Universal Studios Resorts: Get Swept Away

Universal Studios Florida is a giant resort complex located in the heart of Orlando. Themed after the Universal back lot and it's many hit blockbusters, Universal Studios promises to put guests right in the middle of their favorite action-packed movies. While Universal Studios is known for it's two thrilling theme parks, it is in fact an entire resort destination. While the resort is often overshadowed by the bigger and ultimately more popular Disney World nearby, Universal Studios is a first-class destination in its own right, boasting enough rides, restaurants and entertainment to keep anyone's week-long vacation action-packed without ever having to leave the property.

One of my favorite things about the resort complex is the three massive hotels located behind the theme parks. Many guests don't even know they're there since they're hidden away behind themed shrubbery to truly immerse you in the experience that each hotel is trying to convey. There are no glimpses of the theme parks from the resorts, which really allows the theming to sweep you away to far-off, exotic destinations one wouldn't expect when visiting Orlando. My family and I have spent at least a week each at the three Universal Studios hotels, and all three are unique and exciting in their own right.

The Hard Rock Hotel is for the rock fan in all of us. Themed after the Eagle's mythic Hotel California, music is always in the air here - even underwater in the hotel's giant 12,000 ft pool! It's the place to be if you're ready for a non-stop good time. I'm a huge fan of rock music and I loved just wandering around and seeing the many pieces of memorabilia regarding some of my favorite bands - The Who, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Eagles, Jimmy Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Joan Jett... the list goes on. Any rock enthusiast will love being surrounded by such legendary iconography 24/7, taking their Universal vacation somewhere completely unexpected. The Hard Rock Hotel in Universal's mid-priced resort, with rooms starting at $175 a night.

Right next door, yet a world away, is Universal's Portofino Bay Resort (don't worry, you can't see the other resorts from each hotel). Transporting you right into the heart of Portofino Bay, Italy, the hotel is upscale and luxurious. It's the place to enjoy "La Dulce Vita," or the sweet life, on your Universal Studios vacation. I was truly blown away by this hotel, feeling as if I was transported right into the Mediterranean. With eight restaurants and lounges, a world class spa and private cabanas surrounding the pool, this is the place to be if you want to truly be pampered. The Portofino Bay Resort is Universal Orlando's signature hotel, with prices starting at $200 a night.

Last but not least is Universal's own tropical hideaway, the Royal Pacific Resort. As much as I love the other two resorts, this is far and away my favorite. When I go on vacation I like to relax, and this is as relaxed as it gets! Caribbean music plays gently in the warm breeze as waterfalls cascade into tropical gardens and the scent of coconut fills the air. It's like escaping to Hawaii without the expensive airfare! With two lagoon-style pools, world-class dining and a nightly luau, this is the place to stay if you want to get away from it all. Best of all, the Royal Pacific Resort is the cheapest of the three Universal hotels, with prices starting at $130 a night. It's a truly magical place!

All three Universal resorts are pet friendly, which is a huge deal for my family and I. Our small Shih-Tzu is as much a part of the family as any of us, and we like to bring her along on our many excursions around the country. The Pet Program at these resorts are truly top-notch and the staff is willing to cater to you beloved pet as much as they cater to you. Need a pet bed at 2:00 in the morning? No problem. Forgot that extra can of dog food? They'll have it ready and waiting. Need someone to walk Fido while you spend the day in the parks? It can be easily arranged. ets aren't free, they'll cost you an extra $25 a night, but we found the fee to be completely worth it. We loved knowing that our dog was safe and sound in the large, clean hotel room while we enjoyed the rides all day. It's the perfect option if you just can't bear to leave your pet at home.

While there are surely cheaper hotels located off-site, nothing beats the convenience and adventure of staying right in the heart of the action. There are many perks to staying at the Universal resorts including free and easy transportation to the theme parks, discounted ticket prices, and entry to the nightclubs in Universal's party playground, CityWalk. Guests staying at the hotels can also charge purchases on their room key which frees up the stress of having to deal with cash or personal credit cards, and they can have all purchases delivered to their room in order to avoid the hassle of carrying around souvenirs all day. My favorite perk? Free access to Universal Express! Universal Express is the resort's "skip the lines" program, where all guests staying at the Universal resorts can enter the usually empty Universal Express line instead of waiting on the regular line for the rides. Anyone staying offsite has to buy this feature, and it gets pricey. We loved not having to wait on lines, which is a dream come true in a busy theme park!

The Universal Orlando resorts can't be beat. They're huge, unique and affordable. With tons of perks and even more amenities, the hotels allow guests to immerse themselves in the action while being pampered and taken care of every step of the way. My family wouldn't dream of staying elsewhere.

The Hard Rock Hotel is the most fun of the three Universal Studio Orlando resorts. Shrouded by the sounds of guitar riffs and dripping in rock and roll history, it's the place to stay if you really want to live it up on your Universal Studios vacation. Themed after the Eagles famed yet mythical Hotel California, the mission-style architecture transports you right into your rock and roll fantasy. I'm a huge fan of rock music and I had the time of my life simply strolling through the grounds, listening to the blaring music and seeing all the rare memorabilia from some of my favorite rock bands and artists. Looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation? You won't find it here. While the hotel is respectful of their guests' peace and quiet, it really is the hotel most likely to be hopping at all hours of the night. Let the good times roll!

