15 Universal Orlando Freebies to Help You Save Money on Your Vacation

Universal Orlando Resort is a family vacation destination comprising of two separate theme parks–Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure.  The Resort also includes Universal's Volcano Bay–a water park–and Universal CityWalk–the popular outdoor dining and entertainment venue.  From Harry Potter-themed locations (which means butter beer and wands) to snazzy souvenirs and tasting the elaborate eateries in CityWalk, the budget can only go so far.  To help ease the cost of some of your splurges, check our list of Universal Orlando Resort freebies.

Discount Universal Orlando Tickets

Our favorite Disney-approved re-seller, Get Away Today,offers the best Universal Orlando discount tickets around. In addition to great discount prices, their customer service and easy support is absolutely fantastic. They have an entire department dedicated to making sure every order has a wonderful experience and they are on-call to help you during your vacation if you need them.

Buying tickets from Get Away Today is easy and convenient since all their tickets are sent electronically. You can take their vouchers and head straight to the gate without needing to wait in any ticket booth lines. They also offer layaway plans so you can pay off your vacation over time.

You can read my review on my personal experiences booking through Get Away Today and how much you can save here!

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1. Water Taxi

Take advantage of the courtesy commuting options offered at Universal Orlando Resort.  The water taxis leave every 10-15 minutes and shuttle between CityWalk and the premium hotels on site–Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.  Just board the taxis to CityWalk then step on over to either of the theme parks or the water park.

2. Parking

A great way to save a few bucks is to park at the Resort after hours. This deal includes all parking garages and lots but is not valid for Halloween Horror nights. If you're a local, take advantage of this Universal Orlando Resort freebie option!

3. Universal Orlando App and Wifi

Before you enter the Resort, be sure to download the Official Universal Orlando Resort app on your smart phone. You'll have easy access at the touch of your hand, free of charge! Navigate the parks, see wait times and even select your food through mobile ordering. Plus, you'll connect with Universal Orlando Resort free Xfinity WIFI for use throughout the parks and Citywalk.

4. Water

Water is free from any fountain drink station at Universal Orlando.Any visit to Florida is an adjustment to the weather pattern. From the heat to the humidity to the surprise thundershowers, guests need to be prepared. Take advantage of a terrific way to cool-off during those energy-depleting afternoons by stopping in at any location that serves fountain drinks. Ask for a cup of water with ice! If you have a water bottle, you can also fill up at several of the water bottle filling stations.

5. Celebratory Buttons

Celebrating a birthday?  Anniversary?  How about your first time visiting Universal Orlando Resort?  Salute with everyone by receiving your free complimentary button from Guest Services.  Just tell the employees what you're celebrating and they will customize a button commemorating your special event!

6. Splash Pad at City Walk

Besides the free ice water, another great way to cool off, especially for smaller guests, is to head over to Universal Citywalk and splash away at the interactive splash pad.  Water streams shoot up beckoning guests to enter the wet and wild world. Kids will have a blast running through the spontaneous sprays trying to dodge the streams.  Don't forget the towel!

7. Ball Games

After a cooling break, high step over to CityWalk's Hot Dog Hall of Fame. Buy your favorite frank from some of the Country's most iconic locations including Chicago and Boston. Pile on the condiments then find your favorite ballgame on the big-screen and sit in the stadium seating for the full effect. Stay as long as you'd like to enjoy the athletic entertainment.

8. DJ Entertainment

If a nighttime of fun is on your agenda, stay at CityWalk for a round of the DJ entertainment.  The Groove is a multi-level dance club (cover charge starts at 10pm) that features resident and guest DJs spinning an open format.  Even without a visit to the venue, guests will enjoy dancing and singing along to the sounds of the music reverberating throughout the CityWalk.

9. Coupon Book

Guests purchasing multi-day tickets online will have access to a free coupon book with up to $150 in discounts at both theme parks and CityWalk. Kids can get a free meal (with the purchase of an adult entrée) at Margaritaville, or save 10% off a Starbucks purchase just to name a few of the offers. Tickets must be park-to-park (hopper) options to receive the booklets.

10. On-Site Hotel Merchandise Delivery

Shop to your heart's content then send all your new souvenirs back up to your hotel room–for free!  This is one of the best Universal Orlando Resort freebies!  Select shops at the theme parks and CityWalk deliver your goodies straight to your room. Staying on site is a great way to score Universal Orlando freebies which is why so many people recommend it!

11. Room Key Usage and Priority Dining

Take advantage of your room key which also doubles as entry to select live entertainment venues at CityWalk.  Check with the hotel guest service locations for more detailed information. As a guest in the hotels, you can have first seating at select restaurants throughout the Resort including theme parks and hotels.  The priority seating option is based on availability.

12. Universal Express Unlimited

If you're staying at the premium hotels, you'll receive yet another Universal Orlando Resort freebies—the Universal Express Unlimited. This option allows you to skip the lines at select attractions, rides and entertainment throughout the Resort, restrictions apply. Available only at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort, this freebie requires valid admission into the Resort. This is one of the top Universal Orlando freebies- making the splurge for these hotels can be worth it!

13. Outdoor Plaza

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is straight out of an Italian seaside village. Enjoy the relaxing venue filled with Italian themed dining and entertainment come sunset is filled with talented opera singers and performers. Grab a glass of wine and transport yourself to Italy!

14. Rock n Roll Museum

Hard Rock Hotel is more than just a hotel–it pays homage to America's classic sounds of rock. Stroll down the music memorabilia lane filled with rock-n-roll collection pieces. This self-guided tour in the hotel lobby area includes Sir Paul McCartney's guitars, and outfits worn by Lady Gaga and Rihanna. The tour is a Universal Resort Orlando freebie to everyone.

15. Get Away Today Perks

If you book with our trusted travel partner, Get Away Today, you will also receive plenty of free perks with your Universal Orlando package like free lanyards, free sling backpack, coupons, and more! Booking with a travel agency that will give you additional perks is one of the best ways to get Universal Orlando freebies!

Plan Your Vacation!

Before visiting to get those Universal Orlando freebies, check with our travel partner Get Away Today for the most current discount on tickets and hotels.  For more tips on how to vacation in the Sunshine State, sign up for our free MickeyVisit newsletter.  You'll receive the latest on events, activities and discounts for your upcoming trip.

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