Travel Guide: Hard Rock Hotel & Universal Orlando Trip

Intro

This is the second trip on a trifecta of Holiday Travels at the end of 2025. This time I was traveling once again to Orlando from my hometown of New York City, but with a friend that had never been in this city or any of the theme parks in this area. The planning for this trip took months, and after changing the hotels multiple times, we were ready for a 4 night extravaganza with visits to Walt Disney World and Universal Resort. Let’s do this!

From NYC to MCO

This time I was flying from LaGuardia International Airport, in the new Delta Terminal, since my previous flight had been cancelled. They idea was to come after work, and then meet my friend in Orlando. It was technically now December, so Christmas was in full effect.

Took a quick nap during the flight and 3 hours later I was in Florida. So excited for this weekend full of fun.

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando

Met my friend who was coming to MCO from outside of the country, and we took an Uber to Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. It was my first time staying in this hotel, and my first time also staying at a Premier/Signature collection in order to get the complimentary Express Pass. The price of this hotel night dropped significantly from the time I booked it to like 2 days before the trip, so I kept calling Universal Orlando to get a refund on the price difference. Also, having an Annual Pass helped me with the discounted fare. At the end, the investment in this room was worthy for many reasons including the 2 complimentary Unlimited Express Pass, especially since it was my friend’s first time here; and the parks were closing at 7 PM on the day we were going (super early). And well, we were right next to the action, just steps away with a designated gate to CityWalk.

The other 2 hotels that offer Unlimited Express Pass during your stay are: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando is a AAA Four Diamond, California mission-style resort offering a luxurious, rock-and-roll-themed experience with 650 rooms, a 12,000 sq ft pool with underwater speakers, and a 260-ft waterslide. It features extensive music memorabilia, top-tier dining (The Palm), and exclusive, free Universal Express Unlimited passes. 

Key Features and Amenities: 

• Theme & Atmosphere: A vibrant, high-energy atmosphere with a “live like a star” vibe and music-themed decor.
• Location: Situated directly within Universal Orlando Resort, within walking distance (approx. 10 minutes) or a free water taxi ride to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
• Pool & Recreation: A large, 12,000-square-foot sand-beach pool featuring a 260-foot waterslide, underwater music, two hot tubs, and a volleyball court.
• Dining: Options include The Kitchen (American), The Palm (steakhouse), Velvet Bar, and Emack & Bolio’s Marketplace.
• Rooms & Suites: 650 rooms and suites, including themed “Future Rock Star Suites” and Rock Royalty level rooms, featuring, coffee makers, and, in some cases, park views.
• Exclusive Benefits: Guests receive free Universal Express Unlimited passes to skip lines, Early Park Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and free water taxi service to the parks.
• Fitness & Wellness: Features the Body Rock fitness center, Mandara Spa (located at nearby Portofino Bay), and rock-inspired amenities.

The hotel looked very classy. I could not believe we were staying here.

The room was great. We went out to explore the hotel, and see the amenities, like the pool.

The zero entry looked incredible. We felt tho that it was a little chilly in this December night to get into the pool, plus we were hungry and wanted to explore CityWalk a little bit. We had a long day tomorrow.

And that we did. We found the sign with the pathway to CityWalk and the parks and followed it.

CityWalk

We used the exclusive gate into CityWalk, and walked in front of Universal Studios Florida, which we were visiting the next day. I had just been there last Sunday, as part of my Thanksgiving trip.

My friend said that the Universal Globe looked way smaller in real life. I was in shock LOL.

Regardless, I showed him around CityWalk. He had no idea of the existence of this sort of open mall connecting the 2 parks. It was a little chilly, so we went into Green and Red Coconut Club. He liked the many many photo spots, and all the decorations. It was definitely a great time to come visit the parks for the first time ever. All Christmassy and looking beautiful.

After that, we went to The Cowfish® Sushi Burger Bar, but unfortunately they were super busy. So, I made the executive decision to go to Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food. It would be my first ever time to go to this restaurant. Although, I had heard so many good things about it.

