Greetings fellow Mouse Fans!
Universal Orlando has three onsite resorts – Loews Portofino Bay, Loews Royal Pacific, and the Hard Rock Hotel. There are some fabulous perks to staying at these hotels during your visit to Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure!
My favorite perk is that hotel guests receive early admission to Islands of Adventure. That's a one hour jump in the morning on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! And let me tell you, that is a significant advantage! When we were there last month, the extra hour allowed us time to explore Hogsmeade at our leisure, actually move around in the shops, and enjoy the setting. Once the flood gates, I mean park gates, opened it rapidly became wall to wall people.
One of the other benefits to staying at a Universal Orlando On-Site Hotel is that guests receive the Universal Express Pass – free! Express Pass allows to you skip the regular line once at each of the participating attractions. Guests not staying at one of these three properties must pay for this option. Prices for a 1-park Express Pass depend on which park you visit and what time of year! An Express Pass for Islands of Adventure for March 14, 2012 is $59.99 per person! So this offers a significant savings for resort guests.
Then of course there is the locations of the hotels. All three are just a short (free!) boat ride away from the theme parks! You can even walk if you choose.
Hotel guests even receive priority seating at select Universal Orlando and CityWalk restaurants. Show your valid hotel key and get the next available table!
Up tomorrow – my impressions of the three hotels.
Be well and make magic wherever you go!
Sara Varney
Travel Planner
