Planning the Ultimate Spring Break at Universal Orlando Resort

EDITOR’S NOTE: This blog was originally published Jan. 7, 2019 and then underwent extensive updates and editing in the fall of 2020 to remain current and relevant.

The long holiday season is over and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to plan the ultimate Spring Break! It’s already been an unseasonably snowy winter for much of the country, so thaw your icy hands out and start dreaming up a sunny spring adventure at Universal Orlando Resort.

Ready to dream up your perfect Spring Break itinerary? Here’s a handy guide to help you along.

Step 1: Travel Around the World (No Passport Required)

When you stay at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, you get all the convenience of proximity to the three parks AND a unique vacation experience based on the hotel you choose. A Polynesian luau, Italian opera performance in a sparkling harbor, an in-room electric guitar lesson and even time travel to the 60s are within the realm of possibility. It’s up to you to decide the themed hotel that fits your Spring Break dreams.

No matter what vibe you’re going for, all Universal Orlando hotel guests get free transportation to and from the parks. You can travel to Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure on a leisurely water taxi or a quick bus ride to the heart of the action in Universal CityWalk. When you stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort there is a convenient walking path to Universal Volcano Bay.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando and Loews Royal Pacific Resort all offer free Universal Express Unlimited passes to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure for every guest on the reservation, which gets you to the front of the line quicker — an amazing perk I can’t live without!

Plus, hotel guests get Early Park Admission to Universal Volcano Bay, Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, which gets you into the park one hour before it opens.

Step 2: Get the App

My biggest tip for planning a Universal Orlando adventure is the free Official Universal Orlando Resort App. It’s the best way to plan a visit! In advance, you can map out the best route through the parks, highlight restaurants you don’t want to miss and plan character experiences for the kids. Once you’re in the park, use it to keep you updated on queue times, utilize the Virtual Line experience, and mobile order food and drinks. You can also set up alerts to notify you when wait times change, so you spend your Spring Break doing and seeing more. It’s a real time saver!

Step 3: Stay Cool

The Sunshine State awaits, and there’s no better way to soak up the vitamin D than with a day at Volcano Bay. Can you imagine an active volcano right here in Central Florida? Krakatau erupts regularly, as water rides and an epic wave pool swoosh and swirl guests around the park. I’m a big fan of the luxurious private cabanas you can reserve for parties large and small. I might be biased, but I think thrilling water rides, delicious food and relaxing cabanas are more fun than sitting on a beach any day.

Also take note: when you stay at one of our hotels, you have access to every pool at the resort. I like to take advantage of Early Park Admission and rider coasters until about lunchtime, then I pool-hop in the afternoon. Don’t miss out on this chance to explore some of the coolest pools in the world! Hard Rock Hotel has a pool with underwater music, and the lazy river at Cabana Bay is a great getaway. Once I’m sufficiently relaxed, I head back to the parks for more fun… including Mardi Gras.

Step 4: Let the Good Times Roll – It’s Mardi Gras!

Universal’s Mardi Gras is one of the most fun aspects of Spring Break, so save room for sugary beignets and spicy crawfish! There’s a colorful, family friendly parade every night with beads, floats and dancing in the streets. On select nights, you can even catch some of the biggest names in music live in concert. Universal’s Mardi Gras is a great reason to visit in the spring, and, even better, it’s included in the price of admission!

Step 5: Amp Up The Awesome

Amp up the awesome with one of the many deals and specials found here. There are a ton of packages and offers to choose from, so there’s bound to be a great fit for your family to get the most out of your Spring Break at Universal Orlando.

Now you’ve got adventures to plan! Ready, set, go!