When selecting the hotel for your Universal vacation you have great on-site and off-site options to choose from. Selecting a Universal hotel or a non-Universal hotel will come with both benefits and drawbacks, but no matter where you choose to stay there are often easy and convenient ways to get to Universal Orlando Resort. This guide will go over some of the closest hotels outside of Universal and their shuttle options to the parks, so you can plan ahead and make sure you pick a hotel with the right transportation options for you.

Prefer To Speak With Someone? Get Free Help From Our Favorite Universal Travel Agency!

Universal Hotels, Partner Hotels, & Non-Universal Hotels

Universal Orlando - Sapphire Falls hotel

Image © Universal

A big part of planning your Universal Orlando vacation is deciding where you’ll stay. My family and I visit Universal 2-3 times a year and we almost always stay at Universal hotels. I love the on-site perks, the convenience of being right next to the parks, and the chance to have the Universal theme of the hotel be a part of our resort experience. But sometimes I have hotel points that mean it makes more sense to stay at a off-site hotels. We have had some great experiences staying at these too. Let’s look at the differences between staying at an on-site Universal hotel and one of the off-site options.

Universal Hotels

Universal Hotels are the hotels located within Universal Orlando Resort; they are all part of the resort itself. There are a few park benefits and experiences that come with staying at a Universal hotel that make them stand out, but picking the best hotel for your vacation will depend on a variety of variables like budget, hotel rewards/points, desired location, and more. Staying at a Universal hotel will come with benefits like:

What to Know About Shuttles at Universal Hotels

Universal Partner Hotels

Universal’s on-site hotels are usually cheaper than Disney’s on-site hotels — but you might be able to save even more by staying off-site.

Many of the hotels which are close to Universal Orlando Resort — but not actually on-site — are designated as Universal Partner hotels. This means that although they’re not official on-site resort hotels, they still have special agreements with Universal. These agreements allow you to book a Universal vacation package along with your room — and to get early park access as an added perk. (Note that for these hotels, you must bundle a Universal vacation package into your hotel reservation to be eligible for early entry. If you stay at the hotel but buy your theme park tickets anywhere else — even at the park’s front gate — you will not get early entry.)

What to Know About Shuttles at Universal Partner Hotels

  • Most Universal Partner Hotels offer shuttle service to the parks
  • The number of departures each day are limited, typically between 1 and 4 per morning and another 1 to 4 back to the hotel in the evening
  • The departure schedule might not be compatible with early park entry, late night events such as Halloween Horror Nights, or the desire to take a mid-day break away from the parks
  • Reservations are usually required in advance and shuttles might reach capacity

Non-Universal Hotels

Finally, there are non-Universal hotels, which don’t offer any in-park perks. In other words, they’re simply hotels which happen to be located nearby; they are not affiliated with Universal in any way.

What to Know About Shuttles at Non-Universal Hotels

  • Some Non-Universal hotels still offer shuttle service to the parks
  • The number of departures each day are extremely limited, possibly just one bus to the park in the morning and one back to the hotel at night
  • The departure schedule likely won’t accommodate late night events such as Halloween Horror Nights or evening visits to CityWalk
  • Reservations are usually required in advance and shuttles might reach capacity
  • These shuttles are usually run by a third-party operator and might stop at several hotels on the way to and from the parks

Pro tip: Planning all the aspects of a trip from your hotel to your park passes can be complicated, and that’s why I always use a travel agent to book my Universal vacation.

I use The Vacationeer as my travel agency when I book my trips because they are one of the most highly ranked Universal travel agencies. They always make sure I get the best experience and the most value out of my trip.

Best of all, it’s completely free to use their planning services!

As we mentioned earlier in this article, all of the on-site Universal Hotels offer free transportation. Here, we’ll dive into a list of 20 additional off-site hotels which also offer complimentary shuttle options to the parks.

