Universal Orlando is a great vacation destination with great things to see like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, two great theme parks, Volcano Bay, the Blue Man Group in CityWalk, and more!
When it comes to tickets to Universal Studios Orlando we have the top ways to save on gate price admission to the theme parks along with an exclusive offer to get 2 days free. Keep reading our guide for tips on visiting Universal Orlando, Volcano Bay, and ways to get your hands on great discounts for Universal Orlando tickets.
In this article:
Universal Studios of Orlando Basic Information
The theme parks at Universal are based on a popular variety of television and movies such as Harry Potter, Despicable Me, The Simpsons, Jurassic Park, superheroes, and more. Universal Orlando offers two parks and its own water park: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay.
- Universal Studios Florida’s main attractions include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and the Simpsons ride.
- Universal’s Islands of Adventure’s main attractions include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade, Jurassic Park River Adventure, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat’s Barges.
- Universal Orlando Volcano Bay Water Park‘s main attractions include large raft rides, tall body slides, twisting water slides, a lazy river and relaxed beach atmosphere options including cabana rentals and reserved dining. Volcano Bay is a great way to spend a hot day in Florida.
Once you decide which park is priority, whether you want to visit Volcano Bay, if you want to do one park per day or do two days, etc. you can effectively plan what type of Universal Studios tickets Orlando you need to purchase.
Discount Universal Orlando Tickets
Once you've figured out the duration of your stay and which theme park options are your priority, we've got tons of great discounts for tickets to save on the gate price to Universal Studio Orlando. Keep reading for the top ways to save on Universal Studio ticket options including buy 2 days get 2 days free.
1. Approved Ticket Reseller Get Away Today
The best ticket prices available for Orlando Universal Studio tickets are from the authorized ticket reseller, Get Away Today. They have the best ticket prices around and fantastic customer service. And they are always offering exclusive ticket sales including buy 2 days, get 2 days free!
Buy 2 days, get 2 FREE at Universal Orlando. Book here>>>
To offer this these ticket discounts like the get 2 days free at Universal, Get Away Today purchases huge blocks of tickets and breaks them up to sell to guests. Don't get caught paying the ticket gate price when you can get a ticket at a lower price from them. All tickets are sent electronically to save guests the hassle of going to a ticket booth to pick up will call tickets and no way to forget them at home. If you book your ticket at least two days before you arrive to Universal you can ensure they are processed in time for your first day of vacation. And with great ticket offers throughout the year, like the current buy 2 days get 2 days free, you can't go wrong with going to them for your tickets to Universal Studio Orlando.
Get Away Today also offers layaway plans that allows guests to make as many payments as you would like on your vacation up to five days before the departure date. The first payment requires a minimum payment of $175, including the layaway plan fee, guests can then decide how many payments they'd like to make. The vacation is held until the final payment is made for ticket and hotel which makes this a great option for families to be able to plan and save for their trip.
2. Vacation Packages
Universal Orlando also offers a large selection of vacation packages so guests can bundle tickets with their on-site hotels. There are some great perks to staying on-site at Universal Orlando like being close to the theme parks like Universal Studios Florida and Volcano Bay. You're also within walking distance of City Walk to see the popular Blue Man Group.
Here are some of the perks on-site guests at Universal Orlando enjoy:
- Easy walking distance to the parks using the CityWalk pathway to see popular entertainment like the Blue Man Group.
- One hour early entrance into the theme parks.
- Easy access to Universal's Volcano Bay.
- Guests staying at select on-site hotels can skip the regular lines at the most popular attractions with free Universal Express Unlimited to Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Island of Adventure. Including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and now The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Complimentary transportation to the theme parks using the scenic water taxi or bus.
- Room-key purchasing and complimentary hotel delivery of purchases.
- Character wake up calls from character such as the Grinch, Spider Man, Optimus Prime, etc.
Guests that are looking to be close to the action can stay on site and save on the gate price by purchasing from our ticket partner to get 2 days free!
3. Annual Passes
Annual Passes are another way to save money at Universal Orlando and there are a variety of options for guests looking to visit for more than 2 days and avoid any block out dates. Depending on your priorities for visiting Universal Studios in Orlando, you can find an annual pass that fits your needs and save on the gate price.
Seasonal Pass
- $304.99 per person.
