Choosing a tower and pool: Tower 1 vs Tower 2
Choose Tower 1 if you want a reliably open pool, the fitness center (located on the first floor of Tower 1/North Tower), and slightly more consistent daytime pool access. Pick Tower 2 if you specifically want the Wave Makers Pool Bar nearby and don’t mind that that tower’s pool hours can be more limited on some days.
In this guide
At-a-glance: how the two towers differ
The resort has two towers, each with its own outdoor pool and a nearby pool bar; pools and pool bars are the primary practical difference guests notice between towers.
Tower 1 typically has daily pool hours and houses the fitness center on its first floor, while Tower 2's pool has been reported to open later on some days; both pools are similar in size and layout.
- Tower 1: Oasis Beach Bar poolside; fitness center on first floor (North Tower).
- Tower 2: Wave Makers Pool Bar poolside; some reports of later or limited pool hours on certain days.
- Both towers: lifeguards, loungers, umbrellas, and a children's splash pad on property.
| Feature | Tower 1 | Tower 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pool access | Reported to be open daily | Has opened later on some days (varies by day/season) |
| Pool bar | The Oasis Beach Bar (Tower 1) | Wave Makers Pool Bar (Tower 2) |
| Fitness center | Located on first floor of Tower 1 (North Tower) | Not located in Tower 2 |
Pool hours and what to expect
Both towers feature resort-style outdoor pools with lifeguards and nearby pool bars. Poolside activities (movies, games, contests) run seasonally and can change for weather or operational reasons.
If pool time is a priority for your trip, Tower 1 is the safer choice for predictable daytime access; several guest reports note Tower 2's pool opening later on some days (for example, some listings show Tower 2 opening after mid-afternoon on certain weekdays).
- Pools: similar size and no slides; good for families.
- Children’s splash pad is on property and available to all guests.
- Pool bars do not serve food; Pier 8 Market is the food court for meals and snacks.
| What to confirm before arrival | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Today's pool hours for your tower | Tower 2 hours can vary by day; confirm if you plan morning swimming |
| Whether the pool bar is operating | Pool bars have set hours and later weekend hours; alcohol requires 21+ ID |
| Scheduled pool activities | Some activities run seasonally and can be canceled for weather |
Pool bars and alcohol rules
The Oasis Beach Bar serves Tower 1 and Wave Makers Pool Bar serves Tower 2. Both are poolside drink venues and do not provide full food service—guests go to Pier 8 Market for meals.
Universal property rules require that anyone purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages be at least 21 with valid photo ID. Pool bar hours are typically mid-day into evening, with slightly extended hours on weekends.
- No outside drinks permitted in pool areas; buy beverages from the pool bars.
- Wave Makers and Oasis Beach Bar typically open around late morning and run into the evening, with weekend extensions reported.
- If poolside drinks matter to your stay, being near the matching pool bar is convenient—Tower 1 for The Oasis, Tower 2 for Wave Makers.
| Pool Bar | Typical hours (reported) | Food service |
|---|---|---|
| The Oasis Beach Bar (Tower 1) | Around 11:00 AM–10:00 PM (Fri–Sat may extend later) | Drinks only |
| Wave Makers Pool Bar (Tower 2) | Around 11:00 AM–10:00 PM (weekends may extend later); some reports of later openings on certain days | Drinks only |
Rooms and views: how tower choice affects your room
Room types at the resort include Standard Room, Room, Pool View, Suite, 2 Bedrooms, and multiple mobility/hearing variants. Several room types explicitly list “Pool View” as an option; if you want a pool view, request a Pool View room when booking.
Tower assignment can determine whether you have a direct pool view or a different outlook; the resort page and room descriptions show Pool View options for both Standard and Suite room types.
- Room names to reference when booking: Standard Room; Room, Pool View; Suite, 2 Bedrooms; Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Pool View (and mobility/hearing variants).
- Pool View rooms list a pool-facing view and a square-footage note for some Suite, 2 Bedrooms, Pool View entries.
- If you need accessibility features, book the mobility or hearing variants shown in the room list.
| Room | Capacity / Notes |
|---|---|
| Standard Room (Includes Early Park Admission*) | Typically 2 Queen Beds; value-category option |
| Room, Pool View (Includes Early Park Admission*) | Pool-view wording is explicit; check tower assignment for best sightlines |
| Suite, 2 Bedrooms (Includes Early Park Admission*) | Larger family layout; pool-view suite options exist for a view of the pool area |
Practical matters: fitness center, shuttles, and check-in
The fitness center is located on the first floor of Tower 1 (North Tower) and is complimentary to all guests; reported hours are roughly 6 a.m.–10 p.m. If morning workouts are important, Tower 1 puts you closest to that facility.
Complimentary shuttle buses connect the resort to Universal theme parks and CityWalk; shuttles typically start running about an hour before park opening and are frequent throughout the day. Because the hotel sits across from the main Universal campus and I‑4, walking to the parks isn't practical for most guests.
- Check-in begins at 4:00 PM; standard check-out is 11:00 AM.
- Minimum check-in age is 21 (with active military exception allowing 17+ to check in under certain conditions).
- Shuttles generally run often and may arrive roughly every 15 minutes; verify exact schedules at check-in.
| Service | Where it’s located |
|---|---|
| Fitness center | First floor of Tower 1 (North Tower) |
| Shuttle buses to parks | Depart from outside resort lobbies; serve all Universal parks and CityWalk |
| Check-in / check-out | Check-in 4:00 PM; check-out 11:00 AM |
Who should choose which tower
Choose Tower 1 if you want reliable daytime pool access, the shortest walk to the fitness center, and a slightly more consistent pool schedule. Tower 1 is a practical choice for early swimmers and fitness-minded travelers.
Choose Tower 2 if being near the Wave Makers Pool Bar is a priority and you’re comfortable with possibly later pool opening hours on some days. Tower 2 works well for guests who plan to spend more late-afternoon or evening pool time and don’t need morning pool access.
- Tower 1: better for morning swimmers and guests wanting the fitness center close by.
- Tower 2: better for guests prioritizing Wave Makers Pool Bar and later pool-evening activity.
- If a specific room view matters, request a Pool View room in your booking and confirm tower assignment with the hotel or your booking agent.
| Priority | Best tower |
|---|---|
| Morning pool / fitness center access | Tower 1 |
| Evening poolside drinks | Tower 2 |
| Predictable daytime pool hours | Tower 1 |
