Universal Studios Orlando Discount Tickets: 9 Cheap Ways (2023)

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.

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.

• Face coverings are recommended, but optional while indoors.
• No proof of vaccination is required.

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 if purchased at the gate. Prices rise and fall depending on the time of year and the date, but general gate pricing is as follows:

• 1-Day- Park-to-Park ticket: Valid for 2 parks in 1 day at $227.91 per adult and $222.59 per child.
• 2-Day Park-to-Park ticket: Valid for admission to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Florida for two days. Guests can visit both parks on the same day. Prices are $406.82 for adults and $396.17 for children.
• 3-Day Base Ticket (One Park Per Day): Valid for guest admission to either Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure for each day. Ticket is valid for any three days within a seven consecutive calendar day period. Prices are $371.67 for adults and $361.02 for children.
• 4-Day Base Ticket (One Park Per Day): This ticket entitles guests admission to either Universal Studios or Universal’s Islands of Adventure per day, for 4 days. Prices are $386.58 for adults and $375.93 for children.

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 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.

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 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!

Universal orlando Express Unlimited Package

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!

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.

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, vacation packages, and hotels.

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.

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 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. Currently, they are offering 2 and 3 park passes at $424.99 and going up to $944.99, which 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 $27. RV and bus parking costs $32, and prime parking is $40 – $60. 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

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