- Park to Park admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Block out dates apply.
- No flexible pay option, must pay full price in one installment.
- On-site hotel discounts.
- Discounts on theme park tickets and special events.
Power Pass
- $354.99 per person.
- Flexible pay options offered after initial down payment- pay less than $17 a month.
- Park to Park admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Block out dates apply.
- On-site hotel discounts.
- Discounts on theme park tickets and special events.
- Admission to select events and concerts.
- 50% off regular daytime parking.
Preferred Pass
- $394.99 per person.
- Flexible pay options offered after initial down payment- pay less than $19 a month.
- Park to Park admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. No block out dates.
- On-site hotel
- Early park admission. Block out dates apply.
- Discounted food, merchandise & specialty items.
- discounts.
- Discounts on theme park tickets and special events.
- Admission to select events and concerts.
- Free parking.
Premier Pass
- $559.99 per person.
- Flexible pay options offered after initial down payment- pay less than $27 a month.
- Park to Park admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. No block out dates.
- Universal Express after 4PM.
- Early park admission.
- One free Halloween Horror Nights ticket on select nights.
- Discounted food, merchandise & specialty items.
- On-site hotel discounts.
- Discounts on theme park tickets and special events.
- Admission to select events and concerts.
- Free self parking.
- Free valet parking.
Seasonal Pass
- $403.99 per person.
- Park to Park admission to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Universal's Volcano Bay. Blockout dates and restrictions apply.
- No flexible pay option, must pay full price in one installment.
- On-site Universal hotel discounts.
- Discounts on Universal theme park tickets and special events.
Power Pass
- $463.99 per person.
- Flexible pay options offered after initial down payment- pay less than $22 a month.
- Park to Park admission to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Universal's Volcano Bay. Blockout dates and restrictions apply.
- On-site Universal hotel discounts.
- Discounts on Universal theme park tickets and special events.
- Admission to select Universal events and concerts.
- 50% off regular daytime Universal parking.
Preferred Pass
- $503.99 per person.
- Flexible pay options offered after initial down payment- pay less than $24 a month.
- Park to Park admission to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Universal's Volcano Bay. Block out dates apply to Volcano Bay.
- On-site Universal hotel discounts.
- Early park admission for Universal Studios and Island of Adventure. . Blockout dates and restrictions apply.
- Discounted Universal food, merchandise & specialty items.
- Discounts on Universal theme park tickets and special events.
- Admission to select Universal events and concerts.
- Free Universal parking.
Premier Pass
- $733.99 per person.
- Flexible pay options offered after initial down payment- pay less than $34 a month.
- Park to Park admission to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Universal's Volcano Bay.
- Universal Express after 4PM for Universal Studios and Island of Adventure.
- Early park admission for Universal Studios and Island of Adventure.
- One free Halloween Horror Nights ticket on select nights.
- Discounted Universal food, merchandise & specialty items.
- On-site Universal hotel discounts.
- Discounts on Universal theme park tickets and special events.
- Admission to select Universal events and concerts.
- Free Universal parking.
- Free Universal valet parking.
4. Discount Tickets for Universal Studios Orlando for Annual Passholders
Annual Passholders get the option to purchase Universal Orlando tickets at the gate for a discount off the gate price.
Seasonal Passholders will receive 10% off the gate price while the rest of the Annual Passes will receive 15% off gate price for Universal Orlando tickets. You cannot purchase these tickets in advance- they have to be bought at the gate. Some restrictions apply to saving on the gate price: you cannot purchase Express Passes or one day Volcano Bay tickets.
5. Florida Resident Universal Orlando Ticket Options
Florida residents can also take advantage of one park and park-to-park ticket options throughout the year by following the official Universal Orlando website for seasonal sales for a discount off the gate price. Typically, Florida Residents save over $50 off the gate price on all multi-day ticket options, one park, and park-to-park ticket options when you buy online.
Florida residents are also offered Universal Studios Orlando discount ticket options for their vacation package which can also be a great wave to save on gate price ticket cost for the theme parks.
Students, faculty, and staff at University of Central Florida can receive tickets through the Universal website or in the student union. Limit of two tickets per 30 days. Ticket options usually run out at these student union centers so purchase in advance to ensure you get your ticket.
