A Complete Guide to Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Benefits

If you are looking for thrills, adventures, and to make memories that will last a lifetime, Universal Orlando Resort might be the place for you.

With a variety of options for Guests of all ages, as well as for families and even couples, Universal Orlando Resort brings to life the movies you saw on the big screen and allows you an opportunity to be immersed in all of the action.

Universal Orlando Resort
Credit: Universal Twitter

Universal Orlando just recently opened the Jurassic World Velocicoaster, a state-of-the-art coaster that is well-deserved of all the hype, and the Resort has promised to continue adding at least one new attraction to its portfolio of Parks each year.

If you’re thinking of planning a vacation and staying at one of the Universal Orlando Resort hotels, here is a complete guide to staying onsite and what you should expect during your stay.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Benefits & Offerings

Where can you stay near Universal Studios Florida?

Universal Orlando Resort offers an extensive array of hotels that have unique themes and something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a value stay, a tropical getaway or a relaxing Italian theme, the Universal Orlando Resorts are close to the Parks and provide special benefits for those who stay onsite at these hotels.

Universal Orlando Resort
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Why a Universal Orlando Resort vacation?

If you’re deciding where to take your family on vacation, Universal Orlando Resort has something for everyone. From the thrill-rider to the adventure-seeker to the person wanting to enjoy the weather and relax, there is a little bit of everything to enjoy. Universal Orlando has three unique Parks– Universal Studios, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay– for Guests to enjoy, as well as a unique night-life attraction in Universal’s CityWalk, which has restaurants, a movie theater, dance clubs, shops, mini-golf, and much more.

universal orlando resort
Credit: Universal

What are the different types of Universal Orlando hotels?

Universal Orlando offers three tiers of Resorts with unique benefits: Value Resorts, Prime Value Resorts, and Preferred Resorts.

The Value Resorts are Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites and Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites.

The Prime Value Resorts are Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

The Preferred Resorts are Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.

Universal Orlando
All Images Credit Universal

Do the Universal Resorts provide shuttles to the Parks?

Yes! All Universal Orlando Resorts provide transportation to the Parks. The type of transportation, however, will depend on where you stay.

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort all offer bus shuttles that run between the Resorts and the Parks, stopping at the bus stop entrance to Universal’s CityWalk.

The Preferred Resorts– Loews Sapphire Resort, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel– have a water taxi that takes Guests directly into Universal’s CityWalk on the water. In addition, Guests who stay at the Preferred Resorts can walk to Universal’s CityWalk if they desire, but the path might be fairly long distances depending on where you stay.

All Resorts also provide shuttle transportation to Universal’s Volcano Bay.

Universal Orlando Water Taxi
Credit: Universal Orlando

What other benefits are included in a Universal Orlando Resort stay?

In addition to transportation, all Universal Orlando Resort Guests have the opportunity to enter the Parks one hour early to enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Guests who stay onsite can also send items that they purchased in the Parks directly to their rooms, which is a great benefit for those who don’t want to carry around merchandise all day.

Finally, Guests who stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel are treated to Universal Express Passes, which allows them to go through the express line on attractions rather than wait in the regular queue.

Universal Express
All photos credit Universal

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites

Here is what Universal Orlando Resort says about Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites:

Unwind in an all-new escape that’s extra-affordable. Inspired by sand, sea and breathtaking sunsets, this retreat has a coastal vibe and comes with all the fun and convenience of staying with Universal—including awesome theme park benefits. With plenty of standard rooms and spacious, two-bedroom suites that sleep six, it’s a great spot for families of any size to base their Universal vacation

A sister hotel, Surfside Inn and Suites, is right across the street, and both hotels are part of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, a vibrant and sunny retreat.

Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

How much does it cost to stay at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites?

Prices start at $91 per night, plus tax, and vary depending on the dates you select.

What amenities are offered at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites?

The Resort has single rooms and suites available. There are two large pools with activities at each pool area, as well as a Universal Studios Store, game room, dining options, fitness center, and Universal Vacation Planning Center.

