Most people are familiar with some of the perks of staying on property at Walt Disney World. From dining reservations booked at 180+10 days to Extra Magic Hours, there is no denying that an official Walt Disney World resort stay is loaded with benefits. But did you know that staying on property at Universal Orlando also gets you some special perks? Here are 7 benefits for Universal Orlando hotel guests.
1. Early park admission
It might not be quite as extensive as Disney’s Extra Magic Hours, but Universal’s early admission program is priceless. Guests staying at any of the four onsite Universal hotels have access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter one hour before it opens to the public each day, with valid theme park admission. If you have been to the parks lately, you know how massive the Potter crowds can be, so this perk makes an onsite stay a no-brainer for Harry Potter fans.
2. Complimentary shuttle to nearby parks
Although the two theme parks plus CityWalk offer more than enough to do for an average vacation, many people like to get out and see other parks in Orlando. While Disney does everything it can to keep guests on property, Universal has partnered with other local venues. The Orlando FlexTicket includes unlimited admission to Universal, Islands of Adventure, Wet ‘n Wild, SeaWorld, and Aquatica for 14 days. The Orlando FlexTicket Plus also adds Busch Gardens, located in Tampa, to the mix.
If you don’t have a car, there is no reason not to get the most out of your ticket. Complimentary shuttle service is provided to all of the FlexTicket parks, including Busch Gardens. Speak to your hotel concierge for more details on this program.
3. Golf Orlando program
While Walt Disney World offers its own golf courses, golfers staying at an official Universal Orlando hotel can take advantage of the Golf Orlando program. You will receive free transportation for foursomes (a small upcharge applies for 1-3 golfers), as well as complimentary clubs and range balls. The courses are located at the stunning Grand Cypress Golf Club and the beautiful Windermere Country Club.
4. Pool hopping
Pool hopping is one of the most hotly debated topics on Disney fan forums, and the official word from the company is that it is not permitted. At Universal Orlando, however, pool hopping is not only allowed, but even encouraged. Regardless of which official Universal Orlando hotel you choose, plan to spend a restful day just checking out the different pools. The pools are every bit as well-themed as those at Walt Disney World, and all are well worth a visit.
5. Unlimited Express
Disney’s FastPass Plus system can be a confusing and counter-intuitive exercise in frustration. Booking three per day in advance, following the complex tiering system, scrambling to find a kiosk to book later reservations one at a time…some people love FastPass Plus, while others find it anything but magical.
If you stay on site in one of Universal Orlando’s deluxe hotels (not the moderately-priced Cabana Bay Beach Resort), you will receive Unlimited Express privileges for the length of your stay. Even better, these benefits are extended for the full day on both the day you check in and the day you leave. So why not arrive early, leave your bags with Bell Services, and head out into the parks? On your last day, check out early, again leaving your luggage with Bell Services, and play in the parks until it is time to leave.
Unlimited Express is roughly equivalent to an unlimited FastPass. You are free to use the Express queue whenever you want, at almost any ride you want, as many times as you want. You don’t need to make an advance reservation or go Standby for a second trip. While Unlimited Express passes are sold to the general public, they are a pricey add-on that most people do not choose. This keeps the wait times down to around 15 minutes or less even on busy days. Note that a few rides, such as those in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, do not have Express queues, and separately-priced Express passes are required for Halloween Horror Nights.
6. Priority seating
Reservations really aren’t necessary at the Universal Orlando restaurants, including those at CityWalk, even during busy seasons. The tradeoff for this is that you could be facing an undesirable wait, especially if you choose to eat at traditional mealtimes. If you are a guest at a deluxe Universal Orlando hotel, however, just flash your room key to the host or hostess at the podium. Some restaurants call it priority seating, others describe it as first available seating, and each has slightly different policies and procedures. Regardless of the specifics, it does mean that you will be seated ahead of the huddled masses who are not deluxe Universal Orlando hotel guests.
7. Convenience
While Walt Disney World is a sprawling complex spread over more than 40 square miles, Universal Orlando is compact. This means that everywhere you want to go on property is easily accessible from everywhere else. Simply using your own two feet to get around is the most convenient option, and the beautifully manicured pathways are well worth exploring. If you have mobility problems or are tired of walking, shuttle buses are also available between the resorts and the main complex that includes the theme parks and CityWalk. Water taxis are also an elegant option for those staying in the deluxe Universal Orlando resorts.
Are you a Universal Orlando fan? Do you like to stay on property? What do you consider the most valuable perk for onsite guests? Share your opinions with us in the comments!
