Universal Orlando Ticket Prices 2024- Pricing, Ticket Options
This is your ultimate guide to Universal Orlando ticket prices. When visiting Universal Studios Orlando, you have several ticket options to choose – each with different price ranges. The thing is, between the different ticket options, 2 theme parks (with 1 more on the way) and 1 water park to visit, the amount of options at your fingertips might leave you overwhelmed!
As an Orlando local, I’ve spent plenty of time in the Orlando theme parks and learned the ins and outs of purchasing theme park tickets. That way, you’ll have everything you need to know to make the most of your next trip to Universal Orlando.
Read on for your guide to Universal Orlando ticket prices, including details on the Express Pass options, VIP Experience, and Universal Orlando vacation packages.
How to Purchase Universal Orlando Tickets
When purchasing tickets, you have 5 different options to figure out Universal Orlando ticket prices.
The first option is to purchase your tickets at ticket windows right before entering the theme parks. However, ticket windows, especially in the morning, tend to be extremely busy. This makes purchasing your ticket in advance online a much more convenient option.
When purchasing further in advance, you have 4 remaining options.
You can purchase tickets directly from Universal Orlando through the Universal Orlando website or by phone at (800) 711-0080. When purchasing directly through Universal, you must select your ticket type and then select the specific date you want to visit the theme park or water park. Once purchased, you receive a confirmation email with your receipt of purchase.
Depending on which hotel you’re staying at, you may have a few more options to purchase Universal Orlando tickets.
Guests staying at many Orlando-area hotels can purchase tickets at the concierge desks or attractions box offices. These tickets can be purchased upon check-in to your specific hotel. Finally, guests staying at the DoubleTree Universal hotel can purchase tickets in-person through Guest Services or by calling (407) 351-1000.
It's important to note that when purchasing from some hotels and ticket brokers that they do not issue actual Universal Orlando passes. Instead, when purchased, you receive a voucher that you then redeem at the theme park for a pass. If you choose this option, you can redeem your admission ticket at a separate window from the theme park’s ticket windows.
For ease of purchase and the smoothest experience possible, we recommend purchasing your tickets either directly through Universal Orlando or through certified travel agency like Get Away Today.
For the purposes of this article, when discussing purchasing Universal Orlando tickets, we’ll be referring to purchasing tickets online directly through the Universal Orlando website.
Universal Orlando Offers 2 Ticket Types
Universal Orlando ticket prices vary depending on which theme park you would like to visit.
When selecting your ticket online, you start by choosing your ticket type and then select the date which you want to visit that specific theme park or water park. Upon checking out to pay for your ticket online, you can select 1 of 3 options:
- Mobile Ticket: This allows you to access your theme park ticket on your smart phone via email
- Print at Home: This allows you to print out a physical copy of your ticket to show at the theme park entrance
- Will Call Kiosk: This allows you to collect your physical ticket at the theme park entry front gate
Let’s go over each of the different ticket types offered at Universal Orlando.
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One Park Per Day Ticket
The One Park Per Day ticket allows you to visit either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, but not both theme parks in one day.
In terms of Universal Orlando ticket prices, this is the least expensive ticket offered, this ticket will most likely extend to Universal’s Epic Universe once it opens in 2025. When purchasing online, there is also a separate option to purchase a 1-Day ticket to Volcano Bay. With a Single Day, One Park Per Day ticket, you must choose the date you plan to visit but you do not have to choose the theme park to visit. When you first scan into the theme park of your choice on the day of your visit, your ticket becomes valid only for that theme park. You then cannot use that same theme park ticket to visit the other theme park.
On the day of your visit, you may leave and return to the same park you specified on your ticket, but you cannot switch parks.
Park-to-Park Ticket Universal Orlando Ticket Prices
The second ticket type, while more expensive, allows you to visit 2 or more theme parks on the same day.
More specifically, with a 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket, you can start in one theme park and go to the other theme park on the same day without having to pay for an additional ticket. Without having to leave through the theme park’s main entrance, you can ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade Station and King’s Cross Station. However, if you choose to, you can exit one theme park through its main entrance and then enter your next theme park through its main entrance. This strategy may be more useful if you want to switch parks but are not near any of the Harry Potter themed lands.
Additionally, if you get a 3-Park Park-to-Park ticket, you can start in either Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, or Volcano Bay and then switch to any one of these 3 theme parks. This ticket type gives you the most flexibility if you want to experience attractions from each of the 3 Universal Orlando theme parks.
The Park-to-Park ticket gives you the most options to experience in 1 day.
Universal Orlando Ticket Price Breakdown
Here is a full breakdown of Universal Orlando ticket prices for each ticket type to enter any of the Universal Orlando theme parks.
