Discover Universal

Summer Guide to Universal Orlando Resort

Kelsey Weinrich
A woman walks away from the camera in a shallow pool of water that only reaches her ankles. She wears a yellow top with an orange-and-green object design, and turquoise-and-purple flowy bottoms. She holds a light brown hat in her left hand. Her head is not shown in the image. She walks toward a tan building, and a few tall, seemingly palm trees. The sun is very bright in the sky, reflecting against the hat.

Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, my favorite season has always been summer. It meant baseball games, long days spent at the neighborhood pool, family trips, and (probably most important) no school. The world felt so much more alive when there were places to go and constant activities to look forward to. It’s an incredibly nostalgic time for me still today — especially now that I work in the theme parks I used to only visit, home to some of the most thrilling activities imaginable.

There is truly no shortage of things to do at Universal Orlando Resort, so when it comes time to create your own summer vacation memories, how do you choose? Well, slather on that sunscreen because I’m here to tell you. From beachy resort hotels to frozen delights, you’ll walk away knowing how to stay cool and content:

WHERE TO STAY | WHAT TO DO | WHAT TO EAT

Where to Stay in the Summer at Universal Orlando Resort

@michael_carelli

If you want to carry that summer vacation feeling with you 24/7 (and who wouldn’t?) you’ll need to find a place to stay that gives you true “sunglasses on, no responsibilities” vibes. 

Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel

Embrace the sunlit sanctuary of Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Mediterranean-inspired retreat in the center of Universal Epic Universe.

Must-have experiences:

Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort

 Go retro at a 1950s-themed beach resort.

Must-have experiences:

Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites

Adopt a lifestyle filled with perpetual sand and surf at Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites.

Must-have experiences:

What to Do During the Summer at Universal Orlando Resort

Like I said above, there is so much at Universal Orlando Resort and you’ll want to try it all! But that Florida humidity is going to take more of a toll than you might think. For that reason, I’m choosing to focus on activities that will cool you down or give you a bit of a respite from the break-neck pace of hits like Jurassic World VelociCoaster.

Water Rides

First thing’s first. You’ll be wanting to know how to put that new sunscreen to good use even in the drier parks. I like to save water rides for the time of day when the sun is at its peak and I can physically feel my tan lines forming for maximum effect.

My suggestions:

Bonus: You don’t have to be on a ride to interact with water! Try taking your little ones to Camp Jurassic or finding any of the various splash pads throughout the resort to help cool off.

Indoor Experiences

You’ll never appreciate air conditioning more than when you get hit with a cool blast in the middle of a theme park in July. The great news is that you can feel it again and again because there are a number of excellent attractions that will get you out of the sun for a prolonged period of time.

My suggestions:

Immersive Indoor Queues

Standing in line is underrated! I said what I said… When the queues are as thoughtfully designed as those at Universal Orlando, you won’t mind letting those behind you pass as you take it all in.

My suggestions:

Breezy Rides

@mallory.drew

Now, I consider myself quite a thrill-seeker, but there’s a time and place for every type of ride. Sometimes you just want to be carried along at a leisurely pace while you look at pretty scenery, right?

My suggestions:

Universal Volcano Bay

It’s arguable that the sole aim of this article should be imploring you to go to Volcano Bay. This water theme park will make you feel as if you’ve stumbled upon a tropical island oasis in Central Florida, and I don’t know a better way to soak in summer (literally). You’ll absolutely want to plan a full day taking advantage of its charms.

Must-have experiences:

What to Eat During the Summer at Universal Orlando Resort

I know what you’re thinking… “You want me to do all of these activities, but when am I going to eat?” We’re burning a lot of calories here. Look no further than the below!

Table Service Restaurants

I would definitely recommend making reservations for at least one sit down restaurant every day you plan to spend in the parks. Not only is the food amazing, but you’ll get to rest your feet and leave your worries in the heat while cold drinks are brought to your table.

My suggestions:

Frozen Treats

To quote a song played more than once at my middle school dance, “What’s cooler than being cool?” There are plenty of deliciously ice cold options available throughout the resort.

My suggestions:

Just Feels Like Summer

Ok, we’ve covered the deliciously practical. But there are a couple additional dining experiences to which I wanted to call specific attention, because they are perfect for the season.

My suggestions:

So what did I miss? Tell us how you like to spend summer at Universal Orlando Resort in the comments below!

Exit mobile version