Looking to take a vacation to Universal Studios? Here’s how to save money while at the park.
Planning a Universal Studios vacation is one of the best ways to spend your summer. But, as with all theme parks, you could end up spending quite a bit of money before you’re done. The good news is that it’s easy to learn how to save money at Universal Orlando.
All you need to do is listen to the experts. And luckily for you, that’s us! So, let’s take a look at a few ways to help you save money at Universal Studios without sacrificing fun:
Stay at an Off-Site Hotel or Resort
Staying at a Universal Orlando resort hotel is a great way to visit the park. These hotels are extremely close and will provide multiple amenities, including quick transport to the park itself. However, staying at an off-site hotel or resort may be cheaper, which can help you save money on your vacation. And to save money on an Uber or parking, ask to see if they have a free tram to the park.
Book a Hotel with a Kitchenette
One of the biggest expenses when traveling to Orlando or anywhere else in the country is paying for food. It’s very common for vacationers to eat out for every meal, whether it’s fast food or a restaurant. If you book a hotel with a kitchenette, however, you’ll be able to cook meals yourself. This can save you a ton of money during your visit.
Bring Your Own Food & Drinks
Whether you’re a stalwart meat eater or lean toward the vegan side of things, there’s something for everyone at Universal Studios. But if you want to save money, we suggest that you bring your own food and drinks. Universal Studios is perfectly fine with people doing this, whether it means carrying around snacks or keeping food in your car and then walking back to the parking lot for lunch.
Purchase a Vacation Package
You might be surprised at the amount of money that you can save by electing to purchase a vacation package. These vacation packages include admission to the park, a hotel room, and sometimes a few extra perks. This basically works in the same way that a combo meal works at McDonald’s. The more services you add, the more each individual service is discounted.
Don’t Buy an Express Ticket
An Express Ticket at Universal Studios allows you to skip the line on each ride. While this might seem like a great deal, keep in mind that purchasing a ticket to the park and an express ticket will almost double the amount that you’re paying just to get inside the gate. Also, if you’re not visiting the park on the weekend or during the summer, having an express ticket could end up being a waste of money because the lines might not be very long anyway.
Sign Up for Third-Party VIP Tour
Universal Studios runs its own VIP tour, but it’s kind of super expensive. Third-party VIP tours cost much less, yet they’re still conducted by experts who can help you get the most out of your visit. Although it might seem like Universal’s own VIP tour guides will be a better deal, third-party guides have gone through extensive training and are just as knowledgeable, if not more so.
Split a Meal with Someone Else
We’re not going to lie. The meals at universal studios can be a little pricey. This isn’t really a surprise. Just like food prices at movie theaters, music concerts, and sporting events, you’re going to pay a premium price.
That being said, the portions of these meals are usually pretty darn big. Instead of splurging on a huge meal for each person, you might want to consider splitting the meal with someone else to save money.
Take Advantage of Free Water
As you might be aware, Universal Studios uses Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. What you may not realize, however, is that these machines will dispense free ice and water whenever you’d like. So, if you’re perfectly okay with forsaking soda and similar beverages for the day, you can take your own water bottle and fill it up with free ice and water at every Coca-Cola Freestyle dispenser.
Buy Souvenirs Outside the Park
As you make your way through Universal Studios, you’ll be inundated with opportunities to buy a souvenir. Yes, these souvenirs are awesome! However, most of the souvenirs found at Universal Studios are not exclusive to the park.
These souvenirs can be found outside the park, often at a much lower price. We understand that it’s sometimes an impulse buy, but if you’re looking to save money, then you might want to check on Amazon first.
Pack Some Useful Items
Universal Studios has many different types of stores, including those that sell various sundries. This can include anything from sunglasses and sunscreen to lip balm and hats. As you might imagine, any of these extra items will cost you more money in the park than they will in the outside world. Therefore, we’d suggest that you bring these items with you in some sort of bag or backpack instead of buying them once you’re inside.
Take the Bus Instead of Uber
If you’re staying at a hotel that isn’t close to Universal Studios, taking an Uber might not be an option. Don’t get us wrong. Uber is very convenient. But if you have to go more than a few miles, it can get really expensive.
If you don’t want to drive to Universal Studios and pay for their parking, then we’d suggest that you take a bus, which will probably only cost you a couple of bucks, and then walk into the park.
Use the Park’s Free Lockers
Universal Studios has rent-able lockers where you can store your stuff. But, on the rides where you aren’t allowed to take a backpack, they offer free lockers while you’re on the ride. Our suggestion is that you carry around a backpack during the day and then use the park’s free lockers whenever you get on a ride that prevents you from bringing the backpack with you. This helps give you the best of both worlds.
Contact World Class VIP for Help Saving Money at Universal Orlando
World Class VIP can teach you how to save money at Universal Orlando without sacrificing fun. Our team offers VIP tours of Universal Studios that will help you get on all the rides and see the best attractions without having to wait in long lines!
If you have any questions about our Universal VIP tour, give us a call at (407) 270-3784 today and get a free quote for a VIP tour!