How to Choose Your Universal Orlando Park Tickets
Consider buying a Universal Orlando annual pass
Even for out-of-state visitors, there are situations where it can make a lot of sense to purchase a Universal Orlando annual pass. Universal’s annual passes are priced starting around the cost of a four-day park ticket.
Annual pass benefits
Universal annual passholders receive many benefits. There are food and merchandise discounts, free parking, and even valet parking for the top level pass.
But for out-of-town visitors, the main reason to consider an annual pass is the hotel discount. Universal offers generous discounts of up to around 30% off the on-site hotel rates. If you’re planning a stay at one of the Express Pass hotels (Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, or Royal Pacific), this can add up to a big savings.
In many cases, the savings on the hotel room can more than cover the added cost of an annual pass. Be aware too that only one guest on the hotel reservation needs to be a passholder to get the discount.
Anyone can check the passholder rates, and book a room at this rate – even if you don’t currently own an annual pass. You’ll just need to have one by the time you check in. You can check the Universal Orlando annual pass discounted hotel rates here. If you need to enter a discount code, use APH.
I have written an entire post all about saving money with a Universal Orlando annual pass. Click here to read my in-depth analysis.
When to buy your Universal Orlando park tickets
There are several reasons I recommend purchasing your Universal Orlando park tickets sometime before your first day in the parks. First is convenience. Having your tickets in hand (or electronically in the Universal app) saves you from waiting in line on that first day.
Secondly, since Universal often offers special promotional tickets on their website, guests can take advantage of these deals to lock in a discounted price.
However if you’ve got some time before your trip date, it’s perfectly fine to wait before buying those park tickets. Just keep in mind that prices can increase at any time. Unlike at Disney World, Universal does not require guests to buy tickets early and make park reservations. So if you want to wait until the last minute, there is really no problem with doing so.
Other ways to buy your Universal Orlando park tickets
Besides purchasing your tickets on the Universal Orlando website, you can buy them directly in the Universal Orlando app or by calling Universal at 407-224-7840.
Universal Orlando vacation packages
Tickets can also be purchased as part of a vacation package, either booked directly with Universal, or through a travel agent or a third-party like Costco or Expedia. Guests can sometimes receive discounts by bundling the park tickets in a package like this.
A frequent benefit to purchasing a package is the option to only pay a deposit at the time of booking. This gives you the chance to spread out the cost of your vacation, by either making payments or just waiting to pay the balance until closer to your arrival date.
Discounters
Universal Orlando tickets are also often offered at a modest discount through third-parties like AAA/CAA, Costco, or online ticket sellers. Typically you will not find one-day park tickets at a discount (except for FL residents). If you purchase your admission through a third-party, be sure to go with a reputable source that you trust.
More tips for your Universal Orlando vacation
- 33 things you should know before you visit Universal Orlando
- Universal Orlando hotel guide
- Tips for Universal Orlando during COVID-19
- Adding Universal Orlando to your Disney World vacation
- 55 things you should know before you visit Disney World
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