Choosing a Universal Orlando Theme Park Ticket
Universal Orlando offers numerous ticket options to visit their three parks—Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. To help you select a ticket that’s best for you, we have divided this guide into three sections: ticket options, pricing, and verdict. These sections provide detailed information about each ticket and recommendations based on what you wish to experience. It should be noted that this guide only provides information on standard tickets; vacation packages, annual passes, Express passes, and other options are not discussed.
Ticket Options
Universal Orlando offers single park tickets, which grant access to only one park per day, and park-to-park tickets, which grant access to numerous parks in a single day. Slightly different ticket options are available to Florida residents and non-Florida residents.
Non-Florida residents can purchase single park and park-to-park tickets ranging from 1-day admission to 5-day admission. Florida residents can purchase discounted tickets for single park and park-to-park tickets ranging from 1-day admission to 3-day admission. Tickets for Florida residents contain blockout dates that restrict access to certain parks on select dates.
When purchasing tickets, be on the lookout for any special offers. An annual pass may also be a good selection for your trip depending on how long you’re visiting. It should be noted that guests purchasing tickets outside of the United States may purchase other ticket options.
Pricing
Universal Orlando uses dynamic ticket pricing, meaning that the exact cost varies for tickets by date. Tickets are more costly on busy days, such as holidays, summertime, and weekends.
The rates displayed on this page are according to online prices published by Universal Orlando. Prices for tickets purchased at the gates may vary. Adult rates apply to ages 10 and up, and children rates apply to ages 3-9. Guests 2 years of age or younger enter free and do not need a ticket. Rates are displayed in U.S. dollars. Tax, processing fees, and parking are not included in these rates. You can learn more about these ticket options and purchase tickets at universalorlando.com. Please note that guests purchasing tickets outside of the United States may have other ticket options and rates.
Rates last updated on October 7, 2022.
Verdict
Universal Orlando’s three parks offer a wide variety of themed rides, attractions, and shows that put you into the action of some of your favorite shows and films.
Universal Studios Florida is a movie and television-inspired theme park that is designed to immerse guests into various popular cities, film and show locations, and other themed environments. The park features attractions that most age groups will enjoy.
Islands of Adventure is comprised of themed “islands” that place guests into iconic fictional stories. With its cutting-edge attractions, those who enjoy thrill rides will feel right at home, but children can also enjoy an entire area designed specifically for them.
Volcano Bay is a water theme park home to more than a dozen attractions. The park features a massive wave pool as well as a variety of slides and other attractions for the entire family.
The best ticket option for you depends on what you wish to experience. Do you want to experience everything Universal Orlando offers or are you only looking for a short getaway?
If you only plan to visit for a single day, purchase a single park 1-day ticket and visit the park you’re most interested in. If you’re a thrill seeker, you’ll love Islands of Adventure. If you prefer attractions that are not as intense, Universal Studios Florida is a better fit. If you like water parks, you should consider visiting Volcano Bay. We don’t advise selecting a park-to-park ticket because of the increased cost, inability to hit all attractions, and the overall rushed experience, unless you wish to ride the Hogwarts Express, which requires a park-to-park ticket.
We recommend purchasing at least a single park 2-day ticket for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Both theme parks are a full-day experience with plenty of rides and attractions as well as places to explore—you won’t want to rush through them. If your budget allows for it, we strongly recommend purchasing a single park 3-day ticket for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure so you can visit both parks and revisit your favorite park. You can add Volcano Bay to your ticket if you’d also like to visit that park. Park-to-park tickets are not recommended because of the higher cost unless you’re interested in riding the Hogwarts Express, which requires a park-to-park ticket.
Regardless of which ticket option you choose, you should purchase your tickets online prior to your trip to save time and money. Universal Orlando tickets can be purchased at universalorlando.com or from a trusted agency.
Last updated on October 7, 2022.
