Universal Orlando Resort Archives

Save Money at Universal Orlando Resort

February 5, 2025 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

With a brand new park opening later this year, many people may be wondering how to save money at Universal Orlando Resort. So, I thought I would share a few of my favorite tips to help people out.

Save Money at Universal Orlando

Visiting any theme park can be expensive. I actually wrote a general how to spend less at theme parks post a while back. This post will focus on Universal Orlando Resort exclusively as there are little things you can do to save money on your trip, if you are willing to do some research and math. Here are some ways that I have saved money on a trip as well as a few ways I’ve heard of but haven’t actually done.

Save with Packages

Package deals – Universal almost always has some sort of promo that involves booking a room and ticket package with them directly. Sometimes, you can save a good bit of money with these packages. However, you have to pay attention to the details. If you were only planning to visit for a few days and the deal involves staying longer, then it’s probably not saving you any money. Also, a longer ticket means more nights in the hotel. Do the math before booking!
Special Offers – Similar to my save at Disney World post, I’m going to encourage you to keep an eye on the special offers page on the UO site. They drop new promos pretty consistently. However, you once again need to do the math on them before booking as they typically require a minimum number of nights.

Ticket Deals

Xfinity ticket deals – Xfinity/Comcast customers can sometimes get a deal on theme park tickets. I actually purchased tickets through them for a trip back in the fall, but had to cancel due to a hurricane. UO was able to cancel and refund my tickets directly, which was very useful.
Third party ticket deals – I’ve never actually purchased tickets from an outside vendor, however I’ve heard you can save a good bit. Personally, I would rather spend a few dollars extra for the piece of mind that I can call UO directly if I encounter a problem (like a hurricane) rather than dealing with the customer service of an outside entity that may not be as understanding.
Annual Pass – An annual pass would grant your admission to the parks for a year. It would also give you access to special hotel discounts. However, you would need to do the math to see if you are visiting enough days to come out ahead.

Save on Hotels

Third party hotel deals – Again, I’ve never actually done this. However, you can book Universal hotels on third party hotel sites. I’m not sure that you save much doing this, but it can be done. Again, I prefer the cancellation policies at Universal and prefer to deal with them directly.
Stay off-site – I’ve never visited Universal when I wasn’t staying on-site. However, I know lots of people like to rent a house or stay off-site to save money. Keep in mind you would also need to budget for transportation to/from the parks or parking and a rental car. Also, pay attention to cancellation policies, especially during hurricane season.

Save on Food and Merch

Food and beverage card promos – In the past, my mom and I have purchased a food and beverage gift card at Mardi Gras that was on a discount. So, it was like getting an extra discount on food.
Annual Pass – Currently, the two most expensive tiers of annual passes get you a discount on food and merch.
Buy souvenirs early – You can find regular IP (Marvel, Harry Potter, etc.) shirts on Amazon or at your local stores for much cheaper than you can in the parks.

How do you save money at Universal?

These are the ways I have either personally used to save money or have heard of others using to save money at Universal Orlando. Did I miss any? How do you save?

Universal Orlando Seasonal Events Guide

January 15, 2025 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Given that it’s a new year, I thought I would do a post highlighting the various Universal Orlando Seasonal Events that you can experience!

Universal Orlando Seasonal Events

Like most theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort tries to have something new and exciting happening in the parks pretty regularly. However, the seasonal events at UO are like no other. In fact, I firmly believe that the seasonal events is where they really shine. Everything they do is top-notch and some of the best you will encounter.

The seasonal events kick-off with Mardi Gras in early February. Then, they sometimes host some fun activities during the summer. Fall has the beloved Halloween Horror Nights. Finally, there’s the Holidays at Universal Orlando. So, here’s a look at each one of those events.

Mardi Gras

Universal Studios Florida has the best Mardi Gras event that I’ve ever experienced! In fact, I wrote a whole Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Guide a few years ago that’s still relevant. They have an amazing parade that has several classic floats and they update it each year with several new themed floats! It’s so much fun to watch the parade and catch beads. Additionally, I highly recommend riding in the parade and tossing beads at least once. You can read my review of the Mardi Gras Ride and Dine experience from 2023 at Lombard’s and my 2024 Ride and Dine experience at Finnegan’s. They also typically have concerts on most Saturday nights during the event featuring several well-known acts. Unfortunately, the schedule of concerts typically isn’t released until sometime in January. The event typically takes place from early February to the end of March.

