Universal Orlando Discounts and Deals

LAST UPDATE: 5/29/13 Universal Orlando includes two amazing theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. You can easily spend two or more days exploring them. Fortunately, there are many, many Universal Orlando discounts and special offers, which change constantly. On this page you’ll find how to get a discount on your tickets, hotel, meals, merchandise and lots more!

All offers are subject to change without notice. Always call ahead and confirm before driving out of your way to take advantage of a particular offer!

Jump to:

Universal Orlando Discounts & Deals

Jump to:

Regular Gate Prices for Universal/IOA

(PRICES INCLUDE TAX.)

Ticket Type Adults Kids (ages 3-9)
1-Day/1-Park (Base) Ticket $97.98 $91.59
1-Day/2-Park (Park-to-Park) Ticket $136.32 $129.93
2-Day/1-Park (Base) Ticket $155.48 $144.83
2-Day/2-Park (Park-to-Park) Ticket $177.84 $167.19
3-Day/1-Park (Base) Ticket $171.45 $159.74
3-Day/2-Park (Park-to-Park) Ticket $191.69 $179.97
4-Day/1-Park (Base) Ticket $182.10 $169.32
4-Day/2-Park (Park-to-Park) Ticket $200.21 $187.43
Power Annual Pass^ $212.98 $212.98
Preferred Annual Pass^^ $298.19 $298.19
Premier Annual Pass^^^ $447.29 $447.29

^Power Annual Pass has blackout days (mainly summer weekends, Christmastime and Spring Break). Not valid for separately ticketed special events. Does not include parking or food/merchandise discounts. There are frequently deals on this pass.

^^Preferred Annual Pass gives admission every day to both parks for 365 days. Not valid for separately ticketed special events. Includes free self-parking, half-price valet parking, food and merchandise discounts, discounts at on-site resort hotels and more. Florida Resident price may be lower.

^^^Premier Annual Pass gives admission every day to both parks for 365 days, plus Unlimited Universal Express Plus after 4:00 pm. Not valid for separately ticketed special events. Includes free valet parking or preferred self-parking, free bottled water (up to 8 bottles per year), one ticket to Halloween Horror Nights, food and merchandise discounts, discounts and upgrades at on-site resort hotels and more.

Undercover Tourist

Undercover Tourist is a highly reliable ticket broker that sells substantially discounted Universal tickets. Undercover Tourist sells real tickets that you can take through the gate (not vouchers) and its prices include tax and FREE shipping, so be sure to account for that when comparing prices.

Have some time before you need your tickets? Undercover Tourist offers its best deals on tickets exclusively for MouseSavers Newsletter subscribers. These special prices are not available to the general public and are not published here on MouseSavers.com. They are provided ONLY through a “secret” link in the monthly newsletter. Click here to subscribe to the FREE MouseSavers Newsletter. The newsletter comes out on the 15th of each month and I do not send out the “secret” link separately from the newsletter, so please plan ahead.

Advance Purchase Tickets – Universal Website

Save $20 off the gate prices of multi-day tickets when you order online at the Universal Orlando website. You can print them yourself or use electronic pickup (go to the park and get them out of a machine) and avoid shipping charges. However, all tickets purchased online incur a “convenience fee,” even if you print them yourself. Also, prices displayed on Universal’s site do not include 6.5% tax or the “convenience fee,” both of which are added further along in the transaction.

Once you add all the fees, it’s usually a better deal to buy tickets from Undercover Tourist, which displays its real prices up front, with all taxes and shipping included.

Power Annual Pass Deals

This deeply discounted Annual Pass has blackout days (mainly summer weekends, Christmastime and Spring Break) and does not include parking or food/merchandise discounts.

AAA/CAA Discounts at the Gate

All AAA (American Automobile Association) and CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) members can save $4 on a 2-Day/2-Park ticket and $5 off a 3-Day/2-Park ticket when purchasing tickets at the gate. Valid for up to six people per membership card.

AAA/CAA Advance Purchase Discounts

Each AAA (American Automobile Association) and CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) region has different Universal offers. Some have great deals that are available to all US and/or Canadian members; some have deals available only to local members; a few (particularly in the West) don’t offer any Universal Orlando deals at all. The prices vary tremendously from region to region and change all the time, so contact your local AAA office to check.Other AAA/CAA advance purchase options:

Kroger Discounts

Kroger supermarkets in Orlando sometimes offer special deals on Universal tickets.

Costco Discounts

The membership warehouse store Costco sometimes has great deals on Universal tickets.

Orlando FlexTicket

Planning a “grand tour” of Orlando? Be sure to consider the Orlando FlexTicket, which includes 14 days of unlimited admission to both Universal theme parks and CityWalk, plus several other attractions.

Florida/Georgia Residents

Universal often has special ticket promotions for local residents. Click here to see what’s currently being offered.

