The Resorts of Universal Orlando Resort
The Resorts of Universal Orlando Resort
Rita M. Perez
Universal Orlando has 4 different types of resorts: Premier, Preferred, Prime Value, and Value. Premier Resorts have the most value and amenities onsite, including having Express Passes included on any theme park tickets purchased.
Express Passes give you access to skip the regular waiting lines for attractions inside the parks.
Premier Resorts also get priority seating at select restaurants throughout the resort.
Other benefits that all the resorts receive include early park entry, transportation to the parks (water taxis, shuttles, or walking paths), ability to charge purchases with your room key, and. merchandise delivery from the parks to your hotel room.
This guide includes some personal insights from being or staying at the resorts, including GF eating options--enjoy!
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Premier Resorts
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
@ritaventures
Inspired by the Italian seaside village, the Portofino is a premier resort at UOR. Beautiful resort and feels very authentic. Rooms are spacious.
Sal's Market Deli has delicious GF pizza that you can customize with toppings.
Trattoria del Porto also had really great GF options for breakfast.
This is a premier resort which means that you don't have to add Express Passes separate-they're automatically included with the park tickets package you may have for staying at these resorts.
I also love staying at premier resorts because you can take a little water taxi to get to the entrances of the theme parks.
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Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
@ritaventures
Inspired by the spirit of the South Pacific, the Royal Pacific is a premier resort at UOR. Beautiful resort with an authentic feel and vibe.
Jake's American Bar has some great GF options.
The Royal Pacific is within walking distance of Aventura and Sapphire Falls for more exploration and meal options.
Cell phone reception in the lobby can be a bit spotty.
This is a premier resort which means that you don't have to add Express Passes separate-they're automatically included with the park tickets package you may have for staying at these resorts.
I also love staying at premier resorts because you can take a little water taxi to get to the entrances of the theme parks.
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Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
@ritaventures
It should come as no surprise that this resort is inspired by rock and roll mansions. It is a premier resort at UOR, and if you dive down into the pool, you'll hear music being played in the water.
Had a delicious meal at The Palm and they were able to accommodate for my GF needs.
I actually found the Hard Rock to be not well lit and a little plain compared to the Portofino and Royal Pacific.
This is a premier resort which means that you don't have to add Express Passes separate-they're automatically included with the park tickets package you may have for staying at these resorts.
I also love staying at premier resorts because you can take a little water taxi to get to the entrances of the theme parks.
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Preferred Resort
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
@ritaventures
This is a preferred resort at UOR and probably the first one that took my breath away. The lobby is grand, but even grander is the amazing pool area, as well as the "lagoon" where the water taxi landing is.
Absolutely loved the Amatista Cookhouse. Great GF options, and they have an outdoor eating area with a spectacular view if the weather is right.
Wasn't too impressed with the "food court", New Dutch Trading Co., as there were very little GF options, but I was able to find some things to eat.
While not a premier resort, it does still have a water taxi to get to the entrances of the theme parks, and has a walking path to Volcano Bay.
Aventura is literally across the street, as well.
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Prime Value Resorts
Universal's Aventura Hotel
@ritaventures
This is a prime value resort is very techy and modern compared to the other UOR resorts.
It is not directly on the water, but because it is literally across the street from Sapphire Falls, I'm pretty sure you could just walk through the hotel and jump on the water taxi.
(Can you tell the water taxis are one of my favorite features? :) )
Aventura also has the same walking path to Volcano Bay, as Sapphire Falls.
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Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort
@ritaventures
Cabana Bay is a very mod and retro, prime value resort at UOR.
Great views of Volcano Bay water park from here, and there's also a bowling alley onsite.
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Value Resorts
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
@ritaventures
As a value resort, the Endless Summer Resorts are the furthest away from the UOR theme parks.
The Surfside Resort does in fact have a surfboard pool, and has a lot of blue-toned themes around the resort.
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Universal’s Dockside Inn and Suites
@ritaventures
As a value resort, the Endless Summer Resorts are the furthest away from the UOR theme parks.
The Dockside Resort has a lot of yellow/orange-toned themes around the resort.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rita M. Perez
Native Orlandoan with Puerto Rican Roots
Autoimmune Warrior - GF, DF
Travel Entrepreneur since 2010; Travel Content Creator since 2018
Fan of Fun Spooky, Puzzles, Theme Parks, and Cruises
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