There are several different categories of rooms at the Hard Rock Hotel. On my family's trip we stayed in a standard room with two queen beds, although some rooms have one king-sized bed. If you have a preference, be sure to mention it at the time of booking. The room was spacious and clean, with a view out over a garden. Most standard rooms are garden-view rooms, with views out over trees, plants and flowers. It was pretty but we didn't really get to enjoy it since the standard rooms don't have balcony's. The amenities were abundant with a flat screen TV (which nicely cleared up space), two telephones, a large desk, coffee maker, and a vanity area separate from the bathroom which made getting ready in the morning a whole lot easier. There was also WiFi access, but while it's free in common areas, there's a $10 fee per day for gaining access in the room.

If you're looking for some extra space, there are many deluxe rooms available. The deluxe queen room has two queen beds and an extra pull-out couch, while the deluxe king room has a king bed and room for two additional roll-aways. The rooms can be pricey though. We paid $200 a night for our room, and even with four people we had enough space to spread out and get comfortable. I actually wouldn't recommend paying an extra $50 a night for a few extra feet of space unless you're traveling with more than four people. If you're really living large, there are several suites and executive rooms available, including the Graceland Suite. We were lucky enough to get a quick tour of the suite on our trip and the place was impressive! At 2000 square ft., it boasts two giant beds with leather headboards, walk-in closets, a full kitchen and a giant hot tub, all going for $2000 a night. Needless to say, we won't be staying there anytime soon!

When it comes to recreation and entertainment, the Hard Rock Hotel doesn't fall short. There are rare and spectacular pieces of memorabilia lining the walls almost everywhere you look. I loved seeing the Rolling Stone's signed gold records, the Beatles original clothing, and Jimmy Hendrix's guitar, all of which were only a very small sampling of the hotel's giant collection. Walking around the place is like stepping right into a museum of rock. It was very cool! Besides the memorabilia, the coolest thing at the hotel is the 12,000 square ft. pool which hosts live rock bands and pipes in music underwater. Where else can you go for a swim and hear the sounds of The Who even when your head's submerged? It was very unique and along with the great pool bar and live performances, the pool is worth a stay in and of itself.

If you're looking for more fun, theres a large arcade full of music-themed games and prizes, as well as a playground for kids, a fitness center and nightly rock-themed cocktail party. There were also movies shown by the pool nightly during our stay (including such musical classics as "That Thing You Do" and "Rock and Roll High School"), but we were visiting in the summer. Make sure to check the schedule ahead of time since many of these activities are seasonal. Looking for a bite to eat? The Hard Rock Hotel is the home of two world-class restaurants, a snack bar and 24-hour room service. Food's always available and the options are plentiful.

The Hard Rock Hotel is a truly awesome place. It's the place to be if you're looking for a rockin' good time on your next Universal Studios vacation.

The Kitchen is the Hard Rock Hotel's signature restaurant. Located right off the main lobby, it's a comfortable if somewhat sterile environment that really showcases the rock memorabilia so prevalent around the hotel. I'd heard nothing but good reviews of the place before my family's trip, so I was somewhat surprised by what we saw upon arrival. The restaurant isn't all that good-looking. With frequent visits from rock stars, some of whom even take to the open-air kitchen to help the chefs prepare their favorite dishes, I was expecting the restaurant to be a little more... swanky. I should have realized that this was a theme park after all, and that the restaurant would cater to families. With a laid-back vibe, beige walls and metal tables, The Kitchen almost resembled a cafeteria. It's saving grace was the pieces of rock memorabilia lining the walls, as well as larger-than-life puns regarding the world's best-known rock stars. It was a fun environment, but not what I'd expected.

The best part of our experience at The Kitchen was definitely the food, which lived up to its reputation. The restaurant boasts an open-air show kitchen where guests can watch top chefs create and prepare their meals. It makes for fun entertainment for adults and children alike. No one was there during our visits, but it's said that rock stars like to periodically show up and help the chefs prepare meals in front of guests. I'm a huge fan of Jon Bon Jovi, Robert Plant and Steven Tyler, but I'm not sure if I'd want them preparing my food!

That being said, the food here is good. On our week-long stay at the Hard Rock Hotel, we visited three times - once for breakfast and twice for dinner. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 11:00 AM, and includes both a buffet and a la carte selections. We went with the buffet which was $17.95 for adults and $8.50 for children. The food was typical breakfast fare - pancakes, waffles, scrambled eggs, omelets, bacon, sausage, muffins, breads, potatoes and a variety of juices and flavored coffees. It was overpriced for a typical buffet, but the food was good. If you're not into buffets, the regular menu includes such items as The Kitchen Burrito (Scrambled eggs, chorizo sausage, green onion and cheddar cheese) for $9.95, the Buttermilk Pancake Stack for $8.95, and the more upscale Steak and Cake (two poached eggs with filet mignon and a Maryland crab cake) for $19.95.

Dinner was the better of our meals at The Kitchen, which is served from 4:30 - 10:00 PM. On our first experience we enjoyed the regular menu. I ordered the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes for $19.95 which were absolutely delicious! The menu also includes such dishes as Filet Mignon ($27.00), Roasted Chicken ($17.95) and a Garden Vegetable Risotto ($16.95). The food's not cheap, but it's good.

