Universal Orlando Resort® Vacation Planning
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort is more exciting when you have an expert by your side. As a Universal Preferred Travel Planner, I help families, couples, and groups create unforgettable vacations to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. From choosing the perfect on-site hotel and ticket package to navigating Express Pass options and park strategies, I’m here to make sure your Universal vacation is seamless, exciting, and stress-free.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, I’ll help you unlock the best experiences Universal has to offer with insider knowledge, exclusive booking tools, and no extra cost.
Looking to explore everything Universal Orlando Resort has to offer? This official Universal destination guide is a great place to start. You can browse attractions, parks, and experiences at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk — all in one place. When you're ready to turn that dream trip into reality, I'm here to help you book the perfect vacation and plan every detail.
Universal Orlando Hotel Comparison Chart
Choosing the right hotel is one of the most important parts of planning your Universal Orlando Resort vacation. With several on-site hotel categories to choose from — including Value, Prime Value, Preferred, and Premier — each offers different perks, price points, and proximity to the parks. Use this comparison chart to see which hotel best fits your travel style, budget, and vacation goals.
Universal On-Site Hotels at a Glance
Hotel
Free Express Pass Included?
Early Park Admission?
Transportation to Parks?
Starting Price (per night)*
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
❌ No
✅ Yes
🚎 Bus
Walking Path: Dedicated Entrance to Epic Universe
$$$$
Category: Signature
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
🚎 Bus, ⛴️ Water Taxi
Walking Path: To Universal Studios Florida & Universal Islands of Adventure
$$$$
Category: Signature
Hard Rock Hotel
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
🚎 Bus, ⛴️ Water Taxi
Walking Path: To Universal Studios Florida & Universal Islands of Adventure
$$$$
Category: Signature
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
🚎 Bus, ⛴️ Water Taxi
Walking Path: To Universal Studios Florida & Universal Islands of Adventure
$$$$
Category: Signature
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
❌ No
✅ Yes
🚎 Bus, ⛴️ Water Taxi
Walking Path: To Universal Volcano Bay
$$$
Category: Signature
Universal Aventura Hotel
❌ No
✅ Yes
🚎 Bus
Walking Path: To Universal Volcano Bay
$$
Category: Prime Value
Universal Stella Nova Hotel
❌ No
✅ Yes
🚎 Bus
Walking Path: To Epic Universe
$$
Category: Prime Value
Universal Terra Luna Hotel
❌ No
✅ Yes
🚎 Bus
$$
Category: Prime Value
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
❌ No
✅ Yes
🚎 Bus
Walking Path: To Universal Volcano Bay
$$
Category: Value Inns & Suites
Universal Sufside Inn & Suites
❌ No
✅ Yes
🚎 Bus
$
Category: Value Inns & Suites
Universal Dockside Inn & Suites
❌ No
✅ Yes
🚎 Bus
$
Category: Value Inns & Suites
*prices vary by season & availability
💡 Travel Planner Tip: Want to skip the lines at most rides? Staying at a Premier hotel may actually save you money if you were planning to purchase Express Pass separately. Plus, it’s included for each guest in the room.
Express Pass Guide
What Is Universal Express Pass?
The Universal Express Pass lets you skip the regular lines at most rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe. Instead of waiting 45–90+ minutes, you can often board in under 15.
Types Of Express Passes**
Express Pass Type
What's Included
Price Range*
Where Is It Available?
Universal Express
One-time express access to most rides at Universal Studios or Universal Islands of Adventure.
$119.99–$359.99 per person/day +tax
Add-on to any ticket
Universal Express Unlimited
Unlimited express access to most rides at Universal Studios or Universal Islands of Adventure.
$149.99–$379.99 per person/day +tax
Add-on or free with Premier hotel stay
Universal Express (Epic Universe)
Unlimited express access to most rides at Universal Epic Universe.
$179.99–$359.99 per person/day +tax
Add-on to any ticket
3-Park Multi-Day Express Pass
One-time express access to most rides at Universal Studios, Universal Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe
$269.99–$864.99 per person/day +tax
Add-on to any ticket
Volcano Bay Express
Unlimited express access to most rides at Volcano Bay
$19.99–$149.99 per person/day +tax
Add-on to any ticket
💡 Travel Planner Tip: Lines can be long even in the “off season.” If your trip includes weekends, holidays, or summer dates, or if you want to do everything, Express Pass can be a game-changer.
