Universal Orlando's BEST Kept Secret: This Residence Inn Will Blow You Away!
Universal Orlando's "Best Kept Secret"? Hold Your Mickey Ears! This Residence Inn REALLY Blew Me Away (And Here's Why!)
Okay, let's be real. Planning a Universal Orlando vacation can feel like navigating a literal theme park maze. You've got the park tickets, the Express Passes (a MUST, trust me!), and then… the hotel. The hotel. It can be a gamble, a crapshoot. But folks, I think I stumbled on a goldmine. I'm talking about the Residence Inn Orlando at 5600 Universal Blvd. and it seriously deserves ALL the hype. Forget those cookie-cutter resorts – this place… this place is something else.
Accessibility and the "So-Smooth" Factor:
First off, let's talk accessibility. I'm not going to pretend I'm an expert on disability needs, but I did notice how seriously they took it. The website's description of their facilities is spot-on. The entire stay felt designed to be easy peasy lemon squeezy for folks of all abilities. Wheelchair accessible throughout? Check. Elevator access? Obviously. I saw staff going above and beyond to make sure guests were comfortable. That's the stuff I love to see.
Cleanliness and Safety - Post-Apocalyptic-Level Clean!
Given the… you know… current world situation, cleanliness is KING. And the Residence Inn slayed this requirement. They were positively maniacal about keeping the place spotless. Anti-viral cleaning products? Undoubtedly. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. And the rooms? Oh, the rooms. They clearly had a serious, professional-grade sanitizing team. Rooms sanitized between stays? It better be! I even took a moment to appreciate the hand sanitizers strategically placed everywhere and the individually-wrapped food options at the breakfast buffet. Peace of mind = priceless. And, I’m a germaphobe, so I was especially happy about this.
Let's Dive Into the Room - My Cozy Fortress of Awesome:
Alright, let's talk about the rooms because seriously, that's where the magic started for me. Walking in I felt like I had stepped into my apartment from the future. All the features are there, including a mini bar, desk, and extra long bed. I had a view that wasn't of some parking lot somewhere, but the city below. The bed! It was like sleeping on a cloud of marshmallows. The blackout curtains? My best friend. I slept like a baby. They had the essentials, like air conditioning, hair dryers, robes and slippers. A coffee/tea maker and complimentary tea? Sold. And the ironing facilities, those saved my bacon after a particularly sweaty day at Volcano Bay. They even have soundproof rooms. And the shower was hot, so hot, oh my god the hot water was glorious. It was exactly what I needed.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food! (And Some Rants):
Okay, here's where I had some minor gripes, but they're easily forgiven. While they boasted a restaurants, poolside bar, and coffee shop, the options were somewhat… limited. They did have a decent breakfast buffet with the works – Western cuisine, Asian breakfast (a surprise!), and all the usual suspects. The breakfast takeaway service was a lifesaver when we were in a rush to get to the park. I just love a coffee/tea in restaurant. While I'm not a super foodie, my stomach was happy. The snack bar was well-stocked, and I absolutely, positively loved the bottle of water they provided, especially since I forgot my water bottle. I wish they had desserts in restaurant for after the shows.
One time I took a break from the park to eat in the hotel’s restaurant. I asked for a soup. I wanted soup! They were out of soup! My stomach said boo. But it's okay. I am a forgiving person, and I know things happen.
Poolside Paradise (and Maybe a Little Steam):
The swimming pool was the main attraction and it delivered. It was sparkling clean, with a fantastic pool with view. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of rollercoasters. Okay, I didn't go to the spa, but the fact that they had one was a major plus. Sauna? Steamroom? Yes, please! I didn't indulge, but the thought was tempting.
Services and Conveniences - Convenience at its Finest!
The Residence Inn is clearly attuned to the needs of the modern traveler. Daily housekeeping? Check. Laundry service? Double-check. Air conditioning in public areas? Obviously. Air conditioning in every room? Of course!. The concierge was friendly and helpful. Cash withdrawal available? Bonus! While the free parking was fantastic, a car park on-site makes things simple. They even had a convenience store for late-night cravings. But the REAL winner? The free Wi-Fi that actually worked in all the rooms, which is surprisingly rare these days! Internet access? Obviously. Internet [LAN]? Yep. Internet services? You got it. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yup. That's the stuff.