A really cool thing about The Kitchen is that they really cater to kids. Our second dinner at The Kitchen was actually for their character buffet. For $29.99 we had an all-you-can-eat feast of steak, chicken, seafood, pasta, side dishes and desserts, all alongside such characters as The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and Woody Woodpecker. My 6-year old cousin loved it! Again, if the buffet really isn't your thing but you want your kids to be entertained, The Kitchen offers an entire dining room just for kids. With kid-sized furniture, giant TV's playing cartoons, qualified chaperons and a kid-friendly menu (with hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers), kids can enjoy their own special "night out on the town" while their parents enjoy a meal next door. I've never seen anything like it!

The Kitchen is a safe bet if you're looking for classic American food in a fun atmosphere while staying at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando.

The Palm Restaurant is the Hard Rock Hotel's second sit-down restaurant. While The Kitchen is laid-back and family-friendly, The Palm is much more upscale and expensive. Believe it or not, The Palm is actually a chain restaurant, although it's not what you'd expect from a typical chain. With prices ranging from $25 to $45, it's the place to go for quiet and romantic meal. The Palm is located on the second floor of the Hard Rock Hotel, right above the main lobby. It only serves dinner from 5:00 to 10:00 PM, so you'll have to look elsewhere for food at other times of day.

Our visit to The Palm was unique, simply because we didn't expect to find something so upscale at a theme park resort. There's no official dress code, but most patrons were dressed in business casual attire - dress pants, black shorts, button-down shirts and blouses. Again, there's no actual dress code but you may feel out of place in the t-shirt and jeans you wore to the theme parks that afternoon. My family used it as an excuse to get a little more dressed up than usual while on vacation!

While the atmosphere here is upscale, it still remains fun. There are giant caricatures of celebrities lining the walls, which reminded me of a lot of restaurants back home in New York. In fact, the restaurant claims to be a "New York" restaurant with a cool vibe and upscale food. The Palm is known for its steak and seafood, and it really can't be missed if you decide to dine here. On our visit, my mother and I shared the Atlantic Salmon Filet ($28.50) and the Ahi Tuna Steak ($31.50), both of which were fresh and delicious! My father and brother both ordered the 16 oz Prime Aged New York Strip ($39.50) and said it was one of the beat steaks they've ever had. Other menu items include Filet Mignon ($38.50), Chicken Parmigiana ($26.00) and Alaskan King Crab Legs ($39.00), along with a full selection of wines. The restaurant is expensive yet makes for a nice night out when it comes to birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.

The Palm doesn't have a kid's menu so if traveling with the family I'd recommend either eating elsewhere or dropping the kid's off at one of the kid's clubs in the Hard Rock Hotel. The restaurant also takes reservations a few weeks in advance, although we've never seen it busy enough to actually need them.

Emack and Bolio's is the perfect place to go for quick snacks and fun ice cream treats at the Hard Rock Hotel. What started as a small, locally owned shop in Boston in 1975 became an after-hours hang out for musicians, artists, and activists. You wouldn't normally equate this artistic crowd with fun ice cream parlors, but the place was a hit. The owners later expanded the shop into a chain, and there are now locations around the country. My friends and I had tried the one in New York and loved it, so when my family saw one in Orlando we had to check it out. There are actually two Emack and Bolio's in Orlando - one in the Hard Rock Hotel and one in the Royal Pacific Resort, both at Universal Orlando. My family only tried the one at the Hard Rock, and we loved it!

Emack and Bolio's is primarily an ice cream and dessert parlor. Sure you can get plain cones and cups of ice cream, but the fun here comes from the unique creations. Ever had an Deep Purple Cow? It happens to be a mix of black raspberry sorbet with milk-and-white chocolate chips. How about a Key Limelight? It's a fun twist on key lime pie. All of the ice cream concoctions and cakes have fun rock-themed names that fit in perfectly with the atmosphere of the resort. There are many options available, including sugar-free and low-fat ice cream, as well as smoothies, coffee and tea. The best part is that everything is pretty cheap, with nothing costing more than $7.

Emack and Bolio's is the perfect place for a late-night snack. The walls are colorful and dotted with pictures of the original owners sharing sweet treats with rock legends. Upbeat music fills the air, while soft lighting creates a calming effect perfect for the end of a long day, despite all the sugar. The only problem is that the place is small so be prepared to wait. While the line moves quickly, there isn't much seating which makes Emack and Bolio's the a good place to grab a quick snack to bring back to your room. That's what we did, and we wound up visiting many more times than we'd planned throughout our trip!

The Portofino Bay Resort is Universal Orlando's signature resort. It's the place to find La Dolce Vita, or "The Sweet Life" on your Universal Orlando vacation. Themed after the Portofino Village of Italy, the multi-colored buildings set against the vast array of harbors and waterways makes for a unique experience in the middle of Florida. Located on the far edge of the property, Portofino Bay is tranquil and relaxing. While it's very much a family-friendly resort, it's the most adult-oriented of the three Universal hotels, providing a quiet respite from the non-stop action of the theme parks.

There are several different categories of rooms at the Hard Rock Hotel, and all are relatively expensive for what you get. Garden View rooms are the standard here, with either a king bed or two queens, and a pretty view out over one of the many gardens dotting the property for around $200 a night. Looking for a different view? Bay View rooms come with the same bedding arrangement and a view out over the unique harbor surrounding the resort, for an extra $50 a night. Is it worth it? Honestly, no. We stayed in a Garden View room and liked it a lot. The gardens were gorgeous, and we didn't spend much time in the room to begin with. Beautiful views out over the harbor and waterways are provided from many public areas around the resort which can save you some money at an already-expensive hotel.

