From work, school, and family responsibilities-- there's always reasons to feel like you can’t make your vacation dreams come true, and it’s usually because of the cost.

While traveling can involve high prices on– airfare, and accommodations, there are many alternative ways to travel that not only will save you money, but allow you to have unforgettable experiences.

These strategies will help you save big on your next Universal Orlando vacation.

Here’s 7 ways to spend less on travel in 2023:

Getting To Universal Orlando

In the summer for example, most travel & accommodations are at their most expensive. If it’s possible to travel to Universal Orlando in the off-season, do it! The weather is better during the off season , the park is less crowded, Express Passes are often not needed, and you’ll save a lot of money on hotel, tickets and airfare.

Knowing how to find cheap plane tickets is an art at any time of year. The number one strategy is to be patient. Finding a good price means you’ll have to do some serious detective work.

Here are some ways I find cheap fights:

• Use the Hopper App and keep an eye on deals when they arise.

• Check airlines’ low fare calendar

• Check Skyscanner to compare faresLook for indirect flights or nearby airports

• Avoid extra fees

  • Choosing your seat, priority boarding, and checked bags

• If you’re trying to decide the best way to travel, sometimes comparing 2, one way airline tickets is cheeper than 1 round trip.

PRO TIP: If you have been looking to get a travel reward credit card, I recommend applying for one before a big trip or purchase. Some of the biggest benefits are earning points to use for free flights and hotels. Plus, many cards offer additional points when making travel-related purchases. Some cards also offer travel protection when you pay for a trip with the card.

My favorite card is the Chase Sapphire Preferred (especially if you’re just starting out)!

Find Tickets for Less

• You can  start saving before you even pass through the turnstiles — check out Undercover Tourist for authorized discount tickets to Universal Orlando,

• Buy Your Tickets Ahead of Time

  • You can save up to $20 per person when you buy multiday tickets online. If you’re traveling with a family of four, that’s $80 in savings already.

Plan Your Vacation Around Peak Season

Check this awesome crowd calendar from Undercover Tourist (an amazing resource for all things East Coast + West Coast theme parks) to figure out which days will be the least crowded.

Loads crowds mean less wait times; less wait time means you can spend fewer days in the parks; and fewer days in the parks means you save on tickets.

If your family can afford the time off work and school, you’ll get the most bang for your buck at these times.

Budget Accommodation

Compare AirBnb to Hotels

• You’ll typically find accommodation cheaper than a hotel (and you can nab this AirBnB discount from me!).

• Those with a larger family can save money on food by booking an AirBnB with a kitchen.

You can also check out Homestay.com and VRBO for more great places where you can truly live like a local and explore amazing neighborhoods.

Consider off-site hotels

• Compare Budget Offsite Hotel Rooms at places like Drury Inn, Holiday Inn, etc.

• Some off-site hotels offer complimentary transportation to and from the parks.

If you want to go for an off site hotel, look for ones that are located a little farther from Universal Orlando as they are usually cheaper. (Just make sure they offer free shuttle, so you are not paying for back and forth Uber!)

Transportation

I try to book my AirBnB based off if I can walk to and from the park in under 25 minutes. This cuts my transportation costs down to just Uber from Airport to AirBnB, and AirBnB to Aiport! (Roughly $45.00 total for me)

• Taxis + Car rentals can tend to get expensive so I try to use Uber or Lyft whenever it’s available.

• Have a friend or loved one drop you off at your home airport so you don’t get charged for a Lyft + Uber there or a parking fee for leaving you car at the Airport while gone.

Trip Extra's

The way you organize your daily activities at Universal Orlando can make or break your budget. Some of my best memories have actually been on adventures that didn’t cost a penny

Here are some ideas for ways to save on activities:

• Skip Pricey VIP Tours unless

  • visiting during extremely busy times of the year, you only have one day, etc.

• Look + Ask for Discounts:

  • Always look for special rates on tickets, dining passes, photo passes, etc. for military, triple A, students, seniors, kids, groups, or whatever might apply to you. It never hurts to ask!

• Check Online for Special Deals and Discounts Before You Go:

  • UnderCover Tourist always offer major discounts.

  • They can also be a good source of info on special events.

• Research Free Activities:

  • Such as free in park shows like watching the Frog Choir, Tales of Beedle The Bard perform, Cinematic Celebration, and free park parades, etc.

Eating

Don’t Ever Start Your Day Hungry:

• Take advantage of included breakfast deals at the hotel.

Have Groceries delivered to the hotel:

• Order InstantCart or Amazon Groccery

Cook some of your own means:

• Aim to alternate between going out for meals and creating your own each park day.

Eat Midday:

• Lunch options are typically cheaper than dinner

Try Tapas Style:

• Order appetizers instead of one large entrée. It’s usually cheaper, and you can try multiple dishes.

Bring a Refillable Water Bottle:

• You will be surprised how much buying plastic water bottles adds up, both in cash and environmental waste.

Check Out any food specials prior to your trip:

• Ex: MardiGrad Food and Beverage Gift cards.

Choose Local Wines or House Wines:

• These choices are both the cheapest and the best in most cases!

Know How to Tip:

• Get to know the tipping percentages.

Shopping

There’s nothing like treating yourself to some retail therapy while you’re one vacation, but there’s definitely a right way and a not-so-cost-effective way.

Find in park Souvenirs online at home much cheaper:

• -You can find gently used interactive wands, robes, plushes, etc much cheaper online. Buy these prior to your trip to save money.

•  Look up + take photos of what you liked in the park to order online once back at the hotel.

Have a budget

• Prior to your trip,  know what your 3 must have souvenirs  are, and what they cost 

•  Find one special thing to bring home that really represents your trip.

DIY It:

• Take lots of pictures and create a DIY souvenir when you get home. Search for modern collage inspiration online.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TRAVEL ESSENTIALS!

Are you planning an upcoming Universal Orlando Resort  trip? If you’re interested in learning more about hotels, and how to save on theme park tickets, check out Undercover Tourist’s website! 

Be sure to follow @Misswizardingworld on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter for the latest news and tips at Universal Orlando & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!