1. Rosen Shingle Creek

Hotel Class: Four Star

Phone: 407.996.9939

Website: https://www.rosenshinglecreek.com/

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details: 

Rosen Shingle Creek is a luxury hotel that is only a short, 10 minute drive from Universal Orlando Resort. The hotel is a large, resort-style hotel with four pools, 15 dining options at a variety of price-points, and it even has a golf course. On top of these amenities it has a small lake, nature trails, gyms, spas, and a sand volleyball court. With rooms starting at $292 a night, the Rosen is certainly a higher price point than many hotels around Universal. But with that price comes a resort experience!

The hotel is near the nightlife of International Drive and Restaurant Row, so if you don’t need to look far for great food and entertainment if you are planning on spending time away from Universal Orlando Resort.

Shuttle Details

The hotel offers complimentary shuttles to and from all of Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks (Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, Volcano Bay). The shuttle offers departing times to the parks in the morning, and returning times in the late afternoon. Times are subject to change so check in with the travel desk/reception once you arrive at the hotel.

Keep in mind that these complimentary shuttle buses can reach capacity and a reservation is needed to book a seat, so contact the help desk once you arrive to reserve your spot on one of these buses.

2. DoubleTree By Hilton at the Entrance to Universal

Hotel Class: Four Stars

Phone: 407.351.1000

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mcoundt-doubletree-at-the-entrance-to-universal-orlando/

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

The DoubleTree is arguably the closest non-Universal hotel to the resort. This four star hotel is only a short walk away from the park entrance and offers a sleek, modern hospitality experience with a prime location. The hotel has a pool, gym, on-site restaurant, and more. The DoubleTree even has its own Gelato shop! With rooms starting at $143 a night, this hotel is an affordable option for most Universal park-goers.

This isn’t quite the same resort style as Rosen Shingle Creek but it has everything you need for a great stay on your Universal vacation, especially if you are planning on spending your days exploring the parks!

Shuttle Details

Shuttle Services at the DoubleTree are complimentary. If I were staying here I probably wouldn’t even bother with the shuttle because the hotel is so close, but if you want to save a short walk the option is there!

The shuttles typically leave from the hotel at 7:45am, 9:10am, 10:10am, and 11:10am. Shuttles back to the hotel from the resort leave at 5:30pm, 6:30pm, and 7:30pm. These times can always vary slightly so check in with the help desk before your shuttle is supposed to leave.

Reservations are required for these shuttles and can be made up to 24 hours in advance. These reservations must be made in person, so visit the help desk during your stay to secure your spot!

3. Hyatt House Across From Universal Orlando Resort

Hotel Class: Three Stars

Phone: 407.352.5660

Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyatt-house-across-from-universal-orlando-resort/mcoxu

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

Like the DoubleTree, Hyatt House is located just a short walk from the entrance to Universal Orlando Resort. The hotel has a beautiful pool, gym, and multiple dining options. The Hyatt has a bit of a higher starting price point, with rooms starting around $170 a night.

With that price will come a luxury hotel experience, but there are certainly less-expensive options coming later on this list.

Shuttle Details

Shuttles at the Hyatt House are complimentary. The shuttles usually leave from the hotel at 7:20am, 8:35am, 9:50am, and 11:05am. Shuttle leave the parks to return to the hotel at the end of the day at 5:20pm, 6:40pm, and 8:00pm.

Space is limited and reservations are required for this transportation, so make sure to reserve your spot in advance. Reservations can be made in the hotel lobby one day in advance and up to 30 minutes before the shuttle departure time.

4. Four Points by Sheraton Orlando International Drive

Hotel Class: Three Stars

Phone: 407.351.2100

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcofp-four-points-orlando-international-drive/overview/

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

The Four Points hotel offers sweeping views of Orlando and a comfortable, modern design. Located less than a mile from Universal Orlando Resort the hotel is the perfect spot for easy access to all the parks. Four Points has an outdoor pool, two restaurants, and more.

Rooms here start around $105, making it our most affordable option so far. Staying here will allow you to save some money on hospitality, while still being within a stones throw of the action at Universal Orlando.

Shuttle Details

The Four Points offers a complimentary shuttle from the hotel to the various theme parks at Universal Orlando. The schedule is not available online and is subject to change, so when you book your stay here check in with the help desk to get the current shuttle schedule and to determine whether or not a reservation is needed (it likely is).

