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Explore Best Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort is one of the "big two" theme parks for a good reason. They offer incredible theme parks, three magnificent themed on-site resorts, and an entire universe of excitement for visitors of all ages. Universal Orlando is one of the most frequently visited resorts in the world, with an annual attendance of over 21 million. 

The Parks 

They offer three exciting parks with cutting-edge rides and plenty of imagination to go around. Epic experiences, thrilling rides, great entertainment, and a whole lot more await in Universal Orlando. You'll see some of your favorite iconic movie and TV characters, visit imaginary lands and have a splash fest. The three parks of Universal are Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay, Universal's water theme park. Each park has a different appeal, but all are fun and exciting. 

Universal Studios is based on movies and TV shows, whereas Islands of Adventure is full of fantasy and thrill rides. If you're a fan of movies and pop culture and enjoy a milder experience when it comes to rides, Universal Studios may be for you. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter covers both parks. Universal Studios has Diagon Alley and Escape from Gringotts. 

Visit Production Central and enjoy TRANSFORMERS:TheRide -3D for a thrilling ride that puts you on the frontline of an intergalactic war. Check out the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and then see what's happening on the Music Plaza Stage. Other attractions are Revenge of the Mummy, The Blues Brother Show, and Fast& Furious. Don't miss MEN IN BLACK or Fear Factor. There's lots to see as well as lots of good shopping and plenty of places to eat. 

Islands of Adventure is all about fantasy. It is divided into several different areas, including The Port Of Entry, Seuss Landing, Toon Lagoon, Skull Island, Jurassic Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Marvel Superhero Island. Visit Skull Island and Jurassic Park. One of the top attractions is Jurassic Park River Adventure, where you'll set out on a water cruise when you are bumped off course and hurled into the restricted area of Jurassic Park. T.rex will threaten, and you'll face an 80-foot drop. Don't miss Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, where you'll fly deep into the Forbidden Forest and enjoy a thrilling rollercoaster ride. Read more about Islands of Adventure vs. Universal Studio

Jurassic World VelociCoaster - June 2021- Get ready for Universal's newest and most thrilling ride opening in early June 2021. This new kind of rollercoaster will speed you through the jungle, high above the land where you'll speed through the raptor paddock—race along with the predators, twisting and turning as you go. Be one of the early visitors to try this fantastic ride. 

Volcano Bay - Universal's Volcano Bay Water Theme Park features lots of water surrounding a volcano with scary serpentine water slides, a winding river, a wave pool, and lounge chairs. This is the perfect place for some splashing fun and a cool break at this South Seas oasis. Rent a cabana, and relax and unwind for a while. Top attractions are the Krakatau Aqua Coaster and Waturi Beach, where you can enjoy the sand and the lagoon.

families enjoying amenities at Villatel Village in Orlando FL

The Resorts

Staying in the heart of the action and enjoying the special resort and park perks is always great! Guests of any Universal Orlando Resort Hotels enjoy a bundle of benefits. You'll stroll into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal's Volcano Bay an hour earlier than other guests with your Early Park Admission as long as you have a valid theme park admission.

You'll enjoy free water taxies and shuttles for quick and fun transport from your Universal hotel to the parks. Most parks and hotels are connected with paths, making it an excellent opportunity for a stroll or a jog. 

Charge your dining and shopping purchases to your resort without your room key card--- and shop without carrying your merch. There is a free delivery service from their shops to your Universal hotel. 

Enjoy complimentary club-to-club access to select City Walk venues when you show your room key. And don't forget the exclusive Universal wake-up call daily. 

Guests of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort enjoy additional perks. Skip the line with FREE Universal Express Unlimited ride access at Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure if you have a valid admission ticket. 

Get priority seating at many Universal Orlando restaurants for guests of these premier hotels.

Universal has eight great hotels, representing several price points. The newest Universal Orlando Hotel is Universal's Endless Summer Resort- Dockside Inn and Suites. This affordable and family-friendly Value hotel conjures up a calm, coastal stay and offers standard rooms and two-bedroom suites at a very reasonable price point. 

Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn and Suites offers beach-themed rooms and is a great family spot. 

Upgrade to a Prime Value Hotel at Universal's Aventura Hotel with great views of the theme parks and additional amenities. Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort sports retro-style rooms and unique architecture inspired by classic Florida resorts. They have two huge pools, a winding lazy river bowling alley, and more. 

Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort is a tropical paradise with cascading waterfalls, lush grounds, and the sounds of steel drums in the distance. Get into island time and enjoy. Enjoy the exploration of the ruins, passageways, and pools. 

Loews Royal Pacific, a Premier hotel, creates a luxurious South Seas vibe and offers exceptional amenities like a lagoon-style pool, surrounded by a white sand beach and swaying palms. Jump into the luau and enjoy some incredible food and libations. 

Hard Rock Hotel, another Premier hotel, lets you party like a rock star. The accommodations are luxurious in this California mansion-style resort. The pools feature underwater music, the iconic rock memorabilia is everywhere, and get ready for live music. 

Finally, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel brings you to the seaside village of Portofino, Italy. Enjoy amazing pools, fabulous food, and amenities. It is located bayside, right on the grounds of Universal Orlando and as close as you can get to the thrills of the parks. Enjoy the cobblestone streets and towering Cypress trees, just like in Italy. After the theme parks, enjoy an espresso or gelato in the Harbor Piazza as you listen to live music. 

Many of the hotels offer fully supervised Kids Camps complete with games and activities the kids will love so you can have that adult night out.

bowling alley at Villatel Orlando vacation rentals

 

The Entertainment

You'll enjoy entertainment throughout the parks and hotels, but the entertainment and shopping district is Universal CityWalk. Universal CityWalk is a hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Admission is free all day and night, and after 6 pm, the parking is free. You'll find an array of restaurants from Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and many more. There is plenty to do, like taking the stage for karaoke, playing a round of mini-golf, or taking in the entertainment. You may catch a live show or dance the night away at one of several hot spots. 

Universal Orlando Tips and Tricks

  • Save up to $20 off the gate price on multi-day tickets when you buy online. There is also special Florida resident pricing available that can save you up to 20% on Multi-Day Tickets. This Florida special offer is not available at the gate, and there are restrictions to the discount. 
  • Check out TapuTapu. Use this app to hold your place in virtual lines, unlock interactive surprises, and make cashless payments.
  • Wondering about The Best Time to Visit Universal?  We’ve got you covered. 
  • Add the Universal Express access to your theme park admission and skip the regular lines at your favorite attractions and rides. If you are visting the parks on peak days or seasons, we highly recommend this. For $69 per person, you can skip the regular lines one time per participating ride. Universal Express Unlimited lets you skip the line an unlimited number of times at participating rides for $80 per person. Remember, Express is included free when you stay at a Universal Premier category hotel. Volcano Bay Express lets you skip the virtual line one time per participating ride for $19.99

When it comes to excitement and thrills in Orlando Universal has it all!