Universal Orlando Resort is treating hotel guests to a season full of limited time perks now through August 10, 2026, with brand new sand sculptures in every hotel lobby, fresh summer menu items, Saturday night pool parties and a new theme park benefit exclusive to resort guests.
The centerpiece of this summer’s hotel lineup is a collection of brand new sand sculptures, each crafted from 600 to 1,200 pounds of sand and taking up to 10 hours to build. Guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, will find a How to Train Your Dragon themed sculpture greeting them in the lobby, while Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort both welcome guests with sculptures inspired by Jaws. Hard Rock Hotel’s lobby sculpture channels Ghostbusters, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort goes all in on Kung Fu Panda.
Universal Aventura Hotel brings a Back to the Future theme to its lobby, and Universal Stella Nova Resort pays tribute to E.T. Universal Terra Luna Resort’s sculpture draws from Dark Universe, while Shrek shows up twice, once at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and again at Universal Endless Summer Resort, Dockside Inn and Suites. Rounding out the lineup, Universal Endless Summer Resort, Surfside Inn and Suites celebrates Trolls. Every sculpture makes for an easy, photo worthy welcome the moment guests step into the lobby.
Summer Cocktails and Snacks Add to the Fun
Hotel restaurants and bars are rolling out a menu of summer inspired food and drinks for the season. Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is pouring the Mischief Mixer, a cocktail built on vodka, lemon juice, pineapple juice and grenadine, and Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort is serving up fried funnel cake sticks as one of its seasonal snacks. Other hotels across the resort have their own limited time additions on offer through the summer as well.
Saturday Night Pool Parties Return to Five Hotels
Guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort can join in on special poolside experiences every Saturday night starting at 6:30 p.m. Expect a live DJ, poolside games and giveaways as part of the weekly celebration.
New This Summer: Character Meet and Greets Just for Hotel Guests
For the first time, all Universal Orlando hotel guests can attend exclusive character meet and greets at Universal Studios Florida every Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The new perk joins existing hotel benefits like Early Park Admission and complimentary resort transportation, adding even more value to a stay on property this summer.
More Summer Excitement Across the Theme Parks
The hotel offerings are just one piece of a busier summer across Universal Orlando. In the parks, guests can catch returning seasonal entertainment on select nights, including the Universal Mega Movie Parade, CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular, and Hogwarts Always in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, alongside new photo ops, character meet and greets, menu items and merchandise. Universal has also added 11 extra dates for Volcano Bay Nights this summer, giving guests more chances to enjoy the water park after dark with shorter waits, character appearances and exclusive food and drink. Fans planning a visit can check FLN’s Universal Orlando hub for ongoing coverage of these events.
Universal Orlando Resort Hotels Debut New Sand Sculptures and Summer Menus for 2026