6. Military Universal Orlando Discount Ticket Options
Active duty military personnel and Veterans can take advantage of Universal Studios Orlando discount tickets directly from Universal Orlando. When you receive your ticket at the gate you will only receive $3 off per price of admission so we recommend planning in advance to get the best price for Universal Orlando tickets. To qualify, you must be Active Duty, Retiree, 100% disabled Veteran, Medal of Honor Recipient, Active Guard/Reserve, spouse/dependent ID card holder of those categories (or DOD NAF/GS employee, “if applicable”). Present your valid Military or US Government ID at the ticket booth in order to receive your discount for Universal Studios Florida.
- Your local base Military Ticket Office is a place to purchase your Universal Studios Florida discount tickets at a better price- call in advance to make sure they have them available.
- Contact the Military Ticket Program at (901) 874-6891 to locate the nearest Military Ticket office for prices and purchase options. The Military Ticket Program office hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 am –4:00 pm Central Time, Closed Weekends and Holidays.
Universal Orlando also offers a Military Vacation package for active duty military personnel and veterans. This offer starts at $105 per person, per night, based on a family of four and includes:
- 3-Night Hotel Accommodations
- 3-Park 4-Day Park-to-Park Military Promotional Ticket 1 to Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure AND Universal's Volcano Bay
- Early Park Admission 2 to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal's Volcano Bay one hour before the park opens (valid theme park admission required, select attractions)
- Access to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk such as the Blue Man Group entertainment.
To book your Universal Studios Florida theme park vacation, call 1-877-801-9720 or visit your military base ticket office (ITT/LTS)
7. Redeem Points for Universal Orlando Tickets
There are a few reward programs out there that give you the option of redeeming points for Universal Studios Florida ticket options which can be a great way to save money on your Universal vacation. Here are some of the reward programs that offer Universal Orlando tickets for redemption:
- American Express Rewards points can be redeemed for one day adult and one-day child tickets.
- Chase Rewards offers rewards not just for tickets but also for hotels.
- Hilton Honors also offers redemption on hotels and tickets.
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards can be redeemed for tickets.
8. AAA/CAA Universal Orlando Discounts
All AAA (American Automobile Association) and CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) members can save $4 on a 2-Day/2-Park ticket and $5 off a 3-Day/2-Park tickets at the Universal Studios Florida gate. This is valid for six people per membership card. Members also get 10% off many locations at the Universal Studios CityWalk restaurants which can add to a great evening out if you plan on seeing the Blue Man Group.
Universal Orlando Discount Tickets Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to planning your trip to Universal Studios Florida and finding discount tickets, guests typically have many questions to help them get the best prices.
How can I get cheap Universal Orlando tickets?
There are a variety of ways to get discounts for Universal Orlando tickets and some of the best ways are by researching and planning in advance. Read through our article, identify if you qualify for any high dollar discounts (Florida Resident, etc.) and if not- buy from our authorized ticket reseller Get Away Today. Most of the discounts on our page don't compare to the great prices our partner offers such as buy 2 days get 2 days free ticket options!
Does Costco sell Universal Orlando tickets?
Costco often offers Orlando vacation packages and discount ticket options. Check Costco's Travel website and search for “Universal Orlando” to see if there are any current Universal deals. Costco's deals change often so it's always good to keep checking back! Often restrictions can apply to Universal Orlando packages so always read the fine print. See all details on discount Costco Universal tickets.
Where can I get cheap Universal Studios tickets?
There are a variety of places to get great discounts on Universal Orlando tickets but the takeaway here seems to be purchasing online and in advance will always get you the best discount. Our favorite place to get Universal tickets at a great price is our partner Get Away Today especially with their buy 2 days get 2 days free ticket options. If you're looking to really enjoy a vacation at Universal you can't go wrong with the option to get 2 days free.
What is gate price admission for Universal Orlando?
It's good to know what the gate price is for Universal tickets so you can effectively compare with the Universal discount options. Here are the current gate prices for 1-day Orlando Universal Studios tickets:
1-Park 1-Day Ticket
The one park per day ticket lets you choose from Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure:
- If you purchase your one park per dayUniversal Orlando ticket online, prices range from $111-$129 for adults and start at $109 for children.
1-Day Volcano Bay Ticket
This ticket allows entrance to Volcano Bay.
- If you purchase your Volcano Bay ticket online, prices range from $80-$85 for adults and $75 for children.