Similar to ticket pricing for Walt Disney World, prices for any of the Universal Studios theme parks are date-specific. This means that ticket prices vary according to expected crowd levels for that particular day. If crowd levels are expected to be higher during certain time periods (such as during the summer months), ticket prices tend to increase. However, if crowd levels are expected to be lower (such as in late September or early October), ticket prices tend to decrease.
Let’s take a look at the different ticket types and their prices:
Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure Ticket Prices
| Single Park (without tax) | Park-to-Park (without tax) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Adult Ticket | $119-$179 | $174-$234 |
| 1-Day Child (3-9) Ticket | $114-$174 | $169-$229 |
| 2-Day Adult Ticket | $234.99-$337.99 | $292.99-$408.99 |
| 2-Day Child (3-9) Ticket | $222.99-$338.99 | $282.99-$398.99 |
Universal’s Volcano Bay Ticket Prices
| Universal's Volcano Bay | |
|---|---|
| 1-Day Adult Ticket (without tax) | $80-85 |
| 1-Day Child Ticket (3-9, without tax) | $75-$80 |
There are a few things to note when considering the Universal Orlando ticket pricing.
First, note that these ticket prices do not include tax, which may affect your budgeting when visiting Universal Orlando. Next, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day tickets are also available to purchase. Finally, it's important to note that Universal Orlando tickets expire 7 days after the first use.
There are also a few perks if you are a Florida resident or if you have a kiddo under 3 years old.
First, children under 3 years old have free admission. Next, Florida residents save up to $65 on select multi-day tickets. However, these tickets are not available at the front gate. Florida residents can also take advantage of several money-saving opportunities throughout the year through the Universal Orlando website.
Make sure to use this ticket pricing break when planning your next Universal Orlando vacation.
You Can Add the Universal Express Pass to Your Universal Orlando Ticket
When purchasing tickets to Universal Orlando, you have the option to purchase the Universal Express Pass which changes the Universal Orlando ticket prices.
The Universal Express Pass allows you to skip attraction lines at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. The Universal Express Pass can be very beneficial if you’re visiting during peak park times, if you want to experience many of the park’s most popular attractions in a single day, or if you have a group that makes standing in a long line difficult.
The Universal Express Pass is priced per person, per day. When purchasing online, you have the option to add the Universal Express Pass to the total cost of your ticket.
Don’t worry if you’re undecided on purchasing this option though. This several ways to purchase the Universal Express Pass. First, when in the theme park, you’re able to upgrade your ticket by adding the Universal Express Pass to your ticket at specific ticket areas throughout the park. You can also add the Universal Express Pass to their ticket online even after purchasing their theme park ticket with an upgrade. However, depending on the type of ticket you purchase, this may not be the most cost-efficient way to add the Universal Express Pass to your ticket.
If you choose to purchase your theme park tickets at the theme park’s front gate, you can also make this purchase in-person at the ticket window of the theme parks.
Universal Orlando Attractions with Express Pass
Here is a list of attractions that are included in the Universal Express Pass:
Universal Studios Florida
- The Bourne Stuntacular
- Despicable Me Minion Mayehm
- E.T. Adventure
- Fast & Furious – Supercharged
- Harry Potter and the Escape From Gringotts
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockpit
- Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
- Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Revenge of the Mummy
- The Simpsons Ride
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
Universal Islands of Adventure
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- Caro-Seuss-el
- The Cat in the Hat
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
- Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Storm Force Accelatron
Universal Volcano Bay
- Honu of Honu ika Moana
- ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster
- Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Punga Racers
- Taniwha Tubes
Additional Rides Available with Express PLUS
- Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge
- Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
Types of Universal Express Passes
There are 2 Express Pass options for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure and 2 options at Universal’s Volcano Bay.
The Universal Orlando ticket prices for each of these Express Pass types vary, and understanding what each of these Express Passes offer is important in understanding their pricing.
Let’s go over each of the different Express Pass options at each theme park and water park.
Universal Studios Florida Express Pass Prices
The Universal Express Pass ($79.99 and up per person) enables you to skip the regular attraction line once per ride. This means that once you use your Express Pass once for one attraction, you can no longer use it for that same attraction for the rest of the day. However, you can use your Express Pass at other attractions at Universal Studios Florida that qualify for the Express Pass.
The Universal Express Unlimited Pass ($109.99 and up per person) enables you to skip the regular attraction lines an unlimited amount of times. This means that you can use this Express Pass option as many times as you wish on any attraction that qualifies for the Express Pass. For example, you can use your Express Pass an unlimited amount of times on The Bourne Stuntacular, an attraction I would love to see over and over again!