Deluxe Rooms are also available if you're looking for something a little bigger. For $350 a night you can get an over-sized room and bathroom, a VCR and CD player, and a view out over the pool. These rooms, though, are honestly the biggest rip-off's in the place. There are only three Deluxe rooms available which give them an air of exclusivity, but you're really just paying $150 more for a VCR, CD player, and a view out over the screaming kids in the pool. I say stick with the Garden View rooms. Regardless of which category of room you decide on, all three levels come with the same basic amenities - signature cotton robes, movies-on-demand, a coffee maker, a hair dryer and ironing board, and WiFi Access (for an additional $10 a day). You also get free Front-of-the-Line Access to all of the Universal theme park rides simply for staying at a Universal resort.

When it comes to recreation and entertainment, the Portofino Bay Hotel isn't as rockin' as the nearby Hard Rock Hotel (or as exotic as the Royal Pacific Resort next door), but it offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun. There are three unique pools all offering a variety of amenities - a children's pool for the little ones, a beach pool with a sandy bottom and Roman Aqueduct slide, and a quiet pool complete with private cabanas available to rent hourly. Also on property is the Mandara Spa. With massages, face and body treatments, hair and nail care, a full-sized gym and a sauna, it's one of the top places in central Florida to relax and get pampered.

With eight restaurants and lounges, the Campo Portofino Kid's Club (with available babysitting services), pet-friendly rooms (a big plus for my family) and nightly musical performances of Italian classics, the Portofino Bay hotel is the place to stay if you seek true peace and quiet in the midst of the loud and crazy Universal Resort. As luxurious and gorgeous as it is, though, it does come off feeling slightly cold and impersonal. Everything (from the rooms to the restaurants) seemed overpriced on our trip, and it was all very stuffy considering the fact that we were in the middle of an Orlando theme park resort. The hotel can't be overlooked thanks to its overwhelming beauty, and we didn't run into a single problem during our stay, but I don't think I would stay here again. The rooms are too expensive, the food was just so-so (with the exception of Mama Della's), and the atmosphere was almost too upscale for a family looking for a week of relaxation and fun in central Florida.

If you want to feel as if you're in the middle of an Italian grandmother's kitchen on your trip to Orlando, look no farther than Mama Della's Ristorante. Located in the Portofino Bay Hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort, Mama Della's is arguably the best Italian restaurant in all of central Florida. People always balk at a statement like this due to the fact that the restaurant's in a theme park resort, but it's true. Not only is the food here fresh and delicious, but the atmosphere is cozy and comforting. Being from New York, the experience transported me right in my Italian grandparent's kitchen back in Brooklyn, and it doesn't get more authentic than that!

The restaurant is themed after a warm Italian home. No, not the stylish Mediterranean homes of Italy itself, but more of the old-world Italian living rooms and kitchens in houses around the Northeast. The furniture is dark and heavy, with mix-matched chairs and oven mitts hanging on the wall adding to the "Welcome Home!" atmosphere. You're even "welcomed home" by Mama Della herself on every visit. We ate here twice on our last trip, and the same Mama Della welcomed us each time, remembering us on our second visit and providing us with an extra-warm welcome. I'm not sure if Mama Della is actually involved in the kitchen or is simply a hired actress, but she fit the part perfectly! She spent the night mingling with (and laughingly loudly amongst) the guests, making periodic stops in the kitchen along the way to make sure our food was being prepared exactly as ordered. It was a fun touch.

Speaking of the food, it's top-notch at Mama Della's. The menu is large enough for everyone to find something that fits their tastes, and the portions are huge... mainly because this is a family style restaurant. I'm not a huge fan of family style restaurants since I'm an admittedly picky eater who likes to order my own dish, but my family had no trouble finding food for everyone here thanks to the huge amount of variety on the menu. Appetizers include Caesar salad ($9.25), fried cheese ($7.75), minestrone soup ($7.00), and fried calamari ($10.75). Pastas (Fettuccine Alfredo, four-cheese ravioli, and Fiocchetti Di Gorgonzola) all run for around $18. The huge assortment of entrees includes linguine with red or clam sauce ($22.75), lasagna ($21.50), a seafood stew ($31.25) and eggplant Parmesan ($20.25). All prices reflect the family-style sized portions, and additional portions of each ordered dish are available for around $2 less.

The food here is absolutely delicious. It all tasted fresh and was free of the overdosing of salt with which so many Italian restaurants like to complete their dishes. As previously mentioned, we liked the food so much that we decided to come back for more a few nights later. While the restaurant is relatively unknown to those who don't frequent the theme parks, it isn't a completely quiet spot. It's extremely popular amongst the tourists and locals alike who are privy to it's secret, so reservations are definitely recommended and are taken up to ten days in advance. Don't miss this place if you're visiting Universal Orlando, or are just in the central Florida area, with a big group of family and friends!

Bice Ristorante is owned and operated by a world-class restaurant group, creating authentic experiences surrounding fine Italian cuisine. The Bice restaurant group is based in my hometown of New York and having experienced the sheer grandeur of the restaurant here at home, I knew my family had to try the one in Orlando. Most people balk at the idea of having world-class cuisine in a theme park resort, but it's definitely available. Universal's Portofino Bay Resort is a uniquely authentic glimpse into the heart of Italy, and if Italy is all about food, than Bice is at the heart of the resort.

