Next summer, my family is heading to Disney World for a week. We decided to add on one day at Universal Orlando at the beginning of our trip. My husband and I haven’t been there since before the Harry Potter world opened, and my kids have never been. We’ve had every intention of going to Universal Orlando on one of our many previous trips to Florida, but we just never made it there.
This time, we’re making it happen. However, I’ve discovered that planning a trip to Universal is quite different from planning a trip to Disney. Fortunately, the little-known perk of pool hopping privileges makes our hotel decision easier.
Hotel Choices for Universal Orlando
I considered using points to stay nearby Universal. For just 1-2 nights, my family could stay in one room at the Hyatt Place Across from Universal Resort or a nearby Staybridge Suites using IHG certs.
But, since we are planning to visit both parks in one day, we really need those front-of-the-line Universal Express passes. To get them, we either have to pay $149 per person (for the day we are going, the price varies by date) or stay in one of three premier on-site hotels.
Pool Hopping at Universal Orlando
My basis for choosing which on-site deluxe hotel was really coming down to the pool area, since we plan to arrive in the morning and relax at the pool before hitting the parks hard the next day.
As I began to read reviews of the three deluxe hotels that include Universal Express passes, I came across a tidbit of information. Universal allows on-site hotel guests to pool hop to other Universal on-site hotels. This is kind of a big deal, considering Disney doesn’t allow that for non-DVC guests.
According to several blogs and discussion forums, guests staying in prime value, preferred and premier hotels can pool hop simply by showing their room keys at other resort pools. Guests can walk to other resorts or take boat/bus transportation between resorts. The only resorts that don’t offer pool hopping for guests are the two new Endless Summer value hotels.
This is really a game changer for my family. The hotel pool that appeals most to us is at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, with its large lazy river and water slide. It doesn’t have the Universal Express Pass we want, but it’s nice to know we don’t have to stay there to use the pool.
If Pool Isn’t the Deciding Factor, Cost Is
For many families, the theming, décor and location of the hotel are deciding factors. But since this is just a short stay, I’m not too concerned about those.
As long as my family is willing to schlep to another hotel’s pool, deciding where to stay really comes down to price. Of the three premier on-site hotels, Portofino Bay is usually the most expensive, followed by the Hard Rock Hotel. Royal Pacific Resort is usually the least expensive.
So for now, I made a reservation for us at the Royal Pacific Resort. I don’t know if we will have the time and energy to explore a different pool, but it’s nice to have the option.
Have you pool-hopped at Universal?
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Krislynn McDougall says
The last time we went to universal we stayed at Cabana Bay (this is actually where I always stay because I love it so much) but we decided to try pool hopping. It was great! We tried sapphire falls and hard rock, I loved the hard rock pool area because the music was great. I’ve always gone the week after American thanks giving and I have found that express passes weren’t necessary because crowd levels were so low, so I’ve never paid to stay at the premier resorts for the fast passes. It’s also cool to visit the other resorts at Christmas time because the decorations are so great, also if you go at the beginning of December sapphire falls has really awesome gingerbread houses on display.
Nancy says
@Krislynn Glad you had a great time pool hopping and visiting the other resorts at Christmas. I wish we had more time during our last visit to Universal.
Steve Eldredge says
Nancy, I think you will love the Express Passes. It makes Universal a breeze compared to Disney’s Fastpass.
Most attractions will just about be a walk on for you. It makes for a nice relaxing day at the park.
I do think you might want to consider shortening your pool day to spend more time at the parks, 1 day for both parks will be exhausting, with no time for spontaneity.
My family and I go to Universal 2 or 3 times a year. We are annual passholders and we usually stay at the Portofino because I love Italian food. I have stayed at Royal Pacific and the Hard Rock also, they are all great hotels.
With all the required pre-planning and the Fastpass rat race, we stopped going to Disney and switched to Universal exclusively. No spreadsheet, no schedule, just enjoy the attractions as you come to them… It’s nice!
Anonymous says
You should look into Orlando informer.
They have meet ups with everything included. No waits and unlimited food!!
Orlandoinformer.com
Nancy says
@Steve I’m definitely looking forward to the Express Passes!
Judy Wolverton says
We were just there in Nov and stayed at the Royal Pacific, which was really nice and within walking distance of both parks. It was our first time there and didn’t know what to expect, especially being loyal Disney fans. However, we loved Universal and IOA and the express pass system! Just be aware, doing both parks in 1 day is not easy. There is a lot to see and do. We could have just spent time in both Harry Potter areas! Personally I would skip the pool on your arrival day and do a park instead. The pool at Royal Pacific is ok but doesn’t have slides or anything really fun, so cabana bays would be better. keep in mind, switching hotels to swim is more time consuming and more of a hassle tho. Either way, have a nice trip!
Nancy says
@Judy I’m glad you liked the Royal Pacific! My husband was at Universal for a work function last year, and he went through it all very quickly. My family will likely split up to cover more ground and the rides that interest us. That said, I think it will still be a very full day. You’re right, pool hopping could be a hassle. I’ll have to see how we feel after the flight. I love having the option, though!
Judy Wolverton says
Hi Nancy! Well I hope u have fun! We did try to hit every ride at both parks. We enjoyed the characters and the shows too. So yeah you will definitely have to prioritize! I did want to mention that when u stay at the Royal Pacific, Hard Rock and Portifino, even for 1 night, you can enter the parks the day u check in and the day u check out of the hotel! The tickets and the express passes are included with the hotel stay. Something to think about!