Are you confused about how to choose the BEST Universal Orlando Annual Pass for you?
No need to worry because I will guide you to the right choice in this guide!
Annual Passes are a crowd favorite among many theme park aficionados. Mostly because they often pay for themselves within a few visits.
And luckily, this is no different for Universal Theme Parks and Resorts in Orlando, FL.
Today I’m going to talk you through Universal Orlando Passholder perks, tips, and tricks so you can decide if an annual pass purchase is the right move for you!
(Spoiler alert: It probably is!)
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What are Annual Passes at Universal Orlando?
A Universal Orlando Annual Pass allows you to pay one price for admission to their theme parks throughout the year without having to keep buying a ticket every time you visit the park.
The Universal Orlando Annual Passholder Basics
Let’s first go through the different Universal Annual pass tiers and what to expect from each one.
Annual Pass Price Tiers: How Much a Universal Orlando Annual Pass?
As you may have already suspected, there is more than one Universal Orlando Annual Pass type.
The cost of a Universal Orlando Annual Pass ranges from $325 to $1100 depending on the type of pass you choose and if you’re a Florida resident.
Choosing which one is right for you depends on what perks you are interested in and how much you’re willing to pay.
And the good news is, I’ve already done all the research for you!
Keep reading below for our easy-to-understand annual pass breakdown by price and perks, starting with the most inexpensive two park pass and going to the most comprehensive.
The “Seasonal Pass”
Price: Starts at $429.99 ($324.99 for Florida Residents)
What’s Included in the Universal Seasonal Annual Pass Besides Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Park Admission:
- 10% off multi-park passes
- Discounts on Universal Orlando Hotels
- Access to the Universal Passholder Lounge daily
The Fine Print:
- No Self-Parking Discounts
- Blockout Dates Apply: November 25 – 30, 2024, December 21 – 31, 2024, January 1 – 5, 2025, April 7 – 26, 2025, July 1 – July 31, 2025, November 24 – 29, 2025, December 20 – 31, 2025
- There’s no Special Event Admission
The “Power Pass”
Price: Starts at $474.99 ($374.99 for Florida Residents)
What’s Included in the Universal Power Pass Annual Pass Besides Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Park Admission:
- 15% off multi-park passes
- Discounts on Universal Orlando Hotels and Merchandise
- 50% off Self-Parking
- Access to the Universal Passholder Lounge daily
- Select Special Event Admission i.e. Mardi Gras
The Fine Print:
- Blockout Dates Apply: December 21 – 31, 2024, January 1 – 5, 2025, April 7 – 19, 2025, December 20 – 31, 2025
The “Preferred Pass”
Price: Starts at $629.99 ($529.99 for Florida Residents)
What’s Included in The Universal Preferred Annual Pass Besides Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Park Admission:
- 15% off multi-park passes
- Early Park Admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure up to one (1) hour before the theme park opens on select days
- Discounts on Merchandise and Universal Orlando Hotels
- Select discounts on select food and drink in-park
- Free self-parking and discounted prime parking
- Access to the Universal Passholder Lounge daily
- Select Special Event Admission i.e. Mardi Gras
The Fine Print: N/A
The “Premier Pass”
Price: Starts at $904.99 ($789.99 for Florida Residents)
What’s Included in the Universal Premier Annual Pass Besides Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Park Admission:
- 15% off multi-park passes
- Discounts on Merchandise and Universal Orlando Hotels
- Select discounts on select food and drink in-park
- One hour early park admission (available on all dates)
- Free Valet (when available) or Prime and free self-parking
- Access to the Universal Passholder Lounge daily
- Select Special Event Admission i.e. Mardi Gras
- One Halloween Horror Nights admission (valued at $80 per person)
- One Universal Express Pass after 4 p.m. (express line for reduced wait time, valued at approximately $70+)
The Fine Print: N/A
Read Next: How to Find the BEST Vacation Home Rentals Near Disney World
Universal Orlando Annual Pass: 2 Park Pass Vs 3 Park Pass
As you can see for yourself at UniversalOrlando.com, in addition to choosing what tier pass you would like, you’ll also need to decide between a 2 Park or 3 Park pass.
