How To Buy Universal Orlando Discount Tickets

Universal Orlando 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 Universal Orlando discount 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, 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 has been named TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best Amusement Park in the World for 2015, 2016, and 2017 because it’s 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 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.

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 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. Here is some current pricing information for tickets bought online, in advance, directly through Universal Orlando.

1-Day, 1-Park ticket: Valid for a particular day only, currently starts at $110/ticket.
1-Day, Park-to-Park ticket: Visit multiple parks on the same day, valid for a particular day only, currently starts at $165/ticket.
2-Day Park-to-Park ticket: Valid for one day and then any second day within seven days after that, is $285/adult ticket and $275 per child.
4-Day, 3-Park ticket: Valid for one day and then any three days after that within seven days after that, for $325/adult ticket and $315 per child.
Universal Express Unlimited ticket: Entitles the holder to skip the regular lines on most rides and attractions and is currently available in 2-Park and 3-Park options, varying from 1–5 days total. Specific prices vary because there are so many options. But for quick reference here, the range is roughly $245–$530/adult ticket.
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 $219 per day/adult ticket for both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure or $209 per day/adult ticket for one park.
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) is currently $20 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. UniversalOrlando.com

You may purchase tickets directly online at UniversalOrlando.com. They offer multiple ticket options (already detailed in bullet points above). Online ticket prices reflect a $20 discount off of the full retail price at the gate.

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.

2. aRes Travel (Popular)

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.

3-Park 2-Day Park-to-Park

Adults pay the kids price. Save up to $45 per person. The 3-Park 2-Day Park-to-Park Ticket entitles one guest admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure AND Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park on the same day. Ticket is valid for any two calendar days during a seven consecutive calendar day period which includes the first day any portion of the ticket is used. Hogwarts Express included. (Price: $308/adult and $307 child)

3-Park 3-Day Park-to-Park

The 3-Park 3-Day Park-to-Park Ticket entitles one guest admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure AND Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park on the same day. The ticket is valid for any three calendar days during a seven consecutive calendar day period which includes the first day any portion of the ticket is used. (Price: $339/adult and $329 child)

3-Park 4-Day Park-to-Park

4 Days for the price of 3! The 3-Park 4-Day Park-to-Park Ticket entitles one guest admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure AND Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park on the same day. (Price: $339/adult and $329/child)

3-Park 3-Day Base (One Park Per Day)

Save up to $24 per person. The 3-Park 3-Day Base Ticket entitles one guest admission to one Universal Orlando Resort theme park per day: Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure or Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park. Hogwarts Express is not included. (Price: $288/adult and $276/child)

3-Park 4-Day Base (One Park Per Day)

4-days for the price of a 3-day Base. Save up to $24 per person. The 3-Park 3-Day Base Ticket entitles one guest admission to one Universal Orlando Resort theme park per day: Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure or Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park. Hogwarts Express is not included. (Price: $305/adult and $294/child)

2-Park 2-Day Park-to-Park

Save up to $32 per person. The 2-Park 2-Day Park-to-Park Ticket entitles one guest admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure on the same day. Hogwarts Express is included. (Price: $271/adult and $269/child)

2-Park 3-Day Park-to-Park

Three days for the price of two. Save up to $54 per person. The 2-Park 3-Day Park-to-Park Ticket entitles one guest admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure on the same day. Hogwarts Express is included. (Price: $271/adult and $269/child)

2-Park 4-Day Park-to-Park

The 2-Park 4-Day Park-to-Park Ticket entitles one guest admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure on the same day. Hogwarts is Express included. (Price: $296/adult and $285/child)

2-Park 2-Day Base – (One Park Per Day)

The 2-Park 2-Day Base Ticket entitles one guest admission to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure per day. Hogwarts Express is not included. (Price: $212/adult and $201/child)

2-Park 3-Day Base – (One Park Per Day)

The 2-Park 3-Day Base Ticket entitles one guest admission to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure per day. Hogwarts Express is not included. (Price: $231/adult and $222/child)

2-Park 4-Day Base – (One Park Per Day)

4 days for the price of 3! The 2-Park 4-Day Base Ticket entitles one guest admission to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure per day. (Price: $231/adult and $222/child)

Universal Orlando Vacation Packages

aRes travel also offers ticket packages with 15 different hotels.

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$284.99 and going up to $539.99 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