10 Things You Have To Do at Universal Orlando Resort Hotels

If you are looking for picturesque views, phenomenal dining options, pools that will transport you and your family to full vacation mode, and — oh yeah — some Universal Orlando Resort theme park perks, too? Well, you’re in luck because half the fun of a Universal Orlando vacation can be found at the 11 unique and impeccably-themed hotels throughout the resort.

Since I’m such a fan of all of our hotels, I thought I’d gather up ten of my favorite things to do at each Universal Orlando Resort hotel (Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites or Surfside Inn and Suites, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort, and Universal Terra Luna Resort).

With 11 hotels that all offer something different, it was no small feat for me to narrow this list down to 10! I say explore as many of our hotel offerings as possible during your visit, but for now…

1. Embark on a Rum-Tasting Journey at Strong Water Tavern.

This experience at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is an educational blast — you’ll be paired with a Rum Captain (coolest job title ever) who will host a tasting of several different rums and teach you about their flavor nuances. Even if you’re not a rum-fan, I recommend trying this out or just sitting at the bar and enjoying one of the other great signature cocktails and a smattering of small plates.

2. Bowl a strike at Galaxy Bowl.

Well, at least try to bowl a strike. How many hotels have a literal bowling alley in them? Let alone one as cool as you’ll find at Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s. Whether you’re staying at this hotel or not you should definitely plan a stop at Galaxy Bowl during your Universal trip.

3. Make a splash at your hotel pool.

What’s a vacation to Florida without a day spent at the pool? Each of the hotels deliver their own great pool experience (Cabana Bay Beach Resort even has a lazy river)! Be sure to check out our guide to the pools here — and don’t forget your sunscreen.

4. Get adventurous with the sushi at Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar.

Sushi with a view is the most succinct way I can articulate the magic that is Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar in Loews Royal Pacific Resort. The sushi menu is vibrant and inventive, the cocktail offerings are one-of-a-kind, and you’ll be enjoying it all with a view worthy of the word “paradise” as the restaurant overlooks the lush and tropical vibes at Royal Pacific.

5. Start your day right with the most important meal of the day.

The internet may debate if breakfast is the most important meal of the day every few years, but I have remained steadfast that it absolutely is. Whether it’s lingering at the breakfast buffet at Amatista Cookhouse at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, grabbing a quick breakfast from Omega Cafe and Market at Universal Terra Luna Resort on the way out the door to Universal Epic Universe, or a lazy morning eating Eggs Benedict via room service in bed, you can — wait, what I was saying? I lost my train of thought thinking about Eggs Benedict via room service. Again.

6. Enjoy gelato on the harbor.

Get yourself a cup of gelato from the Gelateria and soak in the relaxing ambience of the harbor at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. You may even end up having to pinch yourself to come back to reality and remind yourself you’re not actually in Italy.

7. Grab a rooftop drink and bite to eat at Bar 17 Bistro or Bar Helios.

Take in one of the two best views throughout all of Universal Orlando Resort (or at least the only ones you’re not zooming by via roller coaster) at our two rooftop bars. Bar 17 Bistro at Universal Aventura Hotel overlooks Universal Volcano Bay on one side and a great view of Orlando on the other. Bar Helios overlooks Universal Epic Universe, and depending on what time you’re there you might just catch the Cosmos Fountain Show.

8. Level up your vacation with one of our themed kids’ suites.

Whether the kids in your group are into dinosaurs, Minions, dragons or music, there’s a kids’ suite for them! The different kids’ suites throughout Universal hotels will really have you sleeping where the action is.

• Future Rock Star Suites at Hard Rock Hotel
• “Jurassic World” Kids’ Suites at Royal Pacific Resort
• “Despicable Me” Kids’ Suites at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• “How To Train Your Dragon” Kids’ Suites at Universal Helios Grand Hotel

9. Sample all of the exclusive drinks the hotels have to offer.

I’m typically a vodka on ice with a lime kinda lady, but with specialty cocktails like the ones the bartenders are slinging at Universal hotels? Yeah, she’s being daring, she’s going outside of the box, she’s ordering a Chariot Of The Sun from Bar Helios. More of a beer drinker? Enjoy the specialty craft beers at Sunset Lounge in Dockside Inn & Suites, or head to Jake’s American Bar at Royal Pacific Resort to try out their menu of specialty beers.

PRO TIP: All of the Team Members at Jake’s have made-up names. Be sure to ask your server why they picked theirs.

10. Indulge in the seafood tower at Universal Helios Grand Hotel.

Nothing says family togetherness like ordering a seafood tower for the table and sampling all its goodness together. The seafood tower at Bar Helios is truly a sight to behold, but snap your pictures quickly, please, because I won’t be waiting for the go-ahead to grab a snow crab claw…

OK, now I’m at 10 and I knew I’d have to fight the urge to make this list longer! Let me know in the comments below your favorite Universal hotel activities.