1. Private Entrance to Epic Universe

One of the best perks of Helios Grand Hotel is that guests are steps away from Universal’s brand-new theme park, Epic Universe. The park is literally right outside the windows of the hotel and within arm’s reach.

Because of this prime location, Helios has a dedicated security checkpoint and entrance into Epic Universe. Those who are staying at Helios can take advantage of this benefit and even enjoy the Early Park Admission perk, subject to availability. Be sure to check our Snapshot page to see which theme parks are offering Early Park Admission during your visit.

2. Enjoy Top-Tier Dining and Drinks

Located on the top floor, Bar Helios is one of the main reasons you should visit this stunning hotel. This rooftop bar serves decadent tapas and unique cocktails that cater to any palate. Not only are the food and drinks amazing, but the sweeping view of Epic is breathtaking.

Craving something delicious without the elevator ride? Located right off the lobby is Flora Taverna. This Mediterranean-inspired full-service restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers something for everyone, whether you’re fueling up for a park day or winding down with a hearty meal.

3. Soak in the Views: A Stunning Helios Grand Hotel Benefit

Bar Helios isn’t the only spot with a view. In fact, some of the best sights might be found right from your room. Many of the 500 rooms at Helios Grand Hotel boast impressive views that look directly into Epic Universe. From the comfort of your own space, you can soak in the dazzling lights, special effects, and maybe even catch a fountain show or two. There is nothing quite like it!

4. Relax in Style: The Lavish Pool at Helios Grand Hotel

Situated just steps away from the lobby is the luxurious, lavish pool that’s designed for ultimate relaxation and vacation vibes. Stretch out on a lounge chair and have a refreshing cocktail or tasty poolside snack delivered straight from Lotus Lagoon. Want to take it up a notch? Upgrade to a spacious cabana with extra seating and plenty of shade. No matter how you unwind, you’ll be channeling your inner Greek god or goddess in no time.

5. Get Around with Ease: Included Transportation to Other Universal Parks

While you’ll be staying right on the doorstep of Epic Universe, the rest of Universal Orlando Resort is still well within reach. Included bus transportation shuttles you over to Universal CityWalk, where you can shop, dine, and enter Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Want to make a splash? Another dedicated shuttle will have you soaking up the sun at Volcano Bay in under 15 minutes. These offerings open the opportunity for visitors to experience all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer.

Don’t wait—step into the glow of luxury and unlock all the benefits of staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel. Check the latest rates through Orlando Informer here, and start planning your radiant escape today!

Share your vacation planning tips with 180,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads,  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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To say this hotel is beautiful would be an understatement. Inspired by the palace of Helios, the Greek god of the sun, this hotel radiates elegance with its celestial patterns, intricate constellations, and rich Mediterranean design elements throughout.

Helios Grand Hotel is part of Universal Orlando’s Signature Collection, the most luxurious hotel category on property. Guests staying here can expect top-tier amenities and exclusive perks. One of the biggest highlights? The hotel’s dedicated entrance to Universal Epic Universe – yes, guests will be able to access the new theme park directly from the hotel.

This afternoon, we got an early look inside and explored several key areas of the hotel, including the lobby, guest rooms, Bar Helios, and the pool area. Let’s take a closer look!

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Rooms

Each room serves as a serene home away from home, inspired by lush garden themes and designed with comfort in mind. Many offer sweeping views of Epic Universe, making your stay as memorable as it is relaxing. The rooms are designed to create a calming retreat after a day of adventure, wrapped in soft hues of gold, blue, and pink. Plush furnishings, unique lighting, and well-appointed bathrooms round out the space, offering a peaceful place to unwind and recharge.

Bar Helios

Wow. Just wow. This bar is an absolute must-stop—whether you’re dining or just grabbing a drink for a quick peek. It’s breathtaking, with the showstopping astronomical dome bar stealing the spotlight. Bar Helios seats around 190 guests, including 30 at the bar itself. Step out onto the terrace to enjoy a tapas-style menu, and don’t even get us started on the view. Overlooking Epic Universe, it offers a truly spectacular backdrop that’s hard to beat.

