You’re standing on a wooden pier, the humidity is already hitting 85%, and you can hear the faint, mechanical roar of the Incredible Hulk Coaster in the distance. But right here? It’s quiet. There’s a breeze coming off the lagoon and the smell of hibiscus is everywhere. This is the vibe at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Most people book it because they want to skip the lines at Universal Studios, which is smart, but there’s a lot more going on here than just a fast pass. Honestly, if you don't play your cards right, you might end up paying $500 a night just to feel like you're in a very expensive crowded hallway.
The South Seas theme isn't just a coat of paint. It’s a full-on commitment. From the moment you walk across the bamboo-lined bridge into the lobby, the "Aloha" spirit is laid on thick. Some call it kitschy. I think it’s a necessary palate cleanser after spending ten hours being yelled at by Transformers and minions.
The Unlimited Express Pass Elephant in the Room
Let’s get the big one out of the way. You’re probably looking at Loews Royal Pacific Resort because of the Universal Express Unlimited pass. It’s included for every guest. For a family of four, that benefit alone can be worth more than the actual cost of the hotel room during peak season. Think about that. You're basically getting a luxury room for "free" if you were already planning on buying Express passes.
But here is what most people get wrong: they think they need it every single day.
If you’re staying for five days, you might only need that intense ride access for two. Yet, the price of Royal Pacific reflects that perk 24/7. It is one of the three "Premier" hotels at Universal Orlando—alongside Portofino Bay and Hard Rock Hotel—meaning it’s the top tier. If you stay at Sapphire Falls right next door, you don’t get the pass. You get a lower price and a very similar Caribbean vibe, but you’ll be standing in the 90-minute line for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure like everyone else. Well, actually, Hagrid’s doesn’t take Express, but you get the point.
The logistics are simple. You check in, you head to the kiosk in the lobby, you take a grainy photo that looks like a mugshot, and boom—your room key is now your golden ticket to the front of the line. It works on the day you check in and the day you check out. If you're savvy, you'll book a single night, show up at 7:00 AM, grab your passes, hit the parks for two full days, and save a fortune compared to buying the passes separately at the gate.
Walking, Boats, and the Art of the Commute
The location is arguably the best on property. Hard Rock is technically closer to Universal Studios, but Royal Pacific is perfectly positioned for Islands of Adventure.
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There’s a walking path. Use it.
The water taxis are charming, sure. They feel like a "vacation." But when a boat pulls away just as you reach the dock, you’re stuck waiting 15 minutes in the sun. The garden walkway is lush, shaded, and takes about seven to ten minutes to reach the back entrance of CityWalk. It’s faster than the boat. Always. Plus, you go through a dedicated security screening on the path that usually has zero line. If you’ve ever stood in the massive security hub at the main parking garage, you know that avoiding that chaos is worth its weight in gold.
Rooms, Renovations, and Realistic Expectations
The rooms were overhauled a few years back to move away from the heavy, dark tropical woods toward a cleaner, gray-and-tan aesthetic with pops of turquoise. They’re "modern tropical."
They aren't huge.
Standard rooms clock in at around 335 square feet. If you’re a family of four with two teenagers, it’s going to feel tight. The bathrooms have a sliding barn-door style closure for the vanity area which is... polarizing. It saves space, but it’s not exactly a soundproof barrier when someone is drying their hair at 6:00 AM.
One thing Loews does better than almost any other hotel chain is the bedding. The 300-thread-count linens are crisp. The pillows don't deflate into pancakes the second your head touches them. It’s a high-end sleep experience in the middle of a theme park bubble.
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The Club Level Debate
Is it worth upgrading to the Royal Bali Club? Maybe.
You get access to the lounge on the 7th floor. They do a continental breakfast, afternoon snacks, evening cocktails (yes, beer and wine included), and "sweets" late at night. If you have kids who drink their weight in bottled water and Gatorade, the club level pays for itself. If you're planning on being in the parks from dawn until dusk, you'll miss all the food windows and effectively throw $150 a night down the drain.
Where to Eat Without Leaving the Island
Most people trek to CityWalk for dinner because they think that’s where the "real" food is. They’re wrong. Royal Pacific has some of the best sleeper hits on the entire Universal property.