The decor at Bice is upscale, crisp and polished. Don't expect to find kids running around in their bathing suits in here. The beige walls are accented in gold, with crisp beige and gold linens creating the color scheme. There are giant flower pots filled with bouquets in full bloom to give the air a sweet scent, and the dark wooden floors and furniture give the place some warmth. It's classy without being stuffy, and is perfect for a romantic night out on your vacation.

As nice as the decor is, the real treat is the food. The food at the Bice in Orlando, much like the version here in New York, is incredible! It's Italian food at it's finest, with a unique blend of flavors peppering every dish. While Mama Della's next door is all about warmth and comfort foods, Bice is about innovation. The menu is extensive and unique, with dishes that can't be found in other Orlando restaurants. Pastas include the Rigatoni Con Melanzane, Pomodoro E Ricotta Salata (rigatoni with eggplant, tomatoes and salted ricotta cheese) for $27, Tagliolini Con Aragosta, Pomodoro Fresco, Reduzione Di Aragosta E Funghi Misti (tagliolini pasta with lobster, wild mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and lobster reduction) for $36, and Risotto Ai Frutti Di Mare Con Pomodoro Leggero (risotto with shrimp, squid, scallops and light tomato sauce) for $29. Also available are a delicious assortment of steaks and fresh seafood, but we stuck to the pasta.

The place isn't cheap. The food is top-notch, but it comes at a price. My family doesn't normally spend $36 a dish on a night out, especially on pasta, but the experience was worth it. The food was tasty and plentiful, with each dish being big enough to share between two or three people. Your best bet would be to get a dish for each two people in your group, and then you can share it all. The portions are huge! If you're looking for a quiet, classy night out on your trip to Orlando, look no farther than Bice at the Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Orlando. It'll definitely be a night to remember.

The Portofino Bay Resort is the most upscale and expensive hotel on Universal Orlando property, and the restaurants fit that theme. Most of the available dining options are pricey and even require a dress code which is fun for special nights out, but who wants to deal with that on every night of a vacation? Not my family. Thankfully the Portofino Bay Resort also has the upscale yet casual Trattoria del Porto, a full service restaurant offering a complete menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner items. It's the place to go if you want to be served in a relaxed atmosphere while not breaking the bank.

The restaurant itself is cool and casual, with an Italian flair. The beige walls are accented in dark wood paneling that perfectly matches the wooden tables and chairs. The warmth added by the wood is offset by the cool sophistication provided by several giant blue pillars decorated with painted white flowers and clouds around the restaurant. While the room gives off a sophisticated vibe, it's still very casual and family-friendly. The beige tiling on the floor will remind you of your own family kitchen, and kid's are always welcome.

My family has only had breakfast at Trattoria del Porto and it's hard to beat if you're staying in the resort. While sit-down service is available, we love the morning buffet. At $18.50 for adults and $8.95 for kids it isn't cheap, but it's a filling and delicious way to start the day. The buffet includes all of the traditional breakfast items, including waffles, pancakes, several types of eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, muffins, biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, tea, fruit juices and more. Whenever we have the breakfast buffet here we always find ourselves so full throughout the day that we don't have to spend a ton of money on both lunch and dinner. It's a great deal.

While we've never tried them ourselves, the restaurant also serves lunch and dinner. Lunch includes a variety of salads for $8, flatbreads for $15, and sandwiches for $10-$14. Dinner is more expensive and extensive, with options such as Spaghetti and Meatballs ($17), North Atlantic Pan Seared Salmon ($23), Lobster Ravioli Fra Diavolo ($25) and Filet Mignon ($29). If the lunch and dinner are half as good as the breakfast, they're worth a try.

If you're looking for a casual sit-down meal at the Portofino Bay Resort, look no farther than Trattoria del Porto. It's not cheap but it's still the least expensive of the options available at the resort. The breakfast buffet is bountiful and delicious, while lunch and dinner offer a full variety of options for all tastes.

The Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Orlando is notoriously expensive. It's a gorgeous place, yet the upscale Italian atmosphere is reflected in the prices, despite the fact that guests are actually at a theme park resort. On my family's one stay at the resort we set out to try all the different restaurants and we did. For the most part all of the restaurants were very good... except for Sal's Deli. While the other restaurants were expensive, the food was delicious. Unfortunately the food here was just bland and very, very overpriced.

The restaurant itself is located in the back of the resort, in a little out-cove meant to look like a side street in Italy. It's a very pretty place with a blue ceiling and little twinkling lights mimicking the sky. It's like you're in the small village of Portofino on a gorgeous night. The front of the restaurant is set to resemble a market with fresh breads, baked good, sundries, teas and Italian spices for sale to guests. The restaurant is dark and small, with a few giant booths set behind the store. This is a counter service restaurant so you go up to the counter to order, and then bring all sandwiches and drinks back to the table yourself. You also have to get your own napkins and utensils. If you order a specialty pizza, a waiter will bring it to your table (which you also pick out yourself) when it's ready.

