Once your pick your destination spot the next decision normally is where to stay? Nowadays there are so many hotels to choose from when you are in Orlando, Florida or Los Angeles, California! When picking where to rest your body after a long day at the parks you want to make sure you are getting everything you want for the best price, location, transportation to the parks, and amenities. So let’s dive into the resorts that both Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood has to offer!

Universal Studios Orlando: 

With having two theme parks and one water park, Universal Studios Orlando has made this vacation spot a 1 stop shop! On property they have a total of eight different hotels that are broken into four different price levels. That way there is a hotel for everyone! Besides the location of these hotels, the best part is that you as the guest will get extra perks when you go to the parks! Starting with budget friendly working our way to deluxe, let’s start! 

Value Hotels:

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort has two affordable hotels. Dockside Inn and Suites and  Surfside Inn and Suites both feature the same perks for resort guest which includes early park admission, complimentary transportation, and more! Both of theses locations have room to accommodate any budget!

1. Dockside Inn and Suites - is a sunset paradise and is the larger resort of the two with 993 standard guest rooms and 1,057 two bedroom suites so there is a room that will be accommodating for all family sizes. While at this location, guests will be able to enjoy two pools with a splash zone, game room, Vacation Planning Center, and a Universal Studios Store! While you are taking time off from the park you can enjoy two quick service dining, three bars and a Starbucks as well!

2. Surfside Inn and Suites - is a gnarly surf themed hotel that features 360 standard guest rooms and 390 suites. Not only is the resort decorated surf-style, guests will be able to enjoy the surfboard shaped pool, game room, and a Universal Studios Store. While soaking up the Florida sun, guests will have 2 quick service dining, a bar, and Starbucks to enjoy that way they don’t have to leave the resort! 

Prime Value Hotels: 

At both of the Prime Value hotels, guests will enjoy perks such as early park admission, vacation planning center, complimentary transportation, and other hotel perks! 

1. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort - let’s go back in time to the 1950s and 1960s beach resorts that will let you stay on property in a fun and affordable way! Located right next to Volcano Bay Water park you will definitely have the best location. This large resort is home to 1,280 standard rooms, 900 family suites, and 20 two bedroom suites making this resort a home away from home for your whole family to enjoy! Not only does this resort feature a number of rooms but it also has Galaxy Bowl, Game Room, Universal Store, Pizza Delivery, and two swimming pools with a lazy river that you do not have to go to the parks everyday and will be able enjoy the amenities at your home away from home! Getting a bite to eat is easy with the fine dining at Galaxy Bowl Restaurant or at one of the 6 quick service dining locations at the resort. Not only does it have fine dining, but also has a Starbucks at the property making it easy to get that morning energy before a whole day at the parks!

2. Universal’s Aventura Hotel - the tallest resort on property at 17 stories tall that brings a modern and technological aspect to your stay features tables in all 600 guest rooms and Kids Suites. This sleek, but yet still a lot of fun for kids and adults with amenities like pizza delivery, Universal Studios Store, pool and kids splash zone, and the only rooftop Bar 17! At the 4 quick service dining you will be able to have a mixture of international flavors! This resort also has a Starbucks so you don’t miss your caffeine need!

Preferred Hotel: 

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort - always wanted to visit a Caribbean Island? Well now you don’t have to because this resort will make you feel like you are on island time already. Some perks of staying at a Loews Sapphire Falls Resort includes Early Park Admission, complimentary transportation, vacation planning center, and more! This lavish resort features 1,000 guest rooms and 83 spacious suites that make you feel like you are still at the Caribbean Islands. At this resort you will find the largest pool on property at 16,000 square feet, a game room, and Universal Studios Store for shopping! With 24 hour room service, 3 quick service dining, and 1 fine dining you will definitely be able to find a meal that everyone enjoys! 

Premier Hotels:

All three of these hotels are going to have the same perks for you as a guest! Some perks include Universal Express Unlimited, early park admission, priority seating at select restaurants around the resort, and complimentary transportation!

1. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel - designed to transport you to Portofino, Italy all the rooms are beautifully designed and they even have special themed Despicable Me Kid’s Suites! This hotel features 750 guest rooms and 45 spacious suites. Besides the beautiful atmosphere of this resort, they have a number of great amenities including the Mandara Spa, Game Room, Bocce Ball, Universal Studios Store, and three themed swimming pools all around the resort. Not only does this resort have great location to the parks and over the top amenities, it also features 3 fine dinning restaurants, 24 hour room service, and several quick service dining options! 