* Prices and availability vary by day. Pass validity dates and prices are subject to change until purchased.
** Valid theme park admission required. Valid only at participating rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and/or Universal Epic Universe, during normal theme park operating hours. Not valid at Universal Volcano Bay. Excludes separately ticketed events. Park-to-Park admission required to board the Hogwarts™ Express. Express ride access is a separate queue with a shorter wait time at participating rides and attractions. Pass validity dates and prices are subject to change until purchased. Parks, attractions, operational times, and benefits are subject to substitutions, change, availability, capacity and/or cancellation without notice, and not guaranteed. Additional restrictions may apply.
Which attractions offer Universal Express Pass?
Universal Studios Florida – attractions with Express Pass
-
Animal Actors on Location!
-
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
-
DreamWorks Imagination Celebration
-
E.T. Adventure
-
Fast & Furious – Supercharged
-
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™
-
Hogwarts™ Express (Park-to-Park Admission required to board the Hogwarts™ Express)
-
Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast
-
Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl
-
MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™
-
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
-
Revenge of the Mummy
-
The Bourne Stuntacular
-
The Simpsons Ride™
-
Transformers™: The Ride-3D
-
Trolls Trollercoaster
-
Universal Horror Make-Up Show
Universal Islands of Adventure – attractions with Express Pass
-
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®
-
Caro-Seuss-el™
-
The Cat in the Hat™
-
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall®
-
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls®
-
Flight of the Hippogriff™
-
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™
-
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
-
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™
-
Hogwarts™ Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
-
The Incredible Hulk Coaster®
-
Jurassic Park River Adventure
-
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
-
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish™
-
Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges®
-
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
-
Storm Force Accelatron®
Universal Epic Universe – attractions with Express Pass
-
Constellation Carousel
-
Curse of the Werewolf
-
Fyre Drill
-
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
-
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™
-
Le Cirque Arcanus™
-
Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
-
Mine-Cart Madness™
-
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
-
Stardust Racers
-
The Untrainable Dragon
-
Yoshi’s Adventure™
Universal Volcano Bay – attractions with Express Pass
-
Honu of Honu ika Moana
-
ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
-
Krakatau Aqua Coaster
-
Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
-
Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
-
Punga Racers
-
Taniwha Tubes
Additional Rides Available with Express PLUS:
-
Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
-
Ko’okiri Body Plunge
-
Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
-
Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
Frequently Asked Questions About Universal Orlando Vacation Planning
Is it free to work with a Universal Preferred Travel Planner?
Yes! When you book your Universal vacation through me, my planning services are completely free to you. I’m paid by Universal, so you get expert help at no extra cost.
What’s included when I book my trip through Unforgettable Vacation Co.?
You’ll receive personalized hotel and ticket recommendations, Express Pass guidance, dining advice, early park admission planning, and a custom itinerary based on your preferences. I also monitor promotions and apply discounts when they become available.
What’s the benefit of booking with a Universal Preferred Travel Planner?
As a Preferred Travel Planner, I’ve completed Universal’s official training program and have access to insider knowledge and tools not available to the general public. You’ll save time, avoid confusion, and enjoy a more relaxing and efficient vacation.
Can you help me choose between Universal hotels?
Yes! I’ll help you compare value, prime value, preferred, and premier on-site hotels — and explain which ones include Express Pass, early park admission, transportation, and other exclusive perks.
Can you help with Express Pass, park strategies, and ride planning?
Absolutely. I’ll walk you through how Express Pass works, which rides are included, when to use it, and how to build your day to avoid long lines and maximize fun.
Do you help with dining and special experiences?
Yes. I can recommend the best restaurants, help with reservations, and assist with special events like Halloween Horror Nights, character dining, and VIP experiences.
When should I start planning my Universal trip?
For the best availability and pricing, start planning at least 4 to 6 months in advance, especially for peak seasons like summer, spring break, or the holidays. Last-minute trips can work too, and I can help with those as well.