A 3 Park Pass allows for unlimited entry to Universal’s Volcano Bay water park (opened in May 2017) in addition to their traditional Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure Theme Parks.
To help you decide between a two and three park pass, keep in mind that Universal Volcano Bay is about a 12 minute ride from Universal’s other two theme parks, which makes it slightly less convenient if you’re hoping to park hop between the three parks. If you’re parking, you’ll need to park in the garage and take the bus over to Volcano Bay.
How to Get to Volcano Bay from Universal?
As previously mentioned, to get to Volcano Bay, you have to park at Universal Orlando’s main parking garage and take Universal’s complimentary shuttle.
A bit more of a hassle than the walk or Hogwarts Express train ride guests use to hop between Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios parks, but not too much so.
So, before deciding on the type of pass you choose to buy, know your intentions. Do you enjoy water parks or are regular theme parks more your thing?
Should you get the Universal Orlando 3 Park Annual Pass?
It’s about a $100 difference between a two or three park pass, but to be honest, just two trips to Volcano Bay will make the 3 Park Pass worthwhile.
This is because a one day adult ticket to the water park currently stands at $80 per person.
The good news is though, if you’re still unsure, go with a two park pass for now. At any point you can pay the difference and upgrade your two park pass to a three!
ORDER NOW to secure your Universal Studios theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.
3 Easy Tips for Taking Full Advantage of Your Universal Orlando Annual Passholder Perks
Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s go through a few tips to help your decision.
1. Know When to Go
If you choose the “Seasonal” or “Power Pass,” which are the two most inexpensive tiers of Universal Orlando’s Annual Passes, blackout dates will apply.
This means that in 2024, your Seasonal or Power Pass will not be able to grant you access into the parks during high season: such as the month of July, Spring Break, Thanksgiving break and Christmas break.
For more details concerning this and other Universal Orlando Passholder perks and parameters, visit Universal and click “View Details” under each pass type that you’re considering.
Read: Universal Orlando Packing List Guide & Checklist
2. FlexPay Payment Plan
A little anxious about dropping a few hundred dollars in one fell swoop?
Don’t worry, Universal Orlando has thought about that and has the perfect solution!
You are more than welcome to spread out your Universal Orlando Passholder payments over the course of a year to make this worthwhile purchase more financially appealing.
Especially because there are no extra interest payments or credit checks to worry about.
The only drawback to FlexPay?
And second, it does automatically renew, so just stay on top of it if you don’t plan to keep your Universal Orlando Annual Pass for more than 12 months.
3. Special Florida Resident Prices
As you can see from the pricing breakdown above, discounted Florida resident pricing does apply to Universal Orlando’s Annual Passes!
So, if you want to take full advantage of this savings, make sure you’re prepared to do so.
In order to prove your Florida residency, make sure to have the proper paperwork with you such as:
- Florida State Driver’s License
- Voter Registration Card
- State Issued ID
- Florida Based Military ID
- College ID
All of these are appropriate forms of Florida residency proof.
According to Universal, for questions on other acceptable forms of Florida Residency ID requirements contact Guest Services at 407-363-8000.
What to Know Before You Buy Your Universal Orlando Annual Pass
Now that you know what to expect with your Universal Annual Pass and how much it cost, let’s go through a few of the most common questions I get.
Do Universal Passholders get discounts on tickets?
Yes! Universal Orlando Passholders of every tier get discounts on multi-park passes.
So, what does this mean for you?
If a friend or family member is just coming to visit for a day or two, you can purchase them a multi-day park pass at a discounted rate upon showing your Universal Orlando annual pass.
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
When is the best time to buy my Universal Orlando Annual Pass?
To be honest, right now is the best time to buy your Universal Orlando Annual Pass if you plan on visiting within the next 12-15 months.
That’s because from time-to-time, Universal Orlando will offer an upgrade to their 12 month annual passes to 15 months, three additional months for free!
However, if you don’t have a trip planned within the next 15 months or if this deal is not available to you, don’t fret!
