Looking to save money at Universal Orlando? There are tons of ways to do this: from purchasing tickets online, to sating on site, and even bringing your own snacks, you can save money. There is no question about it! Orlando in general cane be pricey, even when we aren’t talking about the parks.
We all know how expensive theme parks are: parking, food, snacks, merchandise, tours, tickets! The list goes on and on. And if you are being cash conscious about how much you are spending, no worries. We have you covered with a list of things that will save you minimum $20 a person in your party. Universal Orlando on a budget has never been easier!
1. Purchase Your Tickets in Advance
Prices are more expensive at the gate: we all know this. Park entry is so much easier when you purchase things in advance: this alone allows you to save $20 a person, especially if you’re buying multi-day tickets. Plus, if you are a AAA member, you can ask about discounted Universal tickets through the local AAA office.
If you really want to play it smart, you can always purchase the lowest-tier ticket and upgrade later. That way if you aren’t feeling day three and you want to relax at the resort, you haven’t wasted money on a ticket for the third day at the park! Or, if you live in the area, consider becoming an annual pass holder! Visit the park three times a year and it’s already paid for itself!
2. Stay on Site or at Premier Universal Hotels
Although it may seem counterintuitive to stay at a more costly hotel, if you chose to stay on site, you get perks you cannot pass up. Early park admission is just one: get into the parks an hour before others! You get free resort transportation and are at close proximity to the parks (yay no parking fees or traffic!).
Certain. hotels– like the Hard Rock, Portofino bay or Royal Pacific– will get you Express Passes for each guest in each room. So now you have an awesome place to stay plus express passes! And those express passes are included on the days you check in and check out.
3. Plan your Visit Around Peak Seasons
Of all Orlando saving money tips, this is applicable to a variety of parks and Orlando experiences: don’t go during peak season! The cheapest time to visit Universal Orlando is January, February, and September. Avoid the popular times to visit: spring break, major holidays (looking at you Christmas and New Years), as well as during summer break.
Not only are park tickets cheaper on the off season, but so are hotels. And on top of that, if you are traveling from afar, you can save on airfare too! As a rule of thumb: if schools are on breaks, don’t go. If you do decide to go in September, though, do be wary of changing hours and other content for Halloween Horror Nights.
4. Bring Own Snacks/Food
Food is pricey. Between inflation AND being in a theme park in tourist central, you’ll be dropping around $25 a meal, per person. So, either don’t be afraid to spilt things– my best friend and I always share loaded tots from Green Eggs and Ham– or bring snacks to help curb the hunger and price.
Universal lets you bring your own food into the park! And while I know you want to try the ButterBeer and other fancy snacks, having a granola bar so you don’t purchase those loaded tots may help when you’re considering how to do Universal Studios Cheap.
5. Use Freestyle Coca-Cola
Money saving tips for Universal Orlando is no easier than joining the Coca-Cola Freestyle Program. First, you have to stay hydrated. Not only are you running around in the parks all day, but you’re in the Florida sun! Drink up! As a note: all water is free at Freestyle locations, so feel free to also bring a reusable water bottle and refill it.
With this program, you purchase a souvenir cup from participating locations and refill it at any freestyle location for the rest of the day. There are over 100 drink options to choose from, and you can fill it up once every 10 minutes. You do have to reactivate it each day, but it’ll save you from spending $5.00 on a Gilly Water.
6. Stock Up on Miscellaneous Items
We always find ourselves in a pickle: getting sunburnt waiting in line, getting motion-sickness after a ride, having a headache from lack of water, getting stuck in the rain. To get the best bang for your buck, don’t be afraid to pack and purchase miscellaneous items to bring into the park. This is one of those often overlooked budget tips for Universal Studios, but it’ll save you time and money!
I suggest bringing extras such as: water ponchos, sunscreen, pain reliever, motion sickness meds, and whatever else seems like a good fit for you. I also suggest putting these in a SMALL bag- no one wants to be carrying a huge bag around all day… which leads me to my next tip…
7. Avoid Big Bags and Buying Lockers
I truly don’t recommend purchasing a locker at Universal Studios unless it is absolutely needed. If you are carrying things for a family of six, for example, maybe you can consider it. But, truly, it’s so much more convenient to have small bags that fit in the small, free lockers.
You can get on a few rides with a small bag, and for the ones you can’t bring accessories onto– Forbidden Journey, Hagrid’s, Hulk, Velocicoaster– they offer a free locker to store your stuff. They are super easy to use: all you have to do is scan your ticket!
8. Skip the Photo Pass
Yes, it may be nice to get that funny photo on Revenge of the Money, or the moment before the splash on Jurassic Park, but when a print is $20.00 at its cheapest, this may not be worth it. So why not consider the photo pass then? Do you really want to spend $69.99 for a one-day package with the My Universal Photos?
We literally have our phones on us at all times. Workers and guests are always kind enough to take photos of you or for you. Plus, in fun encounters with velociraptors, there is someone who is there and their literal job is to record the experience. You don’t need the attraction photo, I assure you. And if you do, snap a quick photo of a photo. It’ll do. This is how you do Universal Studios cheap.
9. Look for Merchandise Discounts or Purchase Souvenirs Outside the Park
The cheapest way to do visit Universal Studios is to look for stuff you can get cheaper anywhere! Sometimes there are great deals going on in the parks: by the exit, there is always some sort of discounted merchandise. I got a pair of Hogwarts pajama bottoms for only $8.00 there last week!
Or if you want to save even more money, you can find a lot of merchandise online or in the surrounding areas if not at the actual theme park itself. I-drive and local souvenir shops have some fun and quirky gifts! Make sure you aren’t purchasing merchandise just to purchase it as well. Get things you will use, and if you can, use an AAA discount, or an Annual pass-holder discount as well. And consider buying gently used wands if you need to save money in the Wizarding World… those things are pricey!
10. Skip Dining Plans (Unless They are Sample Lanyards)
Dining plans may seem like good opportunities to save money, but in all honesty, they are restrictive. You can only eat certain things at certain spots. The value does not equate the cost. And you’re still spending a ton per person on the plan itself! I suggest always snacking through the park or splitting things where you can. Quick service places like Green Eggs and Ham, or the Central Park Crepes are great for saving money and getting interesting meals that isn’t a typical theme park burger and fries.
I also highly suggest that if you visit during certain times at the park– say, Mardi Gras season– that you splurge on a sampler. This lanyard helps you save money and punch-card allows a variety of samples without breaking the bank. Tasting the International Flavors of Carnaval during this food festival allows variety and things that aren’t normally in the park! This is Universal Studios on a budget!
11. Bring your Own Stroller or WheelChair
Mastering Universal on a budget requires you to be strategic and to also avoid all unnecessary costs for unnecessary things. Bringing your own stroller or wheelchair avoids rental costs, which can add up! Or, if you really need one, rent from an outside company.
If you happen to be flying into Orlando, most airlines will check your strollers or chairs for no charge at the gate. But if you need to, check out places like Orlando Stroller Rental: they drop off and pick up the stroller at your hotel! And they’re cheaper: talk about Orlando money saving tips in general.
And there you have it folks: 11 tips on how to save money at Universal Orlando! Going to the parks is always a fun, magical experience, but it can be pricey. The good news if you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy Universal: follow our lead on these tips for saving money at Universal Studios Orlando.
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