Money Saving Tips for Universal Orlando

You don’t have to break the bank to have an awesome timeUniversal Orlando Resort.  Here’s  some easy tips and tricks for doing Universal Orlando on a budget..

Price Match Universal Annual Passes to Multi-Day Park Tickets

  • It might surprise you that Universal’s Annual Passes are almost aways cheaper,  AND give you more benefits than regular 2 park, multi-day tickets. 
  • As long as you’re doing at least 3-4 park days, the Annual Pass will be cheaper. You’ll also save up to 30% on Universal’s on-site hotels!

Flight:

  • If you plan to fly, set an alert to find a cheap airfare using sites like Airfarewatchdog.com or Hopper.
  • Use flexible date search to find the cheapest travel dates for your trip
  • Look for a Flight Leaving on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays.
  • Always compare the cost of upgrading vs the cost of extras.
  • Consider joining the airline's loyalty program.
  • Don't check a bag unless flying SouthWest where it's free.
  • Compare round trip versus 2, one way tickets.
  • Make sure you’re logged out of Google. The more you check flights logged in, the more the flight prices go up.

Hotel:

  • Travel in the Off Season when rooms are at their cheapest.
  •  Compare hotel pricing. Often times, staying off-site is cheaper.
  • Don't rule out an AirBnB to the onsite hotels 
  • I budget $100.00 a Night (pre tax)
  • When booking, remember you're just paying just to sleep in.
  • AirBnB should to be close enough to walk to and from park. (Saves Uber fees)
  • AirBnB should be close to local drug store/food options to skip eating as often in the parks.
  • Consider staying at a hotel with a kitchenette. Prepare some meals in the room — the Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s family suites are good for this.

Uber/Lyft To & From Airport:

  • Try and have a friend of family member drop you off and pick you up to save Uber fees/Airport Parking
  • Uber from MCO to Nearby Universal Orlando $35.00 - $50.00
  • Uber from Universal Orlando to MCO $35.00 ish
 

Beverages:

  • Bring your reusable water bottle to use in the park
  • If you forget-Purchase the biggest plastic bottle you can find after you go through security at airport. 
  • Use can reuse that bottle the entire trip at Universal refilling water for free.
  • If you drink a lot of soda, I recommend purchase Universal’s Coke Freestyle cup.
  • You can also ask for free small cups of water at dinning locations inside the park.
 

Budgeting Food/Drinks:

  • Prior to trip, scope out dinning options you like to get a sense of what meals cost.
  • Go with a mindset of being frugal
  • Stop at a grocery store after checking in, and stock up on snacks and drinks.
  • Choose inexpensive breakfast options like protein bar, oatmeal packets, breakfast Sandwiches, etc.
  • Bring your own snacks into the park
  • Aim to Budget $25.00 dollars per person, per day in the parks on food.
  • Aim for  1 Butterbeer a day, unless you have a gift card. Even consider splitting one.
  • Utilize the annual pass holder discounts ( 10-20% food and drink in park/citywalk)
  • Affordable snack options: The largest Universal re-usable popcorn bucket (7.00) refills are a dollar each time. Bring this bucket each trip. 
  • Only allow one dessert from the Wizarding World each trip (ex:chocolate frog)
  • If you have to eat at Universal, try to eat your meals in CityWalk. (Cheaper and bigger food portions)
  • Share meals with your friends + family
  • Order off the kids menu
  • Caffiene- consume at your hotel/AirBnB for free in your room..
  • Only buy StarBucks in the park if you have a gift card.
 
 

Souvenir Purchases:

  • Prior to trip, figure out what items are on your must-have list
  • Set a souvenir budget before you go. It is VERY easy to get tempted when every ride ends in a gift shop.
  • With your souvenir budget- consider buying a Universal Orlando gift card in that amount. Once it runs out, you’re done spending.
  • Save your souvenir budget for one of a kind experiences that you can’t get elsewhere. For example, you can buy robes off of Amazon, but if you want a Pygmy Puff, adopt one at the Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes so you can do the special naming ceremony!
  • Consider finding the items online gently used once you return home.

Save on Theme Park Tickets

 

Pack Smart

  • The weather in Orlando is unpredictable. 
  • You'll end up spending a ton of money on marked up, ponchos, sweatshirts, umbrella's and towels if you don't come prepared.
  • Always bring a poncho/umbrella with you to the parks especially in the summertime
  • Don't forget the Sunscreen, SPF chapstick, and sunglasses. Universal sells them in the park, but for a pretty penny.
  • Pack light in the parks if possible. If your bag is too big, you’ll have to pay $2.00 per ride, or rent an all day locker for $12.00-$15.00.