Dedicated Epic Universe Entrance

One of the biggest perks we mentioned earlier? The dedicated theme park entrance to Epic Universe is exclusively for Universal Helios Grand Hotel guests. Just off the beautifully designed lobby (which is a stunner on its own), you’ll find this private entrance. It’s a major time-saver and truly one of the hotel’s standout amenities.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel Pool

The zero-entry pool at Universal Helios Grand Hotel is the ultimate oasis for rest and relaxation. With underwater speakers, cozy fire pits, and poolside cabanas for rent, it’s designed for all-day lounging and unwinding in style. You’ll find 400 lounge chairs surrounding the water and 18 cabanas, including three grand cabanas with waterfront access—so you can step right from your cabana into the pool.

When hunger strikes, head over to Lotus Lagoon, the poolside bar and grill. Sip on a refreshing cocktail (or a non-alcoholic drink) and enjoy a menu of burgers, salads, sandwiches, and more—all served with a side of sunshine.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your stay at Universal Helios Grand Hotel here.

Share your vacation planning tips with 180,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads,  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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We’re breaking down our top five reasons to love this Prime Value stay!

1. Bar 17 Bistro at Universal Aventura Hotel

One of the most delicious amenities Aventura Hotel has to offer is their rooftop bar. Bar 17 Bistro is a swanky outdoor lounge perched on the 17th floor (fitting, right?), serving up handcrafted cocktails and tasty bites. While everything on the menu is delicious, the standout is the Signature Baos—especially the crispy pork belly.

As you savor the menu, you’ll also enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding area, including the nearby theme parks and downtown Orlando. Open every evening, this rooftop bar is a must-visit during your stay at Aventura.

2. Volcano Bay in Your Backyard

If you plan to visit Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park during your vacation, Aventura is a perfect choice for your home base. Tucked behind the hotel and just past the pool, you’ll find a convenient walking path that leads directly to Volcano Bay—no need to head to CityWalk or hop on a shuttle. It’s the perfect shortcut for guests using the early park admission perk, helping you arrive quickly and snag that prime spot near the Krakatau volcano.

3. Views for Days

Bar 17 Bistro isn’t the only place at Universal Aventura Hotel that has amazing views. In fact, you may not even need to leave your room. As one of the tallest hotels at Universal Orlando Resort, Aventura features floor-to-ceiling windows in every room. Whether you’re gazing out at the theme parks or the downtown skyline, the view is sure to impress.

4. Universal Aventura Hotel Transportation Options

One of the biggest perks of staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel is the complimentary transportation to CityWalk and its connected theme parks—plus bus service to the soon-to-open Epic Universe. At Aventura, you can access a quick shuttle ride or a scenic 20-minute walking trail.

5. Prime Value Resort

Aventura Hotel is part of Universal’s Prime Value category, offering more amenities than the Value Inn and Suites accommodations while still keeping rates budget-friendly. Standard rooms can start around $200 per night, deluxe rooms from approximately $250, and suites from about $475 when available. Aventura has the perfect room for every group looking to make it their home base during a Universal Orlando Resort vacation.

Don’t wait—unlock the benefits of staying at Universal Aventura Resort by checking the latest rates through Orlando Informer here and start planning your getaway!

Share your vacation planning tips with 180,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads,  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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Hotel Lobby

Universal Terra Luna Resort draws inspiration from the planetary elements of the universe, and it shows from the moment you walk through its doors. The lobby features modern rounded edges, circular light fixtures, and subtle planetary motifs, all bathed in natural light streaming through curved windows.

In this central space, you’ll find the front desk, the Universal Studios Store, and a variety of dining and drink options—but we’ll dive into those details a little later.

