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December 27, 2024 by Amy

Which Universal Hotels have the water taxi?

Which Universal Hotels have the water taxi

Which Universal Hotels have the water taxi?

Today, we will discuss the common question, “Which Universal hotels have the water taxi?” Universal Orlando transportation is pretty straightforward and not as complicated as Disney. There are currently three methods of transportation at Universal: Buses, the Garden Walk, and water taxis! Today, we will discuss all things water taxis at Universal Orlando.

Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, a long-time Universal Annual Passholder, and a big Universal fan. I’ve also stayed at every Universal hotel multiple times!

Contact me for more information if you’d like to book your Universal vacation with an expert at no cost to you.

Universal Travel Agent

Now, let’s talk about water taxis at Universal.

Which Universal Hotels have the water taxi

Why is the water taxi the best Universal transportation?

In my opinion, the water taxi is Universal’s best method of transportation! There’s nothing wrong with the buses, but sometimes the wait can be long at some Universal hotels. The water taxi is a fun experience, and you go through security before getting on, so you can avoid the security lines at CityWalk!

Which Universal Hotels have the water taxi?

Which Universal Hotels have the water taxi? First, the three formerly Premier Resorts at Universal all have access to the water taxi. These three, along with Sapphire Falls and Helios Grand, are now “Signature Resorts.”

These resorts include:

  • Hard Rock Hotel
  • Loews Portofino Bay
  • Loews Royal Pacific

Not only do these hotels have water taxi access, but they also have a free Express Pass for every member of your party! It often makes more sense to stay at a Premier Resort than at a less expensive resort and buy Express Passes. You can learn more here: Which Universal Orlando hotels offer Express Pass?

Let’s quickly learn about all three of these resorts and a bonus resort with access to Universal water taxis.

Loews Portofino Bay

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel transports guests to the Italian Riviera. The hotel features cobblestone streets and charming Italian architecture. While this is not my personal favorite premier resort, the rooms are spacious and great for families.

guide to Universal hotels

Loews Royal Pacific

Loews Royal Pacific offers guests a luxurious escape to a tropical island paradise reminiscent of the South Seas. Think Hawaii, but in Florida. There’s even a luau!

Royal Pacific also has the best-themed family suite, which, in my opinion, is the Jurassic World Suites!

Which Universal Hotels have the water taxi

Hard Rock Hotel:

Hard Rock Hotel offers a vibrant and immersive experience that combines the excitement of rock-n-roll with the luxury of a premier resort. The hotel is decorated with an extensive collection of music memorabilia, creating a unique atmosphere where guests can feel like rock stars.

One of my favorite parts about Hard Rock Hotel is that you can hear the music underwater! Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay, and Royal Pacific also have club-level rooms. Check out my post about that to learn more: Is club level at Universal hotels worth it?

Which Universal Hotels have the water taxi

These three resorts also have Club Acess available, but Is club level at Universal hotels worth it? Check out our blog post to find out!

Loews Sapphire Falls

Which Universal hotels have the water taxi? So far, the answer is the same as the hotels that offer Express Passes, but that’s about to change!

Sapphire Falls is not classified as a “Signature” resort but does not include Express Passes.  It has more elevated amenities (including arguably the best pool at Universal) and access to the water taxi and garden walk.

Sapphire Falls can still be a great option if you have the budget to stay here but don’t want to spend as much on a premier resort. The family suites are great if you want a separate sleeping area for adults and kids!

Which Universal Hotels have the water taxi LOEWS SAPPHIRE FALLS Sapphire Falls is unique as it is Universal's only "moderate" resort. It has more elevated amenities (including arguably the best pool at Universal) and access to the water taxi and garden walk. However, the biggest difference is that you do not get Express Passes when staying at Sapphire Falls. Sapphire Falls can still be a great option if you have the budget to stay here but don't want to spend as much on a premier resort. The family suites are great if you want a separate sleeping area for adults and kids!

Check out our full tour of Sapphire Falls on YouTube.

Which Universal Hotels have the water taxi?

I hope this answers your question, “Which Universal hotels have a water taxi.” Currently, all Signature hotels do have access to the water taxi, but remember that Helios Grand will not when it opens due to the distance from the other hotels.

More Universal Travel Tips:

We have lots more Universal travel tips on the blog. Check them out!

  • What to pack for Universal Studios (and what to wear at Universal)
  • All the Universal Orlando Hotel Types explained
  • How to visit the entire Wizarding World of Harry Potter in one day
  • Hidden secrets of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • 25 Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips
  • A complete list of rides at Universal Orlando
  • What is a ghost room at Universal Orlando?
  • Endless Summer Surfside Inn and Suites Review

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

Did you enjoy this post? I would love it if you would pin it for later! Or, make sure to share it with your friends on social media if they are looking for things to do in Florida with kids. 

 

Category: Orlando, Theme Parks, Universal, Universal HotelsTag: Orlando, Theme Parks, Universal, Universal Hotels, Universal Orlando

About Amy

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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Florida travel with kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who has been traveling all over Florida for many years. We are here to share our adventures with you and plenty of family-friendly things to do in Florida. Read more about us here.

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