Universal Orlando Darren Wittko Universal Orlando Darren Wittko

Insider’s Guide to the Universal Orlando Mobile App

Using the Universal Orlando Mobile App

The official Universal Orlando Resort mobile app includes a variety of tools and resources to help you before and during your Universal Orlando vacation.

The Universal Orlando app allows you to

  • Link park tickets

  • Place mobile food and drink orders

  • Join a virtual line

  • Create your own "must-do" list

  • Explore park maps and so much more

 
Universal Orlando Mobile App - Park Maps

Insider Tip: The map has helpful features like Express Pass-enabled locations, height restrictions, show times, dietary options, and more.

 

Download the official mobile app (it’s free)

Once you download the app, create or sign in to your Universal account.

Set up your wallet

The wallet feature is known as Universal Pay. Using Universal Pay makes your day easier.

It’s most helpful when ordering food because Universal Orlando encourages mobile orders at quick-service restaurants.

You can place an order and pay for it right in the app (more on this below).

Using Universal Pay at Volcano Bay Water Park

Going to Volcano Bay water park? (It’s only the best water park in Orlando!) Leave your phone in your locker or in your beach bag and your bag of rice at home, you’re phone won’t be getting wet here.

You can purchase food, beverages, and merchandise using Tapu Tapu, a waterproof wristband that is provided upon entry to the park.

Use Tapu Tapu anywhere Universal Pay is accepted in the park. No need to carry your phone, cash, or cards in your bathing suit.

You can also set up and manage sub-accounts for others in your party and set spending limits so they can make purchases with Tapu Tapu as well. See my Tips for Volcano Bay here.

 
Universal Orlando Tapu Tapu Volcano Bay - How to Pay

Tapu Tapu at Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay Water Park

 

Use the App to Plan Your Trip

Scroll through the rides and shows that are available at each park.

Tap the heart on your favorite attractions to add them to your favorites list, making it easy to reference wait times and attraction details once you are in the park.

Doing this helps ensure that you won’t miss any must-dos while touring the parks.

 
Universal Orlando Mobile App - Heart favorite attractions
 

Linking tickets to the Universal Orlando mobile app

If you booked a vacation package with me, you’ll pick up your tickets when you arrive at your Universal Orlando hotel.

To add a ticket to the mobile app, select “Scan Tickets & Add Ons” to scan the back of your ticket or enter your ticket number (located under the barcode).

If you need help, just ask a Team Member at the ticket desk, located inside the hotel lobby.


Placing Mobile Food and Drink Orders


Order ahead from select restaurants when you’re in the theme parks and at CityWalk.

 
 

How to place your mobile order

  1. Open the side navigation and select "Mobile Food & Drink Ordering"

  2. Select an available restaurant

  3. Browse menu options and make customizations

  4. Tap “Prepare My Order”

  5. Wait at the pickup window to receive your order

Join Virtual Lines at Universal Orlando

During busier times of the year, some of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions allow you to join a Virtual Line. Rather than stand in a physical line, you can reserve a time to ride and go off to enjoy other areas of the park. This feature is free.

Here’s how Virtual Lines work:

  1. Pick your ride in the app

  2. Join the queue for a time window that works for you

  3. Show the Team Member your phone to scan and enter the attraction

The app will display the attractions that are offering a Virtual Line, if any. You can almost always find Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon as an option.

Depending on how crowded the park is, Universal may also offer Virtual Line on the following:

  • Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

  • Fast & Furious: Supercharged

  • Revenge of the Mummy

Universal Orlando adjusts Virtual Line throughout the day. The day may start off without any Virtual Lines being offered but as the park gets busier, some Virtual Lines may begin to come online. Universal may also remove the option during the day if it’s no longer needed - but they will still honor existing reservations.

Insider Tip! I recommend you check for Virtual Lines starting 20 minutes prior to the park opening time.

Insider Tip! Use the “Wait Time Alert” feature on the app to get notified if the wait for a favorite attraction is under a certain time. For example, you can set up an alert to be notified if the wait for Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure drops below 60 minutes.




Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.


Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.


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Guide to Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando

Photo tour of Sapphire Falls Resort, a Preferred category hotel at Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal’s Sapphire Falls Resort is a moderately priced resort located just outside Universal City Walk and Islands of Adventure Theme Park. It is currently the only moderately priced hotel at Universal Orlando Resort.

cabana bay beach resort

Sapphire Falls has a Caribbean theme with colorful lobby, tropical themed pool, and well appointed rooms. You’ll find similar amenities in the Premier hotels at Universal Orlando but an important distinction is that Sapphire Falls does not come with free Universal Express Pass Unlimited.