Universal Terra Luna Resort Rooms

Each room at Universal Terra Luna Resort features two queen beds and embraces the planetary theme in a sleek, subtle way. Even the wall mural channels celestial vibes without feeling overly themed. Design elements from the lobby carry through here with rounded furniture edges, circular pillows, curved windows, and even a rounded mirror. A calming color palette ties it all together, making it the perfect place to unwind.

Guests can choose between standard and pool-view rooms—but no matter the view, your stay is sure to be out of this world. It’s also worth noting that hearing-accessible and ADA-accessible rooms are available.

Universal Terra Luna Resort Dining

Guests at Universal Terra Luna Resort can enjoy four different dining options, each designed to fit your needs—whether you’re fueling up for a day in the parks or winding down after one. 

Omega Cafe and Market has you covered for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between—including grab-and-go options perfect for heading out to the parks. With plenty of seating for a relaxed meal and a well-organized market section for quick bites, it’s built for both convenience and comfort.

On our visit, we tried the Terra Burger, “Fly Me to the Moon” Wings, and the Hawaiian Moon Pizza—and let’s just say, they were all stellar.

The Terra Burger, the resort’s signature burger, absolutely delivered. It included juicy, well-seasoned patties topped with a sauce that was truly next-level and paired with perfectly salted sweet potato fries that we’d order again in a heartbeat.

The Hawaiian Moon Pizza was a standout, too, topped with pineapple, ham, peppers, onions, pomodoro sauce, and melty mozzarella. And the “Fly Me to the Moon” Wings? The perfect partner—because pizza and wings never go out of style.

One thing’s for sure here: portion sizes are generous, so you’re definitely getting great value.

Craving something poolside instead? Moonrise Bar and Moonrise Grill serve up tasty bites, refreshing drinks, and alcoholic beverages for guests 21 and up. 

In the lobby, Luna Bar offers a menu of craft cocktails alongside timeless classics. It’s the perfect place to kick off your vacation or toast to a successful day in the parks.

And when you’re completely wiped from a day of adventure, pizza delivery is ready to come to the rescue.

Pool & Amenities

We’ve already mentioned the pool bar, but let’s talk about the pool itself—it’s a showstopper! This zero-entry, 10,000-square-foot resort-style oasis practically screams vacation. It’s surrounded by plenty of lounge chairs and table seating, along with a splash pad, hot tub, fire pit, and more.

And for those who like to keep moving, even on vacation, Universal Terra Luna Resort offers a fitness center and on-site laundry facilities to keep your stay smooth and stress-free. Plus, with an arcade and a Universal Studios Store just steps away, fun and essentials are always within reach.

Ready to plan your getaway? Discover the hotels at Universal Orlando Resort and lock in your stay at the all-new Universal Terra Luna Resort right here!

Share your vacation planning tips with 180,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads,  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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1. Breathtaking Views

At first glance, you might not expect the rooms at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort to offer amazing views—but prepare to be pleasantly surprised! Rooms in the Bayside or Beachside towers boast some of the best views on Universal Orlando Resort property, hands down. These sleek glass towers are positioned next to Universal Volcano Bay. From your room, you’ll be treated to a stunning panorama of the water park’s Krakatau volcano and the Orlando skyline. The slight upcharge for these rooms is well worth it—you’ll wake up to a view that feels like paradise!

2. Distance from the Parks

Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort is located on Universal Orlando Resort property, putting you just moments away from Universal CityWalk and its connected parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It is so close that there is even a walking trail to these attractions.  In just 15 to 20 minutes, you can stroll your way to Universal CityWalk, Universal Studios Florida, or Islands of Adventure.

Volcano Bay is only steps away from the resort, with less than a five-minute walk. Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers a complimentary bus transportation system that runs every 10 minutes or so, providing quick and easy access to CityWalk, Volcano Bay, and soon, the highly anticipated Epic Universe.

3. Galaxy Bowling: A Unique Cabana Bay Benefit

Ever stayed at a hotel with its own private bowling alley? At Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, you can!

