Universal Orlando Resort is known for action and thrills, but did you know that they also have 8 amazing resorts you can stay at, right in the middle of the action? Plus all guests staying at onsite resorts get Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one-hour before the parks open, whether you’re staying in one of the most luxurious rooms onsite at a Premier Resort, or staying in a family-suite at one of the budget-conscious Endless Summer Resorts in the Value category.  When you shop in the parks, guests at any of the onsite resorts can send the packages back to your resort so you don’t have to carry around your purchases all day.  

With theming and room types to suit all groups and budgets, there’s a resort for everyone at Universal Orlando Resort. How would you like to stay in an Italian fishing village? Or maybe you’d prefer to stay somewhere where the latest technology is? When you visit Universal Orlando Resort, these are just two of the several amazing resort options you’ll have to pick from… let’s check them all out!

Universal Orlando Premier Resorts

When you stay at one of the three Premier Resorts, you’ll get a few added perks that you won’t receive at the other resorts onsite. The biggest benefit to staying is having access to the Unlimited Express Pass which allows you to bypass the regular line at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.  Another advantage to staying at a Premier Resort is the proximity of these resorts to all that Universal Orlando has to offer.  They are within walking distance and have a water taxi that drops you off in CityWalk near the gates of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

For an extra perk, stay in a club level room at a Premier Resort for complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon snacks, hot and cold Hors d’oeuvres, coffee, water, and soft drinks and more!

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Want to come back to a relaxing Italian fishing village after a day at the parks?  Portofino Bay will be just the place to come back after a fun packed day at the parks. This resort will make you feel like you’re actually spending time in Portofino, Italy with sports cars, Vespas, outdoor cafes and shops on the breathtaking piazza.  Portofino Bay has 3 separate pools to choose from; you can have your choice of lively or calming pools, depending on your mood.  There are 9 different restaurant options to choose from including one serving gelato to help enhance your Italian experience. For a unique experience to treat the kids while still enjoying the Premier Resort experience, you can book a Minion-themed kid suite. 

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Immerse yourself in a Polynesian paradise when you stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.  From the recently updated lobby to the island themed rooms, you’ll feel like you are actually in the South Sea.  Royal Pacific has 5 different restaurants to choose from that will offer a variety of food to enjoy including a market to grab your food on the go.  The pool has cabanas to rent for a day if you’re looking for something different on your day off from the parks.  The pool area has a stationary boat with a fun splash area for families to enjoy. The pool area at this resort does not have a slide.  

Hard Rock Hotel

Stay where the rock stars stay and live like royalty.  At Hard Rock Hotel, you can feel like a rock star with great service and memorabilia all over the place.  The theming even extends to the pool where you can listen to the tunes underwater while you swim.  The pool offers cabana rentals to relax and recharge in during the day and has a slide for the kids (and you!) to enjoy.  Hard Rock has 5 great options for dining including The Kitchen which you will not want to miss;  The desserts here are some of the best!  Hard Rock Hotel is the closest of all of the resorts to the parks.  It’s about a 5-10 minute walk to the entrance of Universal Studios Florida.

Preferred Resort

This level currently has only one resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Hotel.  A short walk from Royal Pacific, Sapphire Falls also has water taxis as a perk for staying here.  Another perk is you won’t need to worry about hopping on a shuttle to get to Volcano Bay — you’ll be able to walk there in just a few minutes.

Loews Sapphire Falls Hotel

Step foot into the Carribean while staying at Loews Sapphire Falls Hotel. From the moment you enter the lobby, you feel like you are walking into a Carribean island ready to relax and recharge. Beginning May 19, this hotel will be open to guests again. Here, you can spend a day at the 16,000 square foot pool. This pool has a water slide, cabanas to rent and a sandy beach to enjoy. There are four different restaurants at Sapphire Falls, including Strong Water Tavern which serves rare vintage rums. 

Prime Value 

Does the thought of being able to walk to an amazing water park sound like something that would peak your interest? When you stay at a Prime Value Resort, you won’t need to worry about hopping on a shuttle to get to Volcano Bay — you’ll be able to walk there in just a few minutes. From these resorts, you will be able to grab a shuttle to CityWalk where you can shop, eat, and enter Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Take a step back in time to the 1950s and 60s at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort. There are many different activities to do at this resort, from bowling to picking time at your favorite pool, there’s enough for everyone to enjoy. There are two different pool experiences you can choose from, the lazy river and the Cabana Courtyard. The Cabana Courtyard pool Sihas a slide to enjoy and cabanas you can rent for the day. At Cabana Bay, there are six different restaurants, but the star of the show is Bayliner Diner where there is something for everyone. 

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Experience all the latest technology at the Aventura Hotel. Starting on July 1st when it reopens, take a look at the amazing views this resort has to offer of all three of the Universal Orlando theme parks. Aventura Hotel has four different dining experiences including Bar 17 Bistro which boasts amazing views from the rooftop of the hotel. This modern resort may be more suited for older kids and adults and has the smallest pool on property. It does however offer a small splash pad for younger children. 

Value Resorts

Looking for a little extra space on a smaller budget? Staying at one of the two hotels within the Value Resort category can accommodate families with up to 6 people without breaking the bank. And you’ll still have the complimentary shuttle around Universal Orlando Resort and Early Park Admission to get you into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter one-hour before the parks open. 

Endless Summer- Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites

If you love the water and a good deal, these resorts will be a perfect fit for you. Surfside is a smaller surf-style resort, while Dockside is a larger beach-themed resort. At Dockside, you can find two different pools, a children’s play area, and beaches. Surfside has one surfboard-shaped pool. The biggest benefit of these resorts is the two-bedroom family suites. They offer one room for the parents, a mini kitchen with a picnic table to eat at, and two other queen beds for the kids. They each offer one main quick service restaurant, pool bars and pizza delivery. An added bonus at Surfside is the amazing view of the lake. Surfside is set to re-open on May 4.    

Want to learn more about the resorts? Come join my Universal Groups on Facebook:

Portofino Bay: https://www.facebook.com/groups/universalportofinobayfans

Royal Pacific: https://www.facebook.com/groups/royalpacificfans

Hard Rock: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hardrockorlandofans

Sapphire Falls: https://www.facebook.com/groups/universalsapphirefallsfans

Cabana Bay: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cabanabayfans

Aventura: https://www.facebook.com/groups/universalaventurafans

Endless Summer Resorts: https://www.facebook.com/groups/endlesssumerresortfans

Kelly VanEerden

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