Video: Universal Orlando Resort | Sapphire Falls Highlights


Arrival and Lobby Areas

Room Categories

Sapphire Falls has 1000 guest rooms and 83 suites. Rooms have a simple, relaxed design with imaginative touches.

Suites range in size from 529 square feet to a sprawling 1,353 square feet.

Choose from:

  • Standard VIew

  • Lagoon View

  • Pool View

  • Kids Suites

  • King Suite

  • Presidential Suites

Sapphire falls Room Rates

NIght room rates vary by season, day of the week and the current booking status of the hotel.

On low end, late summer and fall, the rate for a standard room is about $283. During peak season such as spring break, Easter,a nd Christmas, the nightly rate for a standard room is about $438 per night.

Lagoon View and Pool Views are approximately $20 more per night than a Standard View room.

Kids Suites start around $500 per night at Sapphire Falls.


Room Amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • 300-thread-count, 100% cotton bed linens

  • Smart room technology for automated heating and air conditioning

  • Flat-screen TV with HD channels

  • On Demand movies and video check-out (fees apply)

  • Mini Refrigerator

  • Cuisinart single coffee pod brewer

  • Spacious work desk with ergonomic chair

  • In-room safe

  • Telephone with voicemail

  • Iron and ironing board

  • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton terry towels and bath sheets

  • Julien Farel Professional Hair Dryer

  • Magnifying makeup mirror

  • In-room dining service

  • Wake-up calls

  • Dry-cleaning and laundry service

  • Access hundreds of newspapers and magazines via PressReader when you download the Loews Hotels mobile app

  • Cribs available upon request

  • Pets are welcome to Loews Hotels in designated pet rooms.


Hotel Services

Lobby Concierge: Team Members are on hand to assist with any questions you have and any special requests.

Dry Cleaning: For dry cleaning or laundry, same-day service is available 6 days a week, including holidays. Express service is also available.

Internet: You can connect from your guest room, public spaces and even the pool deck. A premium wireless internet plan is also available for a fee.

Room Service: If you prefer to dine in your room or suite, Room Service is available 24 hours a day

On-Site Business Center: located near Conference Area. Available Monday-Friday, 7AM-5:30PM for Computer Usage and Printing.

Complimentary Boarding Pass Printing. Staff available M-F 7AM-5:30PM to assist with high volume copies and shipping.

Age Requirements: You must be 21 years of age, and provide proper identification upon check-in.

Pool and recreation

Dining Options

Sapphire Falls Resort offers a wide array of restaurant and lounge options.

Theme Park Transportation

Hotel Address:

Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando

6601 Adventure Way

Orlando, Florida 32819

Check in time is 4 p.m. Check out is 11 a.m.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sapphire Falls Resort.

As a travel advisor, I get a lot of hotel questions every day. Here are some of the most common questions my clients have about Sapphire Falls hotel. If you have questions about this resort, I can help! Let’s start working together on your Orlando vacation today!

Does Sapphire Falls have free breakfast?

No, the official hotels of Universal Orlando Resort do not include free breakfast unless you’re staying club level, available at the Premier Resorts.

Is the pool at Sapphire Falls heated?

Yes, the pool is heated during cooler weather. Lifeguards are also on duty.

Is there a resort fee at Sapphire Falls?

No, Universal does not charge a seperate resort fee at its hotels.

Can you walk to parks from Sapphire Falls?

Yes, there is a walking path from Sapphire Falls to City Walk and the entrance to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.

How many rooms does Sapphire Falls have?

Sapphire Falls has 1,000 rooms and 83 suites, each with a Caribbean theme.

Can you walk from Cabana Bay to Sapphire Falls?

Yes, it is possible to walk to Cabana Bay and Aventura hotels from Sapphire Falls. It’s also possible to walk to Volcano Bay however you will need to cross a busy street. A crosswalk and traffic signal are provided.

Do you get Express Pass at Sapphire Falls?

No, Universal Express Pass is not included free at Sapphire Falls hotel. This is what separates Sapphire Falls from the Premier hotels. Only the Universal Primere hotels include free Express Passes with valid theme park admission tickets.

Does Sapphire Falls have a water slide?

Yes, the pool at Sapphire Falls resort has a water slide and daily poolside entertainment.

Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I can help! I’m an Orlando - based travel advisor specialing in Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. I provide insider tips and advice so you can do Orlando like a pro!

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Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.

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