Located on the second floor of the lobby, Galaxy Bowl awaits! This isn’t just a bowling alley—it’s also a restaurant and bar, making it the perfect spot for food, drinks, and fun. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day at the parks with the family or have a retro date night with your loved one. Be sure to make a reservation for Galaxy Bowl in advance so you don’t miss out.

4. Relax by Cabana Bay’s Pools

It’s no exaggeration to say that Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort boasts some of the nicest and most fun pools on Universal Orlando Resort property. With not one but two large pools on either side of the resort, you’re never far from a refreshing swim.

But that’s not all—Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort also features a lazy river! This amenity is perfect for when you just want to unwind and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather. Tubes are available for purchase, so you can float your cares away during your stay.

5. Affordable Stays with Cabana Bay Benefits

You may think that staying at a nice resort on Universal property would cost a pretty penny, but that is far from the case at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort. This destination is part of Universal’s Value Inns and Suites category, making it one of the most budget-friendly options for your Universal Orlando Resort vacation without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

Standard rooms, accommodating up to four guests, average around $200 per night. For larger groups, family suites—sleeping six to eight guests depending on the layout—offer incredible value, starting at about $240 per night. These rates are highly competitive compared to other hotels and resorts in the area.

Don’t wait—check the latest rates for your desired travel dates through Orlando Informer here and start planning your getaway!

Share your vacation planning tips with 170,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads,  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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Hotel Lobby

The immersive theming starts the moment you arrive. As you drive up to the hotel, look up – the lobby’s overhang is designed to resemble a swirling black hole, setting the celestial tone. 

Step inside, and you’ll find space-inspired elements that strike a perfect balance—tasteful and modern but never overwhelming. Thoughtful touches, like natural light streaming through spaceship-style windows and subtle star and galaxy murals accenting the curved interiors, create an inviting atmosphere that’s sleek and far from overdone. 

Naturally, you’ll find the front desk ready to welcome you, with Cosmos Café & Market and Nova Bar just steps away. Don’t worry—we’ll explore all the dining options soon!

Universal Stella Nova Resort Rooms

Enter your cosmic escape at Universal Stella Nova Resort! This hotel features 750 double-queen guest rooms adorned in soothing teal and purple tones for a calming, celestial ambiance. From the sleek curves that echo the vastness of space to the exquisite touches—like complimentary soap wrapped with interplanetary flair—no detail is overlooked. 

Each room at this resort features two queen beds, with options available for mobile and hearing accessibility. Whether you opt for an upgraded view or not, the vistas are unbeatable. Each one we’ve seen offers breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding areas and theme parks. Trust us, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the horizon!

Universal Stella Nova Resort Dining

Universal Orlando Resort’s newest hotel serves up four fantastic dining options to satisfy every craving. There’s Cosmos Café & Market, offering quick-service meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and more; Nova Bar, the chic hotel lobby bar; Galaxy Bar & Galaxy Grill, a poolside favorite for drinks and casual bites; and convenient in-room pizza delivery.

Cosmos Café & Market and Nova Bar are both located in the hotel lobby, making them perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast on your way to the parks or a relaxing drink after a fun-filled day. When you’re lounging poolside, Galaxy Bar & Galaxy Grill has you covered—enjoy your meal there or order ahead for pickup at their convenient window to enjoy right at your pool chair. And when you’re too wiped out after those park days, pizza delivery to your room is a lifesaver.

Curious about what we tried and loved? Check out our full review here!

Pool & Amenities

Let’s dive into the hotel’s pool—because it’s more than just a place to swim! This spot features not only the previously mentioned pool bar but also a relaxing hot tub, a fun-filled splash pad for the kids, and even a sandy area to bring a touch of the beach to your stellar retreat.

Universal Stella Nova Resort also offers plenty of thoughtful amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and convenient laundry facilities, ensuring you have everything you need for a seamless and enjoyable stay. Guests can also enjoy an arcade and a Universal Studios Store, ensuring entertainment and essentials are always within reach.

