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Universal Orlando Resort: Where to Stay & Play for a Few Days

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My recent stay at Universal Orlando Resort was so much fun and I’m going to share and highlight my favorite moments with you. First and foremost, I stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort on the property which allowed me early access (one hour) to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. It was my first time experiencing Diagon Alley™. I took advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to Universal Studios Florida and was able to … [Read More...]

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Why I Book an Orlando Resort With a Kitchenette

I used to choose Orlando accommodation based almost entirely on location, pool photos and the number of minutes it promised to save on the drive to the theme parks. Now I look for one extra feature before I book: a kitchenette. It has changed the rhythm of my trips, especially on days when everyone is tired, hungry and slightly over the heat.

A small fridge, microwave, sink and a little bench space give me far more flexibility than a standard hotel room. I can prepare breakfast before an early park entry, keep fruit and drinks cold, and avoid paying restaurant prices for every snack. For an Australian family dealing with long flights, jet lag and American-sized portions, that practical space quickly earns its keep.

The Morning Routine Becomes Much Easier

Orlando mornings can begin before sunrise. If I am heading to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT or Universal Orlando, I would rather eat something familiar in the room than search for an open café while trying to get everyone dressed. A kitchenette means I can make toast, boil water for coffee and put together a quick breakfast without relying on room-service timetables.

My usual first shop includes bread, eggs, yoghurt, bananas, berries and cereal. Sometimes I buy bagels and cream cheese because they require almost no preparation. There is something reassuring about having a real breakfast available when the children wake up early or someone decides they are hungry ten minutes before leaving.

This is particularly useful for Australians adjusting to the time difference. A family flying from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne may be wide awake at 3 am during the first few nights. A banana, cereal bar or yoghurt from the fridge is much more appealing than attempting to find a restaurant in the middle of the night.

What I Actually Cook in the Room

I am not turning a holiday resort into a cooking show. The meals are quick, low-mess and suited to the equipment available. On a typical stay, I might make scrambled eggs and toast, microwave porridge, pasta with jarred sauce, quesadillas or simple tacos. A supermarket roast chicken can become sandwiches one night and a filling salad the next.

The kitchenette also makes takeaway food more useful. If we bring back pizza, rice bowls or barbecue, leftovers can be stored safely and reheated the next day. I keep a few basics on hand, including salt, pepper, olive oil, paper plates and resealable bags, because hotel kitchens often provide appliances without every small item needed to use them comfortably.

For lunch, I pack fruit, crackers, cheese and drinks before heading out. This does not replace eating at Orlando’s restaurants; it simply means we are choosing meals because we want them rather than because everyone is suddenly starving. A cold drink from the room can also feel like a small luxury after walking around a theme park in humid weather.

The Savings Add Up Faster Than Expected

Dining out for every meal adds up quickly, particularly when a family is paying resort prices, service charges and tips. The American dining system takes some adjustment for Australian visitors. A menu price is not always the final figure, and the expected tip can make a casual meal more expensive than it first appears.

A kitchenette gives me a way to reduce those unavoidable costs without making the trip feel restrictive. Breakfast in the room, supermarket snacks and one easy dinner can offset the price of several restaurant meals. I can then spend the saved money on a character meal, a memorable dessert or a restaurant that genuinely feels worth the splurge.

I also find the budgeting easier in Australian dollars. Exchange-rate calculations can make small purchases feel less predictable, especially when every coffee, bottled drink and snack is charged separately. Buying groceries in one planned shop creates a clearer limit and helps prevent the constant “it is only a few dollars” spending that accumulates over a week.

Grocery Shopping Fits Into the Itinerary

I usually organise groceries soon after arriving, either through a delivery service or during a stop at Publix, Walmart or Target. Publix is convenient for ready-made meals, bakery items and fresh produce, while Walmart and Target can be handy when I need toiletries, drinks or basic kitchen supplies at the same time.

The exact shop depends on where I am staying. Some resorts are close to supermarkets, while others are surrounded by major roads and require a hire car or rideshare. I check the room details before buying anything, because “kitchenette” can mean a microwave and mini-fridge rather than a proper hob, oven or dishwasher.

It helps to think of the space as a support station rather than a full kitchen. I buy food that needs minimal preparation and avoid ingredients that create lots of washing up. A small cooler bag is useful for park days, and I label leftovers with the date so they do not disappear behind the drinks and condiments.

It Leaves Room for More Than Theme Parks

Having food at the resort makes it easier to plan slower days. Orlando has plenty to do beyond the biggest parks, from shopping and mini-golf to nature trails, resort pools and smaller attractions. I enjoy mixing high-energy park days with outings that do not require an early start or a full day in a queue.

On one quieter afternoon, I might collect lunch from the room before exploring the city. Orlando’s downtown area has cultural stops that can be overlooked when the theme parks dominate the itinerary, and I like using a practical guide to lesser-known museums before deciding where to wander.

This style of travel suits the way many Australian families plan holidays: a few major experiences, some spontaneous stops and enough downtime to avoid feeling rushed. We might call a quick snack a “brekkie top-up” or grab something from the servo before a long drive at home, and the kitchenette brings that same flexible habit into an Orlando resort.

How I Choose the Right Resort

The kitchenette is now high on my booking checklist, but I still inspect the details carefully. I look for a full-size or reasonably large fridge, microwave, sink, coffee maker, plates, cups and cutlery. Photos can be misleading, so I read recent guest reviews and check whether the room has a useful bench for preparing food.

Location matters as well. A resort near International Drive may be convenient for restaurants and attractions, while accommodation close to a theme park can reduce driving time. I compare the room rate with parking fees, resort fees, transport costs and grocery access rather than focusing on the nightly price alone.

These are the features I prioritise when comparing Orlando accommodation:

The arrangement has made my Orlando trips feel calmer and more flexible. I still enjoy burgers, pancakes, food-hall stops and the occasional expensive dinner, but I no longer depend on restaurants for every bite. A kitchenette gives me an easy breakfast, a sensible place for leftovers and a little control over the daily budget, which is exactly what I want when the rest of the holiday is full of decisions.