Introduction
Universal Orlando Resort is a theme park, entertainment district, and vacation resort located in south Orlando, Fla., featuring two theme parks, stores, restaurants, nightclubs, entertainment venues, and three resort hotels. The resort is owned through a complex corporate partnership that includes Blackstone Capital Partners and NBC Universal Inc. In 2006, Universal Orlando Resort’s two theme parks had a combined attendance of 11.2 million visitors, and the full resort offered employment to approximately 13,000 people. Universal Orlando Resort’s first component, Universal Studios Florida, opened in 1990, featuring rides and shows mostly based on classic movies. In late 1998 and 1999, the resort was more than doubled with the openings of the CityWalk shopping, dining, and nightlife district and the second theme park, Islands of Adventure, which added more rides and shows based on movies, comics, Dr. Seuss children¿s books and fantasy.
History and Location
Universal Orlando Resort, originally opened as Universal Studios Florida in 1990. It started as a theme park under a joint venture between NBCUniversal and The Blackstone Group, which sold its half in early 2011. Initially, it entered into direct competition with Disney’s Hollywood Studios (originally Disney-MGM Studios). Over time, the park underwent various changes, with its most significant transformation being the opening of its sister theme park, Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
In 1994, discussions arose regarding expanding the resort into a multi-day vacation destination. Subsequently, Universal’s Islands of Adventure broke ground in late 1995, with construction commencing soon after. The Islands of Adventure Preview Center opened in May 1997. It offers visitors a glimpse of the upcoming park and the resort’s overall expansion. Meanwhile, new attractions were also added to Universal Studios Florida. It includes Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone and Men in Black: Alien Attack, during this expansion phase.
Situated within the city limits of Orlando in Orange County, Florida, the resort occupies a prime location north of the International Drive resort area, where many of its ‘Partner Hotels’ are situated. It boasts a sprawling landscape bordered by Interstate 4 to the south, Kirkman Road to the east, Vineland Road to the north, and Turkey Lake Road to the west. Accessible directly from I-4 via Exit 74B, the resort offers convenient entry points onto Universal Boulevard and Hollywood Way for eastbound and westbound travelers, respectively.
Universal Orlando Resort stands as a premier vacation destination, offering an array of thrilling rides, captivating attractions, and engaging entertainment experiences. Its strategic location, coupled with its continuous expansion and innovative offerings, makes it an unparalleled choice for travelers seeking unforgettable adventures in the heart of Florida
Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando features:
- 1,000 guest rooms, including 51 suites
- Lagoon-style swimming pool and sandy beach with Royal Bali interactive children’s water play area
- 6 restaurants and lounges including Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, which takes Asian cuisine and “kicks it up a notch”,
- The Mariner’s Club supervised children’s activity center
- The Gymnasium – a 5,000-square-foot fitness center featuring cardio theatre
- Croquet lawn and sand volleyball court
- Spectacular luaus featuring authentic food and entertainment in the Wantilan Luau Pavilion
- 85,000 square feet of meeting & function space
- Business Center
- Game room, croquet lawn, and sand volleyball court
- Access to the area’s finest golf courses, including special benefits through the Golf Universal Orlando program
- 24-hour in-room dining
Additional exclusive benefits include:
- Complimentary on-site transportation via water taxis or shuttle bus service
- Priority seating at select Universal Orlando® theme park restaurants
- Complimentary delivery of purchases to your room
- On-site charging privileges with your room key card