Universal Orlando® Resort

     Universal Studios opened on June 7, 1990. It is a joint partnership between the Blackstone Group and NBC Universal. Its focus was to invite visitors to come and “Ride the Movies.” Nine years later, it began expanding, adding Universal’s Islands of Adventure® theme park, the Universal CityWalk® walkway, two multi-level parking lots, and even onsite hotels. Originally named Universal Studios Escape, its name was changed to Universal Orlando Resort. Built on-par with Disney World Resort- and in fact, the second largest resort in Orlando after Disney World- what was designed to be a single theme park has become one of the top contenders in Orlando entertainment. And in 1998, Universal bought the Wet ‘n Wild water park located next to the property. In 2007, Universal began to consider the water park a part of the resort, giving the resort something for everyone to do any time of the year.

     There are three official hotels featured by the resort. The Hard Rock Hotel®, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel all have free shuttle bus or water taxi services to the Universal parks. The guest room keys work as an Express Pass, which allows guests to skirt by long lines at the popular attractions. All three hotels have earned the AAA Four Diamond rating.

Visit our Universal Studios vacation packages page for more information and special hotel and tickets deals.