2. Hard Rock Hotel - designed to bring out the inner super star when you stay at this themed rock star mansion! There are 650 guest rooms that have a touch of music in style and 29 suites including Future Rock Star Kid’s Suites. Some great feature about this resort that really transport you into the rock star life are listening to tunes underwater at their pool, the Rock Shop, Game Room, Rock N Roll Memorabilia Tour, and so much more! With 2 fine dining options, 3 quick service dining, and 24 hour room service, Hard Rock Hotel has you covered. But one of the best things about this resort is the proximity to the 2 theme parks and CityWalk just being a short stroll from your room!


3. Loews Royal Pacific Resort - sail off to the Enchanted Isles of the South Sea in this tropical theme resort that is decorated everywhere including the 1,000 guest rooms and 51 suites. To make the rooms even more immersive check out the Jurassic World Kid’s Suites to make you feel like you are at Jurassic Park itself. While you are at the resort relaxing from your days at the park you will find shopping, a game room, and a lagoon style pool with a water play area. Not only will the decor make your feel like you are the South Pacific, but the 3 fine dining options will feature exotic food native to the area, while still having available 24 hour room and 2 quick service dining locations. 

Universal Studios Hollywood:

The West Coast Universal Studios Hollywood has partnered with four hotels that are just minutes away from the theme park! These hotels range from affordable to luxurious to make sure that a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood is able to happen for everyone! You can pick between the four hotels to plan a vacation package! For the list of partnered hotels they are feature from closest to the theme park moving down to the furthest location. 

1. Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City - This resort is just 1 mile from Universal Studios Hollywood so you will be able to take a short walk or take advantage of the complimentary shuttle! This resort is a AAA Diamond resort that is pet friendly and features 495 guest rooms with views of Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood itself! When you are done after a long day at the park you will be able to unwind at the hotel pool and bar. If you are looking for a breakfast before your day out or a dinner with the family you will be able to find a meal at Cafe Sierra. 


2. The Garland - the second closet to Universal Studios Hollywood is approximately only 1.8 miles away located in North Hollywood. At this urban oasis you will be able to relax and still have fun! Guest will have access to a trolly that takes you to the theme park and they also have different events all year long. This hotel is home to 257 guest rooms and also features a pool to beat the California heat! While lounging poolside you are able to take advantage of The Lobby Bar and if you are looking for meals around the clock The Garland has that covered at The Front Yard. 


3. Loews Hollywood Hotel - this location is truly for your Hollywood loving guest, located at the base of the Hollywood Sign and being just 3.7 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood. While at this 20 story hotel guests will be able to see Hollywood both morning and night at the rooftop pool. This resort is only 20 stories tall, but also has 628 guest rooms for you to choose from. After a day at the park or just exploring the sights right outside of this resort you will be able to dine at Preston’s or have a drink at H2 Kitchen and Bar. 


4. Best Western Plus Carriage Inn - the last partnered hotel and the furthest from Universal Studios Hollywood being 8.6 miles away located in Sherman Oaks, California. This hotel has 178 rooms, but tons of amenities! This pet friendly hotel has a cocktail lounge, an outdoor heated pool, and Denny’s restaurant on property that is open 24 hours to make sure you never go hungry!

So, as you see there are affordable accommodations to your most luxurious resorts at both coasts at Universal Studios Orlando and Hollywood. Each resort brings some unique features to offer you wether it is the decoration of the resort transporting you to a different world, or theme park perks! Park days can be long and very tiring, but you do not have to worry about finding the most comfortable resort to relax and get a good night sleep to power you up for the best day! So lets start planning your next Universal Studios vacation by starting the conversation about your home away from home!

When people say Walt Disney World, my first thought is walking down Main Street U.S.A and seeing Cinderella’s castle for the first time on my trip! It all starts with Magic Kingdom, which is the oldest park at Walt Disney World that opened on October 1, 1971. I find that out of all 4 theme parks Disney has to offer, Magic Kingdom is the most family friendly. Here is a basic guide for everything you need to know about Magic Kingdom! Feel free to email me for a free quote today!

Transportation to the park:

There are several different ways to make your way to Magic Kingdom! Some are complimentary when you stay at a Disney Resort Property and some do require extra fees.

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  Transportation and Ticket Center:
  
  
  • Off-Disney Property you can use Taxi, Uber, and Lyft to be dropped off at Transportation and Ticket Center, also known as TTC. (Uber and Lyft rates do apply.) If you are driving to Magic Kingdom you will be parking at TTC. (Parking fees do apply.)
  
  
  • If you are staying off of Disney Property, some surrounding hotels may have shuttle buses that will also drop guests off at TTC. (Fees may apply, check with the hotel front desk)
  
  
  • Then from Transportation and Ticket you can hop on the Monorail or Ferry.
  
