10 Things to Do on Your Universal Rest Day

If you are planning a Universal Orlando Resort Vacation, you might consider building in a rest day. Here are some fun things to do during your time outside of the parks!

Do You Need a Rest Day on Your Universal Trip

If you are planning to visit Universal Orlando Resort for more than just a couple of days, you might wonder whether you need a rest day. Naturally, this depends on the needs and travel style of you and your travel party.

Some people like to be in the theme parks every single day for at least part of the day. However, if you and your travel party like to take a break and spend some time relaxing and winding down, you might want to build in some full or partial rest days. After all, it is vacation.

Of course, sleeping in and enjoying your hotel room is always an option. Universal Hotels offer TV, pay-per-view movies, and food delivery!

If you prefer to venture out on your rest days and tend to worry that you might be bored during the downtime, fear not! There are plenty of things to do around your Universal hotel and CityWalk. While some cost money, many are completely free! Here are 10 great options!

1. The Resort Pools

Every Universal Orlando Resort Hotel has a swimming pool to enjoy during your visit! And, the pools are free to use for resort guests! If a rest day is important to you, you might consider picking a resort with a great pool.

Among the value resorts, the best pool area is definitely at Cabana Bay Beach Resort. There is a pool with a big water slide. And, there is also a separate beach area with a lazy river!

If you are looking for Signature resorts, while they all have pools, some are more exciting than others. The pool at Sapphire Falls is a winner. You may also like the pool at Hard Rock Hotel. Lastly, Portofino Bay has a nice quiet pool and a themed pool with a castle water slide!

Keep in mind that the pools are meant for resort guests. However, pool hopping is allowed for most hotels! Just remember to take a room key. Pool hopping at the Endless Summer hotels, Surfside Inn and Suites, and Dockside Inn and Suites is only an option between the two hotels. The hotels near Epic Universe are also an exception for now.

2. Movies

You can enjoy free poolside movies under the stars at your Universal Resort Hotel! Check out the resort schedule for titles and showtimes!

You can enjoy complementary movies at your hotel or go to the theater!

And, if you want to go to the theater for a show, CityWalk has you covered. There is a Cinemark with 20 screens to watch hot new releases!

3. Bowling

If you are looking for a fun activity for the whole family, head to Galaxy Bowl at Cabana Bay Beach Resort! You can bowl with or without gutter guards. And, a server will also bring food to your lane if you wish! Or, you can grab a meal at Bayliner Diner before or after you bowl.

While there is occasionally some walk-up availability for lanes, you are much better off booking in advance. There is a QR code for in-person bookings, and you might be able to book online or by calling.

4. Mini Golf

Suppose you want even more family fun, then head to CityWalk for miniature golf! Hollywood Drive-In Golf has two state-of-the-art mini golf courses called "The Haunting of Ghostly Greens" and "Invaders From Planet Putt." Enjoy one or both courses!

Or you can see if there is walk-up availability. The courses are open for daytime, nighttime, and late-night games!

Book online in advance for a slight discount. There are also UOAP, AAA, senior, and military discounts, so be sure to ask.

5. Escape Room

If you want to challenge your brain, head to Universal's Great Movie Escape in CityWalk! Two great escape rooms await.

Choose between Back to the Future: OUTATIME or Jurassic World: Escape! Tickets are available in advance or at the door. You can book individual admission and share the experience with some new friends, or book private events for up to 8 people. Keep in mind, some events do sell out, so it is always best to plan.

6. Shopping

There are plenty of great shopping opportunities available. Of course, CityWalk has a variety of shops for all your Universal merchandise whims.

But you can also find shops at every Universal Resort! Many resorts are within walking distance of each other. Or, you can always hop on a bus to CityWalk and transfer to a resort bus or water taxi to get to a resort for shopping.

Every now and then, if the resorts are packed, Universal will only allow guests of the resort to utilize the resort transportation. So, be prepared for that possibility when crowds are high.

7. Arcades

If you have a gamer in your group, you may enjoy a visit to the arcade at your resort hotel. You could also visit a game room at another hotel if you wish.

The game rooms sell cards for game play so that you can enjoy fun arcade games or games where you can win tickets to redeem for prizes. Check your hotel for game hours.

8. Opera

If you want to take in some cultural entertainment, head to the Opera! There is a nightly offering at Portofino Bay at the Harbor Piazza known as Musica della Notte. You can hear classic opera and modern favorites, too!

For an even sweeter time, grab some gelato at Gelateria before or after the show. It serves up the delicious gelato that you can find at many of the resort hotels.

You might even want to stay for a great meal at the hotel if you can snag a reservation. There are great offerings, including Trattoria del Porto.

9. Rum Tasting

While all of the hotels have bars, one of the best experiences can be found at Sapphire Falls. Strong Water Tavern is a fun place to visit.

You can enjoy tapas-style dining and a delightful rum tasting! Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made online.

10. CityWalk Entertainment

A number of CityWalk eateries provide entertainment. Take in a sporting event at NBC Sports Grill & Brew.

Or, if you are looking for live music, reserve a table at Margaritaville. You might also encounter stiltwalkers making balloon animals for visitors! On weekends, you can often find DJs or performances at the CityWalk stages.

For another fun evening, book a table at Pat O'Brien's. The dueling pianos are great fun! And, if you want a ticketed event, check the schedule at Hard Rock Live. You can see comedy shows and concerts.

If you are on a trip without the kids, there is also a bit of adult nightlife if you wish. This includes CityWalk Rising Star karaoke and the Red Coconut club.

Do you ever take time for a rest day when you visit Universal Orlando Resort? What are your favorite things to do? Let us know. Be sure to share this list with friends and family who are planning a visit, so they know what's available to them.