We’ve all been there. It’s the final morning of your Orlando theme park trip, and you’re rushing to get your bags packed and your room ready as the clock clicks down to checkout time. As you’re shoving souvenirs into your backpack, your brain inevitably thinks, “Can I request late check-out?”

Myranda in front of Universal Helios Grand Hotel

I’ve been visiting Orlando’s theme parks for 30+ years, stayed at Disney hotels, Universal hotels, and hotels off both properties, and pretty much every time I’ve wanted to check out of my room late. Universal does offer the service — though they make details a bit tricky to track down — but is it worth it?

Like many hotels, Universal’s on-property resorts have an official check-out time of 11:00 AM.

Room at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort

While it’s not listed on Universal’s official website, the official Loews Hotel website (the operator behind Universal’s hotels) does specify that each hotel offers late check-out “at an additional charge” without specifying that charge.

Cabana Bay

While not specifically spelled out, our research shows that Universal’s late check-out works like this: It needs to be requested from the front desk, usually the night before, and if granted, the first hour will be gratis, which increases fees for each additional hour through 3:00 PM.

So, is this hack worth it? Well, if there’s no charge for the first hour and you’re not risking your flight, there’s no harm in taking a bit longer to pack, or enjoying breakfast or an early morning swim in the pool. Once it moves into fee territory, that’s more dependent on your budget and what you want to spend, though we’ll throw in that, unless it’s an emergency, there really is no reason not to be out by 1:00.

Quincy touring the room!

Speaking of late check-out, Universal is not alone in offering late check-out, as Disney does as well.

On the day of or close to your check-out date, you can reach out to the front desk either by phone in your room or by visiting them at the front desk of your Disney hotel. They will be able to tell you if your request can be accommodated, as well as how late past check-out you are able to stay.

Pop Century

Always bear in mind, of course, that late check-out requests are never guaranteed, which makes this hack risky, as housekeeping needs to turn rooms over to the next guests staying at the resort, but it never hurts to ask! It is good to have a backup plan in case a late check-out can not be accommodated.

Polynesian Village Resort

Also remember, if you are going to be around Disney World or Universal long past your check-out time — like say you always book late-night flights home from MCO in order to squeeze an extra day out of your vacation, like your esteemed author often does — you can always leave your bags with bell service at your hotel and enjoy your day unencumbered before picking them up before heading to the airport.

Luggage Assistance

Universal does offer a late check-out hack at its hotels, but it may cost you. Stay tuned to AllEars for more theme park travel tips.

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Have you ever taken advantage of late check-out? Let us know in the comments below.

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