Dockside Inn
Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

Here’s what Universal Orlando Resort says about Universal’s Endless Sumer Resort-– Surfside Inn and Suites:

This fun, family-oriented Value hotel introduces extra affordability to your Universal vacation. The feeling here is relaxed and easy, with a cool surf vibe woven throughout. In addition to beachy, surf-themed standard rooms, Surfside Inn and Suites features spacious, 2-bedroom suites that sleep up to six, making it the perfect spot for families of any size to experience a Universal Orlando Resort vacation.

A sister hotel, Dockside Inn and Suites, is All New. Both hotels will be part of Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, a vibrant and sunny retreat.

Credit: Universal

How much does it cost to stay at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites?

Prices start at $91 per night, plus tax, and vary depending on the dates you select.

What amenities are offered at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites?

The Resort has single rooms and suites available. There are two large pools with activities at each pool area, as well as a Universal Studios Store, game room, dining options, fitness center, and Universal Vacation Planning Center.

Surfside Inn
Credit: Universal

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

Here is how Universal Orlando describes Universal’s Aventura Hotel:

Universal’s Aventura Hotel is the modern and stylish place to stay. This perfectly priced hotel offers great views of all three Universal Orlando theme parks and is underscored by a design that is vibrant, free-flowing and calming. It’s your chill zone, your party place, your hangout, your refuge. And it’s just plain cool.

A dedicated walking path from Aventura takes you straight to Universal’s Volcano Bay.

aventura
Credit: Universal

How much does it cost to stay at Universal’s Aventura Hotel?

Prices start at $132 per night, plus tax, and vary depending on the dates you select.

What amenities are offered at Universal’s Aventura Hotel?

The Hotel has single rooms and suites available. There is a pool, as well as a Universal Studios Store, game room, fitness center, and dining options. Universal’s Aventura Hotel also has a dedicated walking path to Universal’s Volcano Bay.

aventura
Credit: Universal

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Here is how Universal Orlando describes Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort:

Enjoy vibrant, retro-style with rooms and suites brilliantly designed for fun and affordability. Relax with a splash, surrounded by amazing iconic architecture inspired by classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s. Sample a variety of options in the incredible food court. Every day comes with fun for all ages with two massive pools, a winding river, a bowling alley and more.

cabana bay orlando
Credit: Universal Orlando

How much does it cost to stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort?

Prices start at $132 per night, plus tax, and vary depending on the dates you select.

What amenities does Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort offer?

The Resort has two large pool areas– the Cabana Courtyard And Pool and the Lazy River Courtyard And Pool– as well as its own bowling alley called Galaxy Bowl. Jack LaLanne Physical Fitness Studio, Ace The Arcade, and a Universal Studios Store, and dining options are all onsite at the Resort.

cabana bay
Credit: Universal

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Here is what Universal Orlando says about Loews Sapphire Falls Resort:

From the stone turret in the lobby to the inviting charm of each room and suite, you’re surrounded by a vivid and textured haven that is inspired by landmarks of the islands. Blue waterfalls cascade over lush grounds and in the distance, the calming sounds of steel drums call you to take in the scenic views, ease into island time and let go. Amid the beach area, palm trees and pool you’ll find Caribbean-themed dining options, including a contemporary watering hole offering rare vintage rums.

Universal Sapphire Falls
Credit: Universal

How much does it cost to stay at Loews Sapphire Resort?

Prices start at $181 per night, plus tax, and vary depending on the dates you select.

What amenities does Loews Sapphire Resort offer?

The hotel has a 16,000 square-foot pool with plenty of poolside activities, fitness center, game room, walking paths, Universal Studios Store, and the all-new Rum Dinner.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Here is how Universal Orlando describes Loews Royal Pacific Resort:

Get swept away to a place filled with tropical wonders, exotic food and carefree fun. A sparkling lagoon-style pool surrounded by a white sand beach and palms invites you to escape. Delectably innovative food and drinks delight every palate. Mingle in a laid-back lounge in Polynesian paradise. Curl up in the comfort of your elegant island room or suite.