Universal Islands of Adventure Express Pass Prices
Universal Express Pass ($84.99 and up per person) enables you to skip the regular attraction line once per ride. This means that once you use your Express Pass once for one attraction, you can no longer use it for that same attraction for the rest of the day. However, you can use your Express Pass at other attractions at Islands of Adventure that qualify for the Express Pass.
The Universal Express Unlimited pass ($114.99 and up per person) enables you to skip the regular attraction lines an unlimited amount of times. This means that you can use this Express Pass option as many times as you wish on any attraction that qualifies for the Express Pass. For example, you can use your Express Pass an unlimited amount of times on Jurassic World VelociCoaster, an extremely popular ride that sees wait times skyrocket!
Volcano Bay Water Park Express Pass Prices
The Universal Express Pass ($19.99 and up per person) enables you to skip the virtual queues at select attractions once per attraction. This means that once you use your Express Pass once for one attraction, you can no longer use it for that same attraction for the rest of the day. However, you can use your Express Pass at other attractions at Volcano Bay that qualify for the Express Pass.
The Universal Express Plus Pass ($49.99 and up per person) enables you to skip the virtual queues at all attractions, once per attraction. This means that you can use this Express Pass option as many times as you wish on any attraction that qualifies for the Express Pass. For example, you can use your Express Pass an unlimited amount of times on many of the Volcano Bay raft rides, which offer extreme amount of fun!
How to Save Money on Universal Orlando Theme Park Tickets
Strategies to save money when visiting Universal Orlando is a hot topic constantly discussed by everyone especially when comparing Universal Orlando ticket prices.
When planning to visit Universal Orlando, you have several options to save money. These options vary from packages that give you more value for what you pay to discounts through other companies to purchasing through official resellers. It’s important to know the details of each option before purchasing your tickets.
Let’s briefly go over your different options to saving money when purchasing Universal Orlando theme park tickets.
For a more in-depth explanation on how to get discount tickets to Universal Orlando, make sure to check out our full guide!
Universal Orlando Ticket Bundle: Park-to-Park Admission + Universal Express Unlimited Combo
When purchasing tickets to Universal Orlando, you may want to consider purchasing a ticket bundle.
The Park-to-Park + Universal Express Unlimited Combo allows you to bundle your 2, 3, 4, or 5-day tickets with the Universal Express pass to help save you money. For example, a 2-Park Park-to-Park + Express Unlimited Ticket ($124.99 and up per adult) allows you admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure with Universal Express Unlimited Pass for one day. This not only means that you can visit both Universal Orlando theme parks in 1 day. This also means that you have unlimited access to the Express Pass queue at qualifying attractions in both theme parks!
The Universal Orlando ticket bundle is a great value for those wanting to experience as much as possible on their next vacation.
Universal Orlando Vacation Packages
Universal Orlando also offers a variety of vacation packages that bundle your tickets with their on-site hotels.
Currently, Universal Orlando offers 8 different hotels for guests and are all close to the action. This is soon to change when Universal Orlando opens its next theme park, Universal Epic Universe and its accompanying resorts Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort. Once these resorts open, we expect that you’ll be able to book a vacation package at allows you to stay at Universal Stella Nova Resort or Universal Terra Luna Resort
The perks of staying at a Universal Orlando hotel include:
- Being walking distance to all the theme parks using the Universal CityWalk pathway
- One-hour early entrance into the theme parks
- Free Universal Express Unlimited Passes to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Island of Adventure
- Complimentary transportation to the theme parks through the water taxi or bus
- The ability to purchase food and merchandise inside your hotel or the theme parks and complimentary hotel delivery
- Character wake-up calls from popular characters
Additionally, Florida residents have special access to discount ticket rates for their vacation package.
The Universal Orlando vacation package is a great way to bundle your entire vacation while saving a little money.
Discounted Universal Tickets Purchased Through Wholesale Resale Stores
With wholesale resale shopping becoming more and more popular, stores such as Sam’s Club and Costco occasionally sell discounted Universal Orlando tickets.
Keep in mind that many of these stores don’t usually advertise their discounts. However, if you frequently shop there, you’re more than likely to catch them at the right time.
Note that purchasing through wholesale resale stores still means that you must choose the date you plan on visiting the theme park.
Discounted Universal Orlando Tickets Through AAA
If you’re a AAA insurance member, you’re in luck.
AAA typically offers discounts for its members through its website, allowing you to save up to 30% off of regular gate prices.
AAA members can purchase tickets through the AAA website, in-person, or through telephone.