5. Hyatt Place Orlando

Hotel Class: Three Stars

Phone: 407.816.7800

Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyatt-place-orlando-i-drive-convention-center/orlzl

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

The Hyatt is just a short drive from Universal Orlando Resort. Your stay will come with a free breakfast in the breakfast bar and if you are looking for something small for lunch or dinner the hotel has a little restaurant called The Placery. While it would not be considered fine dining, here you can get good burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

The rooms are simple and elegant in design and start as low as $108 a night. The Hyatt is a great way to save some money staying outside of Universal while still being close to the entrance of the resort.

Shuttle Details

As a Universal Partner hotel, the Hyatt offers a complimentary shuttle to Universal Orlando resort. There is no announced shuttle schedule, so when you check in contact the front desk and ask about shuttle times.

Furthermore, reservations are required to secure your spot on this shuttle, so speak with the front desk when you arrive to book your desired slot.

Find Out the Price of Your Dream Universal Vacation Package

6. Orlando International Resort Club

Hotel Class: Three Stars

Phone: 407.351.2641

Website: https://clubwyndham.wyndhamdestinations.com/us/en/resorts/wyndham-hotels-resorts/united-states-of-america/florida/orlando/club-wyndham-orlando-international

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

The hotel is less than a mile away from the Universal Orlando Resort and is located right next to the outlet shops. Orlando International has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness area, and even offers fitness classes that you can join during your stay.

The hotel has rooms starting at $104 a night, making it an affordable option to stay during your Universal Vacation.

Shuttle Details

As a Universal Partner hotel, the Orlando International offers a complimentary shuttle to Universal Orlando resort. There is no set shuttle schedule, so when you check in contact the help desk for the schedule and how to reserve your seat.

7. Hilton Garden Inn Orlando International Drive North

Hotel Class: Three Stars

Phone: 407.363.9332

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/orlihgi-hilton-garden-inn-orlando-international-drive-north/

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

The Hilton Garden Inn is a convenient place to stay on your Universal vacation because it is located only two miles from Universal Orlando Resort. The hotel has amenities like an outdoor pool, whirlpool, Tiki bar, gym, fire pit, and more.

The Garden Grille & Bar is a restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner, and is a great place to start or end the day around your time in the theme parks. Rooms here start around $101 a night, making it a similarly affordable price point to the other hotels on this list.

Shuttle Details

The Hilton Garden Inn offers a complimentary shuttle to Universal Orlando CityWalk (the entrance to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure). The shuttle runs on a schedule that varies slightly day by day, but generally there are four shuttles in the morning and four at the end of the day. Check in with the front desk during your stay to pick the time that works best for you and reserve your spot so you can go enjoy the parks!

8. Westgate Palace

Hotel Class: Three Stars

Phone: 407.996.6000

Website: https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/orlando/westgate-palace-resort/pad/

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

This newly renovated hotel offers beautiful modern rooms only a short drive from Universal Orlando Resort. The main focus of this renovation is the hotel’s two-bedroom suites, making this a perfect place for families to stay on a Universal vacation.

The resort has a huge outdoor pool, hot tub, gym, movie theater, game room, basketball court, and more. You can even rent a paddle boat here during your stay! A two bedroom suite here starts around $202 a night, which is not a bad price for a family, especially with all the amenities this hotel offers.

Shuttle Details

WestGate offers a complimentary shuttle to Universal Orlando. Morning departure times are generally between 7:45 am and 10:50 am, and offer return shuttle from around 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It’s less than a 10 minute drive, so the shuttle is quick and easy!

Make sure to reserve your spot on the shuttle at the front desk during your stay or you will risk the transport filling up.

9. Rosen Inn

Hotel Class: Three Stars

Phone: 407.996.4444

Website: http://www.rosenhotels.com/our-brands/rosen-inn-closest-to-universal/

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

Located on International Drive, the Rosen Inn is a large hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, 4 dining options, and more. Located within two miles of Universal Orlando Resort the hotel offers a great location at a great value.

