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Welcome to the first installment of my new column, Drew’s Top 5. I’m Drew and I’ll be your Skippe….. host on this journey every other week. Or whenever I feel like it. We kick things off this week talking about the wonderful on-site hotels that Universal Orlando has to offer. We’re smack dab in the middle of summer and you know what that means? Lines! Crowds! Vacations! So don’t screw yours up. I mean, uh… good luck. If you’re counting at home that’s already 2 awful references to attractions. So let’s get this thing started, shall we? Here are the Top 5 reasons you should stay on-site at Universal Orlando. DRUMROLL PLEASE!
Please note that there are four on-site hotels at Universal Orlando. Three deluxe hotels; Loew’s Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loew’s Royal Pacific Resort. And one moderate/value resort; Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
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[tps_title]1. Early Park Admission/Separate Entry for Horror Nights[/tps_title]
Some people like to sleep in on their vacations. Understandably. But you’re at Universal Orlando! You’ve got 2 amazing theme parks to see, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at BOTH parks. The early bird gets the worm. The worm is that much juicier when you’re staying on site.
As a guest at one of Universal’s 4 on-site resorts, you’re entitled to early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Especially this summer, this perk is major. While regular guests will line up outside the gates, you’ll be able to get a head start in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. I absolutely recommend that you use this privilege atleast once during your stay. To be able to explore these areas “freely”, way less crowded than it is during the day is truly a sight to behold.
Often forgotten about, but Universal also offers on-site hotel guests separate entry into their Halloween Horror Nights event. If you’ve been to HHN on a peak night, you know just how crazy it can be to try and get through the metal detectors and front gate area. When approaching the gates, make a right towards the Hard Rock Hotel. On-site hotel guests have a designated area for entry. This will save you a good chunk of time on those crowded nights.
