Going to Universal - Hotel Options

we spent one night right outside universal the day we got to orlando (driving and got there at night).
The next night we stayed at a universal hotel. By doing that, we were able to utilize the fast pass or whatever they call it for that day, as well as the next day, even though we only stayed for one night. we used them at the water park the first day and Islands of Adventure the next.
then we went stay at another resort near sea world the next two nights.
Went to the old universal park the next day without the fast pass, and there isn't much need for the fast pass at that park. Then went to sea world the next day. my kids liked sea world more than they did the old universal park. They need to so some serious upgrades to that park. Outside of the Harry Potter part, it's rather worthless, since the only ride that's worth a shite is the roller coaster at the front of the park, and it breaks every 30 minutes.

I'm a cheap arse.

stay on property, fast passes and you can walk to the parks. We stayed at Royal Pacific and it was great, have heard great things about Hard Rock as well.

quote:

---

Stay at Hard Rock. End of thread

---

Second this. It’s worth the extra $ getting those express passes included. Unless you frequent universal you’ll really want these. Hard rock is also so close to the parks you can head back to your room mid day and catch a rest and eat lunch.

If you want to skip the lines yes stay on property in one of the "deluxe" hotels to get included Express Passes. We stayed at Royal Pacific and really enjoyed it. You can pay for express passes but they are pricy. Plus you get early admission staying on property.

Included express pass is at Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, or Portofino bay.

We stayed at the Hard Rock and had a great time. I just looked up a 5 day trip to gauge. It was 4500. Whoof