Rooms here start around $119 a night!

Shuttle Details

Rosen Inn Partners with Super Star Shuttle to offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from Universal Orlando Resort. The shuttle is based on park operating hours and offers services to the park between 7:30 and 10:30, and back from the park between 5:00 and 8:00. Seating is limited and is first come first serve.

Reservations must be made in person at the Universal Partner Hotel Vacation Planning Center in the lobby. These can be made up to one day in advance and no more than 30 min before departure time.

10. Comfort Suites Near Universal Orlando Resort

Hotel Class: Three Stars

Phone: 407.363.1967

Website: https://www.choicehotels.com/florida/orlando/comfort-suites-hotels/fl616

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

Only two miles from Universal Orlando, the Comfort Suites has an outdoor pool, hot tub, gym, and more. The suites are spacious and reasonably priced, starting around $111 per night.

Shuttle Details

Comfort Suites is a Universal Partner Hotel and offers a complimentary shuttle service to the parks. Official schedules are not available online, but the hotel offers these free transport services throughout regular park hours. You must register to get your spot secured on these shuttles, and you can do so by stopping by the front desk at the hotel!

Get Free Help Planning Every Part of Your Universal Orlando Vacation

11. Clarion Inn & Suites Universal Orlando

Hotel Class: Two Stars

Phone: 407.351.3800

Website: https://www.choicehotels.com/florida/orlando/clarion-hotels/flc78

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

Clarion Inn & Suites is one of the most value-centered options on this list. Nights here can start around $85 and the hotel is located within a mile of Universal Orlando Resort, making it a very affordable and convenient option if you are looking for some value options nearby the parks.

Despite this low price point, the hotel still has an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, bar, and café. This is a simple option for those looking to not break the bank on their Universal vacation!

Shuttle Details

The Clarion Inn offers free shuttle services to and from Universal Orlando. The morning services leave at 7:10am, 8:20am, 9:30am, and 10:40am. In the late afternoon, return services are offered at 5:25pm, 6:30pm, and 7:35pm.

The shuttle generally sticks to these times but they are, of course, subject to change. The service requires a reservation so book your spot at the front desk when you visit.

12. Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando Near Universal

Hotel Class: Two Stars

Phone: 407.519.3151

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/orlusht-home2-suites-orlando-near-universal/

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

Home2 is a Hilton Hotel only minutes from shopping centers, great dining, and the best entertainment in Orlando. Only a mile away from Universal Orlando Resort, Home2 is a great value option for families visiting the parks. Like many hotels in the area, Home2 has an outdoor pool, fitness center, and comes with free breakfast.

The hotel has a variety of room and suite options. The rooms are modern and sleek, and start at $126. This is another great option to save some money on your trip.

Shuttle Details

Home2 has a free, scheduled shuttle that offers multiple services in the morning to Universal CityWalk, and multiple services back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Times are subject to change, so check in with reception when you arrive to find out what shuttles work best for you.

You need to reserve your spot on these shuttles, so the day before you plan to go to the parks check in with the help desk to get a spot for you and your family.

13. Avanti Palms Resort and Conference Center

Hotel Class: Three Star

Phone: 866.994.3157

Website: https://www.avantipalmsresort.com/shuttle-service.htm

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

Located right in the heart of Orlando, Avanti Palms Resort has all the classic amenities like an outdoor pool, gym, and great dining options. The hotel is about two miles from Universal Orlando. Depending on your room, you might even get a view of Universal Orlando’s Waterpark, Volcano Bay, from your window!

This is the most affordable option so far, with deluxe double queen rooms starting at only $69! Avanti Palms is one of the best value options available just outside of Universal Orlando.

Shuttle Details

Avanti offers free shuttle services to all the main theme parks around Orlando. Shuttle services to Universal Orlando Resort require a reservation, and can be made 24 hours in advance. These shuttle services are first come first serve.

