Last Updated May 2025
During our recent trip to Orlando, we decided to book a couple of one night stays at Universal to experience the theme parks and waterpark without the hassle of commuting back and forth from Walt Disney World. To make the most of our time, we booked a one-night stay at Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort. This gave us four full days in the parks, early park admission, and a chance to enjoy Universal's Volcano Bay waterpark.
If you’re planning a family holiday to Orlando and are considering hopping between parks, here’s why Aventura Hotel at Universal Orlando might be the perfect choice for your family too.
Why We Chose Aventura Hotel for Our Universal Visit
Staying at Universal’s Aventura Hotel wasn’t just a convenience it was a decision that we knew would enhance our entire Universal experience. With early admission to the parks, a stunning rooftop bar, a gorgeous modern pool area, and incredible skyline views, Aventura gave us everything we needed and more.
Our main reason for booking a night was simple, location. Commuting between Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando can be time-consuming, especially when you want to be at the park gates for early entry. By staying at Aventura, we were just a short walk (or free shuttle) from the Universal parks. This meant we could make the most of early park admission to the theme parks and Volcano Bay, and fully immerse ourselves in the fun without worrying about long drives or early wake-up calls.
Aventura Hotel - Our First Impressions
From the moment we arrived at Aventura, we were struck by its modern design. With sleek glass walls, high ceilings, and neutral tones, the hotel feels fresh, clean, and luxurious without being overly extravagant. It’s very different from some of the more heavily themed hotels in Orlando, which actually worked well for us as we appreciated the calm and contemporary atmosphere after a full-on Disney week.
Check-in was seamless. Staff were friendly and efficient, and we were given all the information we needed about early entry, dining options, and transportation to the parks.
Modern Rooms with a View
Our room was everything we hoped it would be, smart, spacious, and high-tech. Each room at Aventura comes with a tablet that controls the lights, TV, room service, and air conditioning. It was so easy to use, and our 12-year-old son loved exploring all the features!
One of the highlights of our room was definitely the floor-to-ceiling windows. We’d requested a skyline view, and we were thrilled to discover that from our room, we could see Magic Kingdom’s fireworks in the distant. We ordered a freshly made pizza from the Urban Pantry, brought it up to the room, and enjoyed a relaxed dinner in front of the window while watching the nighttime display. It was such a magical and unexpected moment, one of those little travel memories that stays with you forever.
Relaxing at the Pool
After a day at the parks we made full use of Aventura’s outdoor pool area. It’s not as large or themed as some other hotel pools in Orlando, but it’s clean, quiet, and perfect for a refreshing dip after a busy park day. The pool has a hot tub and a splash pad area for younger kids, and there’s plenty of seating whether you want to lounge in the sun or find a shady spot.
We found it to be a great way to wind down after our full day at the Universal theme parks and recharge before another day at Universal.
Rooftop Drinks at Bar 17 Bistro
Later that evening, we headed up to Bar 17 Bistro, the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant. If you're staying at Aventura, this spot is a must-visit.
The panoramic views from the rooftop are simply stunning, you can see Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and even glimpses of the Orlando Eye in the distance.
The drinks menu is impressive, with a mix of signature cocktails, wines, and beers. While we found the drinks and service on the expensive side, the setting more than made up for it. The staff were attentive, and the overall vibe was relaxed and sophisticated. Sitting up there as a family, laughing and chatting with the city skyline around us, was a highlight of our trip and something we will never forget.
Dining at Urban Pantry
Aventura’s Urban Pantry food hall offers a variety of dining options, perfect for families with different tastes. From burgers and sushi to sandwiches, salads, and pizza, everything is prepared fresh and served quickly.
We chose pizza on our arrival night, which was delicious and reasonably priced for a resort hotel. We also picked up pastries and coffee the next morning to enjoy on our way to Universal Studios. The grab-and-go breakfast options are ideal if you’re heading out early to catch that early park admission benefit.
Transportation to the Parks
Getting to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay from Aventura Hotel is super easy. You can either take a short walk over to Sapphire Falls and hop on the water taxi, or use the complimentary shuttle buses that run frequently between Aventura and the park entrances.
We used both the shuttle and the water taxi. Both were quick, convenient, and completely stress-free. This ease of access is one of the biggest advantages of staying onsite at Universal Orlando. If I had to choose I would probably pick the water taxi as it was nice to relax and take in the views, plus you don't have to go through security check at CityWalk.
Early Park Admission - A Major Perk
By staying at a Universal hotel, we were eligible for early park admission, which gave us access to select rides one hour before the general public. This perk alone made our stay at Aventura worthwhile.
This advantage means you can experience more of the parks with less waiting and in the Orlando heat, that’s a game-changer.
Would We Stay at Aventura Hotel Again?
Absolutely. Universal’s Aventura Hotel was the perfect base for our Universal adventure. It’s modern, comfortable, and well-located, with enough luxury to make it feel like a treat without blowing the budget.
If you’re combining Disney and Universal in one trip, staying one night at Aventura is a smart choice. You’ll gain valuable time in the parks, early access to the most popular attractions, and a chance to enjoy a hotel that’s just as memorable as the parks themselves.
Final Thoughts: Aventura Hotel at Universal Orlando
Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or even solo, Aventura Hotel ticks so many boxes -
- Great value for an on-site Universal hotel
- Early park admission included
- Skyline view rooms with Magic Kingdom fireworks in the distance
- Modern, tech-savvy rooms
- Rooftop bar with unforgettable views
- Easy access to Universal’s three parks
It was a short stay, but one that created lasting memories for all of us. From swimming in the pool to watching fireworks from our room, to sipping drinks high above Orlando. Our night at Aventura was truly magical.
If you're planning your next Orlando family holiday, make sure to consider a night or two at Universal’s Aventura Hotel. It might just be the key to unlocking the best of both Disney and Universal.
You can also read out Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort Hotel review. If you are heading to the theme parks you can visit our Universal Studios ride guide and Islands of Adventure ride guide for useful information and tips to make the most of your visit.
Have you stayed at Aventura Hotel or another Universal Orlando hotel? Let me know your experience in the comments.
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