Universal Orlando Resort is by far one of the best Florida attractions. The resort consists of three amazing 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 definitely takes multiple days to enjoy all of it.

I specialize in helping people save money on theme park tickets. If you make purchases using the links below, I may be compensated.

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.

How to buy discount Universal Studios Orlando tickets that include Volcano Bay, pictured here.

See also: How to Buy Discount Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood

Important Universal Orlando Tips — New Measures

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. 

Heath and Safety Measures

With the parks’ reopening comes health and safety measures that all guests must comply with. You must wear a face covering when in the park and you must consent to a temperature check prior to entering the park. Guests with temperatures of 100.4˚ F or greater will not be admitted. You’ll be required to use hand sanitizer when asked and to practice appropriate distancing. These are just a few of the new safety measures in place. You can learn more here.

Gate Prices for Tickets

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 are some current ticket prices for some popular Universal Orlando tickets bought online, in advance, directly through Universal.

  • 1-Park – 1-Day ticket: Valid for a particular day only, is $109 per adult and $104 per child.
  • 2-Park – 1-Day ticket: Visit two parks on the same day, valid for a particular day only, is $164 per adult and $159 per child.
  • 2-Park – 2-Day ticket: Valid for one day and then any second day within seven days after that, starts at $278.99/ticket.
  • 3-Park – 4-Day Ticket: Valid for one day and then any three days after that within seven days after that, starts at $366.99/ticket.
  • 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

Hogwarts Express train to Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando.

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 Orlando with kids with a Harry Potter fan.

1. Discounted Park-Only and Combo Tickets

aRes Travel is a San Diego based, authorized ticket seller to major attractions and theme parks. They offer a myriad of ways to buy discount Universal Orlando tickets.

aRes Travel charges a $2 convenience fee per ticket, but you will still likely come out ahead. Prices include sales tax.

Promo Tickets — Some with 2 Days FREE!

Purchase by April 27, 2021 and the tickets stay valid until December 17, 2021.

2. Universal Orlando 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 lots of perks to staying on the resort that you also 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!

Universal Express Unlimited Package (Top Pick)

Temporarily not available. Loews Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Orlando, and Loews Royal Pacific also all offer complimentary Universal Express Unlimited to their hotel guests. This is in addition to early one-hour early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal’s Volcano Bay. Check the list benefits before you book but they definitely add value to your stay!

Book This Hotel Package

Universal Studios Orlando Early Admission Package

Temporarily not available. There are other Universal Orlando Resort hotels other than the ones listed above (such as Loews Sapphire Falls Resorts, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and others), and you can stay at any of them to enjoy extra benefits AND bundle your stay with tickets for extra savings. My favorite reason to stay on the Resort is for one-hour early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal’s Volcano Bay (check the calendar). Just keep in mind that different hotels offer different benefits.

Book This Hotel Package

Universal Orlando Resort Hotel + Ticket Package

Select your dates, select your hotel (on the resort or off the resort), then select the type of discount Universal Orlando tickets that you need to save. You can choose from 63 different hotels!

Book This Hotel Package
The exterior or Honeydukes candy shop at Universal Studios Orlando.

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 Honors, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, IHG Rewards Club, and Regal Crown Club.

View of Islands of Adventure and the Incredible Hulk roller coaster which you can see with cheap Universal Orlando tickets.

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 $559.99 that are attractive options for people who plan to visit the park multiple times per year.

Universal Studios Orlando Tickets & More 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 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 $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

See also:

Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).