When it comes to food, my mom and I shared a veggie sandwich, my dad got a roast beef panini, my brother got a turkey and cheese panini, and we got a small pizza with eggplant and peppers to share. The bill came to $80. $80 for three small sandwiches and a pie! We live in New York where we have some pretty incredible pizza, and never has the bill come to such a crazy amount for food so simple. We were actually a little taken-aback by it, but we decided that we'd make the most of the situation. We wouldn't have minded such an expensive bill if the food was good, but it was bland and generic. The people at the Portofino Bay Resort may want you to feel like you're in the middle of Italy, but you're still in the middle of Orlando and the food reflected that. The bread from our sandwiches was stale and the sauce on the pizza tasted like Ragu. It wasn't good at all.

If you're staying at the Portofino Bay Resort, or are just looking for a place to eat while at Universal Orlando, skip Sal's Deli. It's an overpriced tourist trap where frozen pizza is passed off as gourmet at gourmet prices. It's a pretty restaurant, and the small store at the front of the place is worth checking out, but there are much better options available at the resort when it comes to food.

Universal Orlando's Royal Pacific Resort is an escape from central Florida. As soon as you enter the property, gone are the freeways, chain restaurants and gift shops. In their place are swaying palm trees, clear blue lagoons and tropical gardens full of waterfalls and singing birds. This is the South Seas... or at least Universal Studios' version. The Royal Pacific Resort is the most relaxing and gorgeous of the three Universal Orlando hotels, and it's actually the least expensive. While the Portofino Bay Resort is elegant and the Hard Rock Hotel is full of non-stop fun, the Royal Pacific Resort offers a more relaxing, laid-back vibe perfect for the end of a long day in the theme parks. It's actually my favorite Universal resort.

Standard rooms at the Royal Pacific Resort start at $224 a night. Each room offers a king bed or two queens, a flat panel television, two telephones, a hairdryer, iron and ironing board and an in-room safe. Standard rooms have standard views of the parking lot, walkways, or if you're lucky, one of the tropical gardens. If you want a more upscale view of the pool or lagoons, it'll cost around $30 more a night. I personally wouldn't recommend paying extra since not only will you not be spending much time in the room (this is a theme park resort, after all), but pool-view rooms can actually get pretty loud from all of the noise and commotion below.

If you're looking for something more spacious, there are several club level rooms available at the resort. Club level rooms go for around $320 a night, are slightly larger than the standard rooms, and offer either two queen beds or a king. The main benefit to these rooms is that they offer access to the 7th floor Club Lounge, where guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, nightly hors d'oeuvres, and drinks throughout the day on every day of their visit. Complimentary concierge service is also provided, as well as daily newspaper delivery and nightly turn-down service. My family stayed in a club level room on one of our trips and loved it. It was nice not having to pay for breakfast every morning, and we appreciated the free drinks and snacks throughout our stay. If this is your one and only trip to Universal Orlando and the budget allows it, I would splurge for a Club Level room.

One thing to remember is that whether you're staying in a standard or club level room, high-speed internet access is only free in public areas, such as in the main lobby and the lounges. In-room internet access comes only with an additional charge.

There are plenty of recreational activities available at the resort for breaks from theme park touring. The giant, lagoon-style swimming pool has a sandy bottom and is surrounded by lush flowers, towering palm trees and plenty of lounge chairs for total relaxation. If you're looking for some added fun, daily ping-pong tournaments and hula-hoop contests take place daily by the pool which my little cousin loved. There's also a 5000-square foot fitness center free for all guests.

There are six restaurants and lounges in the Royal Pacific Resort, including a nightly luau and an upscale restaurant owned by Emeril Legasse. Most cuisine is Asian-based to go along with the South Seas theme (expect lots of sushi), but there are also American standards available to fill the needs and tastes of all guests. The food at the Royal Pacific Resort is truly top-notch.

If you're looking for a relaxing, peaceful play to stay on your Universal Orlando vacation, the Royal Pacific Resort is the place to be. It's the most laid-back of the three Universal resorts, offering a true getaway from the theme parks and the outside world. The royal Pacific Resort is also the most affordable of the on-site hotels, making it the perfect option for both families and guests visiting on a budget. I love this place!

The Wantilan Luau is a truly fun and unique experience in the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. It's an authentic luau offering Hawaiian music, stories and cuisine. Located in a tropical cove amidst Royal Pacific's swaying palm trees and tropical lagoon, you really do forget you're in a theme park resort as the Polynesian festivities sweep you off to the South Seas. My family and I have experienced this luau three times, and it just keeps getting better.

The Wantilan Luau is a buffet dinner experience, guaranteeing everyone in your party will find several dishes to fit their tastes. For $55 for adults (and $30 for children) guests can enjoy salad with citrus dressing, Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Ginger-Soy Vinaigrette, Macadamia Crusted Goat Cheese Kim chi Napa Cabbage Slaw and Shiitake Mushroom, Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Breast, Soy Marinated Beef Flank Steak with Fried Yucca, Sauteed Peppers and Onions, Toasted Coconut Jasmine Rice, a vegetable medley with toasted almonds, freshly baked bread and more. Peanut butter and jelly, chicken fingers, and macaroni and cheese are available for kids and picky eaters. The dessert buffet includes such indulgences as White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pie, Chocolate Banana Cake and a tropical fruit salad, as well as a variety of coffees and teas. The food is top-notch, but beware if there are vegetarians in your party. My mother and I don't eat meat and we loved what was available to us, but didn't quite feel it was worth $55 each on food alone.

