Universal Orlando Resort is by far one of the best Florida attractions. The resort consists of three different theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay. You can reliably buy Universal Studios Orlando discount tickets which is helpful because it takes multiple days to enjoy all of it.
Please note: Out of an abundance of caution, Universal Orlando Resort theme parks and Blue Man Group shows will be closed between March 16-April 19. The hotels and Universal CityWalk will remain open.
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.
Volcano Bay is the Universal Orlando water park which features rides and experiences ranging from thrilling to serene.
See also: How to Buy Discount Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood
Important Universal Studios Orlando 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 parks, CityWalk, and hotels have to offer. If you’re looking for where to get discount tickets to Universal Orlando, I can help with that.
Gate Ticket Prices
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 a variety of ticket options, here is some current pricing information for some popular tickets bought online, in advance, directly through Universal Orlando.
- 1-Day, 1-Park ticket: Valid for a particular day only, currently starts at $119/ticket.
- 1-Day, Park-to-Park ticket: Visit multiple parks on the same day, valid for a particular day only, currently starts at $174/ticket.
- 2-Day Park-to-Park ticket: Valid for one day and then any second day within seven days after that, is $294/adult ticket and $284 per child.
- 4-Day, 3-Park ticket: Valid for one day and then any three days after that within seven days after that, for $329.99/adult ticket and $319.99 per child.
- Universal Express Unlimited ticket: Entitles the holder to skip the regular lines on most rides and attractions and is currently available multiple options, varying from 1–5 days total. But for quick reference here, the price for a one-day Universal Express Unlimited ticket is $89.99 per person for one park.
- VIP Experience tickets: These include exclusive backstage access and the ability to enjoy the parks’ most amazing rides and attractions without waiting in line. Prices are currently $189 per day per adult ticket for Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
- Blue Man Group: Tickets to a show by the Blue Man Group, whether on their own or in combination with park tickets as a package, are also available.
Read the Terms and Conditions
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.
Detailed below are methods for scoring Universal Studios Orlando ticket deals that are reliable, so you don’t have to scour the internet for promo codes that likely won’t work.
Hogwarts Express
Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are separate parks but are connected to each other 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. This is a must-have if you are visiting with a Harry Potter fan.
1. aRes Travel (Currently the Lowest Prices Online!)
aRes Travel is a San Diego based, authorized ticket seller to major attractions and theme parks. They offer a myriad of ways to buy discounted Universal Orlando tickets. aRes Travel charges a $2 convenience fee per ticket, but you will still likely come out ahead.
Universal 2-Day Ticket + 2 DAYS FREE
Park-to-Park Tickets WITH Volcano Bay
Park-to-Park Tickets
Base Tickets (One Park Per Day Without Volcano Bay)
Universal Orlando Vacation Packages
aRes Travel also offers Universal Orlando vacation packages that combine discounted tickets with 15 different hotels.
(We like to stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and ride its water shuttle to the park. There are lots of perks to staying on the resort.)
2. UniversalOrlando.com
You may purchase tickets directly online at UniversalOrlando.com. They offer multiple ticket options (already detailed in bullet points above).
Another option of note is that guests who purchase a Universal Orlando Vacation Package (a hotel and park ticket bundle, for example) through UniversalOrlando.com are entitled to enter Volcano Bay and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Florida 1 hour early each morning, before the gates open for general admission.
3. Military Discounts
Universal Orlando offers specially-priced tickets to Leisure Travel offices at military bases around the country for resale to active duty, retired military and Department of Defense personnel. Also, active-duty military with valid military IDs can receive a discount when purchasing multi-day tickets at the front gate tickets windows at Universal Orlando Resort.
4. Costco
Occasionally, Costco sells Universal Orlando discount tickets. The best thing to do is search the website to see what is currently on offer or keep checking the theme park tickets section of your local store.
5. AAA Discount
AAA members can save on Universal Orlando tickets, as well as when purchasing select things in-park.
6. Awards Points
Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to use award points to buy Universal Orlando Tickets including, American Express, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Hilton HHonors, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, IHG Rewards Club, and Regal Crown Club.
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 15 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 are available online.
8. Discounts For Florida Residents
Universal Orlando offers discounts to Florida residents, including on Annual Passes.
9. Annual Passes
Universal Orlando also offers Seasonal and Annual Passes starting at $304.99 and going up to $733.99 that are attractive options for people who plan to visit the park multiple times per year.
Universal Studios Orlando FAQ
There is a lot to keep in mind when it comes to planning your next Universal Studios Orlando vacation. To make it easier on you, I’ve compiled answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about the parks.
What are the park hours?
Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are both 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 you go.
Does Universal Studios offer fast passes?
Yes, the park offers a fast pass called the Universal Express Pass, which let 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 $25. RV and bus parking costs $30 and prime parking is $40. There are two parking structures available for the parks.
Can I bring food into the park?
You are allowed to 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 in the same day?
Within the same day, you can leave the park and reenter the same park. If you have a multi-day, one-park per day pass, you can leave the park, but you cannot visit a different park in 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 to each other 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.
How do you buy Universal Orlando discount tickets?
*Photos are courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
