The perfect mix of funk and fun. Classy, yet casual; lively, yet laid back; the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando is the coolest hotel in town and a great addition to any theme park experience.
Located in the heart of Universal Orlando’s theme parks, a stay here rocks, with all the exclusive benefits of staying in Universal Orlando, like skipping the regular queues, early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay, complimentary shuttles, water taxis, merchandise delivery and club access, priority seating at selected restaurants and resort-wide charging privileges using your room key card.
Culinary nirvana from a famed steakhouse to classic American cuisine and an ice cream parlour are part of the offering in a hotel whose California mission-style design is inspired by classic rock music and boasts a palm-lined swimming pool featuring underwater music and an amazing collection of rock memorabilia as well as its own beach club to return for a chill out after a long day at the parks.
Family accommodation options include several two bed suites and interconnecting rooms, all with Wi-Fi and a show-stopping service and laid-back style befitting of rock ‘n’ roll royalty.
In between your park adventures, there are plenty of opportunities for playing hard too. A 12,000 sq. ft. swimming pool complete with underwater music, sand beach, waterslide, whirlpools and sand volleyball court for outdoor fun, whilst inside a modern gaming room and body rock fitness centre will keep the adrenalin flowing.
Equally if you simply need some down time in between the pulse-pounding excitement of the theme park experiences then hibernating for a while in a beach cabana may help restore some needed energy or take advantage of privilege access to the luxurious spa at neighbour hotel the Loews Portofino Bay.
Universal Orlando Resort is a dynamic destination offering experiences to thrill and delight every member of the family.
Here’s a quick rundown of my recommended highlights:
Universal Studios
Go beyond the screen, behind the scenes and jump right into the action of films and TV shows created at the studios. At the movie and TV-based theme park, get lost in an amazing array of rides, shows and attractions from adrenaline-pumping excitement on rides like Revenge of the Mummy and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster, which lets riders choose the soundtrack that plays while they ride, to family fun with the daily Superstar Parade and the night-time lights at Hogwarts projecting against the majestic castle backdrop.
Universal's Islands of Adventure
Right next door is Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where you will journey through remarkable lands in which all-time favourite myths, legends, comic books, cartoons, children’s stories and movies come to life on attractions from high-speed rollercoasters and 3-D rides to water rides and thrilling stunt shows. Battle the villains alongside favourite superheroes, come face-to-face with prehistoric dinosaurs, explore the worlds of popular cartoon and comic strip characters, and step into the pages of classic children’s tales.
Volcano Bay
The new water theme park is a tropical paradise where thrills and relaxation flow in perfect harmony. The TapuTapu wearable band enables holding your place in the ride lines and reveals wondrous surprises with just a wave of your wrist. Take a slow ride on the Kopiko Wai Winding River on Krakatau, the first water coaster, or relax and unwind in your very own private cabana.
CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is the popular dining and entertainment complex that sits right between the theme parks and hosts restaurants like the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, Savoury Feast Kitchen, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and the world’s largest Hard Rock Cafe.
Big music names perform in concert at Hard Rock Live, and guests can sing karaoke along with a live band at CityWalk’s Rising Star or experience the amazing multisensory Blue Man Group show. There’s also a 20-screen Cineplex, miniature golf, nightclub and an assortment of boutiques to add to the mix.
Planning well is the key to a successful Orlando family holiday and I have a lot of experience in sending clients there armed with the right plan for them.
It is very worthwhile to consider an on-site hotel for the convenience and to maximise the theme park extravaganza, and the Hard Rock Hotel will certainly add to the whole adventure.