How to Get from Royal Pacific to CityWalk & the Parks (Transportation Guide)
Loews Royal Pacific Resort is one of the resorts I recommend a lot at Universal Orlando because it makes getting around really easy.
There is a lot within walking distance. Honestly, it’s probably the most conveniently located resort in all of Universal!
In this guide, I’ll “walk” you through the transportation options from Royal Pacific so you know exactly how to get where you’re going. My goal is that you can spend less time moving around and more time enjoying your trip.
Getting to CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, & Universal Studios Florida (2 WAYS)
If you’ve never been to Universal Orlando before, it’s important you realize how it’s set up. Specifically, CityWalk (Universal’s dining and shopping district), Universal Studios Florida theme park, and Islands of Adventure theme park all share the same main entrance complex.
In fact, to get to either of these theme parks, you must walk through CityWalk.
With that being said, getting to these three places from Royal Pacific is exactly the same.
#1. Walk!
Honestly, I love it when a resort is so close you can walk. No waiting on a bus or boat or cramming in close with other people.
Royal Pacific Resort’s incredible location makes it convenient to just walk. To start the journey, you just walk out of the main lobby and turn left.
You will see signs pointing you in the correct direction. The pathway follows a scenic waterway until you arrive at CityWalk, near Margaritaville.
My estimate is that it takes 10 minutes to get here.
Once you get to Margaritaville in CityWalk, it’s only another 1-2 minutes to arrive at the entrance of Islands of Adventure. I would budget about 5 more minutes to get to the entrance of Universal Studios.
As you arrive at CityWalk, you will have to go through a small security line. This is a nice benefit, because it’s almost always a shorter line than the general CityWalk security lines for people who take the bus or drive themselves.
Here is a map of Royal Pacific. The red line shows how to start walking the path towards CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios.
The name of the path is called the Garden Walkway (#6 above).
#2. Take the complimentary water taxi!
One problem with walking from Royal Pacific is that you are adding steps on a day you are probably already going to be walking a lot!
So, instead of walking, you should definitely consider taking the water taxi from Royal Pacific!
You can find the water taxi dock near the pool. There are signs everywhere pointing you in the correct direction.
Once you arrive at the dock, you will actually go through security right at Royal Pacific. This is an amazing benefit, as once you get to CityWalk, you can just get off the boat and start enjoying. There is almost never any line for security at Royal Pacific, whereas the main entry to CityWalk can become backed up during peak hours.
The boats typically arrive every 15 minutes. So if you just miss one, you shouldn’t have to wait long. Once you board the water taxi and it leaves, the ride only lasts about 5 minutes!
The water taxi literally drops you off in the middle of CityWalk. You will be right next to the NBC Sports Grill restaurant. From here, it’s about a 1-minute walk to Universal Studios Florida and a 3-minute walk to Islands of Adventure.
In the map below, I drew a red circle around where you will find the water taxis at Royal Pacific. The red line and arrow is the path the boat will take to the drop-off dock in CityWalk.
Getting to Epic Universe (2 WAYS)
Epic Universe is Universal’s brand-new theme park, located a few miles away from the main CityWalk area. Because of that distance, transportation looks a little different. Specifically, you can’t walk or take a water taxi to Epic Universe from Royal Pacific.
#1. Complimentary bus shuttles
The only free way to get from Epic Universe from Royal Pacific is by using the complimentary Universal shuttle buses. They start running about an hour before park opening (including Early Park Admission) and continue until around an hour after Epic closes.
The buses are definitely the easiest and most popular way that people use.
To find the bus stop at Royal Pacific, you will need to head to the north side of the resort.
Buses typically arrive every 15 minutes or so. When I was visiting, the lines were really long for the morning rides to Epic!
Once you’re on the bus, it should take about 15 minutes to get to Epic Universe. You will get off and go through a security line here.
#2. Rideshare/Taxi
Another way to get to Epic Universe is to use a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft. There are always plenty of drivers around, and we typically only wait a few minutes to get picked up and be on our way.
I think using a rideshare service can save time, especially if you just missed a bus or there is a long line at the bus stop. Also, the actual ride is usually shorter in a rideshare because they can go faster and maneuver better than a giant motorcoach bus.
Pricing is subject to change based on dates and availability, but my rides to Epic are typically under or near $15 from Royal Pacific.
Getting to Volcano Bay Water Park (3 WAYS)
If you are planning on going to Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay, there are a few ways to get there.
None of the options below should take very long, as Volcano Bay is fairly close to Royal Pacific.
#1. Complimentary bus shuttles
Royal Pacific has a shuttle that will take you to Volcano Bay. It’s the same bus stop that is used for Epic Universe. I recommend talking to the front desk when you check in to ask about the current schedule, as availability can depend on the local weather in Florida.
#2. Rideshare/Taxi
Yes, it is possible to walk from Royal Pacific to Volcano Bay. Here’s how:
- Walk north on the Garden Walkway towards Sapphire Falls Resort.
- Walk through Sapphire Falls Resort to Aventura Resort.
- As you pass Aventura Resort on your left, you will arrive at a very busy road (Adventure Way).
- Turn left and follow the signs to Volcano Bay
#3. Rideshare/Taxi
You may want to consider taking an Uber to Volcano Bay. It will most likely save a lot of time, either waiting for a shuttle or walking.
Just make sure you are really dry before scheduling your ride home!
Royal Pacific Resort Transportation tips
- The walking paths from Royal Pacific are safe and well-lit. I love using them to come home at night when it’s quiet and peaceful.
- The water taxi is another huge perk of staying here. I love that it drops you off right in the middle of CityWalk, often faster than any other option.
- Personally, if I am going to Islands of Adventure, then I walk from Royal Pacific. If the plan is to go to Universal Studios, then I’m taking the water taxi.
- Having a short security line by walking or taking a water taxi is a huge benefit and can save a lot of time.
- Rideshares can be great if you’re heading to Epic Universe or Volcano Bay. They can save time. I also enjoy the fact that I have a private ride to myself instead of sharing a bus with other people.
I love recommending Royal Pacific Resort to my clients. The location can’t be beat, combined with the fact that you get FREE Express Passes to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios when you stay here. 🙂
Photo Gallery
- Transportation sign at Royal Pacific
- Water taxi location at Royal Pacific
- Security for water taxi at Royal Pacific
- Sign outside royal Pacific showing how to get to CityWalk
- Outside the main lobby entrance. Perfect pickup location for Uber.
- Bus stop at Royal Pacific.
- Margaritaville at CityWalk. This is where the walking path from Royal Pacific end.
- Bus stop at Epic Universe
- Pathway to Volcano Bay
- Volcano Bay bus stop
If you’d like help planning your Universal Orlando vacation, I’d love to help!
From finding the right resort to saving time with insider tips, contact me today to get started!
