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With two full theme parks—Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure—a dining and entertainment complex called CityWalk, and three on-site resort hotels, Universal Orlando is no longer content to be the park you visit on the last day of vacation, after the bulk of your time and most of your money have gone to Disney. On the contrary, Universal is poised to be a destination, not an afterthought, aiming to keep guests on-site and entertained for multiday stays.

As you prepare a touring plan for Universal, make sure to choose the best rides and shows for your particular family. Although Universal offers attractions for every age, it’s best known for its high-thrill rides. In general, the attractions here are far more intense than those at Disney, so it’s important to know that the shows and rides you choose are age appropriate. A mother of one from Missouri agrees: “The first time we went to Universal Studios our daughter was 4, and there wasn’t too much she could ride or enjoy at such a young age. The next time we went back she was 8, and she loved it. Kids have to be a bit older to really get into the Universal Studios style of ride.”

On the other hand, if you have teenagers, you may want to spend more time at Universal than at Disney. Consider this report from a father of three: “My children love roller coasters (the wilder the better) and prefer Universal to Disney. So we do the opposite of most families, staying at Universal and driving over for a day at Disney.”

Universal Orlando is off Interstate 4 at Exits 74B and 75A. Road signs to the complex are well marked. All three of the Universal resorts are within walking distance of the Universal parks, about a 20-minute drive from Walt Disney World, and about a 10-minute drive from SeaWorld. For more information visit www.universalorlando.com or call 407/363–8000.

Helpful Hint

Just as many people confuse Walt Disney World and the Magic Kingdom, Universal suffers some confusion regarding the names of its parks. Universal Studios Florida refers to the original theme park, which has attractions based on the movies that Universal Pictures has produced over the years. The entire complex, consisting of two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure), three hotels (Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, and Royal Pacific) and CityWalk, is called Universal Orlando.

Should We Stay On-Site?

Whether you decide to stay at one of Universal Orlando’s three on-site resorts—the Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel, and the Royal Pacific Resort—depends on how much you’re willing to spend for certain conveniences and privileges extended only to on-site guests. The on-site resorts are all luxurious, with the ultimate in amenities and price tags to match. Depending on the resort and the season, rates average $220–$350 a night.

There are plenty of resorts on International Drive and other roads that flank the park, but Universal draws high-spending visitors by offering lots of perks for on-site guests.

Advantages of Staying On-Site

By far the biggest advantage is that resort guests can use the Express system on an unlimited basis. Just show your resort ID, that is, your room key card, and you’ll be admitted into the Express ticket line on any ride you choose at any time you choose. This virtually eliminates having to wait in line and it’s a huge, huge perk. Depending upon when you’re traveling, it’s also a $20–$60 per person value—the cost of an Express pass.

Resort guests get priority seating in restaurants and can make reservations in advance.

Complimentary water taxi and bus transportation between your resort and the theme parks is included. (All three of the on-site hotels are linked to the two theme parks and CityWalk by a series of scenic waterways.) Not only does the transportation system make it easier for you to return to your room for a midday break, but it saves you the time, effort, and expense of driving to the theme parks.

Complimentary package delivery of in-park purchases to guest rooms.

Resort