Orlando is home to many different thrills and adventures, and among the most popular sources of fun are the massive local theme parks. Universal Orlando is one such example, a sprawling, multi-themed mega-resort that attracts folks from around the globe! Whether you’re keen on stepping into Diagon Alley and the magical wizarding world, immersing yourselves in the settings of iconic Hollywood movies come to life or otherwise, this is a vacation destination where you’ll never run out of things to see, do, taste, and experience.
Of course, one thing anyone can run out of, especially when visiting resorts like these, is cash. Here are some money-saving tips to make your next Universal Orlando trip memorable.
Stay at a Premier Universal Hotel
When taking a vacation with two or more people, ensure you book a premier location. You might think that sounds like it’ll cost you a lot – but with the many amazing perks that come with your suite, booking a premier location can end up saving you money in the long run. At places such as the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific, and Loews Portofino Bay, you can enjoy exclusive benefits, including the following and more:
Unlimited Express Pass
With this hassle-free and cost-effective pass, you can get unlimited access to rides, shows, food, and merchandise during your visit. Furthermore, you won’t have to wait in lines or pay additional fees. You can skip the ticket line and enjoy faster entry to your favourite attractions, meaning more time in the day for rides and memory-making!
Have Merchandise Delivered to You
Along with its proximity to Universal Citywalk and Islands of Adventure, staying at the hotels on-site allows you to receive free merchandise delivered to your room. Rather than paying for a locker, you can have anything you purchase shipped to your room, and it will be waiting for you the next day!
Free Shuttle Rides
By staying near the park, you’ll be able to take advantage of the free shuttles from hotels that offer them. Ideal choices with this perk available to guests include the Hard Rock Hotel, Aventura Hotel, Endless Summer Resorts, and many others. This means not worrying about booking Ubers or Lyfts, let alone any super expensive taxis or rental cars.
Purchase Your Tickets Online
Buying tickets at the gates is usually more expensive than purchasing them beforehand. Furthermore, if you’re in a rush or overwhelmed by the number of options available, it’s easy to wind up purchasing the wrong type of ticket! Save money by planning ahead and buying your tickets in advance. If you’re looking for discounted tickets, check out authorized websites that sell discounted tickets.
Purchase or Bring Reusable Bottles
Going to a theme park all day can become tiresome. Naturally, there will arrive a time when you’ll need to refuel. To keep yourself re-energized throughout your day, consider buying a Freestyle Cup for $16.99. It will allow for free refills throughout the day at every Universal Orlando Resort theme park. If you already have one, you can “recharge” it for $10.99 for a day of unlimited refills. Additionally, you can buy these cups with a quick service dining plan as an add-on.
Take Advantage of Special Deals
Universal often offers discounts, a popular one being the Mardi Gras Pass. This pass allows visitors to enjoy all of Universal’s entertainment during the month of February. This pass includes admission to all rides and shows. Plus, you can save five to ten dollars on food, and you’ll even get unlimited food and beverage refills. Another benefit of a Mardi Gras Pass is that guests receive a discounted price on merchandise shipped directly to them from anywhere in the resort.
Bring Your Lunch
Did you know that Universal Orlando Resort allows guests to bring snacks, as long as they aren’t in glass containers and don’t need to be microwaved or refrigerated? If you don’t want to spend a lot on theme park food, make some sandwiches and pack them into an insulated bag. Try to bring along a snack or two for everyone in your group, as you’ll definitely get hungry at some point! Another option is to have breakfast in your room, followed by one meal in the park, such as lunch or dinner. You may bring in soft-sided insulated bags up to 8.5 inches wide, six inches high, and six inches deep.
Buy Ponchos and Other Essentials Prior to Your Visit
You may have to spend upwards of $20 on ponchos at the Universal Studios Resort. However, if you shop around, it’s easy to find them cheaper at local stores nearby. Don’t forget to purchase other essentials before your visit, including sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, umbrellas, and bug spray, as they’ll all be more expensive within the resort.
Take Advantage of My Universal Photos
At Orlando Studios Resorts, there are many ways to create memories, including souvenirs and videos. They also offer photo prints after every ride for purchase, but these can cost up to 20 dollars each. An alternative is to purchase a package through MyUniversalPhotos.com. A one-day package costs $75 (plus tax), and a three-day package costs $95 (plus tax). Additionally, you can buy a one-day package for Volcano Bay for only $39.99! These packages are great because they allow you to capture moments throughout your entire vacation.
It’s more than worth it to take your family to Universal Studios Resort for their next vacation. These theme parks offer thrill rides, memorable adventures, and the chance to be a part of some of your favourite movies. From Back to the Future and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Jurassic World, you won’t want to miss out on these fantastic experiences. Take advantage of our ways to save money to make the experience even more worthwhile!
About Mike Belmont
Micheal Belmont is the Owner and Chief Editor of The Park Prodigy, an online travel agency dedicated specifically to the Disney and Universal theme parks. As both a travel agent and the owner of his own agency, Micheal has many years of experience working with clients to get them the best possible prices for flights, hotels, experiences, and of course, theme park tickets.