Shuttles depart from Universal Orlando at 8:15 am, 9:55 am, and 11:55 am every day. Coming back to the hotel, shuttle services leave Universal Citywalk at 5:00 pm, 6:25 pm, and 8:00 pm. These services leave from the transportation hub at Route D.

14. Embassy Suites Orlando

Hotel Class: Three Star

Phone: 407.352.1400

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mcoores-embassy-suites-orlando-international-drive-convention-center/

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

Most rooms in this hotel are two-bedroom suites, which makes this hotel great for families on a Universal Vacation. Each suite will have a private bathroom, living room, sofa bed, TV, refrigerator, and more. Rooms come with free breakfast if you want a quick bite before hitting the parks!

The hotel is centered around one huge, resort-style pool with great entertainment and dining options. Only a 10 minute drive from Universal Orlando, Embassy Suites is a great place to stay for families visiting the parks. Rooms here can start as low as $120 a night.

Shuttle Details

Embassy Suites offers a complimentary shuttle to Universal Orlando Resort and has multiple options in the morning, and multiple return options in the afternoon.

Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance and you will need your reservation to get on the shuttle. Reservations can either be made in person at the front desk, or online via the hotel website.

15. Holiday Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando

Hotel Class: Three Star

Phone: 407.351.3333

Website: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/orlando/mcous/hoteldetail

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

The Holiday Inn and Suites offers simple, modern hospitality right next to Universal Orlando resort. I’ve actually stayed here before with my family when we planned a last minute trip to Universal and it was perfect for what we needed. The hotel has a small pool area, an arcade, fitness center, and more. Like many visitors to this part of Orlando, we spend most of our time in the parks so the hotel had more than enough for our needs.

Rooms here are well priced, and a room with two queen sized beds can start from about $97 a night.

Shuttle Details

The Holiday Inn and Suites is Partnered with Universal and has a shuttle service owned by Universal Orlando. Reservations are required for all shuttle trips and must be made in person up to 24 hours in advance of the departure time.

These reservations can be made at the front desk in the lobby!

Bundle Your Hotel and Theme Park Tickets

16. Best Western Orlando Gateway Hotel

Hotel Class: Three Star

Phone: 407.351.5009

Website: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-orlando/best-western-orlando-gateway-hotel/propertyCode.10380.html

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

The Best Western is one of the most affordable hotels so far on this list. With rooms starting at $60 a night, a stay here will certainly free up other parts of your budget for your Universal vacation. Despite the low price point, the hotel still has all the great amenities that you would like to see at a hotel in Orlando. The hotel surrounds a pool with a large tanning area.

The hotel also has a small restaurant, bar and fitness center. Only a five minute drive from Universal CityWalk, the Best Western is a great place to stay if you are looking to keep a small hospitality budget for your vacation.

Shuttle Details

Best Western is a Universal Partner hotel, so it offers a shuttle service run by Universal Orlando. The shuttle service has multiple pick up times throughout the morning and multiple drop off times in the late afternoon. These times vary, so check in with reception the day before you intend to use the service.

Like every other hotel, reservations are required for these shuttles, so make sure to talk to reception within 24 hours of when you plan to use the shuttle to secure your spot.

17. Residence Inn

Hotel Class: Three Star

Phone: 407.313.1234

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcotw-residence-inn-near-universal-orlando/overview/

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

The Residence Inn is another convenient option nearby Universal Orlando. A Marriott hotel, the Residence has a pool, gym, free breakfast, and more. The rooms are modern and simple, and start at prices around $133 a night.

The hotel is only a 15 minute drive from Universal Orlando, so you won’t need to wait long once you leave Universal CityWalk at the end of the day to get back to your bed!

Shuttle Details

The Residence Inn is another Universal Partner hotel, so a free shuttle service is available. Times for the shuttle are generally the same throughout the year, with several times being offered in the morning to go to Universal, and several times offered to return back to the hotel at the end of the day.

Reservations can be made for the shuttle at the front desk of the Residence, and here you can also confirm the departure time of your shuttle.