Summer

They don’t typically have a formal summer event at the park. However, they have added some extra entertainment in recent years during the summer months. As with the other seasonal events, there’s usually a special Tribute Store to experience. They also like to open new park lands/rides at the beginning of the season. 2024 saw the new DreamWorks Land as well as a new parade and nighttime lagoon show. 2025 will bring the new Epic Universe park!

Halloween Horror Nights

HHN is probably their most popular event. In fact, it’s their only add-on ticketed seasonal event. You will be able to see some general HHN themed decor around the resort in the fall, but the props will be covered up during the day in the park. So, if you want to witness the full experience, you will have to purchase a ticket to the event. I have another Halloween Horror Nights Guide from 2023 to help you better understand what to expect at the resort during this time of the year. I also have Solo HHN Tips and did a Unmasking the Horror Tour Review. Usually, this event begins around Labor Day and goes until late October/early November.

Holidays at Universal

The Holidays at Universal usually begin in mid-November and last until the end of the year. Once again, I have a Christmas at Universal Guide that breaks down all of the things you can expect to encounter during this time of the year. The must-dos include: the Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida, Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure (including meeting The Grinch), and Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter across both parks.

Universal Orlando Seasonal Events

What is your favorite seasonal event at Universal Orlando Resort? Which one(s) are you planning to experience this year?

Universal Endless Summer Suite Review

August 14, 2024 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

If you are wondering what the Universal Endless Summer Suite rooms are like, then here’s my review to help you.

Universal Endless Summer Suite

For those who don’t know, Universal Orlando Resorts has three value resorts Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Endless Summer – Dockside and Surfside. Dockside and Surfside are sister resorts under the Endless Summer name and are across the street from one another. I posted a Dockside Inn review and a separate Surfside Inn review previously. However, I thought today I would focus on the popular two bedroom suite option found at both places.

Two Bedroom Suite

When you first enter the room, you see two queen beds, a tv, and a kitchenette area. There’s a picnic table along with a microwave and mini-fridge in this area. Then, you encounter the one bathroom of the suite. There is a double vanity outside the bathroom to allow more people to get ready. Lastly, there’s the separate bedroom with a tiny closet, a queen bed, and tv.

Universal markets these as “two bedroom” suites. However, there’s only one separate bedroom apart from the main two bed area of the suite. So, I think that’s something that you should know immediately. It’s really a separate bedroom for one queen sized bed. It’s great for parents with older children or a group wanting a little more space. I just don’t agree with the two bedroom advertising.

Pros

Most affordable suite – This is probably the most affordable suite you will find in Orlando, especially at an official theme park resort.
Extra space – The suite provides an additional bed(room) over the regular room.
Kitchenette – The addition of the microwave and picnic table was very useful.
Universal Orlando perks – Both of these resorts come with the perks of free park transportation and early theme park entry!
Nice theme – Each resort is themed slightly differently and looks relaxing.

Cons

Temperature control – We found that it was difficult to pick a good temperature for the suites as the separate bedroom has an air vent right over the bed, which leads to it being cooler than the front room.
Noise – Noise is always an issue whenever I stay at a value resort. The walls are paper thin and the air vent in the separate bedroom allows voices to travel from other rooms.
Groups – Due to the pricing, both places are a hit with tour/sports groups. So, you will encounter them in the lobby and possibly hear them running around.
Better quality bedding elsewhere – The bedding is fine. However, I noticed a marked upgrade in bedding at the more expensive resorts.
Lack of storage – There’s only one small open closet in the separate bedroom.

Overall Thoughts on Universal Endless Summer Suite

I think the suites are a good value for larger families on a budget and groups traveling together on a budget. It’s good for anyone who wants extra space or needs a kitchenette. Personally, I prefer to spend the extra money and stay at either Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Aventura. Have you stayed in one of these rooms? What did you think?

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels Guide

April 30, 2024 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Having stayed in all of the currently open Universal Orlando Resort hotels, I thought I would post a little guide to help people decide where to stay.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

As of 2024, UO has 8 on-site hotels. There will be two new hotels opening in January/February 2025 and a third one later in 2025. This post will focus on the first 8 until I update it after future trips in 2025 and beyond.