Despite CityWalk in general feeling a little bit empty, the restaurant itself was lively and with Live Music, we ordered an appetizer that made us salivate. The server came to the table and prepared the guacamole right in front of us, and oh boy. That was one of the most delicious guacamoles I have ever had. This itself was a good enough reason to give Antojitos the pass, which means, I would definitely come back some other time. I also order a burrito as my main dish and it was good too.

Checking Out from Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando

It was the next morning, and it was time for checking out. The goal of staying here only one night was to get the Unlimited Express, which we got during check in the last night.

As we got ready for a day at the two parks, and the anticipation grew up for my friend first time in any of the Orlando parks, we saw the dragon from Escape from Gringotts from our room lol.

This hotel was marvelous. Unfortunately, despite the many amenities, we did not get to use any of them. I went out to get some coffee and came back to finish getting ready.

We checked out and saw the many dresses of rock and pop artist all over the hotel lobby. Shakira‘s dress was here too.

The Rock Shop was closed this early in the morning.

But the Christmas tree in the lobby was very beautiful. We were so excited to see all the decorations finally up in all of the parks we were visiting, including 3 of Walt Disney World.

The fountain outside was very beautiful and iconic, of course we took a lot of pictures next to it.

We left our suitcases in the hotel, and walked to the park. The walk to the gate is quick via the gardens on the back of the hotel.

Universal Studios Florida is the closest park to Hard Rock, but we were going to start the day in Islands of Adventure of course. After taking a few pics in the Universal Globe, now during daytime, it was time to get to IOA.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade

Even though we had Unlimited Express Passes, we decided to use the Early Admission to go on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in Islands of Adventure. But getting in the park was a little bit tricky. I had an Annual Pass and my friend did not. We asked a team member if he could be with me in the AP line and they said yes, since it was only one person with me. When we were to scan, that other team member said no, sorry. We were appalled by the disinformation. Regardless, I entered and waited for my friend to come through the regular line.

Then we rushed to Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade. My friend is the biggest fan of Harry Potter, so everything in these lands had to be done. I surprised him here with the news we had express! He had no idea. We got in line and a few minutes later we were boarding. I let him take the bike since it was his first time ever.

He is also scared of roller coasters, so this was a challenge. He was clearly scared during the ride, but once we got to the -spoiler alert- drop, he was in shock. Once we were finished he had the biggest smile. He loved the ride. Even with the twists and turns.

Next up, we went in Flight of the Hippogriff, obviously using the Express Pass. Not the most exciting roller coaster, more like a kiddy one, but good enough to do if you like Harry Potter.

We of course had to make a pit stop to take a picture with the Hogwarts Castle, and go inside of it, to get into the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. The first ever Harry Potter ride.

Even with a short wait, and Express, we really took our time to explore the castle and see the entire queue. We even let people pass us as we were just exploring. My friend who is a HP fanatic was so happy here.

Elements of the queue like the pensive or the Mirror of Erised left him speechless. I think this is the most Harry Potter ride, even though it needs some TLC. Maybe update the screen scenes to make them look like the ones in Epic Universe’s Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

And talking about Epic Universe, that would be in our third day in Orlando. I was so excited to get back there. Admiring all of these props reminded me of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London that I had been back in April, and that you can read about here.

We went on the ride, and he said it was OK. Not the best thing ever. This time it did not make me sick like other times. I do not know why sometimes it gives me dizziness. Regardless, we got out, and now it was time for some Harry Potter American breakfast from Three Broomsticks. Since it comes with the Butterbeer, it is really a steal. I would recommend it all the time. I got the children version which is obviously way cheaper and still satiating.

The other ride to prioritize in this park, was Velocicoaster, but since my friend is not an afficionado of roller coasters, we decided to jump to the other park via the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade Station, so he could experience that with low waits. Usually it gets to higher waits a little bit after noon since a lot of people park hop then.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley

He really enjoyed the ride and the storyline. Remember, there are two versions of the Hogwarts Express scenes, one for the way to London, and another one for the way to Hogsmeade. We explore the front of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, which is called London in this park, including the Knight Bus, the phone booth, and the Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, where you can see Kreacher the house-elf.

