Universal Orlando Resort is by far one of the best Florida attractions. The resort has three amazing theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay. You can reliably buy Universal Orlando discount tickets, which is helpful because it definitely takes multiple days to enjoy all of it.
Below, we have only mentioned authorized ticket sellers, so you don’t have to worry about special offers, deals, and promo codes that don’t work. We fact-check these methods regularly and use them personally for our own theme park visits.
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Quick Overview of the Universal Orlando Theme Parks
Universal Studios Florida has rides and shows based on various movie and TV properties, including Harry Potter (Diagon Alley is a highlight), Transformers, Minions, The Simpsons, and Jurassic Park, among many others that transport visitors into a highly imaginative world where they can become heroes of their adventure.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is considered to have the most innovative rides and attractions ever made on seven spectacularly themed islands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, Seuss Landing and Port of Entry.
Universal’s Volcano Bay is the Universal Orlando water park with rides and experiences ranging from thrilling to serene. Thanks to Florida weather, this water theme park is open year-round, though closed on select weekdays depending on the time of year. Rides have virtual queues to ensure you wait less in line.
See also: How to Buy Discount Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood
Know Before You Go: Universal Orlando Gate Prices & Tips
While one full day at Universal Orlando is better than no days at all, plan at least 2-3 days to experience all that the Universal theme parks, CityWalk, and hotels offer. If you’re looking for where to get discount tickets to Universal Orlando, I can help with that.
Gate Prices for Tickets Are Dynamic
The prices of Universal Studios Orlando tickets rise and fall based on season and demand. If traveling during peak season, it is wise to purchase tickets in advance to avoid surge pricing.
While there are various ticket options, here are some current ticket prices for some popular Universal Orlando tickets if purchased at the gate. Prices rise and fall depending on the time of year and the date, but general gate pricing for non-Florida residents BEFORE TAXES is as follows:
- 1-Day Park-to-Park: $249.53/adult and $243.86/child
There are also 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day tickets available, and the longer tickets can include Volcano Bay. Right now, there is a two free days promotion, so even if you don’t want to spend four or five days, that’s what you pay for, so you might as well enjoy it!
It is also tricky to figure out where the best price is because some sellers calculate by your per-day cost. Some include taxes while others don’t, and there are transaction fees to consider before figuring out your best final price. Also, be sure to read all terms and conditions before purchasing Universal Studios Orlando discount tickets so that they do not expire before your visit and you are aware of refund or transfer policies.
Decide whether to buy Park-to-Park vs. Base tickets
You’ll want to decide whether you would like a Park-to-Park or Base ticket. A Park-to-Park ticket means that you can visit more than one park in a day. A Base ticket limits you to visiting only one park in a day.
How to ride the Hogwarts Express
Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are separate parks but connected via the Harry Potter-themed Hogwarts Express. You need a Park-to-Park ticket enabling same-day access to both parks to ride the Hogwarts Express. This is a must-do if you are visiting Orlando with kids with a Harry Potter fan so your choice between Park-to-Park and Base may be made solely by this.
1. Discounted Park-to-Park and Base Tickets (Two Days FREE Promo)
We sell tickets through aRes Travel, a San Diego-based, authorized ticket seller to major attractions and theme parks. This allows us to offer you a myriad of ways to buy discounted Universal Orlando tickets (and we sell A LOT of Universal Studios Hollywood tickets through them as well).
There is a $2 convenience fee per ticket, but you will still likely come out ahead. Prices include sales tax.
2. Universal Orlando Resort Vacation Packages
You can also book Universal Orlando vacation packages that combine cheap Universal Orlando tickets with different hotels, including Universal Resort Hotels, which provide guests with value-added theme park benefits.
(We like to stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and ride its water shuttle to the park. There are many perks to staying on the resort that you can enjoy!)
TIP: LOOK FOR PRICE DROPS!
When you search for Universal Orlando vacation packages below, look for the special Price Drop notifications that identify extra savings. The longer you stay, the more valuable these price drops are!
3. Military Discounts
Universal Orlando offers specially priced tickets to Leisure Travel offices at military bases around the country for sale to active duty, retired military, and Department of Defense personnel. Active-duty military with valid military IDs can also receive a discount when purchasing multi-day tickets, vacation packages, and hotels. Currently, Universal Orlando is offering the 2024 Military Freedom Pass Promotional Ticket, where eligible service members can Choose from 2-Park or 3-Park options starting at $210.
4. Costco
Costco no longer sells Universal Orlando discount tickets online or any theme park admission really. You can check your local store’s theme park tickets section, but there haven’t been any in ours for years. This is because Costco focuses now on theme park vacation packages where they can bundle tickets and a hotel together for members.
5. AAA Discount
AAA members can save on Universal Orlando tickets and select things in-park when purchasing.
