It can be hard to decide whether to stay at the theme park during your vacation or somewhere off-property, which is usually cheaper.
While it can be a bit more magical to stay close to the parks, do the perks really outweigh the price? Well, we’re adding another perk to the hotel list, and this might just make a stay totally worth it.
Guests at Universal Orlando hotels can now experience an exclusive character meet and greet every Saturday and Sunday from 2 PM to 4 PM this summer! If you know how long the lines can get in the parks for characters, then you know how awesome this perk is.
This isn’t the only thing happening this summer at Universal! There will be a Jaws tribute with interactive exhibits, photo ops, and exclusive fan moments.
The Universal Mega Movie Parade is back, too! From May 23rd to August 23rd, you can experience this epic parade with moments from E.T., Trolls, Back to the Future, and more!
You can also catch CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular on select nights from April 5th to August 23rd. The water and drone show features beautiful lights, pictures, and a bit of movie magic.
Don’t forget to watch Hogwarts Always in front of the castle, too. On select nights starting on May 30th, you can watch a fireworks and projection show, which is perfect for all Harry Potter fans.
While we’re always down for a trip to Disney World, your family might want to add a day or two for Universal, especially if you’re interested in Epic Universe, Universal’s newest park in Orlando. Staying at a Universal Hotel comes with a bunch of perks, too.
If you’re staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, you can enjoy free Universal Express Unlimited in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Yep, you get to skip the line for free!
You can also get early park admission up to an hour before the parks open to the public when you’re staying at any Universal Orlando hotel.
Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Universal trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.
Make sure you keep following DFB for more tips and tricks to have the best Florida vacation yet!
UPDATED ON UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S NEW RIDES AND LANDS
DON'T DO IT ALONE!
Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise.
Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you -- they've literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They're DFB's recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!)
So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you 🙂










Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

TRENDING NOW
Disney has FINALLY just released the menus for the 2026 EPCOT International Food and Wine...
Here's what's changing in Disney World this September.
These are some of our favorite Disney Loungefly bags!
Something new has come to EPCOT and we love it!
The best spots to dine at Disney Springs, according to Cast Members.
We’ve already tried some of the snacks coming to the 2026 EPCOT Food & Wine...
The Tiny Train Town in EPCOT's Germany Pavilion just got a HUGE update!
See what's on Disney+ next month!
We heard some hilarious things at Disney this week!
This past week has been full of Halloween news, Annual Passholder perks, and an unfortunate...
The Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bar is BACK at the Cake Bake Shop!
We've got the ultimate food crawl for you at the 2026 EPCOT International Food &...
Here's how you could win a stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite!
September in Disney World is one of the sweetest windows on the calendar, but if...
Disney just announced the lineup for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series!
A closed shop in Magic Kingdom is reopening tomorrow!
A unique dining option is about to be removed from Disney Springs in Disney World.
These Disney World closures will impact your next trip!
The popular Play Disney Parks app is retiring next month.
This new Disney vacation sweepstakes is worth over $40,000!