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Orlando and Family Travel News Lifestyle and Information

Universal Studios Florida · January 18, 2022

10 Things You HAVE to do at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

If you are looking for picturesque views, phenomenal dining options, pools that will transport you and your family to full vacation mode, and oh yeah some Universal Orlando Resort theme park perks, too? Well, you’re in luck because half the fun of a Universal Orlando vacation can be found at the eight unique and impeccably-themed hotels throughout the resort.

Since I’m such a fan of all of our hotels, I thought I’d gather up ten of my favorite things to do at each Universal Orlando Resort hotel (Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites or Surfside Inn and Suites, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel).

With eight hotels that all offer something different, it was no small feat for me to narrow this list down to ten! I say explore as many of our hotel offerings as possible during your visit, but for now…

1. Embark on a Rum-Tasting Journey at Strong Water Tavern.

Strong-Water-Tavern-at-Loews-Sapphire-Falls-Resort.jpeg
This experience at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is an educational blast — you’ll be paired with a Rum Captain (coolest job title ever) who will host a tasting of several different rums and teach you about their flavor nuances. Even if you’re not a rum-fan, I recommend trying this out or just sitting at the bar and enjoying one of the other great signature cocktails.

2. Bowl a strike at Galaxy Bowl.

CBBR_Galaxy-Bowl_teens-F8T9089_HDR-1170x731.jpeg
Well, at least try to bowl a strike. How many hotels have a literal bowling alley in them? Let alone one as cool as you’ll find at Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Whether you’re staying at this hotel or not you should definitely plan a bowling excursion during your Universal trip.

3. Make a splash at your hotel pool.

surfsidepool
What’s a vacation to Florida without a day spent at the pool? Each of the hotels deliver their own great pool experience (Cabana Bay Beach Resort even has a lazy river)! Be sure to check out our guide to the pools here and don’t forget your sunscreen.

4. Get adventurous with the sushi at Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar.

Orchid Court
Sushi with a view is the most succinct way I can articulate the magic that is this restaurant in Loews Royal Pacific Resort. The sushi menu is vibrant and inventive, the cocktail offerings are one-of-a-kind, and you’ll be enjoying it all with a view worthy of the word “paradise” as the restaurant overlooks the lush and tropical vibes at Royal Pacific..

5. Attempt the Kitchen Sink Challenge at The Kitchen in Hard Rock Hotel.

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Think you have what it takes to eat a burger, side of fries, one fried pickle, and a giant slice of The Kitchen Sink Cake in thirty minutes? Even if you can’t, I can bet it’ll be a delicious experience trying.

6. Enjoy gelato on the harbor.

Gelato at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Get yourself a cup of gelato from the Gelateria and soak in the relaxing ambience of the harbor at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. You may even end up having to pinch yourself to come back to reality and remind yourself you’re not actually in Italy.

7. Grab a rooftop drink and bite to eat at Bar 17 Bistro.

Bar17.jpeg
Take in one of the best views throughout all of Universal Orlando Resort at Bar 17 Bistro, located at the top of Aventura Hotel. Sipping on a Volcano View with a view of Volcano Bay is an unmatched experience.

8. Level up your vacation with one of our themed kids’ suites.

JurassicSuite.jpeg
Whether the kids in your group are into dinosaurs, Minions, or music, there’s a kids-suite for them! The different kids’ suites throughout Universal hotels will really  have you sleeping where the action is with the Future Rock Star Suites at Hard Rock Hotel, Despicable Me Kids Suites at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, and Jurassic World Kids Suites at Royal Pacific Resort.

9. Sample all of the exclusive drinks the hotels have to offer.

Dockside Inn and Suites Bar
If you’re at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest hotel, Dockside Inn and Suites, grab some of the Wet n’ Wild-inspired specialty cocktails by the pool. More of a beer drinker? Enjoy the specialty craft beers at Sunset Lounge in Dockside or head to Jake’s American Bar at Royal Pacific Resort to try out their menu of specialty beers. Pro-tip for your time at Jake’s — all of the Team Members have made-up names there! Be sure to ask your server why they picked theirs.

10. Treat yourself to some pampering at Mandara Spa.

Mandara Spa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
You deserve it! This spa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel has a ton of options for you to relax and bring your vacation to another level of pure joy and bliss. Besides, after all that roller coaster riding you’ve been doing in the theme parks, you’ve earned yourself a massage.

Blog by Katie Schmidt who is the Managing Editor of the Universal Orlando Resort Blog. She takes her coffee black and her fives high.


 

Are You Ready to Book Your Next Universal Vacation?

Be sure to call your Academy Travel agent today for more information and help with booking your next Universal Vacation! Because here at The Kingdom Insider we have plenty of resources for you, just a click away! We have an incredible team of dedicated Universal experts and Travel Planners at Academy Travel. They are ready to help you plan out every detail of your vacation, so you don’t have to worry! Call Your Travel Agent to Book or Visit AcademyTravel.com

Posted By: TKI Newsroom · In: Universal Studios Florida

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We’d be smiling too if we were spending the most We’d be smiling too if we were spending the most wonderful time of the year at the most magical place on earth!✨🎄🎅🏻 
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Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is actual paradise!☀ Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is actual paradise!☀️🌴 From the bright & airy rooms, to the beautiful landscaping, waterfalls & incredible dining options, there’s just no where better!😍 @universalorlando even has relaxing water taxi service to & from this resort taking guests to City Walk & both theme parks! We’ve stayed here twice now, and each time we love it more! Come with us in November as we stay at Aventura (right next door!) to see how it compares!✨ 

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Are you familiar with using the Disneyland app?📱If not, we have put together a virtual guide on how to use it so you can make the most out of your magical day at the Happiest Place on Earth 🏰

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Have you ever stopped by the Animation Building in Have you ever stopped by the Animation Building in Disney California Adventure? 🎨 This is a great spot to visit during the heat of summer ☀️, the cold winter rain 🌧️, or just about any time of year! In this building you can:

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Scenes from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter th Scenes from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this week at @universalorlando ✨🦉 There truly is no feeling like the one you get when you step off the Hogwarts Express, hear the music we know & love 🎶 and turn the corner to see Hogwarts Castle for the very first time!🏰😭❤️ (or every time, let’s be honest!) Did You Know…

🪄 Ollivander’s Wand shop is a real place, where guests can purchase wands that interact at special locations within Hogsmeade & Diagon Alley! You truly can be a wizard! 

🦉 The Owl Post is an open location where you can actually mail real letters postmarked from Hogsmeade! Guests can also shop for special stationary, quills, ink, etc. here, too. 

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“Bee Doo Bee Doo!” ✨ This cutie little minio “Bee Doo Bee Doo!” ✨ This cutie little minion came to play today & we had SO much fun bee boppin’ around with him!🤪 @academytravel is the best at throwing parties & we just loved getting to learn all about what’s new at Universal Orlando!🎢 Did you know you can meet the minions in the park? They even have their very own brand NEW Minions Land! We can’t wait to go there tomorrow!🙌🏻 Come with us on stories! 

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Frozen smoothies poolside? YES PLEASE!😎 Vacay m Frozen smoothies poolside? YES PLEASE!😎 Vacay mode has been activated, as we sunbathe & snack our way around the pool area at Sapphire Falls Resort in @universalorlando ☀️💦 Here’s what we recommend ordering from the poolside Drhum Club Kantine!

🍑Frozen Peach Smoothie 
😋Tampico Beef Nachos 
☀️Druhm Club Quesadilla 

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