Universal Orlando is a popular destination for families in Orlando Florida, with two theme parks --Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida-- and three resorts. Universal's theme parks are known for thrill rides, but offer plenty for little kids too.
Universal Orlando's three resorts -- The Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, and Royal Pacific-- are beautiful, have "beach"-style pools, kids clubs, boat-shuttles to the theme parks, and confer a terrific perk: fast access to popular rides.
There are in fact three ways to side-step line-ups for popular attractions at the Universal Orlando theme parks...
Skip Those Line-ups!
1. Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort: guests get free "Universal Express" access to popular rides. Show up at the ride, show your room key, and enter a fast-track line-up. Works for unlimited access for rides at both theme parks.*
2. Buy a Universal Express PLUS Pass. Unlike Disney World's Fastpass -- free to all guests-- this pass must be purchased, and it ain't cheap: cost for a single park ranges from $20 to $45* per person, depending "on demand" on different days of the year; this is addition to regular theme park admission. Cost for a one-day two-park pass ranges from $26 to $51. Note that these passes only work for one fast entry per participating attraction, and that they must be bought online.*
3. For a premium price, guests can take a VIP tour that includes Universal Express Pass access for as many times as you want to do a participating ride.*
All the above make staying at a Universal Orlando resort look like a good way to get fast-lane ride access; and in fact, many guests at Universal Orlando resorts think that the access privileges make their stay. Besides this great perk, the three resorts offer free water-taxi shuttles to the parks (which are all less than 15-minute walk to the theme parks, on landscaped paths.) Each property has a large "beach pool" --i.e. zero-entry with sand by the pool -- and waterslides or a waterplay zone.
The Hard Rock Hotel is the lowest-priced, with promotions starting at about $200*; check for packages that include theme park passes.
The Portofino Bay Hotel -- modeled on Portofino in Italy -- has its own small harbor, "beach" pool, kiddle pool, waterslide, lovely "quiet pool", spa, kids' club, fine dining, and plenty of luxury.
The Royal Pacific Resort has beautiful Balinese-style decor, an Emeril's restaurant, large beach pool with a pirate-ship with water squirters.
*Always check destination web sites for updates!
