When visiting Universal Orlando Resort, is it better to stay at an on-property resort or off? While both may work well for your traveling needs, you may want to consider staying onsite for the hefty benefits. From freebies to transportation, here are nine Universal Orlando hotel benefits and perks.
For past trips to Universal Orlando Resort (UOR), I have stayed both on property and off. Yes, I had my own vehicle so driving to the parks wasn’t a problem. But, if given the choice (and budget) to do either, I’ll choose staying onsite every time.
Yes, it may cost more for the hotel per night, but add in the onsite perks and I’m sold. Here are the best reasons to stay at a Universal Orlando Hotel.
Free Transportation to and from Theme Parks
If I’ve been walking around a theme park for 12 hours, day after day, the last thing I want to do is drive back to the hotel myself. Happily, Universal Orlando Resort hotels offer free transportation from both parks and CityWalk.
For guests staying at Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal’s Adventura Hotel, complimentary bus transportation is provided. You’ll have to walk through the parking garage entrance to the lower level, but I’ve honestly never waited more than a couple of minutes for a bus.
There are also water taxis for the following UOR properties:
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Water taxies are a leisurely way to get to and from the hotels and resorts. Kids also dig them so consider it an attraction in itself.
Universal Orlando Hotel Benefits: Theme Park Early Entry
For guests staying at the onsite UOR hotels, guests can take advantage of one hour early entry to Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas. Which area varies month-to-month, but no matter which, it’s a top perk for this HP-loving family.
Of course, if you want to see both Hogsmeade and Diagon alley on the same day (and ride the Hogwarts Express, you’ll need a park-to-park ticket to do it.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter: all your questions answered.
Complimentary Express Passes
Consider the price of a Universal Express Pass. UOR averages the price of $89 per person/day. Now, add that up, especially if you have four or five in your hotel or resort room.
Here’s the catch: the benefit is only available to guests staying at the following properties from Loews:
- Portofino Bay Hotel
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Royal Pacific Hotel
Yes, each is a higher tier than, say, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, but if you were planning on buying them anyway, do the math and see if it benefits you. During peak times of year, the rooms will cost more but you’ll be waiting in the standby queues longer.
Universal Orlando Hotel Benefits: Free Wifi
Look, at this point in time most hotels and resorts do offer complimentary wifi. But, it’s still . worth mentioning. We just stayed at Cabana Bay and the wifi was excellent.
Need all the free? Here’s a list of the best free things at Universal Orlando Resort.
Restaurant Priority Seating
Again, here’s where staying at a Premiere Hotel will get you an additional perk. Show your hotel room card for the following hotels and you’ll get priority seating for sit-down style, on-property restaurants:
- Portofino Bay Hotel
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Royal Pacific Hotel
This perk works well if you don’t have an existing reservation or forgot to make one.
Universal Hotel Benefits: Free Garage Parking
We generally drive to the Orlando area, so having the option of free parking in the main garage is cool. Again, UOR transportation works very well, but it is nice to have just in case.
Universal Orlando Hotel Benefits: Charging Privileges
When you check in to your onsite hotel or resort, link a credit card to the room and you’ll have charging privileges for dining.
Also, guests can enjoy complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort sent back to your hotel, too.
Free Shuttle to SeaWorld
This perk is a little unexpected, but on-property guests can receive free shuttle transportation to SeaWorld and Aquatica. Check with the front desk for pick-up times and locations if you’re planning a visit to either property.
Universal Orlando Hotel Benefits: Pool Hopping
Have you ever stayed at one UOR property but wanted to check out the pool at another? Not a problem. Onsite guests can pool hop to other resort and hotel pools.
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