- Islands Dining Room: This is the big, open space off the lobby. The breakfast buffet is legendary, but it’s the dinner menu that surprises people. They do a lot of Pan-Asian fusion. It’s quiet. It’s spacious.
- Jake’s American Bar: Named after a fictional pilot, this place is the soul of the resort. It’s dark, moody, and serves a pretzel rod appetizer with beer cheese that I would move across the country for. They also host "Beer Dinners" occasionally with local Florida breweries like Crooked Can or Orange Blossom Brewing.
- Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar: This was renovated recently and it’s stunning. It overlooks the courtyard. The sushi is surprisingly fresh—not "theme park sushi," but actually good. They have an incredible selection of Japanese whiskies.
Then there’s the Wantilan Luau. It happens on Saturday nights. It’s an extra ticket. You get fire dancers, hula, and a buffet with pit-roasted pig. Is it a bit touristy? Absolutely. Is it fun after two mai tais? You bet.
The Pool Culture
The pool at Royal Pacific is a massive lagoon-style setup with a white sand beach. It’s beautiful, but it lacks a water slide.
If your kids are slide-obsessed, they might be disappointed. However, because Royal Pacific is a Premier hotel, you can "pool hop." You can literally walk over to Hard Rock or Portofino Bay and use their slides. Royal Pacific’s pool is more about the atmosphere. There’s a giant "Royal Baliist" water play area for the little kids that looks like a grounded ship, but for the adults, it’s mostly about the poolside service from the Bula Bar & Grille.
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Get the Shipwrecked Loaded Nachos. Don't ask questions. Just do it.
The Nuance of Service
Service at Loews is different than Disney. At Disney, it’s "magical" and scripted. At Loews, it’s professional and efficient. It feels like a high-end business hotel that happens to be in a theme park. They are incredibly pet-friendly, too. The "Loews Loves Pets" program means your dog gets a bowl, a mat, and a specialized room service menu. It’s not uncommon to see a Golden Retriever chilling in the lobby.
One thing to watch out for: the hidden costs.
Valet parking is nearly $50 a night. Even self-parking is over $30. If you’re flying into MCO and staying on property the whole time, don't rent a car. Take an Uber or a shuttle. There is zero reason to pay $35 a day just to let a car sit in a hot Florida parking lot.
Is It Actually Worth the Price Tag?
Let's be real. In 2026, Orlando prices are getting aggressive. You can stay at a perfectly fine hotel off-site for $150. Royal Pacific will regularly run you $450 to $700 depending on the season.
The "worth it" factor hinges entirely on the Express Pass. If the parks are slammed—which they usually are—saving three to four hours of standing in line every day is the difference between a vacation and a marathon of misery. When you factor in the proximity, the private water taxis, and the ability to be back in your room for a nap in ten minutes, the math starts to make sense.
A Few Insider Tips
- Request Tower 3: It’s generally quieter and has some of the best views of the park skylines.
- Use the "Text Services": Loews has a great system where you can text the front desk for extra towels, coffee pods, or a late checkout. They actually respond.
- The Hidden Gym: The fitness center is surprisingly large and well-equipped for a resort. Most people forget it exists.
- Early Park Admission: Staying here gets you in an hour early to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Use that hour for Hagrid’s or VelociCoaster, because those lines stay long all day.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on a stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, here is exactly how to maximize the value:
- Check the Express Pass Prices First: Go to the Universal Orlando website and see what Express Unlimited passes cost for your dates. If they are $150+ per person, booking the hotel is a no-brainer.
- Skip the Rental Car: Use a rideshare from the airport. You’ll save roughly $40 per day in parking fees and another $50 in rental costs.
- Download the App: The Loews app allows you to check in before you arrive. This is huge when the lobby gets backed up at the 4:00 PM rush.
- Plan Your "Off" Day: Don't waste a day of Express Pass by sitting at the pool. If you're staying three nights, do your heavy park hitting on the middle two days and save the pool/CityWalk for your checkout day.
- Breakfast Hack: The Tuk Tuk Market in the lobby has decent coffee and quick breakfast sandwiches if you don't want to drop $100 on the full buffet at Islands.
The reality is that Royal Pacific isn't the cheapest way to see Universal, but it's the most efficient. It balances luxury with theme park utility better than almost any other resort in the area. Just remember to bring your walking shoes—that "shortcut" path to CityWalk is the real hero of the vacation.