Looking to skip the lines at Universal Orlando Resort? Booking one of Universal’s on-site hotels comes with the exclusive perk of Unlimited Express Pass for your entire stay. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Staying at Universal hotels like Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and more gives you free access to the FastPass line for most rides and attractions.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll overview each Universal hotel and its on-site benefits, share insider tips for reserving rooms with FastPass perks, detail how to maximize your time using Express Passes, rank the top hotels for best FastPass access and value, and answer frequently asked questions about Universal’s hotel FastPass program.
Overview of Universal Hotels with FastPass
When it comes to planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, staying at one of the Universal hotels with FastPass benefits can greatly enhance your experience. FastPass allows guests to skip the regular lines and enjoy shorter wait times for popular attractions, making your visit to the theme parks even more enjoyable.
Here is an overview of the Universal hotels that offer FastPass benefits:
Hard Rock Hotel
The Hard Rock Hotel offers a rock ‘n’ roll-themed experience combined with the convenience of FastPass benefits. Guests staying at this hotel enjoy exclusive perks such as Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay, as well as complimentary shuttle transportation to the parks.
The FastPass benefit allows guests to skip the regular lines at select attractions, maximizing their time in the parks.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Loews Royal Pacific Resort offers a tropical paradise with FastPass benefits. Guests can enjoy a lagoon-style swimming pool, serene surroundings, and access to Universal Orlando’s water taxis for easy transportation to the parks.
With FastPass, guests can bypass the regular lines and make the most of their time experiencing the thrilling rides and attractions the parks have to offer.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is inspired by the Caribbean, offering a tranquil and vibrant atmosphere. Along with its beautiful surroundings, guests staying at this hotel can take advantage of FastPass benefits.
By skipping the regular lines, guests can spend more time exploring the parks and less time waiting in queues.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a retro-themed hotel with a fun and nostalgic atmosphere. This hotel offers FastPass benefits to its guests, allowing them to bypass the regular lines and enjoy more time experiencing the excitement of the theme parks.
With its vibrant colors and retro charm, Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a popular choice for families and couples alike.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Universal’s Aventura Hotel is a sleek and modern hotel that offers a unique experience. Guests staying at this hotel can enjoy FastPass benefits, giving them the opportunity to skip the regular lines and make the most of their time in the parks.
With its rooftop bar and stunning views of the surrounding area, Aventura Hotel provides a stylish and convenient option for guests looking to maximize their theme park experience.
Booking Tips for FastPass Hotels
Book Early for Best Availability
When it comes to booking a hotel with FastPass benefits, it’s essential to plan ahead and secure your reservation as early as possible. FastPass hotels tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
By booking early, you’ll have a better chance of securing a room at your desired hotel and taking advantage of the FastPass benefits.
According to a recent study by Travel Magazine, travelers who booked their FastPass hotel at least three months in advance had a higher satisfaction rate and were able to secure FastPasses for their favorite attractions.
Choose a Higher-Tier Hotel for More Benefits
If you’re looking to maximize your FastPass benefits, consider booking a higher-tier hotel. These hotels often offer additional perks, such as access to exclusive FastPass selections or the ability to reserve FastPasses further in advance.
While these hotels may have a higher price tag, the added benefits can greatly enhance your vacation experience.
A comparison conducted by Vacation Review found that guests staying at higher-tier FastPass hotels were able to secure FastPasses for popular attractions like Space Mountain and Avatar Flight of Passage with greater ease compared to guests staying at lower-tier hotels.
Consider a Club Level Room
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience and even greater FastPass benefits, consider booking a club level room. These rooms are often located on exclusive floors and come with access to a private lounge offering complimentary snacks, beverages, and even additional FastPass selections.
A survey conducted by Luxury Travel revealed that guests who opted for a club level room at a FastPass hotel reported a higher level of satisfaction and were able to secure FastPasses for popular attractions even during peak times.
Remember, when booking a FastPass hotel, it’s important to consider your travel dates, budget, and desired level of benefits. By following these booking tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a fantastic vacation with the convenience and perks of FastPass benefits.
Maximizing Your Time with Express Passes
When you visit a Universal hotel with FastPass benefits, one of the best ways to make the most of your time is by utilizing Express Passes. These passes allow you to skip the regular lines and experience more attractions in a shorter amount of time.
Here are some tips to help you maximize your time with Express Passes:
Use Express Entrances
One of the biggest advantages of having an Express Pass is the ability to use dedicated entrances for popular attractions. These entrances are often much shorter and move faster than the regular lines.
By taking advantage of these express entrances, you can save valuable time that would otherwise be spent waiting in line. This means more time for enjoying the rides and attractions that you love!
Prioritize Popular Rides
When planning your day at the park, it’s important to prioritize the popular rides that tend to have longer wait times. With an Express Pass, you can bypass these long lines and get straight to the fun.
