Background: the theme parks
Universal Orlando is a popular destination for families, with
with two theme parks --Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida-- and three top resorts.
Universal's theme parks are known for thrill rides, but offer plenty for little kids too (such as Seuss Landing, in Islands of Adventure; or Shrek, in Universal Studios Florida.)
As for Universal Orlando's resorts, The Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, and Royal Pacific: they're beautiful, have terrific "beach"-style pools, kids clubs, boat-shuttles to the theme parks, and best of all confer a terrific perk, Front of the Line 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. Universal Express is a ride access tool that's available to everyone: it's free with regular admission to the park(s). While not as good as a Front of the Line Pass, it's an excellent way to reduce line-up time.
To get an Express Pass, simply head to a popular ride, and you'll see a set of machines nearby. Insert your admission ticket, select a ride, and you'll receive a slip of paper with a time marked on it. During one magic hour, you can board that ride using an Express lane.
Note that you're only allowed one Express Pass at a time. You can get another one after you've used your existing Pass, OR after your one-hour time slot is up, OR two hours after you obtained your Pass.
Caution: on a busy day, you may find that all Express Passes have been given out by mid-afternoon, for the most popular rides.
2. Universal Express Plus
Universal Express Plus passes go on sale at both theme parks one hour after opening, and only a limited number are sold. Cost is $20, and buys you one-time access to popular rides via a special queue that is lightning-fast.
3. Front of the Line Access
This cadillac form of ride access is available to all guests at any of the three Universal Orlando resorts: the Hard Rock Hotel, the Portofino, and the Royal Pacific.
As with Universal Express Plus, guests head to a separate fast line-up, at popular attractions. Simply present your room card (i.e. hotel key) for scanning, and you're on your way. Even better, you can use your preferred access for the same ride again and again.
Final note on line-ups: at some attractions, single riders can slip ahead; tell an attendant if you're willing to ride single.
About Universal Orlando's Resorts
Many guests at the Universal Orlando resorts thinks that the FOTL access pass makes 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 tothe theme parks, along a lovely path.) Each property has a large "beach pools" i.e. zero-entry, and sandy beach beside the pool. Two of the pools have waterslides, and one has a play zone with water squirters. In other words, these properties are great for kids.
The Hard Rock Hotel is the lowest-priced, with promotional rates starting at about $200. Check for Specials and packages; sometimes free park admission passes are tossed into the deal.
The Portofino Bay Hotel is a beautiful resort with plenty of luxury, modeled on Portofino in Italy. It has its own small harbor, large "beach" pool, kiddle pool, waterslide, lovely "quiet pool", spa, kids' club, fine dining...
The Royal Pacific Resort has beautiful Balinese-style decor, an Emeril's restaurant, large beach pool with a pirate-ship with water squirters etc.
*photo (c) Teresa Plowright
