Are you looking for reasons to stay at Universal Studios Orlando hotels?  Are you trying to decide if staying on property is worth it?  Having stayed both on property, and off property while visiting Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, I can compare the differences.  From the amenities, the convenience, transportation, early entry into the theme parks, and express passes, here are 5 best reasons to stay at Universal Studios Orlando hotels!

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5 Best Reasons to Stay at Universal Studios Orlando Hotels

1.  Convenience
2. Transportation
3. Amenities
4. Express Passes
5. Early Entry into Theme Parks

My husband and I have previously stayed off property and without a doubt, staying on property at Universal Studios Orlando is the preferred way to go!  There are several hotels associated with Universal Studios Orlando Florida:  Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and Hard Rock Hotel.  All of the hotels appeal to different demographics and budgets, which means that there is something for everyone.  As a result, here are 5 best reasons to stay at Universal Studios Orlando hotels!

Convenience

If there is one thing I dislike about going to theme parks, it’s the time spent going there and returning to the hotel.  All of the Universal Studios hotels are not only located in close proximity to each other, but also close to the theme parks and Universal City Walk.  This is especially convenient when you are traveling with young children.  Plus, gifts purchased inside the theme park will be delivered to your hotel for you at no additional charge.

I love that Universal City Walk is located nearby.  It’s comprised of different stores, as well as restaurants, like Antojitos, Vivo Italian Kitchen, and my personal favorite, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.  During our last visit to Universal Studios in Florida, we went to Toothsome Chocolate Emporium after we checked into our hotel, and enjoyed milkshakes and sundaes.  So delicious!

Transportation

There are several water taxis available at no extra charge at the hotels to transport guests to and from the theme parks.  The water taxis run continuously, and our wait was never long.  We didn’t have to fold up our stroller every time we got on the water taxi, either.  This is huge for families traveling with young children.  Also, my family and I have stayed at several hotels that have transportation available to theme parks, but it’s at an additional cost.  The fact that transportation is included in the hotel stay is an added bonus. Water taxis aren’t the only mode of transportation either.  Guests can also walk to the theme parks and Universal City Walk using a marked pathway.  There’s no reason why you would need to leave the area, or why you need a car.

Amenities

If you stay at one hotel on site at Universal Studios Orlando, you are also able to use the amenities at the hotels on property at Universal Studios Orlando.  For example, we visited the Cabana Bay Beach Resort one afternoon, and my son loved it.  There is a lazy river at the hotel, as well as a sandy area near the pool, and a bowling alley located on the 2nd floor of the hotel.  My husband and I also took a tour of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, which is Caribbean themed, and has an awesome looking slide.

Express Passes

A hotel stay at Loews Pacific Resort, Loews Portofino Bay, and Hard Rock Hotel includes express passes.  What are express passes?  They are tickets that enable guests to avoid waiting in general lines for rides.  For example, the general wait for the Simpsons Ride was over an hour long.  With the express pass, we waited mere minutes.  The express pass is totally worth it, especially for our family.  Since we have a young child, we try to avoid waiting in long lines as much as we can.  For those that are not hotel guests, an unlimited park hopper express pass starts off at $84.99/person!

Not all hotels on property include express passes, so this is definitely something to consider when deciding on a hotel.  For example, stays at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, Cabana Bay and Sapphire Falls do not include express passes.  Also, guests still need to purchase general admission tickets to the park.

Early Entry into Theme Parks

This is another reason to stay at Universal Studios Orlando hotels.  Guests staying at Universal Studios Orlando hotels can enter the park 1 hour before it opens to the general public.  This is a huge benefit since it can get very crowded throughout the day.  However, always check the official Universal Studios Orlando website beforehand when planning your day at the park.  For example, early entry is currently only available for Universal Studios Florida and not Islands of Adventure.

As you can see, I’m a fan of staying on property when planning a trip to Universal Studios Orlando. To read more about our experience, you can click here for best things to do with toddlers at Universal Studios Orlando and here to see if I think the Universal Studios VIP tour is worth it.

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