Universal Orlando’s On-Site Hotels: How to Get Free Express Pass

There are many perks to staying on site when you visit Universal Orlando Resort. Only Universal Orlando’s hotel guests get more ride time, more free time and more family time every day of their vacation. The unique collection of hotels makes it easy to experience all the best of Universal, every moment of the day.

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The Perks of Staying On Site

Universal Orlando guests staying on site are eligible for perks due to their hotel accommodations.

Here are the extra benefits you will receive for staying on site when you visit Universal Orlando:

• Easy walking distance to the parks using the CityWalk pathway.
• One hour early entrance into the theme parks.
• Guests staying at select on-site hotels can skip the regular lines at the most popular attractions with free Universal Express Unlimited to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Island of Adventure.
• Complimentary transportation to the theme parks using the scenic water taxi or bus.
• Room-key purchasing and complimentary hotel delivery of purchases.
• Character wake up calls from characters such as the Grinch, Spider Man, Optimus Prime, etc.

I wrote even more about weighing the pros and cons of on-site in our Universal Orlando planning guide.

And along with the general perks and benefits, the hotels on-site offered through Universal Orlando offer themed pool areas and rooms. Staying on-site is another way to make your vacation even more magical.

So with that being said, here are your five main hotel options for staying on-site at Universal Orlando!

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

The Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Orlando is the place to stay if you want to enjoy retro-styled rooms inspired by the classic Florida beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s.

The Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Hotel features many exclusive amenities such as:

• The Cabana Courtyard features its own pool, a dive tower-themed water slide, the poolside Atomic Tonic bar, cabanas for rent, shaded picnic tables and a large fire pit.
• The Lazy River Courtyard is another sparkling swimming pool that features a winding river, sand beach, the poolside Hideaway Bar & Grill, two fire pits and plenty of outdoor seating perfect for relaxing.
• Galaxy Bowl is the hotel’s very own bowling alley featuring ten lanes of ten-pin action on the second floor of the lobby building with a full restaurant and bar.
• Character appearances in the lobby on Friday evenings.
• Fitness center.
• Arcade.
• On-site Children’s Activity Centers.

Universal’s Aventura Hotel

This is Universal Orlando’s newest hotel addition. At the time of this post, Universal Orlando is offering a $50 dining credit when you stay 4 nights or longer. The Universal’s Aventura Hotel at Universal Orlando is the place to stay if you want be close to Volcano Bay and enjoy simplified ‘cool and chill’ vibes.

The Universal’s Aventura Hotel features many exclusive amenities such as:

• The pool, a splash zone for kids and a fire pit provide for plenty of chill time after a day in the parks.
• Bar 17 Bistro offers views of all the Orlando theme parks on the rooftop of Universal’s Aventura Hotel, is a breezy retreat from late afternoon well into the night.
• Fitness center.
• On-site Children’s Activity Centers.

They also offer kids suites! This 575 square foot room sleeps 5 and features a special interior area for the kids that includes two twin beds.

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

The Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando is the place to stay if you want to feel transported to an Island paradise with blue waterfalls and lush greenery.

The Loews Sapphire Falls Resort features many exclusive amenities such as:

• The island themed pool features a sand beach spells, the hot tub, cabanas (for rent), water slide, children’s play area, fire pit and more.
• Lively dinner celebration filled with Caribbean flair. Enjoy authentic food, songs and dances inspired by the islands of the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad.
• Fitness facility.
• Arcade.
• On-site Children’s Activity Centers.

Choose a Kids Suite for the little ones, a spacious King or Sapphire Suite for more room, a grand Hospitality Suite for entertaining, or the Presidential Suite to live like Caribbean royalty.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort

The Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando is the perfect family friendly place to stay if you want to feel like you’re staying in a Polynesian paradise.

The Loews Royal Pacific Resort features many exclusive amenities such as:

• Free Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular lines at most popular rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and now The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Priority seating at select restaurants throughout Universal Orlando Resort.
• Lagoon Style Swimming Pool is a palm tree-lined pool area featuring two hot tubs, a beach volleyball court and the impressive Royal Bali Sea interactive water play area for children. Also offers private cabana rental options.
• Fitness facility.
• Arcade.
• Torch lighting ceremonies nightly featuring the “oli aloha” welcoming chant, a fire dancer and more.

Hard Rock Hotel

The Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando is the place to stay if you want to feel like a rock star.

The Hard Rock Hotel Orlando features many exclusive amenities such as:

• Free Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular lines at most popular rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and now The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Priority seating at select restaurants throughout Universal Orlando Resort.
• Rent a fender guitar.
• Personalize a playlist for your stay.
• Themed pool featuring an  underwater sound system, 260-foot slide, two hot tubs, real sand beach and volleyball court. Plus, poolside service and live music from beachclub and more.
• Wax is part of the Hard Rock’s music amenity program, offering a Crosley turntable and your choice of 10 iconic records to tune in to and experience.
• Explore rare rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia from the Hard Rock’s priceless collection including  Elvis’ pajamas, John Lennon’s suit, Paul McCartney’s guitar, Lady GaGa’s leather outfit, Rihanna’s bodysuit and more.
• On-site Children’s Activity Centers.
• Arcade.
• Themed rock and roll fitness rooms, programs, and more.
• Rock-n-roll luxury suites.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is the place to stay if you want to feel like you’re staying at the picturesque seaside village of Portofino, Italy.

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel features many exclusive amenities such as:

• Free Universal Express Unlimited to skip the regular lines at most popular rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and now The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• Priority seating at select restaurants throughout Universal Orlando Resort.
• The Beach Pool featuring Roman aqueduct-themed water slide, a sandy beach, adjacent children’s pool, two Jacuzzis and three colorful beach cabanas.
• The Villa Pool featuring private cabana rentals and upgraded lounge chairs. The cabanas include a ceiling fan, refrigerator, phone and plasma TV.
• The Hillside Pool featuring a bit more privacy for a quiet place to relax by the water.
• Complimentary showcase of classic opera and “popera” favorites sung by talented performers at the Harbor Piazza each evening at sunset.
• Spa care and fitness amenities.
• Arcade.
• On-site Children’s Activity Centers.

Luxury suites include Despicable Me Kids Suites, Parlor Suites, and the incredible Governatore and Presidente Suites.

Plan Your Universal Orlando Vacation Today!

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You can discover more about planning your trip from these links:

• Walt Disney World Cheap Food Guide
• Discount Walt Disney World Tickets
• Walt Disney World Character Guide
• Guide to Epcot Food and Wine Festival
• Guide to Walt Disney World Transportation