Universal Orlando Annual Passes are always valid for at least 12 months, so simply buy it as close to your trip as possible.
That way, you still have almost an entire year to use the pass again before it expires!
Additionally, keep in mind that Universal Orlando can update the terms and prices of the passes on January 1 of every year.
So, if you’re concerned about a price spike or perk change and plan to go soon, buy ASAP. That way you know exactly what you’re getting and how much you’re getting it for.
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Do Universal Annual Passholders get discounts on hotels?
Yes! Arguably one of the biggest Universal Orlando Annual Passholder perks, besides unlimited park entry, is discounts on Universal hotel rates.
These offers are always changing, so be sure to check them out here periodically to see what hotel deals are waiting for you.
But, in general, Universal Orlando Annual Passholders can expect up to 30% off on Premier or Preferred Hotels and up to 25% off of Prime Value Hotels.
What is the Universal Passholder Lounge?
The Universal Orlando Annual Pass Lounge, also known as UOAP Lounge, is an exclusive, convenient place for Passholders to rest, recharge, and shop during their park visit.
You can find it in Toon Lagoon at Islands of Adventure.
Typically open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., this air conditioned lounge offers an ice-cold Coca-Cola cooler, phone charging stations, and exclusive Passholder merchandise for purchase!
Additionally, at the Universal Passholder Lounge, you can pick up your free button each month to show off your Passholder pride!
Can someone else use my Universal Orlando Annual Pass?
Unfortunately your Universal Orlando Annual Pass is for you and you alone. Upon purchase, you will be asked to provide your full name and fingerprints.
Each time you scan your Universal Orlando Annual Pass card for park entry, your identity will be verified through fingerprint match.
If this proves to be problematic, you will then have to present a photo ID that matches the name on your annual pass and your face.
ORDER NOW to secure your Universal Studios theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.
I’m visiting Universal Orlando right now and just decided I want an Annual Pass…am I too late?
If you’re currently visiting Universal Orlando Parks and have a park ticket that is still valid i.e. a multi-day pass, there is still time to upgrade that pass into an annual pass!
Before exiting the park on your final day, visit Guest Services, The Box Office, or the Ticket Counter to ask about upgrading to an annual pass by simply paying the difference.
Can I use my Universal Orlando Annual Pass in California?
Unfortunately the Universal Orlando Annual Pass is called just that for a reason…it’s only applicable in Florida. And while that might not be what you wanted to hear, we do have some good news!
Another competing magical theme park, which also has locations in California and Florida, if you catch our drift, has offered an annual pass in the past that allowed for both California and Florida park entry.
However, that pass was over $1,000, depending on the tier you pick.
My point? Why not pay a fraction of the price and know that you’ll get your money’s worth either way.
Because, if you decide to visit Universal California, you can buy a separate ticket package as appropriate and likely pay less in the long run.
UOAP: Passholder Appreciation Days in August and September
From August 15 through September 30, 2024, Universal Orlando Annual Passholders will be celebrated with a variety of fun and unique upgrades to enjoy during Passholder Appreciation Days!
1. Free Collectible Art Print for Universal Annual Passholders
During this year’s Passholder Appreciation Days, you are able to get a two free Collectible Art Prints that commemorates the special celebration.
From August 15, 2024, you’ll be able to pick up your special magnet from:
- UOAP Lounge in Islands of Adventure
- Five and Dime at Universal Studios Florida
2. Special Annual Passholder Merchandise
To celebrate Passholders, Universal is offering exclusive merchandise such as an all-new spirit jersey, stemless cup, and more!
3. Unique Food Just for UOAP Members
One of my favorite things to experience as an Annual Passholder is all of the unique foodie options that are available just for us!
This year Universal is offering over fifteen limited-time dishes all over the resort and I will go through each one of them below by theme park and destination.
