Ultimate Budget-Friendly Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando Resort (2025)

Visiting Universal Without Breaking The Bank

#1 Plan Ahead

This is probably obvious, but plan ahead!!

While you can definitely find last-minute deals at hotels, these are not guaranteed. If your goal is budget-friendly, you want to book your hotel as far in advance as possible!

(We’ll talk about which hotels to book in Tip # 4).

Planning ahead is crucial when aiming for a budget-friendly experience at Universal Studios. Understanding where the majority of your total cost comes from (likely hotel and tickets) is very insightful and can help drastically decrease the cost of your trip – if you plan accordingly.

Planning ahead also allows you to take full advantage of promotional offers and discounts (see tip #3), costs that can add up if you’re paying for several people. One thing you DO NOT want to do is pay for tickets at the gate – don’t make this mistake!

Flying

If you’re flying, this can also become quite expensive. I’ve seen flights into MCO (Orlando) from $200 – $700 per person (one side of the spectrum is obviously preferable).

Keep an eye on the price of flights as soon as those become available to you. Google Flights comparison tool shows flights up to 11 months out; however, this won’t include airlines like Southwest since they only publish their flights a few months at a time.

Ultimately, the price depends on where you can fly from and the airlines you have access to, but keeping an eye on the price of flights and booking when they’re low can save you hundreds.

#2 Visit Off-Peak

Choosing the right time to visit Universal Studios can significantly impact not only the cost of your trip but also the overall experience. One of the most effective ways to achieve budget-friendly travel is by selecting off-peak days for your visit.

I know, I know. I, too, am afflicted by the curse of the school-aged child. This will not stop me from my pursuit of off-peak visits!

Oh boy, do I miss being able to travel whenever I wanted and not have to abide by the school calendar. Gone are the days of just picking the cheapest week (which is, coincidentally, not busy).

A simple way to gauge how packed Universal Studios (and other parks like Disney) will be is to look at their hotel and ticket prices. I prefer looking at resort hotels and Express Pass tickets – if they’re on the higher end of the spectrum, the park is likely going to be busy.

Some of the least busy weeks to visit are in early September, early November, and even early December. Combine this with visiting early in the week, such as Monday through Wednesday, for even fewer crowds. There are several crowd calendars available on various websites that can provide insight into anticipated visitor numbers, allowing for smarter planning.

TLDR: You’ll typically want to avoid weekends, holidays, and school breaks.

Special events at the park can significantly affect crowd sizes and the overall price of your visit. While these events can be exciting experiences, they also attract larger crowds, which may detract from the enjoyment for those seeking a more relaxed visit. If budget is a primary concern, be mindful of these seasonal events and plan your trip for a time when the park is less crowded.

Even if your goal is to avoid a crowded holiday event, there are times (usually within the first couple of weeks of the event) when crowds are more manageable. If you want to see the parks decorated for Halloween or Christmas (which you absolutely should at least once), then try to plan a trip in September or the first week of December.

If you do plan to go in September, be mindful of hurricane season. I had to cancel a very thoroughly planned trip (including a cabana at Volcano Bay) due to a hurricane hitting Orlando during the week of our trip. Thankfully, Universal did refund everything booked through their website. Unfortunately, we were not able to get our Halloween Horror Nights tickets refunded because they were booked through a third-party website.

Furthermore, purchasing tickets well in advance for off-peak times can lead to additional savings, as prices may rise as the date approaches. By combining the strategy of visiting on off-peak days with early ticket purchases, visitors can enhance their experience while minimizing costs. Careful planning and research are key to ensuring that your visit to Universal Studios is not only enjoyable but also economically savvy.

#3 Find Budget-Friendly Discounts

Ticket prices at Universal can add up pretty quickly, especially for families or larger groups. Although the addition of Volcano Bay and Epic Universe in recent years has been exciting, it has also come with higher ticket costs. To ensure a budget-friendly experience, it is essential to explore various strategies for finding affordable tickets.

An easy way to save on tickets is to purchase them in advance.

Prices at the gate are always higher. Buying in advance also saves you the time it would take to buy them at the gate, allowing for more time in the parks.