2-Park 1-Day Ticket
Includes Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure:
Ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade Station and King's Cross Station with a Park-to-Park Ticket.
- If you purchase your Universal Orlando park-to-park tickets online, prices range from $170-$184 for adults and start at $164 for children.
Prices will vary depending on the date you select with factors impacting price such as the season, day of the week etc. You will always save on the gate price at Universal by purchasing your 1 or 2 park per day tickets online.
What is the Universal Express Pass?
The Universal Express Pass is a way to cut the line at the most popular rides including The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and now The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is essentially the Universal Orlando version of the FastPass that Disney offers- you get access to a separate queue line that is often much shorter than the typical line. You can go to the Universal Orlando website here for more information on how to purchase the Express Pass or add it on to your Universal tickets. If you're only planning to do one park per day, this can be a great way to maximize time.
How much is the Express Pass for Universal Orlando?
The thing to keep in mind is that the Universal Express Pass price can vary depending on the season. Busier days the price will be higher with lower attendance days having a lower cost. Here is the average price you can expect to pay for the Express Pass:
2-Park Universal Express Unlimited Pass
- From $99 per day, allows unlimited use of Express Pass on attractions in both parks
Universal Express Unlimited Pass To Universal’s Islands of Adventure Ticket
- From $89 per day, allows unlimited use of Express Pass on attractions
Universal Express Unlimited Pass To Universal Studios Florida Ticket
- From $89 per day, allows unlimited use of Express Pass on attractions
2-Park Universal Express Pass Ticket
- From $79 per day, allows one use of Express Pass per attraction at both parks
Universal Express Pass To Universal’s Islands of Adventure Ticket
- From $69 per day, allows one use of Express Pass per attraction
Universal Express Pass To Universal Studios Florida
- From $69 per day, allows one use of Express Pass per attraction
1-Park Universal Express PLUS to Universal's Volcano Bay Ticket
- From $39 per day, allows one use of Express Pass per attraction.
1-Park Universal Express to Universal's Volcano Bay Ticket
- From $19 per day, allows one use of Express Pass on select attractions.
Is the Express Pass worth it?
This is a highly subjective question depending on how many days you are visiting Universal and what your priorities are. If you only have one day to spend at the park, even with a park-to-park ticket, that's not a lot of time to see all the attractions. If you're only seeing one park per day, then you might be able to get away without needing to purchase it. Purchasing an Express Pass in this scenario might be worth it. If you have more days to spend at each park per day then you might be able to get away without purchasing the Universal Express Pass to save some money.
The other alternative to buying Universal Express Passes is using the free Single Rider lines for top attractions at Universal. Regardless if you're planning to do one park per day ticket or not you will get access to much shorter line queues. You will wait in a much shorter line with Single Rider and then be split up from your party to be put into empty seats on various ride cars. If you don't mind being split up from your party, consider utilizing Single Rider at Universal Orlando.
Can I bundle my tickets with Universal Express?
Yes, you can bundle your park-to-park tickets with Universal Express if you want! However, you will be paying gate price for a park per day ticket so we still recommend buying discount Universal ticket options and then adding Universal Express when you arrive.
Here are the prices for a park-to-park ticket with Universal Express:
2-Park Park-To-Park + Express Unlimited Ticket
Get admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure with Universal Express Unlimited access for ONE DAY.
- From $248 per person- prices may vary depending on the day/season.
3-Park Park-To-Park + Express Unlimited Ticket
Get ticket admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal's Volcano Bay, plus Universal Express Unlimited access for ONE DAY.
- From $464 per person- prices may vary depending on the day/season.
See Universal Orlando's site for more information on these bundled Florida and Universal park per day ticket options.
What is the Universal Orlando VIP Experience?
If you're looking to splurge and be treated like royalty for a day, then consider booking the VIP experience at Universal Orlando. This experience has two options: being escorted on a guided group tour OR being in your own exclusive VIP group at Universal.
You will be personally escorted by a Universal Orlando VIP guide through Universal Studios Florida or Universal's Islands of Adventure- or BOTH with a park-to-park experience.
VIP insiders get exclusive Universal Orlando backstage access, insider information, and enjoy the rides without waiting in line.
