Minions and Harry and luaus, oh my! Staying at one of the Universal Orlando on site hotels is packed with all sorts of benefits that may surprise you. Gone are the days when visiting a theme park was just a just a day of amusement. Now, it is a multi-day or week-long experience. Universal Orlando is a full-fledged resort with multiple theme parks, CityWalk (restaurants, bars and even a movie theater), and numerous themed hotels. Everything your heart desires in one location makes for an adventure like no other. And the vast selection in hotel theming will leave you certain to find one perfect for you.
And all the on-site hotels are Loews Hotels. A brand you know and trust. Ever booked a hotel online only to find it sketchier than expected? Yeah. Not good. At Universal Orlando Resort, all the hotels are by a brand you can feel comfortable knowing that the rooms are as represented and up to your standards. Your vacation is too important to chance and there are even more things you need to know about staying at Universal Orlando on site hotels. 15 to be exact and here they are:
1. Stay in the Action
The Universal Orlando Resort, even though it includes Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, City Walk, and 6 hotels (with a 7th to open June 27, 2019), is very compact. There are water taxis, shuttle buses, and gorgeous walking paths that connect you from the hotels to the action. And you will be right in the middle of it all. There are few things as thrilling as seeing the theme parks from your hotel’s window.
Perhaps the greatest perk to staying at an on-site hotel is that you are, quite literally, staying in the action. Between the theming of your hotel and the closeness of the parks and CityWalk, a Universal Orlando vacation becomes a true escape. It is one of the few places on earth where you can forget about work and the responsibilities of life and truly enjoy every moment of your stay. Escape from the real world enhances your vacation. You lose some of the escape when you must get in a car and navigate back to your off-site hotel. Everything you need is literally right outside your door.
2. Free Unlimited Express Pass at Premier Hotels
Skip to the front of the line. Yes, please! It’s not really skipping to the front of the line. It’s more a separate line that moves incredibly fast. If standing in line is not for you, Express Pass is a must.
One of the most popular (and fun) perks of staying at Universal’s Premier on-site hotels (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific only) is the inclusion of free Express Pass for up to 5 registered members of your party per room. The Express Pass is an add-on ticket in addition to regular admission.
Staying at a premier hotel provides you with Express Pass the full day you check in, the days of your stay, AND the day you check out until the park closes. So, you can stay at a premier hotel one night and receive two full days of Express Passes.
Express Passes can be bought separately if staying at other hotels and for other park guests, but they are quite expensive and can sell out. If you plan on using Express Pass, depending on the size of your party, it can be cheaper to stay in a premier hotel than to buy Express Pass separately.
Express Pass is available for almost all rides. If you are curious to know more about whether Express Pass is worth a premier on-site hotel stay, please be sure to read SAY YES TO THE EXPRESS.
3. Early Park Admission
When you stay at a Universal Orlando on site hotel you are granted early admission to Volcano Bay and either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure an hour before the regular crowd. The extra hour can make your experience even more enjoyable.
First, the lines to enter are much shorter. It not only saves time getting to some attractions that are known to have lengthy lines, but it also lets you take in the ambiance before it is crowded.
This is a great time to take some pictures before a day of fun affects your appearance (you know, roller coaster and water ride hair). Trust me on this. Also, you won’t feel pressured or rushed to take in the perfect shot with fewer people around.
Next, if you want to do the Ollivanders’ “wand chooses the wizard” show, this is the best time to get in line to do it. Who knows, maybe you will be chosen by the wand and get the full experience.
And lastly, it’s a great feeling to start your day leisurely, with a shorter line to a great attraction and have your bearings to the park when those just entering the gate are scrambling to figure out what to do. Not you. You’re cool that way.
4. Easy and Free On-Site Transportation
Confession: When we fly to Universal, we never even rent a car. Once we arrive we use the fabulous network of easy and free transportation at Universal Orlando Resort. It really is easy to navigate (not to mention free).
With the exception of the new hotel opening in June, 2019, all hotels have gorgeous, well-lit walking paths to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk. You can walk to all the other hotels easy peasy if you like. It’s literally just a few steps from Cabana Bay to an exclusive entrance to Volcano Bay.
Walking paths may not be your thing. Especially with all the walking you will be doing in the parks. Luckily, there are several other modes of transportation such as the water taxis.
More than half the hotels connect to each to each other and the parks by the use of a water taxi. These are nice. I didn’t say that correctly, these are niiiiiice. It almost feels like you are on parade with the pedestrians waving at you.
Think of them as your pre-ride to the parks. The captains are warm and friendly, and they run into the wee hours of the night for CityWalk so you can enjoy yourself as long as you like and still have safe and reliable transportation to your room.
You can take them from hotel to hotel as well, or just take a break and ride until your heart is content. You will quickly see why they are a favorite form of transportation.