While the food here is great, it's complimented by the outstanding entertainment. Hula dancers, fire dancers and musicians stroll the grounds to give an up-close and personal performance for guests, before all convening on the main stage to tell a musical tale of Hawaiian folklore. All of the performers are actually from Hawaii, creating a truly authentic experience.

The Wantilan Luau takes place every Saturday night throughout the year, with addition performances on Tuesday and Friday nights in the summer. The luau is often compared to Disney's Spirit of Aloha Luau at the Polynesian Resort, but having tried both we've found that the Wantilan Luau is a much better experience. The menu is more extensive, the food is tastier, and the entertainment is a little more authentic. Even if you're not staying in a Universal Orlando resort, be sure to make the 15-minute drive up I4 to check out the luau. It's a unique and fun way to spend a night on your trip to Orlando.

I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of Asian cuisine. I don't hate it; it's just not my favorite and I don't eat it all that often. That being said, when my family found out that Emeril Lagasse had an Asiain-fusion restaurant at the Royal Pacific Resort, we had to try it. While the restaurants at the Universal Orlando theme parks are actually very good, the same theme-park food of burgers and fries can get old after a few days. That's why we loved the fact that there was something more upscale and unique available at the Royal Pacific Resort, and we weren't at all disappointed.

Tchoup Chop (pronounced "Chop Chop") is one of the most gorgeous restaurants I've ever had the privilege of dining at. It's hard to even put into words how beautiful it is. Who would've expected that to happen at a theme park resort? Designed after a gorgeous Asian garden, the furniture is made of heavy dark wood, the walls are covered in gorgeous brown and red tiling, and blue stained-glass windows provide a backdrop for softly swaying flowers, vines and tropical leaves. A giant blue divider lays across the center of the entire room, covered in Asian-inspired paintings, designs, and flowers. Dim lighting completes the mood, with soft yellow, blue and purple lamps and sconces decorating the walls and hanging from the ceilings. It's an amazingly beautiful place.

As gorgeous as the restaurant is, it's the food that truly shines and makes Emeril's Tchoup Chop an outstanding experience. Remember my comment about not loving Asian food? This restaurant helped to remedy that little problem. You haven't had Polynesian food until you've tried this restaurant (unless you've visited the true South Pacific, of course). My family went for lunch since it's less expensive than dinner, and the menu was extensive and flavorful. Appetizers include Ginger Barbecued Gulf Shrimp ($11), Kiawe Smoked Pork Ribs ($8) and Homemade Dumpling Box ($8).

For our lunch, my mom and I shared the Tchoup Chop Moo Shu Style Vegetable Plate with spicy eggplant, snow peas, shiitake mushrooms, vegetable fried rice, spicy garlic glaze, butter lettuce leaves and sesame pancakes for $20. It was a truly incredible vegetarian dish... probably one of the best we've ever had. My father had the Kalua Pork Loco Moco (slow braised pork over a Hawaiian style omelet with fried rice) for $18.00, while my brother had the Wok Fried Shrimp Pad Thai with rice noodles, mixed vegetables, peanuts, egg and cilantro for $24.50. Everyone's dishes were top-notch, flavorful and delicious. I'd expect dinner to be just as good since the menu is similar, but the prices are around $10 more each. If you're looking to save some money, definitely go for lunch.

Emeril's Tchoup Chop is the perfect place to enjoy a truly exceptional lunch or dinner at the Royal Pacific Resort. There's a business-casual dress code so you can't run there right from the parks, but it's worth the quick change. The decor is outstandingly beautiful and the food is incredibly delicious!

The Islands Dining Room is the Royal Pacific Resort's most casual restaurant. It's the perfect place to go for your daily breakfast, a quick lunch, or a nice casual dinner. There's no dress code or pretenses here, with kid's often running around in an excited stupor from the theme parks. It's fun and the food is simple making it the place to be if you just want to hang out, relax and enjoy some good food.

The atmosphere at the Islands Dining Room is tropical and laid-back. Dark brown tables are accented by light brown wicker chairs. The beige walls are decorated in tropical paintings and hanging green vines. The giant Hawaiian mural in the main room is especially pretty, depicting scenes of traditional Polynesian life. The restaurant is also decorated with Hawaiian carvings and sculptures, flowers and accents of red linens, finishing off the laid-back, tropical feel.

The Islands Dining Room was my family's favorite breakfast spot on two of our visits to the resort. The breakfast buffet is extensive and a great deal. For $16.95 you get all-you-can-eat pancakes, waffles, French toast, omelets, eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, bagels, fruit and more. It was so much food that we found ourselves full far into the day, allowing us to just have some quick snacks for lunch to save money. Menu service is also available for breakfast.

Lunch is served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and dinner is served from 4:00 until closing at 11PM. The menu is the same for both meals, serving such Asian-inspired dishes as vegetable lo mein, teriyaki beef stir fry, the Polynesian Cuban sandwich and coconut and macademia crusted fried shrimp. Lunch entrees are in the $15 range, while dinner is around $10 more. What's fun about the Islands Dining Room is that they offer nightly entertainment. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights feature a character dining experience where guests can dine with their favorite Universal characters. Tuesday nights kid's can cook their own pizzas, and Friday and Sunday nights you can enjoy the sight and sounds of a strolling ukulele player and hula dancers.

The Islands Dining Room is the perfect place to go for a casual and relaxing meal. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant's almost always open providing some delicious food at all hours.