Learn more about Universal Orlando Resort hotels and secure your cosmic retreat at Universal Stella Nova Resort here!

Discuss it all with 170,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads,  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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Guests can look forward to three stellar dining experiences: Cosmos Cafe and Market, a quick-service spot serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill, a laid-back poolside bar and grill; and Nova Bar, a stylish lobby bar. Ready to discover all the delicious details? Let’s dig in!

Quick Service Dining at Universal Stella Nova Resort

Cosmos Cafe & Market serves up made-to-order American classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a variety of grab-and-go options. It’s the perfect stop for a quick breakfast before hitting the parks or a cozy dinner to unwind and reflect on the day. 

Now, let’s get to the best part—the food! We sampled the Banana & Walnut Buttermilk Pancakes, Hot Honey Chicken Pizza, Gooey Monkey Bread, and Stuffed Croissant, and each dish was a standout in its own way.

The Banana & Walnut Buttermilk Pancakes were a dream, topped with caramelized bananas, a sprinkle of walnuts, and powdered sugar. The pancakes were perfectly fluffy, tying all the flavors together. Drizzle on some syrup, and you’ve got the ultimate breakfast to kickstart your day.

Next up, the Hot Honey Chicken Pizza stole the show. With toppings like sweet corn, caramelized onions, melty cheese, and spicy hot honey chicken, this unique creation was out-of-this-world delicious. The heat level was just right—enough to pack a punch without overwhelming your palate.

Then came the Gooey Monkey Bread—pure decadence. The dark chocolate beautifully balanced the sweetness, creating a harmonious bite that wasn’t overly rich. Pair it with your morning coffee for an unbeatable combo.

Finally, the Stuffed Croissant left a lasting impression. Perfectly flaky and buttery on the outside, with a delectable berry cream cheese filling, it’s easily one of our new favorite bites across Universal Orlando Resort. Simply put, it’s unforgettable.

Another fantastic quick-service option is Galaxy Bar & Galaxy Grill, the go-to spot for poolside dining. You can choose to enjoy your meal right at the restaurant or order ahead and pick it up to savor by your pool chair. It promises to be the perfect complement to a relaxing pool day. While we didn’t get a chance to sample this one, the menu promises mouthwatering options like burgers, quesadillas, and fresh salads, plus a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine for guests 21+.

For a laid-back dining experience without leaving your room, there’s also pizza delivery. While not quite a quick-service location, a simple phone call is all it takes to bring some delicious slices straight to you.

Bars & Lounges

While Galaxy Bar brings laid-back poolside vibes, Nova Bar takes things to the next level. This sleek lobby bar features a skilled bartender crafting specialty cocktails with unique, inspired ingredients alongside timeless classics. Whether you’re in the mood for a creative concoction or a tried-and-true favorite, Nova Bar delivers an elevated affair.

Learn more about Universal Orlando Resort hotels and secure your cosmic retreat at Universal Stella Nova Resort here!

Discuss it all with 170,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook. And be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads,  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.

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Yes, we’ve already covered tipping in Orlando, generally, but it’s good to know ahead of time what positions at Disney and Universal, specifically, can accept tips, and what amounts are customary. So here we go!

Tipping at Disney and Universal’s hotels

Some people view a hotel as just a place to sleep, but, in reality, it’s your home away from home, where you start and end every day. The staff at your resort can help answer questions, assist you with your room, provide useful information to make sure you have a great vacation, and, sometimes, even help extend the theme of Universal Orlando and Disney World’s lushly detailed hotels.

At your resort, you will most likely encounter a variety of staff members, with some traditionally receiving gratuity and others not. Generally speaking, positions that involve physical labor – like those in bell services handling luggage and those in housekeeping who work hard to keep the rooms clean – receive tips. It is important to note that, for the most part, jobs that normally receive tips are dictated by Florida law – a business must indicate if a position is considered a tipped role.