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us):
I didn't travel with kids, but it was clear this place caters to families. They have babysitting service and kids facilities, not to mention the obvious: the proximity to Universal's kid-friendly delights.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy:
Airport transfer? Yup. Taxi service? Of course. But the fact that they offered car park [free of charge] made everything so easy. This hotel is a breeze to get to. No stress, no fuss.
So, Why Should You Book This Place?
It's simple. The Residence Inn at 5600 Universal Blvd. is a hidden gem. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and, importantly, CLEANLINESS. They do all the little things that other resorts sometimes forget, like providing complimentary toiletries and having friendly staff. The rooms are spacious, the amenities are plentiful, and the location cannot be beaten. It's the perfect basecamp for your Universal Orlando adventure.
My Honest Verdict:
Look, I don't get paid to say this. But I'm telling you, this place is a winner. It's not perfect – maybe a few more dining options would be nice – but the positives far outweigh the negatives.
My Offer to You - Book Now and Get Ready to Be Amazed!
Here's the deal: go ahead and book your stay at the Residence Inn at 5600 Universal Blvd. right now. Secure your dates and get ready for a vacation upgrade. Because this is more than just a hotel; it's a place that understands what makes a great vacation. And trust me, you'll be as pleasantly surprised as I was. Consider this the best kept secret of Universal Orlando - your gateway to a truly unforgettable vacation.
Escape to Paradise: Villa Creativejr, Canggu's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your perfectly polished, sterile itinerary. This is gonna be real. We're heading to the Residence Inn by Marriott near Universal Orlando, and the plan? Well, the plan is… to survive. And maybe have some fun.
Subject: Orlando? Oh God, Here Goes Nothing… (and Maybe Some Awesome Rollercoasters)
Day 1: Arrival & the "I'm Already Tired" Phase
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Orlando International Airport. Okay, first immediate hurdle: the rental car. "Budget" was the name of the game, and "budget" apparently included "ancient cars" and "customer service that's barely awake." Finally wrestled the keys from the grumpy attendant. My first thought: "Did I accidentally book a car from the Flintstones era?!" The A/C is questionable, let's just say.
- 2:00 PM: The drive to the hotel wasn't too bad. You know, aside from the existential dread of being surrounded by theme park billboards promising "fun." I'm a nervous wreck. This is Disney's fault, I swear.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in – thankfully smooth. Residence Inn looks nice. The room is… well, it's a hotel room. Perfectly functional. The kitchenette is a nice touch, I guess. Probably won't use it, but it's there.
- 3:00 PM: Unpack. Immediately realized I overpacked, as always. I swear, half my suitcase is just "emotional support clothes." You know: comfy sweatpants and a t-shirt that says "I'm not okay."
- 4:00 PM: Snack break at the hotel lobby. The complimentary coffee? Weak. The muffins? Dry. Okay, expectations checked. It's a hotel.
- 6:00 PM: Went wandering to get some groceries. The CVS is packed. The options are overwhelming. I give up. I bought a bottle of wine and a family bag of potato chips. I'm starting my vacation the way I like it.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner in the room. Pizza delivery. Pizza? Yeah, it's cliché. Delicious, albeit, cliché.
- 9:00 PM: Crashed. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
Day 2: Universal Studios Chaos! (and Maybe a Nap?)
- 6:00 AM: Woke up! Sun rises in Orlando; I'm terrified. The hotel breakfast is… well, it's free. The scrambled eggs look suspiciously yellow. Coffee round two.
- 7:00 AM: Prep for the parks. I feel like a soldier going to war. Sunscreen, check. Hat, check. Water bottle the size of a small child, check. The backpack's packed, and I've triple-checked that I have my tickets. This is it. This is my moment.
- 8:00 AM: Arrived at Universal Studios. Holy guacamole, the crowds! I've never seen so many people in one place.