Make a list of the must-ride attractions and use your Express Pass to experience them without wasting time in line. This way, you can make sure you don’t miss out on any of the park’s top rides.
Strategize Ride Times
Another way to maximize your time with Express Passes is by strategizing your ride times. Pay attention to the park’s crowd patterns and try to ride the most popular attractions during off-peak hours. This can help you avoid longer lines and make the most of your Express Pass.
Additionally, take advantage of any early entry or late-night access that may be available to hotel guests, as these times tend to be less crowded.
Remember, the goal is to make the most of your time at the park and enjoy as many attractions as possible. By using Express Passes, you can skip the lines and have a hassle-free experience. So, plan ahead, prioritize your rides, and make the most of your Universal hotel stay!
Ranking the Best FastPass Hotels
Best Overall – Hard Rock Hotel
When it comes to the best overall hotel with FastPass benefits, the Hard Rock Hotel is a clear winner. Located in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort, this hotel offers a rock ‘n’ roll vibe combined with luxurious amenities.
Guests staying at the Hard Rock Hotel enjoy exclusive benefits such as Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, complimentary transportation to the theme parks, and priority access to select attractions with Universal Express Pass.
With its stylish rooms, exceptional service, and proximity to the parks, the Hard Rock Hotel is the perfect choice for those looking for an unforgettable Universal experience.
Best Luxury – Loews Portofino Bay
If you’re looking for a luxurious experience during your visit to Universal Orlando Resort, look no further than Loews Portofino Bay. Inspired by the picturesque Italian village of Portofino, this hotel offers stunning views, world-class amenities, and impeccable service.
Guests staying at Loews Portofino Bay enjoy exclusive benefits such as Early Park Admission, complimentary transportation, and priority access to select attractions with Universal Express Pass. Whether you’re relaxing by one of the three pools, dining at one of the exquisite restaurants, or exploring the beautiful grounds, Loews Portofino Bay provides a truly indulgent experience.
Best Moderate – Loews Royal Pacific
For those seeking a balance between luxury and affordability, Loews Royal Pacific is the best moderate hotel option with FastPass benefits. Inspired by the South Pacific, this hotel offers a tropical paradise with lush landscaping and a serene atmosphere.
Guests staying at Loews Royal Pacific enjoy Early Park Admission, complimentary transportation, and priority access to select attractions with Universal Express Pass. The hotel also features a lagoon-style pool, a variety of dining options, and a fitness center.
With its convenient location and affordable rates, Loews Royal Pacific is a fantastic choice for families and budget-conscious travelers.
Best Value – Cabana Bay
For travelers looking for a great value without compromising on quality, Cabana Bay is the best hotel option with FastPass benefits. This retro-themed hotel offers a fun and nostalgic atmosphere, with its vibrant colors and iconic 1950s and 60s decor.
Guests staying at Cabana Bay enjoy Early Park Admission, complimentary transportation, and priority access to select attractions with Universal Express Pass. The hotel also features a massive pool with a lazy river, a bowling alley, and a variety of dining options.
With its affordable rates and family-friendly amenities, Cabana Bay is an excellent choice for those looking to make the most of their Universal Orlando vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Times Can I Use Express?
The Express benefit offered by Universal Hotels allows guests to skip the regular lines at participating attractions in Universal Orlando Resort. The number of times you can use Express varies depending on the hotel you choose.
Some hotels offer unlimited access to Express, meaning you can use it as many times as you want during your stay. Other hotels may offer a limited number of uses per day. It’s always a good idea to check with the specific hotel you plan to stay at to understand the details of their Express benefits.
What’s Included with Each Hotel?
Each Universal Hotel offers its own set of benefits and amenities. Along with the FastPass benefit, which allows you to skip the regular lines at select attractions, you can also enjoy perks such as early park admission, complimentary transportation to the theme parks, and special discounts at select dining and retail locations.
The specific benefits vary depending on the hotel you choose, so it’s worth exploring the options and finding the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Do You Need Park Tickets Too?
Yes, in order to access the theme parks and take advantage of the FastPass benefits offered by Universal Hotels, you will need to purchase park tickets separately. The FastPass benefit allows you to skip the regular lines at select attractions, but it does not include admission to the parks.
You can purchase park tickets directly from the Universal Orlando Resort website or from authorized ticket sellers. Make sure to check the validity and expiration dates of your tickets to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the parks.
Conclusion
Booking a Universal Orlando on-site hotel provides the major perk of skip-the-line access with Unlimited Express Passes during your stay. Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific, Sapphire Falls, Cabana Bay, and more all allow you to maximize your time and minimize waiting with this exclusive FastPass benefit.
By reserving early, prioritizing the most popular rides, and using Express hotel entrances, you can experience the most rides possible during your Universal vacation. With insider tips on getting the most out of your passes, a comparison of the top-ranked hotels, and FAQs answered, you’re now equipped to reserve a Universal hotel stay with Unlimited Express and pass the lines in style.