CityWalk Food Treats for Universal Annual Passholders
- Voodoo Doughnut: Lemon Kiss Doughnut at Voodoo Doughnut
- BBQ Brisket Tacos at Margaritaville
- Cacio E Pepe at Vivo Italian Kitchen
- Sushi Burrito at Cowfish
- Peach for the Stars at Rising Star
Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida Food Treats for Universal Annual Passholders
- Crispy Bacon Poutine at Mel’s Drive-In
- Blackened Salmon Sliders at Confisco Grille
- Sneak Peek Punch at The Watering Hole
- Starbucks UOAP Refresher with Pineapple, passion fruit, strawberry açai
4. Hotels Deals for Universal Orlando Annual Passholders
You’ll be happy to know that you can also receive exclusive Universal Annual Passholder perks at the onsite hotels!
Discounted Hotel Rates
Take advantage of the 45% discounted Universal Orlando hotel rates at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and Universal’s Aventura Hotel, available to book by September 25, 2024.
For more information and for booking, visit Universal Orlando Resort Reservations.
5. More Annual Passholder Perks
To continue celebrating Annual Passholders, Universal is also offering the following benefits:
- Passholders will receive 50% off on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Personalization Services
- 30% off on all Universal’s Great Movie Escape experience tickets
- Buy any Amazing Pictures photo product in Universal Studios Florida and receive another of equal or lesser value for FREE from August 15 – September 30, 2024
- Passholders receive a 10% discount on Cabana and Premium Seating rentals at Volcano Bay
- Exclusive Coca-Cola Freestyle Souvenir Cup
Read Next: How to Find the BEST Vacation Home Rentals Near Disney World
6. Early Access to the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store
I’m so excited to report that we will get to view the Tribute Store before the general public this year!
According to Universal, early access before the general public is valid the first day of the Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – park close. Location pending.
You can get the full list of perks here!
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
Overall, is the Universal Annual Pass worth it?
Finally, the big question you’ve all been waiting for! Is the Universal Annual Pass worth it?
Overall, we definitely would love to say yes, but the answer certainly varies from person to person.
To help you out, let’s do some simple math!
A two day, two park pass, which would allow you to go between Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for two full days, costs around $295 for non-Florida residents or $227 for Florida residents.
On the other hand, the lowest tier of Annual Pass, the “Seasonal Pass,” costs $430 for non-Florida residents or $325 for Florida residents and allows you to enter and hop between the two parks as many times as you would like throughout the year (excluding black out dates).
So, what does that mean? Even if you’re not a Florida state resident, a Seasonal Pass pays for itself in less than three park day visits!
Not to mention all of the other Universal Orlando Passholder perks such as hotel discounts and the Universal Passholder Lounge.
And what about the higher tier annual passes? They quickly pay for themselves if you plan on driving to Universal Orlando and self-parking.
But, compare that with the completely free parking enjoyed by Preferred and Premier Passholders and see how quickly the savings add up!
Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
My Final Thoughts On the Universal Orlando Annual Pass Program
So, the bottom line? If you hope to visit Universal Studios in Orlando, FL for three days or more, an annual pass is definitely the way to go!
If you plan on getting dropped off and not park your car, the Seasonal Pass will quickly pay for itself!
Or, if you hope to drive and park each visit, then spring for the Preferred or Premier Pass so that parking will pay for itself.
After that, it’s really just up to you what other perks you prefer. Is a free Halloween Horror Nights calling your name?
Ready to start planning your next Universal Orlando vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!
Or are you dying to visit during the high holiday season in late December? Then it might be time to save all your pennies and go Premier.
Whatever you choose to do, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time at Universal Orlando.
And to make the most of your Passholder experience, periodically check back here to get the latest Universal Orlando Annual Passholder perks!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Gina is a former Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line Cast Member who enjoys reliving the magic by writing helpful tips and tricks for future guests!
Check out more about her Disney adventures and writing endeavors here on ThemeParkHipster or Florida Hipster!
Check out my latest theme park adventures on Instagram TODAY!
(Original Article Date: August 11, 2016/Updated on September 26, 2024 by Editor)
Great Information! We are Florida residents and purchased the Premier Pass. Well worth it in parking alone!! Thanks for information about the Annual Passholder Perks.
My pleasure!