[box title=”PRO TIP” box_color=”cf0200″ title_color=”CF0200CFcf0200″]To get on the water taxi, you will go through bag screening to board. This is significantly shorter and easier than going through the general entrance screening. It feels less like a cattle call of people smushed together in regular screening. In addition to being a timesaver, it’s much less crowded and rushed so you start your day at a more enjoyable pace.[/box]Shuttle buses go between all hotels to all parks and CityWalk. The buses are clean, comfortable and air conditioned. The resort is so compact that the bus rides are very short. They also run dining shuttles to each of the hotels so if you want to try the fare at a different hotel, transportation is done for you. Also, the shuttle buses are quick to arrive and depart. No long lines or waiting forever. I’ve been really impressed.
Another great transportation perk is that they offer free scheduled transportation to SeaWorld and Aquatica. No worrying about traffic, driving directions or the cost of an Uber.
5. Delivery of Purchases Straight to Your Room
This may not be reason enough to choose an on-site hotel, but it’s a convenience that will make your adventure all the easier.
Remember the time you bought your Harry Potter robe but then realized it was way too hot and you were just going to the water rides? Sure, you can rent a locker to store your new robe, but wouldn’t you rather spend that on a chocolate frog?
Or bought a chocolate frog and don’t want it to melt? Or that perfect on-ride picture you had printed and framed? Not to mention lugging your purchases all around the park. Ain’t nobody got time for that, right?
All those, and a million other reasons, make delivery of your purchases to your room more than just a minor convenience.
Now, imagine that everything you purchased is ready and waiting for you when you get back to your room. You don’t even have to imagine it because it’s just another perk of staying in a Universal Orlando on-site hotel.
6. Room Key Can Act as a Charge Card
Perhaps one of my favorite perks that you need to know about staying at a Universal on-site hotel, is that you room key can act as a charge card. Upon check-in you will be asked to supply a credit card for incidentals, and you can choose an amount for your stay (and even a per day amount) and your room key acts as a charge card in the parks and CityWalk.
It’s great to travel light and not have to worry about cash or cards. Just put your room key and your tickets in a lanyard and you are good to go.
If it’s lost or stolen, it’s much easier to get a new room key than to cancel all the cards in your wallet. It’s safer and faster and you can put limits on younger members of your party if you like.
Have all the fun you want with one less thing to worry about. Universal was genius with adding this perk.
7. Pool Hopping at Universal Orlando On Site Hotels
Any guest staying at any of the Universal Orlando on site hotels can access and use the pools at any other on site hotel. Most hotels have multiple pools each themed to the hotel. You could spend days trying out all the different pools if swimming is your thing.
The Hard Rock Hotel has a pool with an underwater sound system. It’s an experience unto itself and you don’t have to stay at that hotel to enjoy it. Want a quieter pool with sand and zero entry, there are plenty of those too.
Or do you want to end your day with your feet up, lounging down a lazy river, drink in hand, but don’t feel like going to Volcano Bay? You’re in luck, regardless of what hotel you choose, hop on over to Cabana Bay and enjoy a lazy river end to your day.
Don’t like the evening poolside movie at your hotel? Walk (or ride) on over to the next hotel and enjoy the show. Pool hopping also gives you a chance to take in all the hotels to decide which one is perfect for your next trip.
8. Take a Mid-Day Getaway Break
There is nothing like taking a mid-day break away from the heat and the crowds to swim or nap and get ready to do the fun again later in the evening.
Sometimes it’s nice to put up your feet, refresh your theme park hair, and take time to relax in the midst of all your fun. While others will be on a mad rush to keep going because when they leave the park for the day, they are gone for good, you will be relaxed and at ease.
Also, it’s Florida where it tends to rain once a day. On-site guests at Universal hotels have the luxury to go to their rooms and wait out the rain. Maybe you want to schedule a massage at the spa at Portofino Bay, or go bowling at Cabana Bay. You will be refreshed and relaxed to enjoy many more hours of fun when everyone else is wet, tired and irritated.
[box title=”PRO TIP” box_color=”cf0200″ title_color=”CF0200CFcf0200″]Ride your water rides one after the other (they are really close). Then, if you are soaked, go back to the room and change. It’s so much better than waiting in the long line for the people dryer (which isn’t free and feels like being under a blow dryer in summer heat).[/box]9. Themed Hotels for Every Price Range and Taste
There’s an on-site Universal Hotel that is themed to fit everyone. Do you want luxurious, large rooms in a hotel so exquisitely detailed that you will swear you are in an Italian village? There’s a hotel for that.
Want to party like a rock star surrounded by rock memorabilia? There’s a hotel for that.
Or a retro inspired Florida beach resort? There’s a hotel for that.