Jake's American Bar is an upscale bar and lounge located at Universal Orlando's Royal Pacific Resort. The entire resort complex is very family-friendly, so this is the place to go to truly get away from it all - the heat, the crowds, and the screaming kids. As is everything in Orlando, the bar is themed. It's made to look like the lounge of an Adventurer who's traveled the world and brought back artifacts and memorabilia from far-off lands. Keeping with the theme of the resort, the bar definitely has a tropical flair. There's lot of dark wood, red accents and plants. An airy patio, wicker chairs and soft yellow lighting complete the look.

While drinks are the specialty here, there's also a large menu of quick, cheap eats. Giant salads and sandwiches go for around $15, but you're best bet here is to stick with the appetizers. The appetizer menu includes the Bowl of Chili ($5.75), Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip ($10), Sweet and Spicy Buffalo Wings ($12), Onion Rings ($9) and more. There are several varieties of beer to choose from all for around $7, and mixed drinks average $10 a glass.

Jake's American Bar is a fun place to spend a few hours each night after a long day at the theme parks. Entertainment is available on several nights with live music on Friday and Saturdays, and fun Guitar Hero competitions on Tuesday nights. My friends and I spent several nights here on our latest trip and the Guitar Hero battles were hilarious!

The Orchid Court Lounge at Universal Orlando's Royal Pacific Resort is a nice, relaxing place to spend some down time on your trip to Orlando. Located right off of the main lobby, it's a meeting place of sorts. It's where the resort's daily activities are posted, where team members (all Universal Orlando employees are called Team Members) can be found to answer questions, and where you can pick up a quick snack or small meal on your way in and out of the resort. The lounge also acts as a small convenience store, offering such necessities as sunscreen, batteries, film, postcards and more.

The lounge is a tropical hideaway in itself, fitting in perfectly with the theme of the resort. The dark wood paneling, wicker chairs and red and beige linens sweep guests away to the Polynesian. All of the furniture is actually from Bali, creating both a relaxing and authentic experience. Lots of fresh flowers polish off the design. The walls are all made of glass, with giant windows overlooking the resorts pool, lagoon and waterways, making it the perfect place to take in the gorgeous view of the grounds from the comfort of an air-conditioned room. It's a great place to take a midday break, when the heat, humidity and crowds at the parks and pools are high.

Both food and drinks are served in the lounge daily. Drinks are mainly limited to $7 beers and a few $12 mixed drinks. If you're looking for a more extensive drink menu, check out Jake's Bar or the Bula Bar and Grille. The specialty here is really the food. A continental breakfast is served daily from 6:00-11:00AM. Available are bagels ($4.75), fruit cups ($5.00), assorted muffins ($3), warm cinnamon buns ($3.00) and more. There's also a variety of coffee drinks, tea, fruit juices and smoothies. It isn't a huge menu, but it's great if you're planning on picking up a quick breakfast on your way out to the parks. My family and I have stocked up on breakfast items here on all of our trips, to keep in our room and snack on throughout the vacation.

If you're visiting later in the day, the lounge offers a sushi bar every afternoon and evening. My family has tried it twice and while I'm not a big fan of sushi, the food was actually very good. All of the sushi rolls go for around $5, so you could easily turn a night in the lounge into a nice, inexpensive dinner. Just be sure to get to the lounge early, since after 7:00 the place gets pretty crowded and seats are hard to find.

The Bula Bar and Grille is Universal Orlando's pool bar. Unlike at most other Orlando resorts, the Royal Pacific only has one pool, making the bar convenient to all guests looking to swim and soak up the sun. The bar is perfectly themed to the resort, with lots of deep wood, wicker and palm trees. It's a tropical, bright and breezy shack, making it the perfect respite from some fun in the pool. It looks like the kind of bar you'd find at a secluded resort in Bali, with cute little tables and chairs set under tropical umbrellas next to the main bar.

The bar serves a variety of drinks, focusing on beer and tropical mixed drinks. The many variety's of beer go for around $7 a pop which is on the expensive side, but the price seems to be uniform throughout the resort. The mixed drinks are especially good, with frozen pina colatas, pomegranate daiquiris, margaritas and more averaging $10 - $16 a glass. The Pina Colava's are especially good - a normal pina colada mixed with strawberry daiquiri. Delish.

The bar has a pretty extensive menu for a pool bar which is perfect for this family-friendly resort. If you're spending a day by the pool you don't have to bother changing and getting ready for a full, sit-down lunch. Instead you can amble right up to the bar in your bathing suit for a nice relaxing lunch. Appetizers include a giant nacho plate ($11), shrimp cocktail ($12.99) and chicken quesadillas ($14). The nachos are especially good and could easily food 3-4 people.

Entrees here and quick and easy, but the portions are huge. There are burgers and veggie burgers ($11.99), chicken fingers ($11.50), fish tacos ($14), hot dogs ($9), chicken sandwiches ($11) and more. The food is far better than you'd expect from a pool bar and the selection is large. Being a vegetarian, I appreciated being able to have a delicious veggie burger right there at the bar without having to go out of my way to ask for quick vegetarian options.

The Bula Bar is the best pool bar in all of Universal Orlando. The festive atmosphere and delicious food make it the perfect place to enjoy a nice lunch during a relaxing day at the pool. Just be sure to either stake out a table early or go at an off-beat time since there are very few tables available, and the bar gets crowded on hot afternoons.