9 Reasons to Stay at Universal Orlando’s On Site Hotels
There is one rule to always remember when it comes to taking vacations together – if the kids are unhappy, everyone’s unhappy!
And when the adults are ready to unwind from a day in the theme parks, the kids say, “What’s next?!”
Well, the fun doesn’t have to stop at our amazing theme parks when you stay on-site. In fact, the fun begins at Universal Orlando’s five on-site hotels where adults can kick back and relax while the kids enjoy the ultimate vacation experience with options catered to them. From bowling to Kids Camps to poolside movies and more, there are plenty of options for families of all ages and sizes.
7 Pools – and a Lazy River
That’s right — when you stay on-site at Universal Orlando Resort, you have access to all seven of the incredible pools. And, during the colder seasons they’re heated so the adults have no excuse to not want to go in. As a kid, this would’ve been my instant paradise!
Dance on over to the Hard Rock Hotel and rock out with the poolside DJ. Head to Loews Royal Pacific Resort to splash around at the Royal Bali Sea interactive water play area. Take in the sandy beaches of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Or cruise down the lazy river at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. The choice is up to you.
All of our poolside areas also include daily activities, games, and tournaments. Be sure to check with the Concierge desk or the Recreation Staff for a schedule.
Character Dining Experiences
Grab a meal with a side of entertainment as you start and end your day with our Universal characters. Three of our on-site hotels feature character dining experiences available on select days for breakfast and dinner.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Trattoria Del Porto
Loews Royal Pacific Resort – The Islands Dining Room
With character dining, not only do kids get to enjoy our hotel culinary offerings, but they also get a chance to get up close and personal with some of their favorite characters while beating the theme park crowds. There is no additional fee for the character dining experience, just hop out of bed, head over to your restaurant, order off the regular menu and enjoy!
Kids’ Room, Kids’ Rules.
Have your own room on this kid ruled dream vacation? Check!
Themed Kids’ Suites feature a master bedroom and an attached room with two twin size beds, giving kids their own space for relaxation or play during their stay. Found at Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Kids’ Suites give you the chance to go bananas with the Despicable Me Minions or have a prehistoric adventure in a Jurassic Park paradise.
At Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Family Suites can be found featuring a master bedroom, living room area with a pull out sofa bed, and a kitchenette complete with sink, microwave, and mini fridge. This gives kids their own area to hang around while the adults catch some zzz’s.
Galaxy Bowl
Nothing says family bonding like some good ol’ fashioned competition! Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is home to a ten-lane bowling alley called Galaxy Bowl.
Families can jam out to tunes from the 1950s and 1960s while snacking on Galaxy Bowl’s menu filled with bowling alley classics like nachos and desserts. With its lively atmosphere and nostalgia environment, Galaxy Bowl is perfect for both kids and adults alike.
Kids Camps
When the kids need to take a much deserved break from the adults, Kids Camps are the way to go. Complete with arts and crafts, a gaming station, activities, and entertainment, Kid’s Camps are the perfect way for those ages 4-14 to have some supervised fun.
You also have the option to add a kid’s dinner to this experience, making the evening hassle free for everyone. (Hey parents – this is the perfect time to finally enjoy that quiet date night!) The camp schedule rotates between three of the on-site hotels giving little explorers a glimpse at our other properties:
Hard Rock Hotel – Camp Lil’ Rock
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Campo Portofino
Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Mariner’s Club
Play With Your Food
You heard me! The on-site hotels at Universal Orlando give kids many opportunities to play with their food or—in adult lingo—test out their Chef skills.
Hard Rock Hotel – The Kids Can Cook program on Tuesday and Thursday nights in The Kitchen allows kids to make their own culinary masterpieces at the Chef’s table while their family eats dinner. Little Chefs can also order the “Pour Some Sugar on Me” in-room amenity, which allows them to decorate guitar shaped cookies.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Test out your creativity and get a little sugar rush! The “Create Your Own Cupcake” in-room amenity allows you to decorate cupcakes with frosting, sprinkles, and other toppings.
At Sapphire Falls Resort you’ll find the Kid’s Island Bucket Amenity, and at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel you’ll find the Kid’s Snack Bucket Amenity. These fun-filled sand castle buckets are jam packed with salty and sweet goodies.
Arcades
Looking to catch a break from the Florida sun AND have your kids test out their gaming skills? Stop by any of the arcade game rooms located at all of our on-site hotels. These arcades are fully equipped with both timeless classics and modern video games fit to entertain kids — and kids at heart.
Game credits are loaded onto gaming cards making it easy to play without needing to physically carry cash. Game O Rama located at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort even has a prize center where you can redeem items using tickets from winning games.
Dive-In Movies
Hop on a pool noodle or cozy up on a beach towel and view a movie under the stars. Watch Universal blockbuster hits on a large screen right by your on-site hotel swimming pool while eating from the mouth-watering snack bars, giving kids full vacation bliss. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort plays a movie at each of their two pools at the same time to give families even more options.
In-room movie packages can be purchased at Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort for those who would rather lounge around on their bed with some popcorn. Pricing and reservations can be located at your Concierge desk.
Holiday Fun
Cookie decorating, special meet and greets, holiday movies, and even more activities can also be found at our on-site hotels during the holidays.
The best part about staying at any of our on-site hotels is you get exclusive access to all of these perks! Adults can finally take a break from the planning and let their kids take the reins for once.
Written by Siera Duiser: Siera Duiser is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Travel Agency Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012. She loves helping plan Universal Orlando adventures at no cost to you. Contact Siera to book your next vacation at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or 734-771-1290. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
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