• Bell service staff members generally receive $1.00 to $2.00 per bag for their service. If you feel the service is exemplary, you can certainly provide more.
• Disney’s Magical Express allows guests to be bused from Orlando International Airport to their Disney resort and back again, with their luggage leaving the airplane and magically making its way to their hotel room. It is a nice touch to provide gratuity to the Magical Express bus driver, one or two dollars per person in your party.
• For housekeeping staff, it is customary to tip a buck or two per person in the room per day, or, generally, $5.00 per day. It is a nice idea to tip daily, as sometimes housekeeping staff can change day to day, meaning your room may be cleaned by different employees each time.
• If you request an item to be brought to your room, or if something is delivered, it is nice to provide $1.00 or $2.00, depending on the item and speed of service.
• In-room dining, or room service at both Disney and Universal, results in automatic gratuity.
• Universal Orlando’s hotels often include an 18% service charge for their pool (and some regular) bars. Be sure to review your bill before providing any additional gratuity.

Front desk and concierge staff generally cannot accept tips. If you would like to provide one, feel free to offer it, and if they decline due to a hotel policy, then consider asking to share your compliments to a manager so they can be made aware of the staff member’s helpfulness. An exception to this rule is at the concierge club level – generally, the staff here can accept gratuities, whether they are serving you food and drink in the lounge or helping you plan your vacation. For food and beverage, two to three dollars is a good idea to leave on the table if you make use of the lounge and its offerings; for the concierge staff who assist you with trip planning and other arrangements, $5.00 to $10.00 is generally good, but leave $20.00 if you use their service extensively (this would be on a per-interaction basis, if possible).

One last note: Disney resorts have the option for you to skip housekeeping service, if you wish. If you do, you will receive a Disney gift card, whose amount varies by hotel type and length of stay – generally, five to 10 dollars per night. (The final night of your stay does not count towards this, as your room must be cleaned after you depart.)

Who to tip at Universal and Disney’s theme parks

Essentially, the only positions inside Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando’s theme parks that receive tips are servers at the full-service restaurants and bartenders at the bars.

• At the theme-park bars, $2.00 to $3.00 per drink, if mixed, is a good range, whereas one or two bucks per drink, if beer or wine, is acceptable.
• At the full-service restaurants, 15% to 20% is customary. This is based on the total of the bill, including drinks, and before any discounts. If the service is really great, consider tipping more; if, on the other hand, the service is poor, it is still polite to tip a little something – and ask for a manager, if necessary.
• Gratuity isn’t included in either Disney Dining Packages or the Universal Dining Plan; however, for parties of six or more, a tip is automatically added at Disney World.

For all other positions inside the theme parks, tips are not accepted. If a cast or team member, such as a ride attendant or merchandise host, provides great service, please visit Guest Relations or Guest Services to provide a compliment. Or you can contact either park through Twitter (@WDWGuestServices + #CastCompliment or @UniversalORL + UOFistBump) – just be sure to include their name and work location, and if you happen to catch their hometown on their nametag, that helps, too.

Other information about tipping at Disney World and Universal Orlando

• Bus and boat transportation are an important part of getting around both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resorts, but the staff who man these vehicles are generally not able to accept gratuity.
• If you use a taxi, ride-share service, or Disney’s Minnie Vans, a tip of roughly 10% is a good rule of thumb.
• Both Universal and Disney have full-service spas at select hotels; Mandara Spa at Portofino Bay Hotel automatically charges 20% gratuity, and this is also the case at Disney’s Senses Spa.

Valet parking is an option at Universal Orlando’s parking structure that leads to CityWalk and the theme parks, and both Universal and Disney’s premium class of hotels offer valet parking, as well. It is a good idea to consider providing a tip both when you drop off the car and when it is returned to you; I have found that when I tip both times, I receive faster service.

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Have further questions about the strange custom of tipping? Ask 110,000 vacation-planners in our two OI Community Facebook groups: we have one for Universal Orlando and another for Disney World.

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