When I head to Orlando in search of accommodations, I look for certain "kid-friendly" and "parent-friendly" amenities. What catches my eye could be something subtle (like a one-shot coffee maker for when you are running out the door) or it can be the hit-you-in-the-face kind of BIG news like this – the world’s first Jurassic Park-themed hotel suites that just debuted at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando.

Featuring raptor's cage headboards, custom wall murals, artwork from the making of the movies and Jurassic Park-themed furniture, these new suites offer privacy for mom and dad, with a separate room for the kids decorated in the blockbuster movie theme. (Don’t worry.  Welcoming stuffed dinos rest there too, so it’s not at all scary for the little ones.)

"Kids absolutely love them," says General Manager David Bartek. "In fact, we've had a few ask us if they could just move in ... permanently."

The two-room suites, which make guests feel they’ve been transported to Costa Rica, offer extra space for traveling families, and parents will certainly appreciate the added feature that only allows access from the children's room into the adult's room, but not into the hallway.  Personally, I have found as the kids get older, it becomes so much easier to travel if they have their own space to sleep.  

In addition to creating the Jurassic Park-themed kid's suites, the hotel completed renovations on all guest rooms and other suites in a design motif reflecting the charm of the South Pacific.

The $10 million room renovation includes technology upgrades that made my kids happy – especially the addition of iHome clock radios, with iPod docking stations, in all rooms and suites. My boys were so busy playing with the iHome that we had to actually urge them out the door to hit the Universal theme parks.

The Loews Royal Pacific has been honored by Travel & Leisure Family magazine as one of the top family-friendly resorts in the country.

But, they don't rest on their laurels; they keep trying to add more family fun. "Dive-In Movies" are perfect for families that want to relax after a long day in the theme parks. These poolside movies run on Saturdays and Sundays at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.

Universal Orlando Resorts also include the rock 'n' roll themed Hard Rock Hotel and the Italian-themed Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.

All three on-site hotels are connected to each other and to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk by a waterway. On-site hotel guests enjoy a variety of special theme park privileges including Universal Express ride access.

Here’s a tip: Just by showing a valid hotel room key card, on-site hotel guests can bypass the regular ride and attraction lines. This complimentary benefit is available to all guests staying on-site at Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando. To me, bypassing lines is the best benefit to staying on site, especially when traveling with kids.

What’s up next for Universal Resorts?

"Seuss Suites" are coming in late spring/early summer to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.

Jennifer Michaels, Family Travel Expert