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Universal Orlando

Orlando

Universal's on-site hotels around Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk, with Epic Universe a short shuttle ride south.

Best for First visit · Families · Nightlife

Transport
3/5
Sights
5/5
Value
3/5
Quiet
3/5
Food
4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$260/night · 35 min to Downtown Orlando

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Universal Orlando on the map

Why stay here

  • Walk or boat to Universal's parks and CityWalk
  • Free Express passes at the premier hotels
  • Shuttles to Epic Universe

Who should stay here

  • Harry Potter and thrill-ride fans
  • Families with teens
  • First-time visitors

Not ideal if…

  • You plan to spend most days at Disney
  • You want a quiet stay
  • You want to explore beyond the parks without a car

What it's like

Universal Orlando packs two parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, and the CityWalk entertainment district into a compact site, with Epic Universe opened in 2025 a few kilometres south. The best on-site hotels are a walk or water-taxi ride from the parks, and some include free Express passes.

It's the best base for Harry Potter fans and thrill-ride lovers, and CityWalk gives you restaurants and bars after the parks close. Disney is 25 minutes or more away by car, and the area outside Universal's gates is mostly highways.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • CityWalk

    Restaurants, bars and live music between the parks.

  • Universal Boulevard

    Road linking Universal to I-Drive and Epic Universe.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Walking paths and water taxis between hotels and parks, free shuttles to Epic Universe, and I-Ride Trolley stops nearby.
To Downtown Orlando
About 35 minutes
From Orlando International Airport (MCO)
About 20 minutes: taxi, rideshare or shuttle from MCO.

Nearby attractions

  • Islands of Adventure

    Hogsmeade, Hagrid's coaster and Jurassic World.

  • Universal Studios Florida

    Diagon Alley and film-themed rides.

  • Epic Universe

    Universal's newest park, opened in 2025.

  • Volcano Bay

    Universal's water park.

Where to eat and drink

  • CityWalk

    Chain restaurants, bars and live music until late.

  • Portofino Bay

    Italian restaurants around the harbour.

Where to stay in Universal Orlando

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Universal's Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Why we like it: Italian seaside–style hotel with free Express passes.

Typical luxury rate in Universal Orlando: ~$500/night

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Luxury pick

Universal's Hard Rock Hotel

Why we like it: Rock-themed hotel a short walk from the parks, with free Express passes.

Typical luxury rate in Universal Orlando: ~$500/night

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Best value

Universal's Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Why we like it: Caribbean-style resort with a big pool and water taxi.

Typical mid-range rate in Universal Orlando: ~$260/night

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Hotels in Universal OrlandoMid-range from ~$260/night

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