Yes, friends, it’s possible to visit Universal Orlando on a budget - even with a brand-new theme park, Epic Universe, fast approaching. You just need to plan ahead, strategize about which theme park tickets to buy, decide where to stay, and… well, did you know that Famvia can handle all of that for you?
Yeah, we’re more than just a travel agency. We are Universal experts who can provide tips, strategies, and even a complete itinerary to help you save those precious nickels, and even mix that strategy with a trip to Walt Disney World.
This guide is all about helping you enjoy Universal Orlando while spending as little as possible. We’ll cover topics like transportation, hotels, park tickets, and more.
How to Save Money at Universal Orlando
Step 1 - Contact Famvia!
We’re here to help you plan the perfect trip. Sounds like the ideal first step, doesn’t it?
A travel agent can provide valuable insights, creative ideas, and smart options to help you save money at Universal Orlando. We know every Universal resort inside and out, we’re experts in transportation options, and we’re committed to helping you have an amazing time.
We can recommend hotel options tailored to your budget or suggest great alternatives like hotels and townhouses outside Universal. If you’re traveling with a large group and prefer staying in a house, we’ve got you covered. Whatever your needs, we’re here to lend a hand and make your trip the most wonderful time of the year.
Step 2 - Plan your trip well in advance
If you’re flying, aim to book your plane tickets at least six months in advance, or even a year if you already have a set schedule in mind. If your travel dates are flexible, consider visiting in mid-January, February, or September, as these months are among the least crowded and most budget-friendly times to visit both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World.
September is an especially great time to go since the parks are less crowded, and hotels often offer some of the lowest rates of the year. While it’s the middle of hurricane season and you might encounter some rain, the savings and lighter crowds make it worth considering. January, on the other hand, can be chilly, but it’s also a fantastic time to visit.
Step 3 - Choose the right Hotel for you
Choosing the right hotel can be challenging. With so many options available, it’s sometimes difficult to understand the key differences between them. By the end of 2025, Universal Orlando will have 11 hotels, including two new ones debuting alongside the launch of Epic Universe.
Here at Famvia, we can help you find the best place to stay. We highly recommend two hotels: Aventura Hotel and Endless Summer Resort. Both offer perks like free transportation to the theme parks and a 1-hour Early Park Admission to Islands of Adventure.
If you plan to focus your trip on Epic Universe, which opens on May 22, 2025, we also recommend Universal Stella Nova Resort Hotel, conveniently within walking distance of the new park.
Let’s quickly break down the prices and the pros and cons of each resort:
- Aventura Hotel: Starting at around $200 per night. Within walking distance of Universal CityWalk, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure. Free shuttle service to Epic Universe once it opens in May 2025.
- Endless Summer Resort: Starting at around $175 per night. Endless Summer Resort consists of two separate hotels: Dockside Inn and Suites and Surfside Inn and Suites, located across the street from each other. Not within walking distance of any theme parks, but free shuttle service is provided to all Universal parks.
- Universal Stella Nova Resort Hotel: Starting at around $215 per night in 2025. Within walking distance of Epic Universe. Free shuttle service to Universal CityWalk, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure.
Overall, I highly recommend Aventura Hotel. While its starting price is around $200 per night, I was able to book it for $180 in the past by reserving about ten months in advance. It’s a fantastic hotel, and its proximity to the main theme parks is a huge perk. The Endless Summer Resort is also great, and the bus service works really well.
What About Renting a House Outside Universal?
Great question! Renting a house outside Universal can be a good option, especially for larger groups looking to share expenses. However, there are some drawbacks to consider.
One major downside is the lack of complimentary transportation to the parks. This means you'll need to either take an Uber or drive yourself. If you drive, expect to pay $32 per day for parking, which can add up quickly.
If you’re also planning to visit Walt Disney World (which, let’s be honest, you probably are), you should consider staying at a Universal hotel for a few days while exploring Universal’s parks, then moving to a Disney hotel when it’s time to visit Disney’s parks.
I wouldn’t recommend staying at a Universal hotel while visiting Disney World, as there’s no free transportation to Disney, and the parks are about 40 minutes away from each other.
Step 4 - Choose Your Park Tickets Wisely
With the launch of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando tickets will work a bit differently in 2025. If you want to visit Epic Universe, you’ll need to purchase a special ticket called the “3-Day Ticket Plus One Day at Epic Universe.”
This ticket gives you three days to visit Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios however you like, plus one dedicated day at Epic Universe. You cannot buy a standard 3-Day Ticket and use all three days at Epic Universe.
Universal is likely implementing this system to manage crowds, but unfortunately, it also makes a single visit to Epic Universe more expensive.
Here are the current starting prices, per guest, for tickets in 2025. Keep in mind that prices vary depending on the dates you choose; for example, dates near Christmas will be more expensive than those in mid-September. Kids ages 3–9 receive a small discount on tickets, while children under 3 do not need to pay. We’re not factoring in tickets to Volcano Bay, Universal’s water park, but keep in mind that a single-day ticket costs $80.
Epic Universe, Island of Adventure and Universal Studios Tickets
- 3-Day Ticket plus one Day at Epic Universe on May 23, 2025: $549
- 3-Day Ticket plus one Day at Epic Universe on July 15, 2025: $559
- 3-Day Ticket plus one Day at Epic Universe on September 15, 2025: $559
- 3-Day Ticket plus one Day at Epic Universe on November 5, 2025: $549
Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Tickets only
- Single-Day Ticket: $119
- 2-Day Ticket: $117 (total of $234 per guest)
- 3-Day Ticket: $99 (total of $297 per guest)
Park-to-Park tickets
These tickets let you visit more than one theme park (not Epic Universe) in a single day.
- Single-Day Park-to-park ticket: $174
- 2-Day Park-to-park ticket: $147
Is a Park-to-Park Ticket Worth It?
Great question! A park-to-park ticket can be extremely valuable at Universal Orlando for one key reason: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida are right next to each other, making it easy to walk between them without wasting much time.
Even better, a park-to-park ticket grants access to the Hogwarts Express, a ride that connects both parks and is only available to park-to-park ticket holders.
If you're short on time and only staying at a Universal hotel for one day, I highly recommend getting a park-to-park ticket. Start your morning at Islands of Adventure to take advantage of the one-hour Early Park Admission. Then, in the afternoon, hop on the Hogwarts Express and head to Universal Studios Florida for more fun.
Step 5 - Saving Money at the Theme Parks
If you’re staying at a Universal hotel, take advantage of the one-hour Early Entry period. While it does mean waking up early, this allows you to access some of the most popular attractions with minimal wait times. With this perk and the right ride strategy (check out our guides page for tons of tips), you can experience nearly every attraction a theme park has to offer in a single day.
By arriving early and maximizing Early Entry, you can skip the need for a Fast Pass at Universal Orlando. While Universal Express Passes are highly effective, they’re also very expensive, and often cost more than $100 per guest. If you're on a budget, they may not be worth the cost.
A well-planned schedule allows you to see everything a park offers without an Express Pass, especially if you have a multi-day ticket, which lets you focus on one park per day for a more relaxed experience.
Saving Money on Food at Universal Orlando
Dining at Universal Orlando can be pricey. Quick-service meals cost around $20 per guest, while sit-down restaurants are even more expensive.
One money-saving tip is to visit a Publix or Wal-Mart to pick up sandwiches, cookies, and fill a water bottle. You can also bring a Gatorade along! There’s nothing like a homemade sandwich, even if you’re not eating it next to Harry Potter. Bringing food from home is an excellent way to save money at Universal, and it can also save you time as you enjoy a snack while moving between rides.