- 8:30 AM: HARRY POTTER WORLD! (aka Hogsmeade). Okay, I need to take a moment. The theming is incredible. Simply magical! Seeing the castle up close is… breathtaking. I'm officially a believer.
- 8:45 AM: The first ride, the Forbidden Journey. The lines are long, but whatever. The ride is… dizzying. And amazing! I’m slightly nauseous but exhilarated and in love.
- 9:30 AM: Butterbeer. It's… sweet. Too sweet, maybe? I’m also obsessed. I'm officially a sellout.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Explored the rest of Hogsmeade, got a souvenir, and bought a wand. I may or may not have practiced spells in public.
- 11:30 AM: Jurassic Park. Rode the Jurassic Park River Adventure. It was everything I could have hoped for, and I'm already wet. It's so ridiculous!
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a quick-service restaurant. Expensive. Of course. The food? Edible. We didn't starve.
- 2:00 PM: The Mummy. Wow. That ride got my heart racing and screaming!
- 3:00 PM: My brain short-circuited. Need… a… break.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the hotel; napped for 2 hours. Okay, I'm awake now, and ready for more.
- 6:00 PM: Ordered room service. I'm too exhausted to move.
- 7:00 PM: Early night, with the TV on.
Day 3: Volcano Bay Bliss (and Potential Sunburn)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast, hotel style.
- 9:00 AM: Head to Volcano Bay water park. I'm still not sure about this whole "water park" thing. I'm a land person.
- 9:30 AM: The park! The theming is incredible. The water is warm. The slides look terrifying.
- 10:00 AM: TapuTapu wristbands are cool. Wait times are significantly less stressful.
- 10:30 AM: Did my first slide. I screamed. I laughed. I think I lived.
- 11:30 AM: The wave pool. Actually pretty relaxing. I'm officially embracing the water thing.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a… again, overpriced, and edible. I don't think food is the main goal today. The sun is the main goal!
- 2:00 PM: Lazy river. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I could stay here forever.
- 3:00 PM: Getting slightly burned.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel! I feel relaxed and sun-kissed.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner in City Walk. The atmosphere is lively (and loud).
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Bed.
Day 4: Parks, Departure, and The Aftermath
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 8:00 AM: Check-out of the hotel.
- 9:00 AM: Head back to Universal Studios.
- 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM: One last round of parks.
- 1:30 PM: Drive to the airport.
- 3:30 PM: Drop off rental car.
- 4:00 PM: Security.
- 6:00 PM: Flight home.
- 8:00 PM: Land.
- 9:00 PM: Home! I feel like a zombie. I need a nap.
Final Thoughts:
Orlando… you were a whirlwind. Exhausting, expensive, and sometimes overwhelming. But also amazing, fun, and magical. I've got pictures of myself, with my tired eyes, full of wonder. I'll be back! Just need to save up, and recover first.
Postscript:
- I definitely should have packed more sunscreen.
- The "emotional support sweatpants" were a lifesaver.
- I'm already plotting my next trip.
Okay, that's it. I'm done. Now, where's that bottle of wine…?
Victoria La Villa Hạ Long: Vietnam's Most Stunning Luxury Escape?
Okay, spill it! Which Residence Inn are we even talking about? And is it REALLY that good?
Alright, alright! The buzz is all about the **Residence Inn at Universal Orlando Resort.** And good? Well, it depends on your definition of good. Seriously, sometimes I'm just happy the bed is clean and the coffee pot works. But honestly, it's *way* better than you'd expect. Don't go in thinking it's the Four Seasons. You're not getting a butler (sad face). However, you're getting seriously convenient location, a surprisingly decent free breakfast, and a comfortable stay, which, let's face it, is a win after a day of dodging screaming kids at the parks. But yes, it's actually... pretty darn enjoyable. Don't tell anyone I said that. I guard my hotel recommendations like a precious hoard.
