If you want to save some hard-earned cash on your next Universal Orlando trip, you'll need this list of free things to do at Universal Orlando.
Make no mistake – planning a trip to Universal Orlando is no small task for you or your wallet – believe us, we know how much it costs to go to Universal Orlando. After all, your resort stay, Universal Orlando theme park tickets, food, merchandise, and extras can add up quickly. No matter what, you'll want to make the most of your time and money.
Don't worry, there are a lot of free things to do at Universal Orlando! The great news is you don't have to spend all your money in order to have a great vacation at Universal Orlando. With how often we visit the Orlando theme parks, we've learned the ins and outs of Universal Orlando and how to safe money.
Read on for our list of 13 free things to do at Universal Orlando.
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1. Ride the Water Taxi
You've got to take advantage of this transportation at the Universal Orlando Resort.
Similar to the free water transportation options at Walt Disney World, the water taxis at Universal Orlando resort connect Universal CityWalk to the premier and preferred hotels on site. This includes Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Taking the water taxis from any of these resorts to Universal CityWalk puts you just a short walk to Universal Studios Florida or Universal's Islands of Adventure!
These water taxis are convenient too, leaving every 10-15 minutes to shuttle you to and from each destination.
2. How to Park Your Car at Universal Orlando for Free
If you're driving to the Universal Orlando Resort area, take note of this money-saving opportunity.
When visiting Universal Orlando, there is no need to pay a parking fee as long as you arrive after 6:00pm. This deal is valid at all Universal Orlando parking garages. However, take note only on Halloween Horror Nights dates, parking is free after midnight – not 6:00pm.
Another way to get free parking at Universal Orlando is if you purchase 2 or more matinee movie tickets for Universal Cinemark. Just make sure to show your movie tickets along with your tickets receipt and paid parking receipt to receive your free parking!
If you're local or renting a car, this is a great way to save a few bucks!
3. Free WiFi and Access to the Universal Orlando App
This tip will make your Universal Orlando experience much smoother and less stressful.
Before arriving at Universal Orlando, make sure to download the Official Universal Orlando Resort App on your mobile device. This gives you easy access to ride and attraction wait times, mobile ordering food, making payments, finding what you need on the resort map, creating a favorites list of attractions, and staying up-to-date with news on the resort. On top of that, when at the Universal Orlando Resort, you'll have free access to WiFi for use throughout the theme parks and Universal CityWalk.
With free access to the Official Universal Orlando Resort App and WiFi, staying connected at Universal Orlando couldn't get much easier than this!
4. Remember: Water is Free at Universal Orlando
Staying hydrated while on your vacation in Florida is extremely important for your enjoyment – and your health.
Remember, at Universal Orlando, water is free from any fountain drink station – this includes any station where you can refill your Universal Orlando refillable cups. It doesn't matter if it's at the resorts, Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal's Volcano Bay, or Universal CityWalk. As long as there's a fountain drink station, there's free water you can refill your water bottle with.
Especially if you're not used to the heat and humidity in Florida, you may be in for a shocking adjustment when you arrive. Maintaining healthy hydration levels especially in the heat of the summer is a must. That's why you must take advantage of any location that serves fountain drinks.
To make things even cooler, make sure to ask for a cup of water with ice!
5. Take Advantage of Free Celebratory Buttons
If you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, engagement, or even your first time visiting, you need to take advantage of this freebie.
Universal Orlando Resort offers free celebratory buttons for anyone visiting that's celebrating their birthday, anniversary, engagement, or first visit to the resort. All you need to do to receive your free celebratory button is head over to Guest Services inside either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure and let a Team Member know what you're celebrating. They'll ask for your name and write it down on your button so you can show it off during your visit.
Be careful though – you just might be one of the most popular guests at the resort during your visit!
6. Go on a Free Universal Orlando Attraction Tour
Did you know that Universal Orlando offers free tours where guests can learn about how their rides and attractions work?
While it's not publicized, Universal Orlando offers several free tours that last 15-30 minutes, including behind-the-scenes information that explains the attraction's stories and how they work. These tours are only available when staffing permits, and this is at the discretion of the Team Members. To request a tour, ask the greeter Team Member at the attraction entrance if tours are available.
An attraction tour is a great way to truly enhance your experience at Universal Orlando Resort!
7. Cool Off for Free at the Splash Pad at Universal CityWalk
This free activity is another great way to cool off for the kiddos in your party.