Universal Orlando Military Discount Tickets
Like how Walt Disney World has discounts for military personnel, Universal Orlando also has a discount specifically for active duty and retired service members.
Guests who qualify can purchase their discounted Universal Orlando tickets through their authorized military ticket and travel office. This includes active duty Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reservists, retired military service members, and Department of Defense civilians. When purchasing, you must present your current military or Department of Defense identification at any participating authorized military ticket and travel office.
The best part: this discount also extends to the spouses of those in the military!
You can find a purchase location nearest you here.
Discount Universal Orlando Tickets Through Employment Offices
Many employment offices also offer some type of access to discounted theme park tickets.
The best way to learn about these discounts is to check with your human resources department when planning your Universal Orlando vacation.
All in all, you have plenty of different options to purchase discounted Universal Orlando theme park tickets!
Universal Orlando VIP Experience
If you’re looking for the royal treatment on your visit to Universal Studios Orlando, you may want to consider booking the VIP Experience.
The Universal Orlando VIP Experience compares to the Disney VIP Tour at Walt Disney World. When purchasing the Universal Orlando VIP Experience, you have 2 options. The first allows you to be escorted on a guided group tour. This means that you may be combined with other guests who also purchased this experience. This also means that your experience may depend on what everybody else in your group wants to do that day.
The second option gives you more flexibility on your day. It gives you access to your own exclusive VIP group, allowing you to build your own park itinerary and experience along with a number of extra perks. This means that you have much more control over how your theme park day looks, allowing you to shape your own experience.
With both options, you will be personally escorted by a Universal Orlando VIP guide through Universal Studios Florida or Universal’s Islands of Adventure, or both with a 2-park experience.
Universal Orlando VIP Experience Benefits
With either option, you and your party receive plenty of benefits that no other regular theme park guest gets to experience.
You receive exclusive Universal Orlando backstage access, learn insider information, and access to enjoy the rides without waiting in line. You also receive complementary valet parking, reserved seating at shows, complimentary breakfast and lunch, a VIP lanyard, Universal Express Unlimited Pass for the rest of your day after your experience, and CityWalk Party Pass.
The Universal Orlando VIP Experience is a must-do at least once in your life.
Universal Orlando VIP Experience Pricing and Details
The Universal Orlando VIP Experience starts at $189 per person.
With the VIP experience, you have two options:
1-Day, 2-Park Experience: This includes a 7-hour tour with priority entrance into a minimum of 8 rides and attractions. This means that your tour covers both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure and the rides and attractions of your choice in each theme park.
1-Day, 1-Park Experience: This includes a 5-hour tour with priority entrance into a minimum of 8 rides and attractions at the park of your choice. While this tour is shorter, the fact that you stay in one theme park saves you time from switching theme park, giving you and your party more time to enjoy the rides and attractions.
Note that separate theme park admission is required for all VIP Experiences.
Tickets for the VIP Experience can be purchased online. However, to book a private VIP tour or for more details, you must call (866) 346-9350, 9am-7pm, seven days a week.
With all of this information at your fingertips, you’re now ready to decide which theme park ticket to purchase on your next visit to Universal Orlando.
The next question to answer is: which Universal Orlando theme park are you visiting next?
Plan Your Universal Orlando Vacation
To get a head start to planning your Universal vacation, subscribe to our FREE Deals newsletter. Here you will have access to useful planning information, exclusive Universal deals, and access to the lowest priced Universal tickets anywhere. Find more information on planning your vacation here:
- Universal Orlando Guide 2024
- Universal Orlando Discount Tickets
- Universal Orlando CityWalk Guide
- Universal Orlando Freebies
- How Much does it Cost to go to Universal Studios Orlando?
The cost to buy a ticket to Universal Studios Orlando depends on which ticket type you decide to purchase and which park(s) you decide to visit. Tickets to visit Universal Studios Orlando can start at $119 for a 1-Day adult ticket. For more information, visit our guide here.
Believe it or not, it is actually not cheaper to buy Universal Orlando tickets at the gate. The price you pay for your Universal Orlando ticket is the same whether you purchase your tickets online or at the front gate.
Comparing purchasing Universal Orlando tickets online to purchasing in-person at the Universal Studios ticket window, it is not cheaper to purchase online. However, there are certain discounts that can only be applied online or in person. Additionally, purchasing through our partner Get Away Today guarantees you the lowest price possible on your Universal Orlando vacation.
The cost to buy a ticket to Universal Studios costs the same at the door compared to online. How much you pay depends on which ticket type you decide to purchase and which park(s) you decide to visit. Tickets to visit Universal Studios Orlando can start at $119 for a 1-Day adult ticket.
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