There were even retro cars parked permanently out front and 1960s tunes playing in tiny speakers throughout the property.
I was in my own sort of time-travelling heaven. 🙂
We checked in before we visited the theme park, and we were so excited to see the lobby all decorated for Christmas.
I was in love with all of the metallic trees decorated with the brightly colored ornaments. I may just have to copy this fun idea for a small tree in my own home!
After being so impressed with the lobby, I could only imagine what the rooms were going to be like.
We headed to our wing of the resort to drop our bags off, and once we entered the room, I was completely blown away.
Look how fun this mid-century modern decor is!
We explored all the nooks and crannies, and marveled at the 1960s inspired soaps and shampoos. Our things were dropped off and it was time to make our way to the hotel’s bus stop for our short bus ride to Islands of Adventure.
I must mention that even the bus stop, the actual bus, and music on the bus were all 1960s inspired!
The theme park was certainly the highlight of the day, but we were still looking forward to the fun that was to be had at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort upon our return.
Like I said earlier, we only had ONE day in Orlando, so we wanted to soak in absolutely everything that we could. Our flight to Houston was at 6 am this next morning, which meant a 3:30 am wake up call!
Yikes!
So naturally, the two of us partied and played and went to bed super late!
We had dinner at one of the many hotel restaurants and then stopped by the lobby bar, Swizzle, for drinks.
The drink menu consisted of iconic 1960s cocktails, such as Mai Tais, Tom Collins, Side Cars, Manhattans, and White Russians.
I ordered a Spiced Mai Tai and it was absolutely delicious.
With the 60s music, the fancy drinks, and decor, I certainly felt for a moment as if I were Megan Draper out on a date with Don. (You know, way before their relationship fell apart on the tv show.)
We finished our drinks and headed up the stairs to the resort’s very own indoor cosmic bowling alley.
Laughing at the fact that we had to wake up in a mere 4-5 hours, we grabbed our bowling balls and hit the lanes.
And had ourselves a wonderful time, too!
Bowling shoes may not be the most stylish things ever … but how are the always the MOST comfortable!?
Patrick obviously won our bowling match, and by a long-shot too!
Staying just one night in this hotel wasn’t enough. I am itching to go back and explore the rest of what it has to offer. Especially the multiple pools! I mean, look at that?!
If you’re in the Orlando area, and happen to be looking for a fun family friendly (or couple friendly) hotel, I highly suggest the Cabana Bay Beach Resort!
We had an absolute blast on our one day trip to Orlando. It goes to show that you can sure pack a lot into just one day. I’m not going to lie though, showing up for work at 9am Monday morning after a crazy Sunday and an early morning flight was BRUTAL, but completely worth it!
Have you ever gone on your own fabulous little one-day vacation? I’m amazed at how much you can do in just a day! I love hearing about new places to go and things to see, so if you’ve got any great travel suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
And as always, thanks for stopping by the blog!
—
alice