  
  • If you are park hopping from EPCOT you can take the EPCOT Monorail to TTC and then switch over to the Magic Kingdom Monorail or the Ferry
  
  
  
  

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  Monorail:
  
  
  
  • If you are staying at Disney’s Contemporary, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa you will have access to the Monorail.
  
  
  
  

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  Walking Paths:
  
  
  • There are walking paths to Magic Kingdom from Disney’s Contemporary, Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort andDisney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
  
  
  
  

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  Watercraft Transportation:
  
  
  
  • You are able to take watercraft transportation straight to Magic Kingdom from 5 different resorts including: Disney’s Contemporary, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
  
  
  
  

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  Disney Buses:
  
  
  
  • If you are park hopping for Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom you will be able to take the buses to Magic Kingdom which are located right outside of the park entry.
  
  
  • If you are staying at any other Disney Resort location you will also have access to the buses which will drop you off right outside of Magic Kingdom
  
  
  
  

• Minnie Vans:
  • Minnie Vans are similar to ride sharing but they are able to drop guests off right outside of the bus loop at the Magic Kingdom. (Minnie Van fees may apply)

Rides at Magic Kingdom:

With 6 different lands, it is the park with the most rides in all of Walt Disney World with a total of 23 rides. It has all of your classics from it’s a small world, to Space Mountain, to Pirates of the Caribbean! Out of the 23 rides, 16 of them do not have height requirements so even your teeniest tiniest park goers can still enjoy the magic. Splash Mountain, which is currently under renovation to be transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is set to open late 2024 as of right now! Even if you want to enjoy a fun ride and your younger park goers do not, you can take advantage of Child Swap; just let the Cast Member know!

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  No Height Requirement:
  
  
  
  • Astro Orbiter
  
  
  • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
  
  
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  
  
  • Haunted Mansion
  
  
  • “It’s a small world”
  
  
  • Jungle Cruise
  
  
  • Liberty Square Riverboat
  
  
  • Mad Tea Party
  
  
  • The Magic Carpet of Aladdin
  
  
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  
  
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  
  
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  
  
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
  
  
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
  
  
  • Under the Seas - Journey of the Little Mermaid
  
  
  • Walt Disney World Railroad
  
  
  • Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
  
  
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  
  
  
  

• 32 Inches or Taller
  • Tomorrowland Speedway

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  35 Inches or Taller
  
  
  
  • The Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini
  
  
  
  

• 
  38 Inches or Taller
  
  
  
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  
  
  
  

• 
  40 Inches or Taller
  
  
  
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  
  
  
  

• 
  44 Inches or Taller
  
  
  
  • Space Mountain
  
  
  
  

• 
  48 Inches or Taller
  
  
  
  • TRON Lightcycle/Run
  
  
  
  

Characters:

Not only are there 23 rides, but there are character meet and greets all around the park. You will sometimes spot different friends just hanging out in different areas of the parks so make sure you keep an eye out for them!

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  Meet and Greet:
  
  
  
  • Princess Tiana and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
  
  
  • Cinderella and a Visiting Princess at Princess Fairytale Hall
  
  
  • Meet Mickey at Town Square Theater
  
  
  • Meet Ariel (from the Animated Story) at Her Grotto
  
  
  
  

Disney also has several times during the day that you can watch different parades and shows to see your favorite friends during: Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire, and Disney Adventure Friend Cavalcade! Check your Disney World app under entertainment for the time of these events.

Dining:

Of course between rides and meeting your favorite characters you are going to work up an appetite. In Magic Kingdom there are 8 table service restaurants including:

• Be Our Guest Restaurant


• Cinderella’s Royal Table


• Crystal Palace


• Diamond Horseshoe


• Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen


• Liberty Tree Tavern


• The Plaza Restaurant


• Tony’s Town Square

Reservations in advance are recommended for these restaurants!

Two of the table service restaurants you are able to visit with characters. At Cinderella’s Royal Table you are able to meet with Cinderella, Ariel, Aurora, Jasmine, and Snow White! At Crystal Palace you will get to visit with Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger! Even though you will not be able to meet the Beast, he does make special appearances at Be Our Guest Restaurant!

If you are not looking for a full sit down meal you can find over 20 quick service dining options throughout the park! From full meals, to refreshing snacks, to coffee and drinks in order to keep you hydrated. You will be sure to find something that everyone will enjoy! For a full list of quick service dining at Magic Kingdom look under dining on the Disney World app and filter it to just show Magic Kingdom.

As you can see there is definitely something for everyone to do at this amazing park! If it is your first or even your 100th visit, Walt Disney World can still be a tad bit overwhelming when it comes to everything to do and booking. When you book your next vacation with me I am here to make sure you have all the knowledge to ensure you have the most magical experience. Shoot me an email or give me a call today so we can make that unforgettable vacation happen!