- Universal Orlando Sign - Michelle Snow
Though the new prices are only an average of $3 to $5 more per ticket, it can still add up when factoring in the number of people traveling together.
Universal Orlando Matches Walt Disney World Ticket Price
As of August 7, 2010, a one-day one-park ticket for Universal Orlando will rise in price from $79 to $82. This matches the one-day one-park basic ticket for Walt Disney World.
Prices for a multi-day one-park ticket will also increase by $5. A two-day one-park will now cost $124.99, a three-day ticket will cost $139.99 and a four-day will now cost $149.99.
Want to visit both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios in the same day? The prices of Universal Orlando's park-to-park tickets are also increasing on August 7, 2010.
A one-day two-park ticket will rise in price from $109 to $112. A two-day two-park ticket remains the same price at $149.99, but a three-day will now cost $154.99, and a four-day two-park ticket will cost $159.99.
Annual Pass Prices Remain Unchanged
Though the costs of the regular admission tickets are going up, Universal Orlando is not raising the prices of their annual passes.
Universal Orlando offers two different types of annual passes.
The Preferred Pass offers unlimited admission, discounts on dining and merchandise, free self-parking and more benefits, all for the price of $229.99 per year.
The Premier Pass offers everything the Preferred Pass does, but it also includes free valet parking, free CityWalk admissions, free Express privileges (a jump the line pass) after 4 p.m., and a free Halloween Horror Nights pass. The dining and merchandise discounts are also greater. This pass costs $289.99 per year.
To make it easier to afford, Universal Orlando offers both passes on what they call the "FlexPay" option, where the buyer pays $79 down and then continues to pay the balance in interest-free monthly installments for the remaining eleven months of the year. This works out to $15.09 for the Preferred Pass and $20.90 for the Premier Pass (tax inclusive).
Additional Savings for Florida Residents
Residents of the state of Florida get discounts for purchasing online and they also have a third annual pass option.
Called the Power Pass, this annual pass is purely for admissions only. It has no additional benefits such as free parking or discounts, like the other two passes do. The price, however, reflects this. The pass costs $139.99 and covers a year's worth of admission to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, with blackout dates for select busy periods. It's also available with the "FlexPay" option at $70.99 down and $7.10 per month after (tax inclusive).
Even More Ways to Save at Universal Orlando
Not a Florida resident? There are still ways to save on tickets, even with the price increase.
The best way is to buy in advance via the Universal Orlando website. The parks often run specials online that are not available at the onsite ticket windows.
There are also other discounts for Universal Orlando tickets that may be available from companies such as AAA/CAA.
Though spending a day at the parks is fun, one has to wonder when the ticket prices are going to be too much for parkgoers to pay. Thankfully, there are still discounts available that will help fit a visit into most travelers' budgets.
Michelle Snow - Michelle Snow been a freelance journalist and photographer for over twenty years, specializing in travel and entertainment. She got her ...
