We made it to Spring Break! {All the praise hands!} I feel this is as much an accomplishment for the parents as well as the kids. So to celebrate, we packed the car and headed south to Universal Orlando.
The Resort
For this visit, I chose Hard Rock Hotel primarily for the location. It is a 5 minute walk to Island of Adventure, and 8-10 minutes to City Walk and Universal Studios. That it features a rock music theme was the icing on the cake. It’s high time my preteens had a crash course in real music. Who are The Chainsmokers anyway?! I feel like that name should have an FDA warning label attached. 😉
COVID Protocols
Upon entering the hotel, even before check-in, our temperature was taken and we were issued wrist bands showing we’d cleared the health screening. The color changes every day, so your temperature must be taken every day.
On park days, this pre-screening at the resort saves you time at the park gates.
Masks are required in all public spaces, except when you are actively eating and drinking. And hand sanitizer stations are ubiquitous.
Rock Royalty
We stayed in a Club Level 2 Queen Room, with a fantastic view of the pool. There were musical touches everywhere from vinyl and drumstick wall art, to a mirror with some of the musical greats’ heights listed. We had more than enough room to spread out and having two sinks in the morning is such a bonus!
The mattresses are firm and passed my back test! 
Coffee Bar and Refrigerator 
My collection of mini branded hand sanitizer bottles is growing. 
Michael Jackson was 5’11” and Madonna comes in at 5’4″.. 
Too bad we didn’t have a balcony to accompany this gorgeous view!
As Club Level Guests, we had access to the Rock Royalty Lounge. Up to last week, it was moved to the third floor ballrooms for increased social distancing. With updates to Florida’s reopening plan, its back home on the 7th Floor.
Perks include:
- Continental breakfast
- Midday snacks
- Evening reception with beer and wine
- Night time desserts
- All day beverages
How cute is this drum holder? 
Cannolis anyone?
The staff was so accommodating! By Day 2 they remembered us and our preferences. I cannot say enough great things about the Rock Royalty staff (and hotel staff in general)!
The other and more important benefit of booking Club Level is the concierge service you receive during your stay.
Resort Amenities: The Pool
The pool area at Hard Rock Hotel is a zero-entry white sand beach pool, with a 260-foot water slide, and wait for it…music underwater! The pool is heated, which is needed for this extended Florida winter. And poolside service is available.
The kids loved the slide, but complained that the pool was a bit shallow. The deepest point I saw was 3’6″. This is not a deal breaker by any means. But for my lap swimmers, it was just a little disappointing.
There are several hot tubs, but they are currently closed to promote social distancing. For littles, there is a splash pad in one corner and jets that shoot water upward in various spots around the pool.
Cabanas are available for rent. A standard cabana is $300 and a beach side cabana is $350 for the day. It includes a fruit basket, an assortment of 12 soft drinks and bottled water, tv, ceiling fan, table and 4 chairs, 4 lounge chairs, 1 lounger, and a private safe.
Resort Amenities: Water Taxi
The Water Taxi shuttles guests to/from CityWalk and the parks. I did not observe many people utilizing it as its such a short walk; mainly older guests and families with very young children.
If you take a Water Taxi, this is where you clear security. If you walk, there is security screening at the park entrance.
Plexiglass barriers for your safety.
Good to Know
Hard Rock’s Kids Club is currently closed with no reopening date. This wasn’t an issue for us as ours wouldn’t have wanted to go anyway. Poolside activities and movies have also been suspended.
Benefits of staying at this property:
- Unlimited Express Passes are included. This enables you to skip the line at participating attractions in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (Volcano Bay utilizes Tapu Tapu). If you plan to visit during peak season, Unlimited Express Passes are essential!
- Water taxi service to the parks and CityWalk.
- Walking distance to the parks and CityWalk.
As with this and all other Universal Orlando Resort properties, Early Park Admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included.
We enjoyed our experience at Hard Rock Hotel very much. The staff was polite and helpful, and we can definitely get used to Club Level. But for purely aesthetic reasons, Loews Portofino remains our favorite.
Be sure to check back soon for a recap of our experience in the parks, and all things Mardis Gras. And when you’re ready to book your visit, I would be honored to be your travel advisor.
Hard Rock Hotel / Spring Break at Universal Orlando Resort – COVID Protocols / Mardi Gras at Universal Studios / Volcano Bay
As a full-service travel agent, I would love to be of assistance to you. I am passionate about what I do and pour that energy into crafting perfectly planned itineraries for you. Email ebony@familytraveladventuresllc.com to learn more.
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