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What’s New at Universal Orlando

By Kelly Monaghan

I’m developing a new theory of travel: book into a resort hotel shortly after it opens. If you hate it, well, you’ve learned something. If you love it, chances are that first visit will remain a very special memory.

I fine tuned my theory during my latest visit to the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. I had checked into a spacious room on the Club Level during the Fourth of July rush, looking forward to the casual, laid back elegance of the Club Lounge. What I got was the cheerful, rowdy pushing and shoving of a Catskill resort.

The word is clearly out that the Hard Rock is one of the hippest, funnest hotels in Orlando and the place was packed -- all day long. Parents seemed intent on wringing their money’s worth out of the complimentary continental breakfast buffet and the late afternoon “snacks” and free beer and wine that can easily substitute for dinner, not to mention the evening “goodies” that change nightly. Kids darted in and out clamoring for attention. A staffer had to stand by the door to remind folks that, rock ‘n roll hotel or not, shoes were required. There were lines to consult with the ever-attentive concierge staff. It seemed like the entire hotel had moved to the seventh floor.

“Don’t these people know that two of the world’s greatest theme parks are just a short stroll away?” I asked myself. But for many people it looked as if Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure would have to wait. The hotel was just too much fun.

The three resort hotels (the Portofino Bay Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort are the other two) at Universal Orlando have been a roaring success. While other Orlando hotels suffered through doldrums brought on by a stagnant economy and an uncertain world situation, the Universal Orlando resorts sold out on a regular basis.

Once you’ve stayed here, it’s not hard to see why. Under the capable guidance of Loews Hotels and master hotelier Michael Sansbury, the three properties are minor masterpieces of themeing combined with the first rate service you’d expect in any fine hotel.

My wife’s favorite is the Portofino Bay, a near photographic reproduction of the waterfront of Italy’s famed getaway for the rich and famous. But behind those quaint walls lining the bay is a high-tech hotel with an air of old world luxury that is downright seductive. Perhaps it is this air of exclusivity or perhaps it is the fact that this hotel is the farthest from the parks, but rooms at Portofino seem to be available when the other hotels are fully booked.

So booking into the Portofino might be one way to avoid the madding crowd. Another, no doubt, is to plan your Orlando vacation during one of the slower times of year. I’ve already made plans to return in early December, when attendance at most parks, even Disney, is at its lowest ebb.

And speaking of crowds, one of the greatest draws of Universal Orlando’s resort hotels is the “Express” access its guests get at the parks rides and attractions. from the moment you check in to park closing on the day you check out, your room key (which looks and acts pretty much like a credit card) lets you use the Express entrances to every ride and attraction in the two theme parks. That perk is still in place but a new system designed to make

Kelly Monaghan is the author of “Universal Orlando” and “The Other Orlando.” He updates the Orlando scene at http://www.TheOtherOrlando.com

Images by Kelly Monaghan

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