ORLANDO, Fla. – Universal Orlando Resort is giving hotel guests even more reasons to linger in the lobby this summer.
The resort’s 11 hotels are debuting brand-new, larger-than-life sand sculptures in each of their lobbies as the centerpiece of a lineup of limited-time, hotel-exclusive experiences available through Aug. 10.
Inspired by fan-favorite Universal characters and experiences, each sculpture was crafted from 600 to 1,200 pounds of sand and took up to 10 hours to complete, according to a news release.
The themed sculptures and their locations are:
Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel: How to Train Your Dragon
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Jaws
Hard Rock Hotel: Ghostbusters
Loews Royal Pacific Resort: Kung Fu Panda
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort: Jaws
Universal Aventura Hotel: Back to the Future
Universal Stella Nova Resort: E.T.
Universal Terra Luna Resort: Dark Universe
Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Shrek
Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites: Trolls
Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites: Shrek
Jaws-themed sand sculpture (Universal Destinations & Experiences)Summer sips, snacks along the way
Beyond the sculptures, hotel guests can dig into a menu of summer-inspired food and drinks. Options range from refreshing cocktails — like the Mischief Mixer at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, made with vodka, lemon juice, pineapple juice and grenadine — to indulgent snacks like fried funnel cake sticks at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
Poolside parties, character meet-and-greets round out the season
Guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort can take advantage of special poolside experiences on Saturday nights beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Each event features a live DJ, poolside games, giveaways, and more.
This summer also introduces a new theme park benefit for all Universal hotel guests. Visitors can now enjoy exclusive character meet-and-greets at Universal Studios Florida every Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. The new perk joins existing benefits such as early park admission and complimentary transportation.
In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops
Sign up for the ClickOrlando.com In the Loop: Theme Park Scoops newsletter, sent every Friday.
Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.