Purchase a 1 park per day, park-to-park ticket Experience for a seven hour tour with priority entrance into a minimum of ten rides and attractions, or purchase a 1-Day, 1-Park Experience for a five hour tour with priority entrance into a minimum of eight major rides and attractions at the park of your choice. Separate tickets for Florida and Universal is required. The cost for the VIP tours start at $189 per person. In addition to front of the line access, you also get valet parking, reserved seating at shows, complimentary breakfast and lunch, VIP lanyard, Universal Express Unlimited for the rest of your day, and CityWalk Party Pass.
Separate Universal theme park ticket is required for all VIP Experiences. To book a Private VIP Tour or for more ticket details, call (866) 346-9350, 9 am–7 pm, seven days a week.
Universal Orlando Planning Tips
Planning a Universal vacation is a big deal and we want to make sure you have every detail covered. Here are a few other things to take into consideration when planning your Universal Orlando trip:
- Park Hours: Check Universal’s website for current park hours. Most often parks open at 9AM and stay open as late as 10PM in the summer months. Universal's Volcano Bay typically opens at 10AM. Make sure to check the Universal's Volcano Bay website here as hours may vary depending on the day of the week and time of year.
- Parking: Regular parking at Universal Orlando is $22 per car which typically means ‘first come, first serve.’ Get there earlier to get closer parking. Prime parking is $35 per car if you decide that better parking is worth paying extra for. There is also valet parking available for additional fees. Get the details on parking here.
- Park-to-Park Ticket: If you only have one day to spend at the parks than getting a park-to-park ticket is highly recommended so you can see all the wonderful attractions in both parks. But if you can, consider the option to buy 2 days to see everything!
- Seasonal Activities: Like most theme parks, Universal Orlando will offer additional attractions and events for Halloween and the holidays. Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must see as Florida and Universal goes all out decorating the Harry Potter Hogwarts castle. But, keep in mind that holidays draw larger crowds and higher prices. This applies to the summer months as well. So if saving money is priority, then try to visit in the off season and save money on tickets to the theme parks.
- Come Prepared: Have a plan in place when you arrive at Florida and Universal. Decide with your group which Universal theme park you want to visit first and have a strategy for riding rides. Similar to Disney, early morning hours at Universal are prime time for riding the most popular rides. Leave the wandering around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and scenery gazing until the busier afternoon hours.
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter: If the World of Harry Potter is the reason for the visit, then the park-to-park ticket is a must. Even if you are spending more than one day at Universal the park-to-park ticket allows you to ride the Hogwarts Express. There is also a new Universal ride called Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure that has been a hit at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
- Volcano Bay: Are water parks a must see for your family? Then consider allowing an extra day for Universal's Volcano Bay. Keep in mind that Volcano Bay ticket options are typically sold separately as a one park ticket so plan accordingly.
- Small kids or big kids? When deciding which Universal theme park goes on the top of the list, take into consideration the age level of your group. If you have small children then Universal Studios Florida might be your best bet since the majority of rides are catering to those smaller age groups. If your group is mostly adults or big kids then Universal’s Island of Adventure might be the better pick as it includes far more daring roller coasters and attractions.
Universal's CityWalk
Universal isn't just limited to Universal Studios Florida or Volcano Bay! Consider spending an evening strolling around Universal's CityWalk on your day off from the theme parks. CityWalk is a large downtown district filled with tons of great entertainment (like the Blue Man Group!) and dining. And even better, it's just steps away from the on-site hotels and theme parks.
Some favorite Universal CityWalk hot spots to watch out for and must see entertainment include:
- Blue Man Group- the infamous Blue Man Group Theatre is a multi sensory experience full of color and sound.
- Voodoo Donuts- this favorite donut place is full of photo ops and wacky donuts like Bacon Maple Bar or Viscous Hibiscus.
- Hollywood Drive-In Golf-this 1950s thriller golf course features out of this world mini golf courses.
Be sure to purchase your ticket in advance for popular entertainment, like the Blue Man Group Theatre, so you don't miss out.
Plan Your Universal Orlando Vacation Today!
Got your Universal Studios Florida ticket and ready to plan your vacation to Universal theme parks? Be sure to subscribe to our vacation deals newsletter for all the latest information on theme parks and saving tips to help you save money and experience more! Sign up here.
You can discover more about planning your Universal theme parks trip and vacation to Orlando from these links:
