Universal Orlando: Time is Money

Universal Orlando is about to get even more energizing, with the opening of Epic Universe theme park in 2025.

We talk a lot about the perks of staying on property at Walt Disney World, but those principles are the same reasons we always aim to book onsite when visiting Universal Orlando.

Universal Orlando is made up of eight resorts and three parks – soon to be four with the opening of Epic Universe in 2025 – along with a lively downtown destination for dining, shopping and entertainment at CityWalk.

As you might expect, Universal Orlando resorts are carefully thought out and designed to transport guests to destinations outside of their everyday. From a seaside escape at Endless Summer, to the retro Cabana Bay or the Caribbean paradise at Loews Sapphire Falls, these resorts turn up the volume from other chain hotels in the area.

When you choose a Premier hotel, you have the potential to bring your Universal Orlando vacation to an entirely new level. Check into your own South Seas oasis at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, earn celebrity status at the Hard Rock Hotel, or breathe in the Italian charm of Loews Portofino Bay.

Not only are these hotels more luxurious and immersive, they come with perks that can save you both time and money.

Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel will put you right next to the action of Universal Studios and CityWalk.

Premier hotel guests are treated to a free Universal Express Unlimited pass with their stay, letting them skip the regular lines at most rides and attractions across Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Not only is this a huge perk to save your sanity of having to wait in long lines, but it’s also a hefty value that you don’t have to factor in on top of your resort and park tickets. If you were to purchase the Universal Express Unlimited pass on your own, it could run up to a few hundred dollars extra, per person, per day. Since price varies based on dates and availability, having this benefit built right into the cost of your hotel stay is a weight off of your mind and your wallet.

Getting past the lines is one thing, getting extra time in the parks is an even bigger perk. Staying at one of the three Premier hotels grants you early access to parks, like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Getting through the gates early means you can get must-do rides off of your list before other guests even get into the parks. You’ll spend less time waiting, have more time to enjoy the rides, and fewer parkgoers to navigate around while you experience the attractions for yourself.

Every time you get to skip the line with your complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Pass, you’re stretching the value of your park ticket that much more.

Onsite hotel guests all have the option to hop on a complimentary bus to get to and from the Universal parks, leveling-up to a Premier resort gets you that much closer to the action.

Loews Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Portofino Bay are nearer to park gates, and are all along the water taxi line to get to Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios and CityWalk. In some cases, you may even be able to walk to your destination.

The time spent getting to and from the Universal Orlando parks and resorts is just as important to factor in, because that’s extra time you could have on the hottest rides and attractions, tasting your way around the parks, or relaxing poolside.

At Magical Vacations Travel, we know how valuable your time is, especially when it comes to your vacation days. The next time you’re imagining a Universal Orlando getaway, don’t forget how the perks of staying onsite – especially at a Premier resort – can take your experience from memorable, to absolutely unforgettable.