Heading over to Universal CityWalk, the splash pad is a welcome escape from the Orlando heat and humidity. Full of surprise water geysers, the kiddos will be laughing and screaming as they get to stay cool. It's a favorite spot to take a much need break from the hustle and bustle of your theme park day. The splash pad is located in front of The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar and the Universal Studio Store.
Just don't forget to bring a towel to dry off afterwards!
8. Go for a Relaxing Walk Through the Garden Walk Paths
Connected via Universal CityWalk, the Garden Walk paths connect all but 2 Universal Orlando Resort hotels.
The Garden Walk aren't just a convenient way to get back and forth from the Universal Orlando theme parks. They're also a great way to get away from the busy crowds and find a more peaceful and beautiful atmosphere mid-day or at the end of your busy theme park day. It's lined with gorgeous gardens and tropical foliage – part of tohe path also runs along the waterway, making for great views of the Universal Orlando Resort!
Keep in mind however that the Garden Walk connects all but 2 resorts: Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites and Universal's Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites.
9. Enjoy the Outdoor Plaza at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is beautifully themed after an Italian seaside village.
Even if you're not staying at this resort, we highly recommend visiting the resort via the water taxi from Universal CityWalk. Here, you can enjoy the relaxing area filled with Italian themed dining and entertainment. And as the sunset arrives, the entire area will be filled with the beautiful sounds of opera singers and performers.
Make sure to get yourself a glass of wine and immerse yourself in what feels just like Italy!
10. Visit the Memorabilia Tour at Hard Rock Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel pays homage to America’s classic rock ‘n roll sounds.
With its iconic guitar fountain in front and show-stopping experiences at every turn, Hard Rock Hotel is another must-visit resort on Universal Orlando property. One thing you absolutely must do is take a self-guided tour of the hotel lobby, full of rock ‘n roll memorabilia including Sir Paul McCartney's guitars, outfits worn by Rihanna and Lady Gaga, and even Elvis Presley's pajamas.
The Memorabilia Tour at Hard Rock Hotel is free for everyone to enjoy!
There's a few free services to take advantage of if you stay at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel. Let's go over these free services:
11. Free On-Site Hotel Merchandise Delivery
This is one of the best and most convenient services you can take advantage of when staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel.
If you're staying at any of the Universal Orlando Resort hotels, you're able to make your purchases at select merchandise stores within the Universal Orlando Resort and have them delivered to your hotel room – free of charge! This means you can purchase items from select shops at Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, Universal's Volcano Bay, or Universal CityWalk and get them sent straight to your room.
This is just one of the many reasons to stay on site at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel!
12. Free Universal Express Unlimited at Premier Hotels
If you're staying at any of the premier Universal Orlando Resort hotels, you receive a free perk that can save you loads of time in the theme parks.
Universal Express Pass Unlimited allows you to skip the lines at select rides, attractions, and entertainment at Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, and Universal's Volcano Bay. Keep in mind though that this free service is only available at the premier Universal Orlando Resort hotels. This includes Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.
This is one of the best free services you receive for staying at a premier resort!
13. Receive Free Perks by Booking with Get Away Today
Booking with a trusted travel agency is one of the best ways to have a stress-free vacation – and receive some free perks!
If you book with our trusted travel partner Get Away Today, you'll receive plenty of free perks with your Universal Orlando package. In the past, guests received free lanyards, sling backpacks, coupons, and more. Booking with a travel agency that gives you additional perks is one of the best ways to get free Universal Orlando amenities!
Book with Get Away Today and you'll also get the best prices on your next Universal Orlando vacation.
Plan Your Universal Orlando Vacation
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- Universal Orlando Discount Tickets
- Best Hotels Near Universal Orlando
- Volcano Bay Tickets – Top Ways to Save on Universal Tickets
- Discover Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando!
Yes, it is free to walk around the areas of Universal Studios Orlando that include Universal CityWalk and the Universal Orlando Resort hotels. However, you must purchase a theme park ticket to visit any of the 3 Universal Orlando theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure, and Universal's Volcano Bay.
Parking at Universal Orlando is free after 6pm. However, if you'd like to enter any of the 3 Universal Orlando theme parks after 6pm, you need a valid theme park ticket or annual pass.
All guests age 2 and under are free to enter Universal Studios without having to pay for a theme park ticket. This can save a lot of money for families with infants wanting to visit the Universal Orlando Resort!
The Military Freedom Pass is a 2-park Military-specific promotional ticket that entitles 1 guest admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure theme parks on the same day. In order to purchase this ticket, the guest must present a valid Military ID at time of purchase, at time of the exchange at either Universal Orlando theme park, and upon redemption at either theme park.
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