From Pacific Island themed, to Caribbean themed, to sleek and modern filled with tech and a rooftop bar? Yep. You guessed it. There’s a hotel for that.
There’s a hotel for every price range and taste both in surroundings and the energy levels at each hotel. Take some time to review each one because it’s almost a different vacation at each hotel.
10. Priority Restaurant Seating When Staying at Premier Hotels
Another amenity when staying at one of Universal Orlando’s premier hotels (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific) is priority seating at many of the table service restaurants in the parks, CityWalk, and at many hotel restaurants.
Not quite the same as a reservation, priority seating can be heaven sent when you tired, hungry and in need of a good meal. Imagine smelling the tasty delights while passing by Finnegans, or Mythos, or any of the wide array of restaurants that CityWalk has to offer. You can almost taste it. But the line looks so long, you might pass out before you eat.
You decide to just check and see how long the wait is and realize you have priority seating. You show your room key and priority seating puts you ahead of all the walk-ins. Enjoy a delicious meal faster all because you stayed in an on-site hotel.
11. Great Dining Options at all Universal Orlando On Site Hotels
All the hotels offer fantastic dining experiences both for table service and more casual fare. There is even a dining shuttle to take you from hotel to hotel. Your problem is more likely to be narrowing down your choices than trying to find something appealing.
Maybe you want the ambiance of a rooftop dining experience at Aventura. Or authentic Italian at Portofino Bay is more to your liking. For breakfast it’s hard to beat the buffet at Hard Rock Hotel’s The Kitchen restaurant. Seriously, they have everything you could ever want, including made-to-order items at the breakfast buffet. Yum!
If casual cuisine is what’s for dinner, the retro styled food court at Cabana Bay can’t be beat. Long forgotten commercials play on the big screens as you enjoy your meal almost making you believe your way back machine took you back to the 50s or 60s.
Whatever your taste buds require, can be met with the fantastic hotel dining options.
12. Universal Orlando On Site Hotels Are Pet Friendly
Can’t leave home without your fur family member? At Universal Orlando hotels you don’t have to. While a separate pet deposit is required, Universal Orlando on site hotels are pet friendly including at least one walking area for your pet that is as cute as can be. The pet walking areas are truly lovely so your pet doesn’t have to miss out on the vacation fun.
Your pets don’t even have to miss out on the room service dining fun either. The Royal Pacific hotel offers a room service menu for dogs and cats served in pet appropriate dishes. They even offer complimentary can covers, cat litter and dog balls.
Pets must be crated or secured when you are not in the room, but Universal has many accommodations for pets so you furbaby doesn’t miss out on the vacation adventure. And some of the hotels even have a pet swag bag to boot!
13. Golf at Premier Hotels
If golf is your game, Universal’s on-site premier hotels don’t disappoint in making your golf dreams come true. Free rental golf clubs, range balls, and transportation (for foursomes) to participating golf partner courses. Universal even has a golf coordinator to assist with preferred tee times. Some of the partner courses include Grand Cypress Golf Club and Windermere Country Club.
14. Unique Experiences and Character Experiences
Want to have breakfast with the Minions? You can when you stay at one of the Universal Orlando on site hotels. During the Christmas holiday, who doesn’t want to have breakfast with the Grinch? (which you can also do by staying on-site). Meet various characters without leaving your hotel.
Set a wake-up call in the morning and be greeted to start your day with the voice of one of Universal’s many characters. Sure you can set a boring alarm, but won’t your family and friends be more impressed if they greet the day with a beloved character?
One of the few remaining Universal bucket list items on my list is the Wantilan Luau every Saturday at the Royal Pacific Hotel. Complete with hula dancers, fire dancers and a roasted pig, this separately ticketed event looks to be a fun experience.
15. Robots, Free Wifi, and Beds So Comfy it Should be a Sin
Wrapping up the things you need to know about staying on site are a few of my favorites:
Cabana Bay Resort actually has a relay robot to deliver things you need. If you need fresh towels or additional shampoo, it may be delivered by their relay robot.
Free wifi in all hotel rooms and public areas. So, download those Netflix movies for the flight or drive home, and feel free to watch your favorite shows while you lounge by the pool because wifi is free with good reception.
Lastly, the beds at all Universal Orlando on site hotels are so comfortable it should be a sin. Seriously, they have wonderful beds at all the hotels. After a full day in the theme parks, this is the cherry on top. Portofino Bay even has pillow top mattresses that are like lying in the clouds. Play hard. Rest hard.
And that’s everything you need to know about staying at Universal Orlando on site hotels to make the most of your Universal adventure. More great info can be found here.
Now you face the bigger decision – which on site hotel will you choose?
Which is your favorite Universal on site hotel? Be sure and let me know!
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