First, I would recommend checking out the ticket packages and deals that Universal has to offer. It isn’t always the best option, but sometimes it is.

Many online platforms like Orlando Informer and Undercover Tourist offer discounts on pre-purchased tickets (don’t worry – they are authorized resellers).

Even if you just purchase your tickets through Universal’s website, buy them in advance.

Sometimes Universal offers seasonal promotional tickets, such as buy 2 days, get 1 day free. Although I would definitely start looking at potential discounted tickets, it isn’t necessary to buy these a year out. I would plan to buy the park tickets in the months leading up to your trip.

Express Passes

My only exception is that if you’re planning on purchasing an Express Pass, you should buy that as soon as you know the date(s) you need. The Express Passes will continue to increase in price as more and more people purchase them.

If you do plan on purchasing Express Passes, I would recommend comparing the total cost of your lodging/Express Pass with the cost of staying at one of the premier hotels. Unlimited Express Passes are included for everyone staying in the room and can be used on both check-in and check-out days.

Florida Resident Rates

Some of the best discounts are Florida resident discounts. If you are a Florida resident or will be traveling with a Florida resident, you could probably just skip looking at all other discounts.

Maybe just double-check. Just in case.

For real, though, this discount is one of the best savings you can find. Tickets and on-site hotels are consistently cheaper with the Florida resident discount.

If you have anyone in your party staying at the on-site hotel with you, they will need to be present at check-in to show their ID.

Military Discounts

Another great discount to mention is for the military. Definitely take advantage of these if you’re in the military. Most notably, the annual pass (called the Freedom Pass) is significantly discounted, and you can purchase up to 6 per military ID.

The ‘2025 Freedom Pass’ is only $210 for a 2-park, park-to-park pass, and $245 for the 3-park, park-to-park pass. With limited blockout dates, this is an incredible discount.

It only has a few downsides. The pass is only valid for a calendar year, not a fiscal year like the regular annual passes. You currently cannot use it for the same food, merchandise, and hotel discounts that come with the other annual passes.

Otherwise, the ‘Freedom Pass’ is an excellent option for discounted tickets. Additionally, a service member can purchase an unlimited number of multiday tickets at a discounted rate. Better yet, they are not required to be there when activated, unlike the ‘Freedom Pass’.

It is also possible to get a discounted hotel room as a service member. It may be worth getting a quote from your local Ticket and Travel office!

#4 Stay On-site

Hear me out.

As I mentioned before, I used to only stay off-site to try and save money. I never tried the on-site resorts until a few years ago. You cannot make me go back.

All jokes aside (sort of), staying at an onsite resort can be a great [and budget-friendly] option for multiple reasons.

First, Universal has several hotels that offer very competitive rates when compared to off-site options. Their value hotels start at around the low $100s per night (especially if you book in advance) and are usually lower if someone in your party can produce a Florida ID. You can usually catch a good “stay and save” deal, too, where the discount increases the longer you stay. So the average nightly rate is lower for 4 nights than for 3 nights.

Staying on-site also offers several perks that can result in more quality time in the parks.

3 words. Early. Park. Entry.

Also known as EPA. This is one of the best perks and, honestly, the selling point for me. You can enter one of the parks (typically Islands of Adventure) 1 hour before the park officially opens. Most people just book it to Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure or Velocicoaster – and for good reason. The lines for these two very popular rides often reach more than 2 hours.

You read that right. 2 HOURS.

Although I do think waiting more than 2 hours for Hagrid’s would be worth it, there are more efficient ways to ride.

If you’re looking for a relaxing morning, EPA is also an excellent way to enjoy a much less crowded Hogsmeade. You can eat breakfast at The Three Broomsticks or be the first to ride the Hogwarts Express to Diagon Alley, which puts you in the back of Universal Studios before the regular crowds can make it there.

Transportation

Another notable perk includes transportation to and from the parks, which starts prior to early park entry and stops after CityWalk closes. Universal advertises buses every 15 minutes, and in my experience, it is usually closer to 10 minutes, particularly during open and close.

Our absolute favorite mode of transportation is the water taxis. They are such a lovely way to start the day. Just be aware that the water taxi lines can get pretty long at the end of the night.

