Guide to Staying On-Site at Universal Orlando
Explore the incredible perks and hotel tiers of staying at an official Universal Orlando Resort hotel.
The Perks of Staying at a Universal Hotel
Universal's on-site benefits are some of the best in the business, offering incredible value and convenience.
FREE Universal Express Pass (Premier Hotels Only)
This is the single biggest perk. Guests at Premier hotels get FREE Express Unlimited passes for their entire party, saving hundreds of dollars per day.
Early Park Admission
Get into one of the theme parks (including Volcano Bay) one hour before the general public.
Convenient Transportation
Enjoy complimentary water taxis or shuttle buses to the parks and CityWalk. Most hotels are also within walking distance.
Resort-Wide Charging Privileges
Use your room key to charge purchases across the entire Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Hotel Tiers Explained
Universal groups their hotels into four value-packed categories.
Premier Resorts
Top-tier hotels with the best amenities and the invaluable FREE Express Pass perk.
PRICE
$$$
KEY BENEFITS
- ✅ Unlimited Express Pass (included)
- ✅ Priority seating at select restaurants
- ✅ Water taxi or walking distance to parks
Preferred Resorts
Great location and amenities, just without the included Express Pass.
PRICE
$$
KEY BENEFITS
- ✅ Water taxi & shuttle service
- ✅ Early Park Admission
- 🚫 Express Pass not included
Prime Value Resorts
Fantastic family-friendly options with fun pools and some suite-style rooms.
PRICE
$
KEY BENEFITS
- ✅ Shuttle to parks
- ✅ Early Park Admission
- 🚫 No Express Pass
Value Resorts
Universal's most budget-friendly hotels, offering clean, modern rooms and Early Park Admission.
PRICE
$
KEY BENEFITS
- ✅ Lowest prices on-site
- ✅ Free shuttle to parks
- ✅ Early Park Admission
- 🚫 Not walkable to the parks
Strategy & Advice
Pros
- FREE Express Pass at Premier hotels is the best theme park perk in Orlando.
- Proximity to parks allows for easy walking or quick water taxi rides.
- Early Park Admission for all on-site hotels.
- Excellent pools and theming across all hotel tiers.
Cons
- Premier hotels can be very expensive.
- Standard rooms can be smaller than off-site competitors.
- Parking fees are high at all on-site hotels.
Pro Tips
- If you have 3-4 people in your party, the cost of one night at a Premier hotel is often cheaper than buying Express Passes for everyone for one day.
- Take advantage of Early Park Admission to ride Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure with a lower wait.
- The water taxis are a relaxing and scenic way to get to the parks from the Premier and Preferred hotels.