Enter this tranquil South Seas retreat, leave the rest of the world behind and unwind with all the benefits of being a Universal Orlando hotel guest, including free Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure (valid theme park admission required).

royal pacific hotel
Credit: Universal

Related: Loews Royal Pacific Resort Unveils New Jurrasic Worlds Kids Suite

How much does it cost to stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort?

Prices start at $262 per night, plus tax, and vary depending on the dates you select.

What amenities does Loews Royal Pacific Resort offer?

Loews Royal Pacific Resort has a Lagoon-style Pool, a fitness center, game room, walking paths, Island Shops, and several restaurants that make Guests feel like they are on their very own island getaway. Royal Pacific offers Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular line at participating attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Credit: Universal

Hard Rock Hotel

Here is how Universal Orlando describes Hard Rock Hotel:

Live like a rock star and savor the perks of rock ‘n’ roll royalty with impeccable surroundings, posh laid-back style and show-stopping service. Supremely talented chefs offer culinary nirvana from a famed steakhouse to delicious American classic cuisine. The California mission-style design—inspired by classic rock music—welcomes you to escape to a sensational world with a palm-lined swimming pool featuring underwater music, rock memorabilia and recreation featuring live music—including some famous names.

Your stay here rocks even more, because you get all the exclusive benefits of staying in Universal Orlando, including free Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure (valid theme park admission required).

hard rock universal orlando hotel room
Credit: Universal Orlando

How much does it cost to stay at Hard Rock Hotel?

Prices start at $298 per night, plus tax, and vary depending on the dates you select.

What amenities does Hard Rock Hotel offer?

A pool with a waterslide, tunes that you can hear underwater, poolside games, a game room, fitness center, walking paths, shops, restaurants, and a unique bar can all be found in Hard Rock Hotel. Guests staying will also enjoy rare Music Memorabilia from some of the greatest rock artists of all-time, as well as Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure (valid theme park admission required).

Hard Rock Hotel
Credit: Universal

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Here is how Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is described by Universal Orlando:

Relax in surroundings inspired by the beauty, romance and charm of the picturesque seaside village of Portofino, Italy. Wonderfully appointed rooms and suites welcome families home each day. Tempting outdoor cafes and shops dot the piazza around a serene harbor. Three enticing pools offer every level of relaxation. Incredible restaurants tempt every palate with flavorful culinary tours of Italy.

Guests of the hotel also enjoy exclusive Universal Orlando Resort benefits, including free Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure (valid theme park admission required). Nothing could be sweeter.

portofino bay orlando
Credit: Universal Orlando

How much does it cost to stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel?

Prices start at $312 per night, plus tax, and vary depending on the dates you select.

What amenities does Loews Portofino Bay Hotel offer?

With three pools, including The Beach Pool with a waterslide, as well as a game room, shops, personalized spa care, fitness, walking paths, and Musica della Notte (live performers), and several uniquely-themed restaurants, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is the ultimate getaway for both couples and families looking to “live in luxury” while staying at Universal Orlando Resort.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Credit: Universal

Of course, Portofino also Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure (valid theme park admission required).

Below is a full list of all of the attractions at Universal Orlando Resort!

Universal Studios Florida Rides

  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Rides
  • Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
  • Transformers 4D: The Ride
  • Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
  • Revenge of the Mummy
  • Fast and the Furious Ride
  • Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone
  • Woody Woodpecker Nuthouse Coaster
  • E.T. Adventure
  • The Simpson’s Ride
  • Kang & Kudos Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
  • Men In Black Alien Attack
  • Escape from Gringotts in Diagon Alley
  • Hogwarts Express

Universal Studios Orlando – Islands of Adventure Rides

  • Flight of the Hippogriff
  • Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
  • Pteranodon Flyers
  • Jurassic Park River Adventure Ride
  • Jurassic World VelociCoaster
  • Cat in the Hat Ride
  • High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train
  • Caro-Seuss-El
  • One fish, Two fish, Red fish, Blue Fish
  • Doom’s Fearfall
  • Incredible Hulk Coaster
  • Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
  • Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-rat Barges
  • Dudley Do-Right Ripsaw Falls
  • Skull Island: Reign of Kong

With all of this knowledge, how could you not want to book a stay at Universal today!

Will you be staying at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel in the future? Let us know in the comments.