How to Plan Your Universal Orlando Trip with the Right Ticket

Universal has entertained generations of movie fans, bringing action, horror and heartwarming stories to the big screen. You can ride the movies at the popular vacation destination Universal Orlando Resort! You’ll want to make sure you have the right ticket at the best price. Here is what you need to know to choose the right Universal Orlando ticket for the type of trip you’re planning.

Planning Your Trip: Universal Orlando Ticket Advice

Important Ticket Information to Consider First

The length of time you want to stay, time of year you plan to visit, attractions you want to enjoy and seasonal offerings available can steer you to the right ticket. Know that:

• If you are considering a full Universal Orlando Resort vacation, longer stays will cost less per day and provide the best overall value.
• Trip planning for the spooky season means you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket to Halloween Horror Nights if you want to attend.
• Trip planning for a visit during the holiday season means you’ll have no additional park tickets to purchase as Grinchmas, the parade and other offerings are included with your regular Universal Orlando ticket.
• You need multi-park Universal Orlando tickets if you want to enjoy all of the attractions because the Hogwarts Express is a connector between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It has a different experience depending on which park you start in. It can only be accessed with multi-park Universal Orlando resort tickets.

Visiting Universal as Part of Your Orlando Trip: Which Ticket Makes Sense?

There’s so much to do in Orlando and many visitors enjoy time at various theme parks in the region when in the area. When you plan to visit Universal for a few days as part of your trip, you may not see it all.

It’s best to prioritize what you want to see in each park and choose tickets that help you reach those goals.

Have one day to visit?

Our advice: Choose between a one day, multi-park ticket at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida or a one day, one park ticket for Epic Universe.

The newest park, Epic Universe, offers an advanced theme park experience while the other two have popular Harry Potter locations to visit.

Have two days to visit?

Our advice: Get a two day, multi-park ticket that includes one day at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida and one separate day at Epic Universe.

You will still need to prioritize what to do when splitting one day at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Epic Universe can be done in a day if you research in advance, plan strategically and are ok if you don’t see everything or get to re-ride your favorites.

Have three days to visit?

Our advice: With a three day, multi-park ticket you are able to move freely between Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida and Epic Universe.

With three days, you can dedicate one day to each park while taking advantage of park hours. Done at one park? See what else is still open that day. Experienced everything on your list? Take your time enjoying the best attractions of your trip again.

Vacationing at Universal Exclusively: Buy More, Save More

When you plan a full Universal Orlando Resort vacation, there’s a lot more to see. In addition to Universal’s three theme parks there is also the Volcano Bay water park and the CityWalk shopping and dining district. More time allows you to enjoy full days at every park, hop around as you wish and also relax at your resort if you so choose.

Have four or more days to visit?

Options really open up and prices per day often go down when you stay for a while. With a four day, multi-park pass you can make the most of your visit and see it all. If you’re staying at a Universal hotel, check the schedule for Early Park Admission times.

More: How Many Days Do You Need at Universal Orlando?

How to Save on Universal Orlando Tickets

You can find the best rates knowing:

• Prices change throughout the year, with higher ticket prices during peak times. If possible, be flexible with your dates and search the calendar for lower priced tickets.
• Tickets can cost more at the gate so buy in advance to save and be prepared on your visit.
• Unlocked Magic offers discount Universal tickets all year long. Check prices here and compare to find the best rates.