18. Avanti International Resort

Hotel Class: Three Star

Phone: 877.821.3010

Website: https://www.avantiresort.com/concierge-desk.htm

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

The Avanti International Resort is different from the Avanti Palms Resort, and is another great option nearby Universal Orlando. The hotel is centered around a beautiful pool and has a bright, modern style that is really refreshing.

The hotel also has a gym, coffee shop, volleyball court, and shuffleboard. Rooms here are available for as little as $109 a night, and that includes a variety of options like two queen beds, one king, or a king and a sofa bed.

Shuttle Details

The Avanti International is a Universal Partner hotel and has a complimentary shuttle. When you arrive at the hotel, the concierge in the lobby can help you with picking the best time for the next day and help you reserve your spot.

19. Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando

Hotel Class: Three Star

Phone: 407.248.2232

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mcohwhw-homewood-suites-orlando-nearest-to-univ-studios/

Universal Partner Hotel: Yes

Early Theme Park Entry: Yes

Hotel Details:

Homewood suites is only one mile from Universal Orlando resort. The hotel has an outdoor pool, hot tub, fire pit, sports court, and grill. Also, breakfast is included with your stay!

Rooms here start as little as $111 a night!

Shuttle Details

As a Universal Partner Hotel, the Homewood Suites has a similar shuttle system to the other hotels on this list. The shuttle offers several times in the morning that will go to the parks, and several times in the late afternoon/early night that will return from the parks.

Reservations must be made for these shuttles and can be confirmed at the front desk of the Homewood suites within 24 hours of the shuttle departure time.

20. Honorable Mention: Hilton Grand Vacations Club SeaWorld Orlando

Hotel Class: Four Stars

Phone: 407.239.0100

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/orlswgv-hilton-grand-vacations-club-seaworld-orlando/

Universal Partner Hotel: No

Early Theme Park Entry: No

Hotel Details:

This is a great hotel near Universal, but comes in as an “honorable mention” on our list due to its Universal shuttle charging a fee.

The Hilton Grand is an official Partner of SeaWorld, but is still only located 5 miles from Universal Orlando Resort and offers some fantastic amenities. This luxury hotel is located right across from SeaWorld and has multiple resort-style pools, amazing restaurants and bars, tennis courts, gyms, and more.

Rooms here can start from as little as $113 a night, so you won’t necessarily have to break the bank to stay here, but you should keep in mind the extra transport time to Universal Orlando.

Shuttle Details

Because the Hilton Grand is a SeaWorld Partner, the hotel only offers complimentary shuttle services to SeaWorld. The Universal shuttle costs $10 per person. Reservations can be made online between 1 and 24 hours in advance, and are required to secure a seat.

Although the shuttle service isn’t free, I thought I’d still highlight this hotel because it is close to Universal Orlando and has great value for its starting room price.

Ask the help desk when you arrive to get the updated shuttle schedule!

Conclusion

There are so many great places to stay around Universal Orlando! Most hotels around the resort offer a complimentary shuttle service to the parks, but keep in mind, you will generally need to reserve your spot on the shuttle at the front desk at least 30 min before the departure time (and often the day before).

Also, just because a hotel is close to Universal does not mean that it will offer a shuttle, so make sure to check online in advance of booking your stay if you don’t want to have to use a ride-share app!

Prefer to stay closer to Disney? Check out our list of hotels near Disney World that offer free shuttles — many of them also offer Universal shuttles, too!

Free Help Booking Your Universal Orlando Trip

Booking a dream vacation shouldn’t be stressful! We recommend working with The Vacationeer to guarantee that planning your Universal vacation is as simple, cost-efficient, and enjoyable as possible.

The Vacationeer is a top-rated Disney and Universal travel agency and they will help you make your vacation dreams come true!

When you book through The Vacationeer, you’ll get expert advice from travel agents who love the theme parks and visit often. And because they don’t charge any planning fees, you get stress-free planning at no additional cost to you.

So don’t go it alone! Trust the Universal Experts at The Vacationeer to handle all the tiny details that are often overlooked so your family won’t miss anything during your trip!

There’s never any pressure to book, so there’s no harm in reaching out today for a free, no-obligation quote!