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Universal Orlando unveils 11 sand sculptures for summer. Here’s where

Resort hotels feature limited-time lobby sculptures

"Jaws"-themed sand sculpture at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. (Universal Destinations & Experiences)

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.

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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.


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