6. Awards Points
Under certain circ*mstances, you may be eligible to use award points to buy Universal Orlando tickets, including American Express, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Hilton Honors, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, IHG Rewards Club, and Regal Crown Club.
For example, I see tickets available on select dates through Chase Ultimate Rewards, where you can pay with either cash or points. I could understand doing this if you did not want to spend any cash on your tickets, but I personally like to use my Chase points for other things.
7. Group Discounts
Groups of 20 or more can take advantage of discounted Group Rates available for Half-Day Tickets, Full-Day Tickets, and Multi-Day Tickets. Call 1-888-266.2121 or get the details online.
Youth groups of 10 or more from Florida, Domestic U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico will receive reduced admission on single and multi-day tickets to Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, and Universal’s Volcano Bay. Details for these discount Universal Orlando tickets are available online.
8. Discounts For Florida Residents
Universal Orlando offers ticket discounts to Florida residents, including on Annual Passes, which is pretty awesome.
9. Annual Passes
Universal Orlando also offers Seasonal and Annual Passes. Currently, they offer 2 and 3 park passes at $299 and up to $955, which are attractive options for people who plan to visit the park multiple times per year.
Universal Orlando Tickets & More Theme Park FAQ
When planning your next Universal Studios Orlando vacation, there is a lot to consider. To make it easier, I’ve compiled answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about the parks so that you can enjoy the endless awesome.
What are the park hours?
Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are open 365 days a year and typically open at 9 a.m. Closing times vary. Universal’s Volcano Bay opens at 10 a.m., but always check the online calendar before going because this water theme park is not open daily (but is open on most days).
Does Universal Studios offer fast passes?
Yes, the park offers a fast pass called the Universal Express Pass, which lets you skip the lines on some of the most popular rides and attractions. This pass is an add-on to your regular admission ticket.
Does the park offer annual passes?
The park offers four kinds of passes: Premier Annual Pass, Preferred Annual Pass, Power Annual Pass, and Seasonal Pass. Each pass offers a full year of admission and additional discounts and perks at each of the parks.
How much is Universal Orlando parking?
General parking starts at $32. RV and bus parking costs $42, and prime parking is $50 – $60. There are two parking structures available for the parks.
Can I bring food into the park?
You can bring bottled water, snacks that do not require heating, baby formula, and meals for guests with special dietary restrictions or medical conditions.
Can you leave Universal Studios and come back on the same day?
Within the same day, you can leave the park and reenter the same park. If you have a multi-day, Base (one-park-per-day) pass, you can leave the park, but you cannot visit a different park on that same day. However, if you have a park-to-park pass, you can leave, enter, and re-enter any park you’d like.
Are Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure connected?
Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are separate parks but are connected via the Harry Potter-themed Hogwarts Express. You need a Park-to-Park ticket enabling same-day access to both parks to ride the Hogwarts Express between the parks.
Do you need a ticket to go to Citywalk?
No, it’s free to enter Universal Citywalk. And, it opens earlier than the parks and closes later than the parks, so is an excellent place to wander and dine on your next universal vacation.
Where can I get $45 Universal Tickets?
There are a couple of sites and travel agencies advertising $45 Universal tickets 2024, and I would caution you about using them. I called one and was given information that, as a travel advisor myself, raises red flags. These tickets are part of an accommodation package and can’t be booked separately.
They asked me for dates, and I gave a mid-March date. The quote I was given was $252 per person for two-day park to park tickets, which is not $45 per person for a one-day ticket. And I had to purchase a stay at an unnamed hotel and there was some mention of a gift card rebate. No thank you.
What About Florida Welcome Center $69 Universal Tickets?
The $69 Universal Orlando tickets at official Florida Welcome Centers were a special deal aimed at Florida residents. These Welcome Centers (be careful of the unofficial centers) are located along interstate highways entering Florida, such as I-75 and I-95 from Georgia and I-10 from Alabama. We called these three centers, and as of the time of this writing, they were not selling tickets.
Can I buy Universal Studios Tickets $49 Deals?
The $49 Universal Studios Orlando ticket offer appears to be a promotional or special deal available through certain ticket outlets like the Orlando Ticket Office. We were unable to trigger this price, but they are offering two tickets for $79. What’s the catch? Well, you need to visit Westgate Resorts and sit through a 90-minute presentation at a designated time and fit specific demographic and resident criteria. Yes, these are timeshares. There are easier ways to get Universal Studios promotions.
How do you buy Universal Orlando discount tickets?
*Photos are courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
See also:
- How to Buy Discount Walt Disney World Tickets
- How to Skip the Lines at Universal Orlando
- How to Buy LEGOLAND Florida Tickets
- How to Buy Gatorland Florida Tickets
- How to Buy Kennedy Space Center Tickets