I'm hearing "free breakfast." Is this the usual sad continental fare? Cause if I see another stale bagel…
Oh, the breakfast! Okay, so here's the *honest* truth. It's *not* the best breakfast you'll ever have. But it's *way* better than the powdered-egg-and-stale-pastry purgatory you often find. They rotate the hot items: scrambled eggs, sometimes sausage, even the occasional waffle station. And the best part? You can load up on the *free* coffee to fuel your park adventures! Believe me, I've seen some things. I once saw a guy fill *five* to-go cups with coffee and leave. Genius. Total legend. So, is it gourmet dining? Nope. Is it a solid, free breakfast that saves you a FORTUNE on park food? Absolutely YES. Also, they *usually* have fruit and cereal. If you're lucky, you might snag a fresh croissant before they're all gone.
What about the rooms? Are they cramped? Do they have the standard hotel-room-stank?
Okay, the rooms. This is where the Residence Inn really shines. They're *spacious*. Seriously, you're not crammed in like sardines. Think more "studio apartment" than "hotel closet." They typically have a separate living area with a couch (crucial for post-park naps and movie marathons), and a fully equipped kitchen! Microwaves! Full-sized fridges! Dishwashers! (Okay, I haven't *personally* used the dishwasher, but it's there!) This can be an absolute lifesaver if you're staying a while or if you're trying to keep costs down by having some meals in. And best of all, I've never encountered any "hotel-room-stank." The ones I've stayed in have always been clean and well-maintained. Bonus points!
Location, location, location! Is it ACTUALLY close to the parks or are we talking about a long bus ride?
This is THE selling point. The Residence Inn is *super* close to Universal. Like, ridiculously close. They have a free shuttle that goes to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. (Okay, I'm starting to sound like a commercial now). But seriously, this shuttle is a lifesaver. After a full day of sweating in line for the Mummy ride, the last thing you want to do is deal with a long commute. However the shuttle can get busy, but it's definitely worthwhile. And it's *way* easier than trying to navigate Orlando traffic and parking – ugh, don't even get me started on that nightmare. Another option (if you want to walk) can easily make you walk over to CityWalk, but it can be a long walk (I did this once after one too many butterbeers at the Wizard world of Harry Potter, and I'll never do that again.)
What about the pool? Gotta know if it's worth packing a swimsuit.
The pool? Okay, my confession: I judge a hotel *hard* on its pool. The Residence Inn's pool is... actually pretty decent. It's not a mega-resort pool with slides and waterfalls, but it's big enough for a good swim and usually has plenty of room, even if there are families, but honestly, it's Orlando, right? There will be some kids. But there's usually plenty of space to relax, soak up some sun, and de-stress after a day of coaster craziness. And they often have a hot tub! Which, let's be honest, is the BEST place to plan your next park day. Yes, Pack the swimsuit. You'll need it.
Is there anything *bad* about this "amazing" hotel? Because nothing's perfect.
Okay, here's the *truth*. Nothing is perfect. The shuttle can be crowded during peak times. And sometimes, depending on the room location, you might hear some traffic noise. Also, the "free wifi" *can* be a little… spotty at times, but it's usually decent enough. The biggest drawback? The price can fluctuate, especially during peak season. It's not the cheapest hotel you'll find in Orlando. But, considering the location, amenities, and overall comfort, it's often a solid value. Sometimes, the fitness center smells like sweaty socks. Just try to breathe through your mouth.
Alright, final verdict. Is it really a "best kept secret?" And should *I* stay there?
Okay, final verdict. Is it a "best kept secret"? Maybe not anymore, if I'm blabbing about it. But is it a *great* option for a Universal Orlando vacation? Absolutely. And more importantly, should *you* stay there? If you value convenience, space, and a decent free breakfast, then YES. If you're looking for a luxurious spa experience, maybe not. But if you're like me – someone who appreciates a comfortable, well-located hotel that doesn’t break the bank and allows more money for butterbeer – then give it a shot. Just don't blame me if you accidentally spend your entire vacation relaxing at the pool. (And if you do, don't forget your sunscreen!) Oh, and don’t forget to tip the housekeeping staff, because they're amazing and I, for one, am always grateful for a clean room after a long day at the parks. Happy travels!
