Universal Orlando
 

Planning a trip to Universal and plan on staying at one of the onsite hotels. I was wondering which one would be best for my family of 5. I have 3 teenage boys 18,15 and 14. Trip will be at the end of June? Any other ideas to make this vacation even better please let me know.

Have you established a budget?

If it fits in your budget I would recommend the Hard Rock. Teenage boys will love it!

I agree that your teenage boys would love the Hard Rock but the Royal Pacific and Portofino Bay are also wonderful and offer the unlimited express access. The new on site resort, Cabana Bay does not offer the express access in the parks.

Cabana Bay is less than half the price of the deluxe hotels and does offer early entry to Harry Potter, so it's a decent trade-off. But I agree that the Hard Rock is probably the best choice for your needs.

We just returned from the Hard Rock (Mom/Dad/two big grown boys). We’ve stayed at all three Universal hotels previous and returned to the Hard Rock because:
- They have a sink inside and outside the bathroom. Eases the morning and evening washroom crunch. Portofino only has sink inside, RP outside the bathroom
- HR has handy mini-fridge in room, others only in suites
- HR closest to the parks, easy walk
- HR rooms all newly renovated. RP in midst of renovations though.
If all five of you are in one room look at one of HR’s deluxe rooms for more space. While Cabana Bay price is nice (and they have family rooms) the parks end of June will be busy and Express Pass a real bonus.

Thanks, looks like it will be the Hard Rock.