We started exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley™ were singing Christmas songs, so of course we had to see them. Suddenly, it started snowing (soap). It was kind of magical haha.

Next up, we waiting on the dragon from Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts to spit fire, but it never did. One team member told us the dragon was not feeling well for the rest of the day. Well, like my friend said, this is another excuse for him to come back.

But what we did experience was Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The queue is just amazing, like you are in the middle of the movie.

We did this attraction back to back. So far, it was my friend’s favorite ride. He loved it even more than Hagrid’s. The problem with doing this ride back to back, and having your stuff in the lockers, it’s that the lockers get stuck if the current Wait Time passes and you have not retrieve your items. I understand this prevent people to just use the lockers for the day, but come on, this is ridiculous after just a few minutes. The system forces you to pay for the rental, but you could ask a team member to unlock it and that we did.

Next up, we got Butterbeer ice cream from Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour. It was so good, but also so sugary. My friend had to sit down after finishing it lmao. Coming from a foreign country where all things are fresh, all this sugar definitely would make anyone sick.

It was almost noon, but we were exploring the whole land. All things Harry Potter was lowkey the goal of this day. So, we went into the Leaky Cauldron™, but we were still full, so we did not order anything.

The rest of Universal Studios Florida

We left Diagon Alley, and started going counter clockwise towards New York, where the Beat Builders were having a show. I also took advantage to get my cold brew at the Starbucks location here.

But the most important ride in this land was Revenge of The Mummy. My friend was a little hesitant, but after leaving our stuff in the lockers, we went in the Express Line, and oh Lord. He loved it. The entire time he was scared, but this is genuinely one of the best rides.

We walked kind of fast around the park, skipping the Minions Land, and Transformers, and in Hollywood we had to go in the Holiday Tribute Market. It was cute seeing all the decorations once again.

One land that is not mandatory to walk through like others, is Dreamworks Land which we walked all over since we are fans of some of these movies. We did not go on any ride or anything, but we some some characters and meet and greets.

Back to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

After getting a beer in Springfield, and relaxing for a little bit, we made it around the park. And now it was almost 4 PM. We explored a little bit more of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, and went back in Escape from Gringotts. I could not believe we went in it 3 times. Amazing ride.

Time to get the Hogwarts Express at King’s Cross Station, and get back to Islands of Adventure, which we had not explored much, besides the Harry Potter land there.

Once back in Islands, we went again into the Three Broomsticks, and got my always loved Fish and Chips. For some reason, they do not sell the children version I had just had last week.

The rest of Islands of Adventure

It was now 5:22 PM which means, we only had one hour and a half to explore the rest of the park. We went again counter clockwise towards Jurassic Park, and no, we did not go on Velocicoaster unfortunately. My friend was too scared. I was just glad I had gone in it the last week.

What we did was The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Marvel Super Hero Island. Iconic as always. 10/10 no notes. I was so wet after the water scenes lol.

Another one we did not do but passed by was The Incredible Hulk Coaster. Maybe next time when he feels more encouraged???

The sunset was really giving around this area tho. Loved it.

Really beautiful December sunset for sure. But this also means, it was time to do the last thing in the To-Do list for today.

The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle

And that was The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle. We went back to Hogsmeade, now with all the Christmas lights on, and oh boy, it looked so beautiful.

We thought we had time to ride Hagrid’s before the show, but indeed we did not. We got out of the Express Line while seeing the first show of the night, and waited for the next one. Fortunately they are every 10 minutes.

The projections are amazing. My friend was in awe the entire time. And besides the projections, there were some fireworks as well. All was amazing.

And after this we went on Hagrid’s which for some reason we felt it was faster this time? We left the park, and everything had been so amazing that even if they closed at 7:30 PM we felt accomplished. Next up, we were going to Disney Springs, but we will see that in an upcoming post. See ya there.