Universal Orlando is the perfect destination to go for your “kid free” vacation! There is so much to do, see and experience. Here are a few of our recommendations for a Universal Studios Orlando vacation without kids!
Hotel
ALL the hotels at Universal Orlando are amazing in their own way, the absolute BEST hotel for your adult only escape is Loews Portofino Bay Resort. Portofino Bay, designed in collaboration with Steven Spielberg, is beautiful, relaxing and just convincing enough to let you believe, even if just for a moment, that you’ve escaped to Portofino, Italy.
The hotel is one of Universal Orlando’s Premier Hotels, 4 star, and typically ranges from $400-$900/night.
Rooms
There are several different room categories with both Rooms & Suites as options. There are king bed rooms, 2 queen bed rooms, as well as club level. Our personal favorite are the Bay View King rooms, which contain a view of the beautiful bay. We like to request the West Wing, Bay View King (deluxe) room, which affords a beautiful balcony overlooking the bay. Enjoying a glass of wine on your balcony, listening to Musica della Notte (music of the night), is truly magical.
Spa
The Mandera Spa is a 13,000 sq ft sanctuary with 14 treatment rooms and many different treatments/experiences. Be sure and let your Magical Memory Planner know what treatments you would like to experience and they will secure your reservations for you.
Dining
While there are 9 dining options at Portofino Bay Resort, we feel that there are a couple that are sure to add a little romance to your kid free stay.
Bice Restaurant
Since 1926, Bice Restaurants have provided the best service you can find in an Italian restaurant. The food combined with an extensive wine list and beautiful aesthetic, you’re sure to experience La storia d’amore. Reservations ARE strongly recommended, due to the popularity of the restaurant. This restaurant is NOT adults only, but we don’t really seem to notice the kiddos when we’ve been there.
The Thirsty Fish
The Thirsty Fish is our FAVORITE place to go for cocktails before dinner. There is inside seating or outside on the piazza. If the weather is nice, we recommend outside. Nothing is more enjoyable than people watching, listening to romantic music and enjoying a glass of prosecco. Saluti!
Pool
There are three pools at the resort. Our personal favorite for a quieter more intimate experience is the Hillside Pool. While it isn’t adults only, it IS considered a “quiet pool”.
To reserve a cabana at any of the pools, you can contact Concierge at the resort or ask your Magical Memory Planner to assist you.
To learn more about other resort options at Universal Orlando during the holidays check out Universal Orlando Hotels at Christmas.
Parks
Although there are enough amenities to keep you content at your resort and make you never want to leave, Universal Orlando is one of the best theme parks for an adults only vacation.
Many of the attractions’ taller height requirements tend to draw a more mature crowd. For dining, there are several quick service (counter service) dining options or for table service, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill in Universal Studios or Mythos in Islands of Adventure are two amazing options.
City Walk
City Walk is the “downtown” of Universal Orlando resort and comes alive at night. From the amazing dining options to the entertainment and shopping there is something for everyone.
One of our favorite “kid free” activities is Rising Star. As a self proclaimed rockin’ karaoke bar, Rising Star is THE place to go to live out your rock star/singing on the stage to an adoring audience dreams. It is 18+ to get in, so make sure you have your ID.
If you’re looking for something fun to do that requires a little more physical activity, the mini golf course Hollywood Drive In Golf is a great option.
The recently added escape rooms are also fun date night options. You can choose from Jurassic World: Escape OR Back to the Future: OUTATIME. The escape rooms DO require reservations, so be sure and let your MMP know.
When to go?
Any time you go to Universal Orlando is a good time to go, but with the special events throughout the year, there are some that do have more activities to do. In the fall Halloween Horror Nights occupies the nights of Universal Studios and requires a separate ticket from the theme park ticket. In November, Universal moves from scary to merry when the giant Christmas tree rolls out. The Macy’s Christmas Parade is one of the biggest events of the year and occurs every night during the holiday season. In Islands of Adventure, Grinchmas takes over Dr Seuss island and the Who’s stroll around and there are varying experiences/shows where you can see the THE Mean One himself. During the late winter months into Spring, Mardi Gras and the celebration of Carnaval takes over Universal Studios and is THE place to taste the flavors of Carnaval from around the world. The Mardi Gras parade is outrageous and you’re sure to walk out with a TON of beads! Just keep saying, FEET DON’T FAIL ME NOW!
To learn more about the various special events throughout the year at Universal Orlando check out Universal Orlando: Special Events.
Pro Tips
Your trip is bound to be memorial so the best thing to do to mark those special/fun moments is to take advantage of the photo package. The photo package is a separate purchase. Here is more information on the photo package at Universal Orlando.
Portofino Bay Resort has two ways to get to the parks and City Walk. There is a walkway OR the boat. The boat is our preferred mode of transportation but sometimes they can get busy or if it is lightning and the boats are shut down for safety reasons, then the walk way definitely is a nice way to get back to your room. The walk from City Walk takes, on average, 15 minutes.
When you’re ready to enjoy Universal Studios Orlando without kids reach out to your Magical Memory Planner. Magical Memory Planners is a Universal Preferred Agency and you can rest assured that your vacation will be in the best hands.
