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Lindsey Markwood

Should You Include a Resort Only or Rest Day at Universal Orlando?

Updated: Sep 23, 2023

You decided to take the family to Universal Orlando. Now you wonder how many nights you should stay and if you should include a non park/rest day/resort only day in your stay. This article will give more information if a non park day should be included.


When I say Universal Orlando what comes to mind? Most of you will say Harry Potter. Yes, the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter is amazing – but have you stayed on a Universal Property AND included a resort only day?


I highly suggest you should include at least one resort only day in your Universal Orlando vacation. A resort only experience at Universal can be as action-packed or as laid back as you want. Lets look a little deeper.


A relaxing day:

Enterence to the butterfly garden. mulch lines the path. On either side are flowers that attract butterflies. in the background in an arbor.
The Butterfly Garden

Are you looking to unwind and relax? Universal is perfect for this. You can spend all day at your resort’s pool. Take it up a notch by renting a cabana. Most of Universal’s resort allow you to pool hop between the resorts. Be sure to check out the lazy river at Cabana Bay. If you want to enhance your experience, book a spa appointment at Mandara Spa, located at Universal’s Portofino Bay. While you are at Portofino Bay, take in the gorgeous scenery. You truly feel like you are in Italy. Or grab your favorite book and take in the beautiful surroundings at the Butterfly Garden. It is located at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel. I highly recommend at least one boat ride from City Walk to one of the resorts. The ride is peaceful. End the day by roasting marshmallows over the firepit and watching a movie poolside.


An active and adventurous day:


Do you want a more action orientated day? There are lot of options for you! After working out at one of the many gyms, head to Universal’s retro styled resort, Cabana Bay for a game (or two, or three) of bowling at Galaxy Bowl. There is a 10 lane bowling alley on the 2nd floor. Illuminated lanes go the extra mile! Bonus: When you get hungry, you don’t have to leave. You can eat at Galaxy Bowl. After bowling, walk across to the street to Universal's Aventura. Head to the 2nd floor, and next to the fitness center, enjoy awesome virtual reality games such as Fruit Ninja and Space Pirates. Play beach volleyball with your family and friends at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel. At Universal’s City Walk you can play two rounds of mini golf at Hollywood Drive In Golf. The two courses are The Haunting of Ghostly Greens and Invaders from Planet Putt. From City Walk take the boat to Universal’s Portofino Bay and play a game of Bocce Ball. have your family try the Great Movie escape, there are two different escape rooms your family can try out at City Walk. To close out the night, head back to Aventura to Bar 17 Bistro. Enjoy food and drinks on the 17th floor. The panoramic views are phenomenal, and you can see fireworks at Walt Disney World.



Are you ready to book your Universal Orlando vacation? Fill out the quote request here and then schedule a time here that we can chat on the phone.





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