There are now three tiers of hotels at Universal. First up, there’s the Signature Collection: Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, Royal Pacific, Sapphire Falls, and Helios Grand Hotel (opening in 2025). They are the most expensive resorts. Select resorts (Portofino, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific) come with skip the line privileges called Express Pass. Four of them come with boat transportation to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure: Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, Royal Pacific, and Sapphire Falls. Helios Grand will have its own dedicated park entrance to the new theme park, Epic Universe while providing bus transportation to the other parks.

Next is the Prime Values: Aventura, Stella Nova (opening January 21, 2025), and Terra Luna (opening February 25, 2025). They are considerably cheaper than the Signature Collection while being more upscale than the Values. They are more akin to moderate resorts or more middle of the road in terms of pricing and amenities.

Last but not least are the Values (a.k.a. cheapest) consisting of Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Endless Summer – Dockside and Surfside Inns. Those three hotels are going to offer the cheapest rooms on property.

Portofino Bay

This is currently the top tier hotel at Universal. It’s themed to the lovely Italian village, complete with several restaurants and a bay. In my Portofino Bay Hotel review, I gushed over it as it’s truly a lovely place. It’s very luxurious and relaxing. It is currently the most expensive place to stay on property. However, it also comes with Universal Express Unlimited, which helps explain some of the hefty price tag. This is the ideal resort for a couple’s trip or an adults only vacation due to its relaxing vibes.

Hard Rock Hotel

Typically, the Hard Rock Hotel is the second most expensive hotel on property. It’s filled with lots of neat music memorabilia and is perfect for any music fan (I mean who doesn’t like music?). It’s the most lively of the Signature Collection hotels and is a good choice for folks with kids who want the Universal Express Unlimited. However, I prefer the Royal Pacific for the price.

Royal Pacific

Typically Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort is the cheapest (not cheap though) of the three resorts that offer Universal Express Pass. Royal Pacific is my second favorite resort on-property with its nice tropical paradise. It’s a good option for folks who want that Universal Express without paying as much. The theme also makes it a great option for someone who is pining for a beach/tropical getaway.

Sapphire Falls

Sapphire Falls used to be considered a moderate, but is now part of the Signature Collection. I think it’s a good compromise for accommodations and price, depending on the season. It’s a step up from the Prime Values in terms of theme and restaurant options (it has a sit-down restaurant) but isn’t as nice as the other Signature Collection hotels. It’s in between in practically every way. Sapphire Falls is the hotel where I took the picture used for this blog post seen above. It doesn’t provide Express Pass, but it does have boat transportation to USF and IoA.

Aventura

Aventura is the Prime Value tower hotel beside Sapphire Falls. It’s a tech-centric tower with smooth lines in the design. It’s definitely meant for younger adults on a budget. Technically, you can walk over to Sapphire Falls to enjoy their restaurants and boat transportation to the parks too. I like it, but it was louder than the Signature Collection hotels.

Cabana Bay

Cabana Bay Beach Resort was previously a Prime Value, but is now considered a Value. It’s across the street from Aventura and Sapphire Falls. It’s also much bigger and spread out. There are lots of different room configuration options here making it ideal for larger families or groups. It’s also a good bit cheaper than the hotels listed above. However, it is limited in food options and has only bus transportation. Although, it is right next to Volcano Bay if you plan on visiting it.

Endless Summer – Dockside and Surfside Inn and Suites

Last but not least we have Endless Summer – Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites. Endless Summer is technically two sister resorts across the street from each other. Surfside is a good bit smaller and has fewer people. I prefer it to Dockside just because it’s less crowded and chaotic. However, they both have thin walls and attract tour groups/sports teams due to the prices. They feature a bedroom suite for larger families as well. These hotels are ideal for people on tight budgets and larger groups. They are both considered Value Resorts, along with Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

Well, that’s the 8 current on-site options at Universal Orlando Resort. I think there’s probably a good fit for every situation and budget. It all really depends on what you value in a resort and what your budget is. My personal ranking is:

Portofino Bay
Royal Pacific
Sapphire Falls
Hard Rock Hotel
Aventura
Cabana Bay
Surfside Inn
Dockside Inn

So, do you agree with my rankings or not? What is your favorite hotel at Universal Orlando?

