For that reason, we recommend devoting a minimum of a full day to each Universal Orlando theme park, especially if this is your first visit. Three days is ideal, particularly with a park-to-park pass, as it will allow you to fully explore each park and revisit your favorite attractions.

You may check out by television, phone, customer service e-mail, or express check-out box available at the front desk or traditional check-out at the front desk. The credit card will be charged at time of booking, and the deposit is equal to the first night's room rate plus tax. Full cancellation policies apply.

Universal's Aventura Hotel, with commanding views of all three Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, is a perfectly priced escape where clean, open spaces and casual comfort meet sleek style.

541-acre Universal Orlando Resort, often shortened to Universal Orlando, is a 541-acre (219 ha) theme park and entertainment resort complex located in Orlando, Florida.

Four days. For a four-day itinerary, we recommend spending Day 1 at Universal Studios, Day 2 at Islands of Adventure and Day 3 at Volcano Bay. On Day 4, you can go between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure to experience what you missed the first time or to repeat your favorites.

As a general rule of thumb we find that you need three days to explore all three Universal Orlando parks, and also have enough time to ride your favorite attraction more then once.

Rack rates do not include taxes or parking, but no hidden resort fees are tacked on at Universal's hotels.

Unlike Walt Disney World, where are Park Pass reservation system is used to manage capacity, Universal Orlando does not require advance park reservations to visit. It's rare, but the parks can reach capacity during peak travel times like spring break.

Universal Orlando Resort is famous for being one of the most popular theme parks in the world. The resort is home to two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, as well as a water park, Volcano Bay.

But we didn't stay at just any old hotel: we stayed at the most expensive hotel on Universal property - Loews Portofino Bay. So come with us to see what staying in such a swanky hotel is like!

Rack rates do not include taxes or parking, but no hidden resort fees are tacked on at Universal's hotels.

Five days is ideal, but you can optimize shorter trips with Express Passes, early entry and park-to-park tickets. Anya Kartashova is a freelance writer and full-time traveler based in Salt Lake City.