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Universal's Royal Pacific Resort reviews

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Written by
Theme Park Insider Editor
Posted: June 27, 2008

This Universal hotel, with a tropical theme, is priced more moderately than the neighboring Portofino Bay and Hard Rock hotels.

Guests enjoy front-of-the-line access to almost all attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, which stand just a short walk, or water-taxi ride, away.

Readers' rating:

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34 votes, so far

I stayed at this resort in May of 2012, and had a marvelous time. The comments others have made about a relaxing vacation are an understatement. From the moment you enter the resort, you literally never have to think of the outside world again, what with the water taxis which run right to CityWalk, or the convenient walking paths, this resort has it all. We opted to stay on the concierge level, and while it has an added expense, my family felt it was worth it because of the meals provided all day. From continental breakfast in the morning to a hot entree and free spirits each night, we found a variety of options to keep our palates happy (e.g. the Caribbean Jerk Tilapia the first night was wonderful!). This also allowed free access to the fitness center, which has a hidden treasure: a whirlpool closed off only to fitness center guests. Express pass and WWOHP early access were just an icing on the cake. It was overall a wonderful experience, and I would highly recommend not only a stay here, but on the concierge level as well. If you want a hectic free, relaxing vacation which you plan your way, then Universal might be the place for you. - Evan Lucas

We have stayed at all three on site resorts at Universal Studios. The Royal Pacific was great, you could walk the path the CitWalk and end up right at the Lone Palm Bar & Grill, turn left and you are right at the front gate of Islands of Adventure. Not too bad if the water taxis aren't running. Super clean room, excellent pool and restaurants. Also the least expensive of the three hotels. - N B

This is just a ridiculously good deal. Yes, the rooms here run more than similarly sized and appointed facilities in the area. But you get super-close access to the parks, plus, unlimited front of the line at the Universal parks. That makes a stay here a true vacation, where you can come and go from your hotel to the parks at will, riding whatever you want with no wait. Ditch the car; you won't need it. Between the parks, CityWalk, the great pool and the impressive grounds, this is an outstanding place to spend a vacation. - Robert Niles

Stayed here this summer and loved it. It was the cheapest orlando hotel for on-site. Had a great spread out pool with games for kids and many ping pong tables for anyone willing to have a game. Rooms could have been a tad bigger with the 5 of us but still not that bad. We also got the fast pass amazing!!! And in walking distance to resort and city walk for great food and entertainment!!! - chris cona

We stayed at this property June 15-18, 2011. Location is excellent for walking to either Universal them park. We upgraded to a room with a pool view. Room was fine but seemed a bit run down. No dedicated fridge to use (only one stocked with overpriced minibar items). Bathroom was also very small for family to share. I also found it disturbing that I was required to pay for parking ($15/night plus tax). Pool area was fine but very crowded. Staying on property and receiving the benefit of the Express Pass is well worth it--it can mean the difference between waiting 2-5 minutes vs. waiting 90 minutes. - Marty Ketelaar

We just returned from a five night stay at the Royal Pacific. We had to pay $25 (plus tax) a night for a roll away bed. We have two teenage sons that fight too much to sleep in the same bed. There is a $15 a day (plus tax) for just parking. It cost $220 a extra just for those items. Over all the front of the line pass and early entrance to the park make it worth it. The walk over to the park is an easy stroll. We actually walked back a few times because the line to return was fairly long. Also there was not a frige in our room. I kept a cooler packed with frozen water, soda, juice and milk. That will same you a lot of money. You can take small snacks and water into the parks with you. - Susan Rubner

The Fast Pass is the main reason to stay at an on-site hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. The Royal Pacific is a very nice hotel and very comfortable. The Price for Parking is ridiculous though. I still don't understand why you have to pay to park at the hotel you are staying at. Make sure you check in before entering one of the parking lots. I made this mistake and the lot was full, I had to charge my card $8 just to get out of the lot to go find another place to park. - Travis Hair

Love the bridge entrance to the hotel. Kind of standard rooms, not bad at all but not as nice as outside. Fast pass is the best part of it. - Ryan Quinn