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. It is possible to buy discount Universal Studios Orlando tickets which is helpful seeing that it does take multiple days to enjoy all of it.
About 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 Universal’s all-new water park featuring rides and experiences ranging from thrilling to serene.
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.
Detailed below are methods for buying Universal Orlando discount tickets that are reliable, to prevent you from scouring the internet for promo codes that likely won’t work.
See also: How to Buy Discount Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood
Important Universal Studios Orlando Tips
Park Hours
Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure are both open 365 days a year and typically open at 9:00 a.m. Closing times vary. Universal’s Volcano Bay opens at 10:00 a.m. but always check the online calendar before you go.
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 $115/ticket.
- 1-Day, Park-to-Park ticket: Visit multiple parks on the same day, valid for a particular day only, currently starts at $170/ticket.
- 2-Day Park-to-Park ticket: Valid for one day and then any second day within seven days after that, is $284.99/adult ticket and $274.99 per child.
- 4-Day, 3-Park ticket: Valid for one day and then any three days after that within seven days after that, for $384.99/adult ticket and $374.99 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 Orlando discount tickets so that they do not expire before your visit and you are aware of refund or transfer policies.
Universal Orlando Parking Tips
Note that the parking fee at the parking garage at Universal Orlando (for all three parks) starts at $25 per car.
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. 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.
Park-to-Park Ticket + Volcano Bay Water Theme Park FREE
Base Ticket (One Park Per Day) + Volcano Bay Water Theme Park 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 ticket packages with 15 different hotels.
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
Group 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.
How do you buy Universal Orlando discount tickets?
*Photos are courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort
