Universal Orlando - Why my 12 Year old has a NEW favorite Theme Park
As an experienced travel advisor who specializes in theme park vacations, I’ve learned that where you stay can completely transform how you experience a destination. After our most recent trip to Universal Orlando Resort, I can confidently say that Islands of Adventure has officially claimed the top spot as my son’s favorite theme park—and the reason comes down to one smart decision: staying at the Hard Rock Hotel.
The Power of Staying On‑Site at Universal Orlando
Universal’s premier hotels—Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay, and Loews Royal Pacific—come with one of the most valuable perks in theme park travel: Unlimited Express Pass. This benefit alone can be a game‑changer, especially when traveling with kids (or teens) who want to ride everything…again and again.
At the Hard Rock Hotel, our Express Unlimited passes were included for every day of our stay, including check‑in and check‑out days. That meant minimal waits for most attractions across both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Instead of planning our day around lines, we planned it around fun. There was no spending the day with your nose in an app getting return times, we simply flashed our Express Pass Unlimited and walked right onto whatever ride we wanted.
We felt soooooo VIP.
Why Islands of Adventure Won Him Over
Islands of Adventure already has a reputation for being more thrilling and immersive, but experiencing it with Express Unlimited took it to another level. My son was able to walk onto many of his favorite rides repeatedly—The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Spider‑Man, and more—without the usual wait times that can drain a child’s enthusiasm.
But the real star of the trip? Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
Nearly a Dozen Rides on Hagrid’s
Staying onsite gave us early access to Hagrid’s during Early Park Admission, which made all the difference. With strategic timing—early mornings, smart breaks, and returning at the right moments—my son was able to ride Hagrid’s nearly a dozen times over the course of three days using Express Unlimited. One evening after dinner, we thought we would hop in line for one last ride. It took us only 6 minutes to walk the queue and get in line, so once we got off, with only 8 minutes until the park closed, we ran right back thru to ride it again and got to watch the fireworks as we closed down the park on Hagrid’s- riding twice in 20 minutes.
Each ride felt different depending on whether he chose the motorbike or the sidecar, and the storytelling never lost its charm. By the end of the trip, he was hooked on Hagrid’s and we can never go to Orlando without going to Islands of Adventure.
Why Hard Rock Hotel Was the Perfect Fit
Beyond the Express Unlimited benefit, the Hard Rock Hotel checked every box for a family vacation:
- Walking distance to the parks (a huge win after long days)
- Fun, energetic atmosphere that kids love
- Comfortable rooms that make mid‑day breaks easy
- Seamless transportation options
From a travel advisor’s perspective, this hotel consistently delivers high value for families who want maximum park time with minimal stress.
Also, Isn’t it Gorgeous?
The Takeaway (And Why I Recommend This to My Clients)
This trip was a perfect example of why expert planning matters. Universal Studios Orlando isn’t just about choosing dates and buying tickets—it’s about pairing the right hotel with the right strategy to create unforgettable moments.
Because we stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel, my son didn’t just visit Islands of Adventure—he experienced it fully. Short waits, repeat rides, and enough flexibility to slow down and soak it all in. That’s why Islands of Adventure is now his favorite theme park, and why Universal continues to be one of my top recommendations for families.
If you’re dreaming of a Universal Orlando vacation where your kids ride their favorites again and again—and you come home energized instead of exhausted—I’d love to help you plan it the right way.