As with many vacation destinations, choosing the right resort for your travel party can be a daunting task at times! And the labels that get put on each resort can make your head spin even more…value, moderate, preferred, OH MY!….you think, how am I ever going choose?!
While you can’t go wrong staying at any of the amazing onsite resorts at Universal Orlando, staying Premier means that you will not only receive such benefits as:
- Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Volcano Bay Water Park
- Complimentary Transportation and Parking
- Resort Wide Charging Privileges and Package Delivery
But, you will also have your choice at some of the largest rooms on property, suites your kids (and Mom and Dad) with LOVE such as the Despicable Me Kids’ Suites at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, club level rooms, multiple onsite dining options, and priority seating at select restaurants at the parks and City Walk.
But wait, there is more!! The BEST perk of staying Premier, in my opinion, is that your stay also includes a FREE Universal Unlimited Express Pass!!! A Universal Unlimited Express Pass will allow you to ride all of your favorite attractions over and over again with little to no wait at Universal Studios and/or Islands of Adventure. I remember a rideshare driver once told me that this is one of the best-known deals to the locals.

Let me explain why.
If you are not staying at a Premier Resort, a Universal Express Pass must be purchased separately. Pricing of the Express Pass varies based on season but even at the current lowest offered price ($89.99 per person per day), you will quickly find out that there is value to staying at a Premier Resort. If your travel party of 4 stays just one night, you will all get two days worth of Universal Unlimited Express at little to no extra cost while enjoying the luxury accommodations available at all Premier Resorts! And during peak seasons such as holidays, staying at a Premier Resort could actually provide you with huge savings, not only in your wallet but also your precious vacation time!

As you begin to think of your Universal Orlando vacation, my advice would be to work with your PPV agent on figuring out what options and packages work best with your travel party. Definitely DO NOT count the Premier Resorts (Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort) out as you will likely be pleasantly surprised at the value and savings that can come along with it!