Orlando Theme Parks Guide

April 24, 2024 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

I know that it can be difficult to narrow down where to go on vacation. So, I thought I would make an Orlando Theme Parks Guide to help people figure out which park is right for their trip.

Orlando Theme Parks Guide

When planning a family vacation to Florida, it can be difficult to know which destinations are worth your hard earned money and limited time. Having visited most of the area’s parks, I thought I would do a quick overview of each park and who it’s ideal for.

Magic Kingdom

First up, I’ll start with the busiest one – Magic Kingdom. It’s the OG, the first theme park in Orlando. It’s the one with the big castle. Ha! It’s located at the Walt Disney World resort and typically costs the most to visit on a single day. I think it has a reputation for being for children (given it has Fantasyland) but I think it’s great for everyone. It seemingly has the most to do for laid back types. The food in the park is a little lacking, but I can recommend Crystal Palace Character Breakfast. This park is great for those who are young at heart.

Epcot

Epcot, also at WDW, is seen as an adults park. It’s a food mecca with a plethora of options! There’s also lots of drinks to be had, if you are of age and into that. I love visiting when there’s a festival going on for even more food and drink options! This park also has some cool stuff for kids including the Frozen and Remy rides. It is great for history buffs to learn about different countries. Kids would probably enjoy Akershus Princess Breakfast or Garden Grill Character Dinner. Adults can just pick any restaurant in the World Showcase!

Hollywood Studios

This was originally similar to visiting the big studios in Hollywood. When it opened in 1989, it was supposed to give you a behind the scenes look at movies. It doesn’t do that anymore, but it’s still fun. It’s obviously great for Star Wars and Toy Story fans. Plus, the Fantasmic Dining Package is lots of fun for all ages. It has similar vibes to Disney’s California Adventure Park, if you are familiar with it.

Animal Kingdom

Opened in the 90’s, it’s WDW newest theme park. As its name implies, it’s perfect for animal lovers! You have to ride the Kilimanjaro Safari ride! The Caring for Giants Tour is also great for elephant fans. This park has several good food options: Yak and Yeti for adults or Tusker House Character Meal are just two good places.

Universal Studios Florida

Moving over to Universal Orlando Resort, there’s Universal Studios Florida. Opened in 1990, it’s an edgier park. I love the seasonal events held at this park. I highly recommend visiting during Mardi Gras. If you are into horror/Halloween, then Halloween Horror Nights is amazing as well! The rides here are more intense than the ones at Disney. However, they just added Minion Land in 2023 and DreamWorks Land is coming in 2024! My preferred meals here are at Minions Cafe and Today Cafe (unless the seasonal booths are an option).

Islands of Adventure

Almost a decade after opening USF, Universal opened Islands of Adventure. Personally, I spend way more time at USF than IoA. However, I make time to check out Grinchmas here during the Holidays. Lots of people like Jurassic Park here as well. I don’t have a go to food place here. I guess this one is best if you like the specific IPs represented here.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Epic Universe opening at Universal Orlando Resort in 2025. It looks to have a land for everyone! I’m very much looking forward to experiencing it next year!

SeaWorld Orlando

If you have a big marine animal lover or a roller coaster enthusiast, then SeaWorld Orlando may be worth a day or two. My mom and I have done several animal add-on experiences here and loved each one! The Sharks Underwater Grill makes for a fun meal. They have lots of fun shows to watch and have been adding a new coaster about once a year for the past several years. In a few years, they will even have their own resort! So, this one is growing and will have even more to enjoy in a few years time.

Legoland Florida

Technically, Legoland Florida is in Cypress Gardens. However, it looks neat for the Lego fans in your life. I wish they were closer to an airport or provided a shuttle. You would probably need to rent a car to visit this one, but it looks fun. I’ve never visited, but I’m open to it.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

This is also technically not in Orlando. However, I know some people will rent a car to drive over to Tampa or ride a shuttle over. Busch Gardens Tampa is owned by the same company that owns SeaWorld. It is also great for animal lovers and coaster enthusiasts. My mom and I enjoyed our short visit here last year. You can read my Busch Gardens Tampa Animal Tours review for insight into some of their add-on experiences.

Orlando Theme Parks Guide

I attempted to cover the main “big” Orlando theme parks in this post, along with a few bonus parks. Which ones have you visited? Which one is your favorite?