The Universal Orlando resorts are absolutely beautiful and the Hard Rock Hotel is no exception. This is an amazing resort that’s as close to the Universal theme parks as you can get. The pool at the Hard Rock Hotel is especially fun! As with all the pools at the Universal Orlando resorts, it’s themed to match the theme of the resort and of course, the Hard Rock is themed to classic rock and roll!
The main focus of the Hard Rock Hotel pool area is, of course!, the pool! It’s 12,000 square feet complete with a sand beach, 2 Jacuzzis, sand volleyball court, interactive fountains, play areas for the kids, and a 260-foot pool slide!
Our kids loved the slide. They would exit the slide, get out of the pool and hustle back to the top for another ride. It provided hours of entertainment and all we had to do was lounge at the base of the slide with our cocktails in hand. 🙂
We sat near the stage, which was a little loud, but you didn’t have to move far away for the sound to become more reasonable. However, the reason we were next to the stage was because this pool gets packed! Get here early to secure a spot! We were on the side of the slide next to the bar/lounge, but it would have been better on the other side of the slide, next to the sand beach. Don’t worry! The waiters and waitresses will still come around and get your drink order. 🙂
There are also cabanas available for rental for an additional fee, which come completely equipped with a ceiling fan, HD plasma TV, refrigerator with 6 sodas and 2 waters, wireless internet, and of course, a server to bring you drinks all day long! For the full rock n’ roll experience upgrade to one of the themed cabanas and spend the afternoon in “The Yellow Submarine” or Stevie Wonder’s “Musiquarium.” We chose not to get a cabana, although as busy as it was, this might have been a nice upgrade.
If you’re really loving the music, don’t be afraid that if you jump in for a swim that you’ll miss a beat. The Hard Rock Hotel installed an underwater speaker system so the music continues even if you’re underwater! It’s a nice addition that’s one of those little details that adds to the theming of the resort. I found that I could not hear the music very well under water, likely due to the fact that there was just too much other noise from all the swimmers.
We found that we didn’t want to leave this pool area and stayed for nearly the entire day from just before lunch until well after dinner. In fact, just as we decided it was time to leave, the Hard Rock Hotel brought out a movie screen to show some Harry Potter movies!
Our kids couldn’t last to see the movies, so we only saw a bit of the first one. What a great chance to see your favorite Harry Potter movie, though while you lounge in the Hard Rock pool!
Throughout the day, we grabbed a bite to eat, enjoyed several cocktails, listened to a DJ and his antics, and even participated in an air guitar contest! A truly fun-filled day at the Hard Rock pool that kept us cool and entertained all day.
Here’s a video tour of the Hard Rock Hotel pool:
Other pool activates include:
- Ping-pong tournaments
- Pool basketball
- Hula-hoop contests
- Arts & crafts
- Water balloon toss
Book your Harry Potter and Universal Orlando package or theme park tickets today!
Want to get all our tips and tricks for visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? We wrote a travel guide for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade! We included all our tips and tricks that we’ve learned over the last year to make your visit to the Wizarding World as magical as possible. Be sure to check it out!
Get your Harry Potter theme park souvenirs from the official Harry Potter shop, the WB Shop!