Not only do you go through your own security just prior to getting onto the water taxi, you also get dropped off in Citiwalk. This cuts down on the time it takes to get to the front gates by a solid 5 – 20 minutes (depending on how fast your party can walk and if you pick the correct security line).

Unfortunately, the water taxis are only offered at the Signature Collection Hotels. You don’t have to stay there to utilize them, though. If you want to catch a water taxi to enjoy a restaurant or a pool at a different hotel, you’re free to do so!

Complimentary Package Pick-Up and Delivery

One more great perk is having souvenirs delivered from the park to your hotel room. No need to rent a large locker or carry around your souvenirs. Just ask to have it sent to your room at whichever hotel you’re staying at!

Endless Summer Resorts

Truly a great set of value hotels.

We have really enjoyed every one of our stays at the Endless Summer Resort value hotels (our favorite is Dockside Inn). The food at the hotel was actually really good, there were a lot of options, and it was reasonably priced. Our bus rides from Dockside to the parks were always about 7 to 10 minutes, and buses showed up regularly.

Signature Collection

Although they are more expensive, don’t immediately write off staying at a premier hotel. If you’re looking into getting Express Passes, staying at a premier hotel can easily save you hundreds of dollars.

If you only have a couple of days at the parks and really want to ride every ride, staying at a premier hotel is a good option to consider if you can find a good price.

When you factor in all the perks, staying at an on-site resort can provide a more efficient and streamlined vacation. More time in the parks, a convenient location, and quick transportation are truly beneficial. Although there are definitely cheaper hotels off-site, don’t write off the on-site resorts without comparing prices first!

If you want a more in-depth comparison, check out my Guide to On-Site Hotels.

When should you stay off-site, though?

Even with great value prices, sometimes there are just better options that fit your needs. Sometimes you can’t find a decent price for an on-site hotel, and you don’t have flexible dates. With this in mind, there are a few reasons I might decide to stay off-site.

1. To redeem points that can either fully cover or significantly reduce the price of your hotel.

2. Find a hotel that is cheaper, provides a free park shuttle that runs on a regular schedule, AND provides free breakfast.

3. Camping or staying in an RV at a nearby campsite. I’ve never done this, but it is a viable option if Universal is a side quest and you’re mainly there for nature, or if you’re staying at Disney.

4. If you find an Airbnb or VRBO that can accommodate a larger group/plan on cooking most meals (just be prepared to drive and pay for parking). This would be a good option if you plan on cooking most of your meals, just remember your rental may not be in a convenient location. If you plan on spending as much time as possible in the park, you’ll likely have to eat in the park.

5. If you plan on visiting other attractions for more than half of your vacation.
   

That may be it. And honestly, I would still consider staying on-site for numbers 4 and 5. The value/prime value hotels have decent prices on room accommodations for 6 people, and are often competitively priced compared to off-site vacation rentals.

#5 Bring All of the Snacks

Although the hotel and park tickets are likely to be the majority of your budget, the costs associated with food and drinks can add up quickly. If you want to stick to a strict food budget, there are several strategies to consider that focus on saving money while still enjoying the park’s offerings. One of the simplest tips is to bring your own snacks. You are free to bring food into the park, with very few limitations. I have personally tested this, and they have never stopped me from bringing a literal bag full of food.

As much as I love trying theme park and resort food, my love for saving money often overrides expensive park food. Even if you just replace one snack and/or one meal, the savings add up.

Here are a few of my favorite snacks to bring:

1. Caffeine. Without a doubt, the most important snack. I, like most people, require caffeine to function, and although there is a Starbucks in every on-site hotel and in the park, I try to use them sparingly. I like to bring energy drinks and instant coffee, iced coffee, or espresso concentrate. You can buy an espresso or iced coffee concentrate for around $7, and get water/ice for free from the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines at the hotels. I prefer the flavored and presweetened concentrate, but if that is not your vibe, then you can BYOC (bring your own creamer).
2. Protein bars/trail mix/muffins/fruit – Maybe you’re like me and can survive on an iced coffee and a protein bar until lunchtime. If that is the case, definitely bring protein bars. Trail mix is also an excellent calorie-dense food that can help reduce your need to buy food in the parks. Foods like muffins and fruit are an easy breakfast that kids will usually eat.
3. Bring a water bottle! There are Coca-Cola Freestyle machines EVERYWHERE, and water/ice is free. I love this. You could literally go the entire vacation without buying a drink just by refilling your water bottles. If you want a decent souvenir and cannot go more than a day without soda (fellow caffeine addict here – I get it), consider getting the refillable souvenir cup. If you know you’re going to spend the money on drinks anyway, the refillable cups are a decent deal.
4. Sandwiches – if you want extra credit. Bringing a full lunch rather than just snacks can easily save $10 – $30 per person. Obviously, this is a bit more difficult and time-consuming than just snacks, but it can also be worth it! (Peanut butter sandwiches are my go-to for a hot day outside AND definitely budget-friendly!)

Unfortunately, options are usually more limited if you’re flying.

If you can’t bring liquid and don’t like instant coffee (I don’t blame you), you can pick up some caffeine tablets, gum, or snacks that contain caffeine. Alternatively, you could stop by a store or have groceries delivered. 

In addition to bringing your own snacks and using refillable drink cups, there are some wallet-friendly dining options at Universal. Fast-service eateries and snack carts can provide a range of affordable meals such as pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches, which are often priced lower than sit-down restaurants.

Consider ordering a child’s meal or split meals. We regularly share meals to cut down on costs and prevent food waste, and it is usually enough food.

I would highly recommend looking at the restaurant menus on the Universal Orlando app or on their website. Knowing which restaurants will suit your budget (and any dietary restrictions) can help you accurately prepare your budget.

My ideal budget-friendly meal plan for the day:

Breakfast: Make my own coffee/energy drink and a protein bar ($1-$4)

Lunch: Split a late breakfast/early lunch at The Three Broomsticks or The Leaky Cauldron ($18)

Snack: Butterbeer -obviously ($9)

Dinner: Share a pizza or chicken tenders from – probably from one of the underrated resort pool bars ($20)

My total for lunch and dinner would be $19 per person. I also always round up a few dollars to plan for tax.

So my food total for one day, per person, would be around $35. 

Now this strategy probably isn’t feasible for every day of your trip. It also doesn’t account for odd-numbered groups. However, implementing this strategy for at least a couple of days can really add up in savings.

By planning meals, bringing your own snacks, and being mindful of when and what to eat, you can significantly reduce the cost of food at Universal Studios.

#6 Plan Your Day (somewhat)

This is a bit of a Frankenstein of the previous tips. If your goal is to get the most bang for your buck, you’ll want to be prepared to efficiently use your time in the parks.

If you haven’t already researched what Universal Orlando has to offer, do this now!

You’ll want to know which rides are your must-dos, and when your best bet will be for riding them. By identifying must-see attractions in advance, you can create a strategy that ensures you are actually able to ride/see priorities.

I am obsessed with crowd calendars. There are several that I look at when planning my trips, but Thrill Data is quite possibly the nerdiest with the most data (please let me know if you find a nerdier one). You can look at all of the graphs for wait times for rides like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. You can determine when typical spikes and dips are throughout the day, and when you should get in line based on average highs and lows. Another great source of data is on Queue Times.

Get an idea of where you want to eat and plan to do this before or after peak meal times. When you use off-peak times to eat, that means more people will be waiting in line for food when you’re waiting in a (hopefully shorter than normal) line for a ride.

Universal Orlando Resort App

I would definitely recommend using the Universal app for planning. You can store cards and all of your family’s tickets, so no need to carry your wallet. (I still like to carry a backup card just in case, though.)

This app provides real-time information on wait times for rides, allowing you to make informed decisions about which attractions to visit next. Sometimes I check the wait times while I’m planning my trip to get a more accurate idea of the dips and spikes throughout the day.

By tracking the wait times when you’re in the park, you can easily adjust your itinerary on the fly, making the most of every moment spent in the park. Additionally, the app offers maps, show schedules, and restaurant menus, further aiding in your planning.

Utilize Early Park Admission!

