Where to Stay for the Holidays at Universal Orlando in 2024
Wondering which on-site Universal Orlando hotel you should at during the Holiday season?if you're planning on spending multiple days, I recommend that you stay at one of the Universal Orlando hotels. You’ll not only be able to get into the parks early, a valuable head start, but depending on which resort you stay at, an Express Pass may also be included in your stay.This can really come in handy as crowds levels during this time of year are typically very high and can compare to those during peak summer holiday’s like the 4th of July. Finding the perfect place to stay during your Orlando Holiday vacation can really make a huge difference during your visit.Read on to check out what each hotel has to offer during the Holiday season.
What To Expect at Universal Orlando’s Hotels During The Holidays
The Holiday Season at Universal runs through December 31, 2024.Every on-site hotel at Universal Orlando embraces the festive spirit! Universal Orlando's on-site hotels offer a selection of free and paid experiences, like special holiday meals (breakfast, brunch or dinner buffets) on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
While all of the hotels have slightly different free holiday offerings, most will have a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.Each hotel will offer free cookies in their lobbies at certain times throughout the season. You can also take advantage of the free Holiday kids’ crafts, activities, and additional live music performances. 
Prime Value Universal Orlando Hotels
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Bright and airy retro Christmas vibes.Watch The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in the Bayliner DinerThursday, November 24, 2024
Thanksgiving Day Turkey BowlingPrice: $16.99 (plus tax) per person. That includes shoe rental.Valid for 45 minutes (1 - 3 bowlers) or 75 minutes (4 - 6 bowlers) of lane time.
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremonyWinter Wonderland and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the LobbyFriday, November 25, 2024 from: 4–6:30 pmFeatured at different times throughout - skaters, Santa meet and greet, live band, tree lighting, musician, hot chocolate and cookies.
Christmas Day Meal Special in Bayliner DinerPrice: $19.99* adult; $10.99* child (ages 3 – 9)Turkey, stuffing, cranberry compote, broccoli, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuit.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Fresh and modern vibes.Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the LobbyChristmas Day Meal Special in Urban PantryPrice:$25* adult; $14* child (ages 3 – 9)Menu: Slow-roasted prime rib with jus or horseradish cream, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, garlic creamed spinach, dinner roll (ADD: pumpkin pie for $4 more per person).
Rooftop New Year’s Eve Celebration (separately ticketed event)
Value Universal Orlando Hotels
Early Park Admission - Guests can access one of the three amazing theme parks up to an hour before park opening.Complimentary transportation to and from the parks.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resorts –Dockside Inn and Suites
Escape to the perfect sunset and save with the lowest rates I’ve seen for an on-site Universal Orlando Hotel. Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby
Christmas Day Meal Special in Pier 8 MarketPrice: $17* adult; $10* child (ages 3 – 9)Menu: Oven roasted turkey with house-made cranberry compote, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and roll.
New Year’s Eve Meal Special at Dockside’s Pier 8 MarketPrice: $18* adult; $10* child (ages 3 – 9)Menu: Herb encrusted New York striploin served with red wine au jus, oven roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus and biscuit.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites
Here you can enjoy the surf lifestyle and save with extra-affordable rates this Holiday season.Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the LobbyChristmas Day Meal Special in Beach Break Café$17* adult; $10* child (ages 3–9)Menu: Honey glazed ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans and roll.
New Year’s Eve Meal Special at Beach Break Cafe$18* adult; $10* child (ages 3 – 9)Menu: Herb encrusted New York striploin served with red wine au jus, oven roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus and biscuit.
Preferred Universal Orlando Hotels
Early Park Admission - Guests can access one of the 3 theme parks up to an hour before park opening. Complimentary transportation to and from the parks.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Spend your holiday in the heart of the tropics. Looking for the best on-site food? Strong Water Tavern has the best tapas and drinks around!Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse
Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for $21 more.
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby
Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse
Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for $21.
Christmas Day Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse
Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for just $21.
New Year’s Eve Buffet in Amatista Cookhouse
Price: $90* adult; $45* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Cubanita cocktails for $21 more.
Strong Water Tavern New Year's Eve Celebration
Price: $120* adult
Premier Hotels
FREE Universal Express Unlimited - Premier hotel guests get free Universal Express Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure.Early Park Admission - Guests can access one of the 3 theme parks up to an hour before park opening. Complimentary transportation to and from the parks.
Hard Rock Hotel
The perfect choice for those wanting to Live like a rock star this holiday season.Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Avalon Ballroom
Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
Thanksgiving Day Buffet in The Kitchen
Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby
Christmas Tree Lighting in the Lobby
Christmas Eve Family-style Dinner in The Kitchen
Price: $65* adult; $30* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
Christmas Day Brunch in The Kitchen
Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
New Year’s Day Acoustic Brunch
Price: $49* adult; $19* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
Entertainment: Live music
New Year's Eve Lobby Party (separately ticketed event)
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
The perfect choice for those wanting a South Seas escape during they Holiday vacation to Universal. Royal Pacific has a ton of instagram worthy photo spots.Thanksgiving Day Breakfast Buffet in Jake’s American Bar
Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for $21 more.
Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Islands Dining Room
Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for $21 more.
Entertainment: Musician, hula dancers and balloon artist.
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby
Christmas Day Buffet in Islands Dining Room
Price: $75* adult; $35* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for an $21.
Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet in Jake’s American Bar
Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3Adults (ages 21+) can add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for an extra $15.
Wantilan New Year’s Eve Luau
Price: $99* - $119* adult; $39* - $59* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
New Year's Eve Dessert Celebration in Tahitian Room.
Price: $40*; child under age 3 complimentary
New Year’s Day Breakfast Buffet in Islands Dining Room
Price: $27* adult; $16* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3Add all-you-care-to-enjoy mimosa and Bloody Mary cocktails for $21 more.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Capture memorable holiday moments in an Italian-inspired backdrop. When you enter Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel, you’re greeted by the lobby Christmas tree that's so tall it barely fits under the lights!Thanksgiving Day Buffet in Trattoria del Porto
Price: $80* adult; $37* child (ages 3–9); complimentary under age
Holiday Harbor Nights on the Harbor Piazza
Spend an evening beside the harbor drinking select wines and trying unlimited gourmet food samples from the hotel's restaurants. Live music and traditional opera performances included$109* VIP; $79* Standing Harbor; $850 Table (up to 10 people
Strolling Holiday Carolers in the Lobby & throughout hotel
Monday, December 19–Saturday, December 25, 2022
Christmas Day Buffet in Trattoria del Porto
Price: $80* adult; $37* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
Christmas Day Menu in Mama Della’s Ristorante
Price: $65* adult; $20* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3Entertainment: Opera singers and strolling musicians
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony in the Lobby
Free!
Holiday Cookies & Beverages in the Lobby
Free!
Kids’ Holiday Crafts & Activities in the Lobby
Free!
New Year's Eve Party on the Piazza
Enjoy a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration featuring gourmet foods, desserts, beer*, wine*, a live DJ and dancing.Price: $180* adult; $130* child (ages 10 – 20); $45* child (ages 3 – 9); complimentary under age 3
I would highly suggest staying at a Premier Universal Hotel if visiting the week of Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and on weekends. The complimentary Universal Express Passes are so key during the busiest times of the year!
