Cruise Consultant Shares Hot Tips on Holidaying in Orlando

• Orlando for Thrill Seekers: Universal Orlando is one of the best bucket list holiday destinations on the planet.

• Expert Insight: Cruise.co.uk Specialist Steve Fuller shares his personal tips, must-dos and honest thoughts from years of Orlando trips.

• Beyond the Theme Parks: Discover Universal hotel tiers, perks, queue hacks and unforgettable nearby attractions across wider Florida.

For many thrill-seeking holiday-makers, Orlando, in the sunshine state of Florida, is the ultimate bucket list destination. The city is home to the out-of-this-world Universal Orlando, a 500+ acre resort packed full of roller coasters, hotels, restaurants, and a water park. 

To help avid travellers get a feel of what to expect at this huge complex, Specialist Cruise.co.uk Consultant and long-time Orlando holiday-maker, Steve Fuller, has put together the below blog sharing his insights on this truly sensational location. 

Read on to discover Steve’s view on Universal’s theme parks, on-site hotels and benefits, and other nearby attractions…

Orlando is a city in central Florida which is home to more than a dozen theme parks as well as beautiful beaches, restaurants, shopping malls, and entertaining nightlife. Florida has other famous attractions away from the parks, including:

• Kennedy Space Centre

• Daytona Race Track

• Everglades

I started my visits to Florida with the Universal Theme Parks. Universal certainly knows how to bring blockbuster movies and entertainment to life. I’m a big fan of the simulation rides like Spider-Man and Transformers, rather than just a roller coaster.

Must-Do Attractions

Visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must in Orlando. From the Castle to Gringotts Bank, to even catching the famous Hogwarts Express from King’s Cross to Hogsmead. And yes, you can even jump through the wall on the platform of 9 ¾!

Both parks have something for everyone, from family-friendly rides and shows to roller coasters for adrenaline junkies. I particularly enjoyed my visits when I stayed at a Universal on-site hotel. As well as the proximity and all the theme park benefits, it’s just awesome to be so close.

The Best Hotels & On-site Perks

Universal has some great perks for those who choose to stay on-site. If you’re considering Orlando and you want to be close to the action and thrills of the theme parks, then it’s worth considering their on-site hotels.

Ranging from Value to Premier, they all come with theme park benefits.

Value Hotels

Starting with the Value hotels, you’ll find it’s the cheaper on-site accommodation, but you still get perks like early park admission.

These hotels are Universal’s Endless Summer Dockside and Surfside Inn and Suites – inspired by sand and sea, and of course, the Florida sunsets. You’ll get complimentary shuttle service to and from the parks from these hotels, so no need to worry about driving, and paying car parking fees (which is now at $30 per day).

Additionally, shopping in the parks at gift stores doesn’t mean you have to carry your purchases around all day with you. On-site hotels give you the option to charge purchases to your room key card. You can even have your items delivered to your hotel. You can collect your purchases on the way out too, but why bother when hotel delivery is free!

Prime Hotels

These perks are extended to the Prime Value hotels too. One of the differences between staying at a Prime Value to a Value hotel is location. Prime Value hotels are a little closer and allow you to access dedicated walkways to Volcano Bay, Universal’s official water park.

The hotels classed as Prime Value are the Aventura Hotel and the Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

Premier Hotels

If you really want to enhance your experience at Universal, then I recommend you choose one of these three Premier Hotels, which are the Loews Royal Pacific, The Hard Rock and The Loews Portofino Bay. The Loews Royal Pacific is like being in Polynesian Paradise. Or, you can live like a Rock Star at the Hard Rock (which is the closest of the Premier hotels to the theme parks).

Then you have Loews Portofino Bay, inspired by the picturesque seaside village of Portofino, Italy. You can experience fine dining at all three of these hotels. Location-wise, you can walk to the parks using a dedicated pathway. Of course, you still have the option of a water taxi.

You can’t stay any closer to the excitement than these hotels. When you stay at these Premier hotels, you also enjoy the added benefit of the Universal Express Pass. During peak times, this is worth its weight in gold.

What is The Universal Express Unlimited Pass?

The Universal Express unlimited pass allows you to use the express line, skipping the regular queues to access the rides a lot quicker. In peak times, wait times easily exceed an hour, so this is a real plus.

To use the pass, you will need to purchase a ticket for theme park entry. This is an extended perk to your admission ticket. You must also purchase a park-to-park ticket if you’d like to use the Hogwarts Express, a Harry Potter attraction that travels between Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

You’ll be surprised how quickly you can explore the parks and experience all the attractions when using the Universal Express Pass, a complimentary benefit when staying at one of the three Premier hotels.

My Favourite Hotel in Orlando

My personal favourite hotel has to be the Portofino Bay Hotel. The hotel is just incredible and you’re just a short water taxi, or a 10-minute stroll along a private pathway, from the entrance to Universal Studios & Universal's Islands of Adventure.

I’d also recommend you have a Bay View room, for beautiful views over the bay.

Other Things To Do in Florida

Away from the parks, I couldn’t go to Florida and not see a Gator (alligator). There are a few national parks, like the Everglades National Park, to visit the Gators in their natural habitat.

The national parks are well looked after, the guides are very knowledgeable, and as well as the Gators being the main attraction, there are other wildlife animals to see and things to do.

I once stayed in a Chickee Hut in the national park. Camping with a difference that was! My hut was on stilts over the water’s edge, and when I braved to step outside at night, I could see the eyes of the Gators as they raised their heads out of the swamp.

Visiting the Everglades National Park leaves you close to Miami. A vibrant city, bustling with nightlife, art deco buildings, beautiful beaches, and Miami Port if you’re taking a cruise too.

I have stayed at the Riu Plaza in Miami's South Beach. The location I thought was perfect. It’s on a beautiful stretch of beach, one of my favourite beaches in Florida, and is within walking distance of entertainment and nightlife.

All in all, Orlando is one of my favourite places to visit (if you can’t tell!). It’s a buzzing destination full of fun for everyone, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in visiting Universal Studios, especially. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine a stay in Orlando with a cruise?

Yes! Cruise.co.uk offers its very own Florida Thrill & Caribbean Chill cruise & stay holiday, which includes a stay in Orlando, a Caribbean cruise, a ticket to Universal, a stay in Miami, return flights and all overseas transfers! You can find out more about this cruise holiday, including available dates and details of how to book, here.

What is the best time of year to visit Orlando?

Off-peak months like late April – May and September – early November are ideal, with lower crowds and better value on accommodation. If you’re visiting in peak summer or school holidays, expect busier parks and longer queues.

Is Universal Orlando suitable for adults as well as families?

Yes – absolutely!. Whether you’re into Harry Potter, big rollercoasters, simulation rides or live entertainment, Universal offers major fun for all ages (solo, couples, groups and families). Prices for 2 passengers are available for our Florida Thrill & Caribbean Chill cruise & stay holiday.