If you choose to stay on-site, prepare to start your day early! Taking advantage of one extra hour with fewer people in the park can significantly impact your entire day.

Some people arrive over an hour early to be among the first into the park. I cannot understate how good it feels to get through Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure AND Velocicoaster before EPA ends. Even if that means waiting in a line for an hour just to get into Islands of Adventure.

I have some really good memories of those mornings, though! You can bring your coffee/breakfast/morning snack (don’t worry – there is a bathroom to the right of the entrance). I’ve used that time to braid my sister’s hair. We also like to use this time to look through the app and come up with a rough timeline for the day. I’ve also just played games on my phone.

For those who prefer a more relaxed morning, I still recommend arriving during EPA. Even if the park is 15 minutes from its regular operating hours. You can enjoy a less crowded Hogsmeade, or hop in a line that is likely going to be shorter than after normal park hours.

Take Breaks!

I would also recommend fitting breaks into your schedule. This may seem counterintuitive, but it is essential to sustain energy levels during your visit. Universal Studios can be overwhelming, especially with a packed itinerary. Plan moments to rest, enjoy refreshments, and take in the atmosphere.

I used to be of the mindset that waiting in line for a ride would be relaxing enough. Maybe I’m just older and more tired – but that is no longer the case. I need a relaxing sit-down for at least 30 minutes.

One of my new favorite things to do in the afternoon is to catch a show! The shows are another underrated experience at Universal. Some of my must-see shows include the Horror Makeup Show and Animal Actors. Even though I’ve seen them both several times at this point, I try to watch them every time I go. They are always funny and a great way to take a quick break from the sun.

Not only is it reinvigorating, but being mentally prepared to take breaks allows for more spontaneous experiences. Taking a quick break to meet Scooby and the gang or a Transformer leads to lasting memories.

Which also leads to my next recommendation:

#7 Find Budget-Friendly Souvenirs

Visiting Universal Studios can be an unforgettable experience, and creating lasting memories does not have to come with a hefty price tag. One of the most effective ways to preserve memories during your trip is by choosing budget-friendly souvenirs.

Instead of splurging on expensive merchandise, consider looking for more affordable options that still capture the essence of your visit. Many vendors offer smaller items, such as keychains, postcards, or magnets, which can be found at reasonable prices while providing a tangible reminder of your time at the park.

Another excellent method for remembering your visit is through photography. Rather than investing in high-priced souvenirs, focus on capturing moments throughout your day. Use your smartphone or a camera to take pictures of you and your family enjoying rides, funny character encounters, or scenic views within the park.

I wish it were easier to capture videos during my first visit. Although I remember how entertaining it was to meet Donkey from Shrek, I wish I could recall the entire interaction.

The point is that it was still memorable, though! Rather than getting a souvenir that I would probably have forgotten about, lost, or gotten rid of, I have great memories of talking to a hilarious character 15 years later.

Do me a favor and look up videos of Megatron roasting park guests before you go. Now that is a memory!

Creating a digital album or scrapbook can be a delightful way to relive your experiences without spending extra money.

#8 Prepare For Disappointment

Lastly, be prepared to be disappointed. That sounds a bit harsh, but don’t let all of your planning lead to unrealistic expectations.

You cannot possibly plan for everything. It is Florida, and outside. There are a lot of random storms. Outdoor rides will shut down if the weather is bad. Rides can also shut down for unexpected as well as planned maintenance (although Universal usually warns you about planned maintenance on their website).

Just be prepared for plans to go awry, and do your best not to let it bother you when it does. There are so many things to do at Universal Studios, I promise you will find something else to enjoy!

Very rarely have we had a perfectly planned day at Universal without some sort of inconvenience. And that is okay. It may lead to something even better than what you originally expected.

Ultimately, with a little creativity, you can cherish the memories made at Universal Studios while being mindful of your expenses.

Conclusion

Universal Orlando Resort is truly a wonderful place to visit. Although it can definitely add up in costs, it can still be conquered without blowing your budget!

Please consider using these tips for a budget-friendly trip to one of my favorite places to visit, and let me know if you have any other tips that weren’t listed here.

I truly hope this has been helpful in creating a budget-friendly trip to Universal Orlando Resort!