Military Discounts

Active duty and retired military personnel should check with their local MWR/ITT office or with Shades of Green at Walt Disney World for discounted ticket prices. For more info on Universal tickets for military, click here.

MouseSavers.com reader Jen W points out, “Military tickets (purchased through MWR) get early park entry even if you’re not staying on property. Just check operating hours to see which park is opening early.”

Using Award Points for FREE Tickets

Many different credit card rewards, hotel points and other awards programs allow you to redeem an award in the form of Universal Orlando tickets. Below are the ones that have been reported to me:

On-Site Hotel Discounts & Deals

The official Universal Orlando hotels are all AAA Four Diamond Award winners and all operated by Loews Hotels:

See below for benefits of staying at the on-site Universal hotels.

Any prices quoted below do not include resort tax of 12.5% and are for “room only” reservations.

Jump to:

Expedia

Expedia usually offers nice discounts (about 25% off) at all three of the on-site Universal Hotels. Your credit card be charged for the full payment upon reservation and cancellations are subject to a minimum $25 penalty.

Loews Hotels

The three Universal Orlando resorts are operated by Loews Hotels, so always check the Loews website. Often you’ll find special deals on the Universal Orlando resorts.

Book Directly with Universal Resort

Be sure to try calling the Universal Resort directly at (888) 322-5541 or (800) 837-2273 (or have your travel agent do so) and ask if there are any “promo” rates for the time of your stay. Often there are discounted rates available to the general public — you just have to ask! Thanks to Danielle for info.

AAA Discount

The AAA discount is usually available, but the amount of the discount varies by season. Call Universal Resort directly to book, or a travel agent can book this rate for you.

Hotwire

Two of the official Universal Orlando hotels (Portofino Bay Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort) sometimes show up on Hotwire at bargain rates (this is more likely in the extreme off-season, such as January or September).

The Hotwire Hot Rates option (which will pop up once you enter Orlando and your dates on the front page and start your search) allows you to get some amazing deals on hotel rooms, but you aren’t told the hotel’s name up front. You select the general location and then Hotwire gives you a list of prices for unnamed hotels in various star categories (i.e. a 5-star hotel will be a luxury resort, while a 1-star will be a low-end motel) and with specific amenities. At that point you can choose to accept or reject the offered price for a hotel that has a rating and amenities you want. Once you have accepted the price, you are charged in full. It is only at that point that you’re told the hotel name. There are no refunds or exchanges.

Although the names of the hotels aren’t listed, it’s fairly easy to tell if it’s a Universal Orlando hotel being offered in the Hotwire listing. This information is subject to change and there is never any absolute guarantee that you’ll get a specific hotel, but here are some hints that have worked for many people:

Remember, this information is subject to change and there is never any absolute guarantee that you’ll get a specific hotel when using Hotwire!

Florida, Georgia and Alabama Resident Discount

A discount for local residents is not always available, and varies by season. At times this may be the deepest discount available. Call Universal Resort directly to book, or a travel agent can book this rate for you.

Florida residents should ask for discount code FLO — you won’t necessarily get the best discounts just by going to the Florida Resident section of the Universal site or calling without the code.

Annual Passholders Discount

Discounts for Annual Passholders are not always available, and vary by season, but sometimes these are excellent deals.

Call Universal Resort directly to book Annual Passholder rates, or a travel agent can book these rates for you. Or go to the Loews website, click the reservations link, and type APH in the promo code box. You must show your annual pass at check-in.

Loews You First Member Benefits

Loews operates the Royal Pacific and Portofino Bay hotels. If you will be booking a standard room rate at one of those two hotels, consider signing up for free Loews You First membership. A few deeply discounted rates may not apply for Loews You First benefits: see the site for specifics.

The Loews You First program is a frequent stay program. Your first two stays only provide bonus American Express Membership Rewards points, so if you don’t have an American Express card or don’t plan to stay at a Loews Hotel again soon, don’t bother signing up.

The benefits really kick in after two stays in a Loews hotel: free Internet access, free fitness center access, room upgrades and late check-out.

The You First Program does not apply at Hard Rock Hotel – for that hotel, see the All Access Club info.

Hard Rock All Access Club

Hard Rock All Access Club members may qualify for hotel room upgrades (and reportedly, free wi-fi) at the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. Other benefits of membership apply primarily to the Hard Rock Cafes.

Hotel upgrades are subject to availability, blackout periods and not available in conjunction with other discounts and promotions. All Access members must provide All Access membership information and request an upgrade when making the room reservation. Where applicable, upgrades are limited to the next category of room booked. Upgrades are not available on Club Level rooms and suites at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando. Other limitations may apply. Contact the hotel for details.

There are at least three ways to get an All Access Club card:

  1. If you want a card in advance of your visit, membership in the All Access Club can be purchased online for $24.95 plus shipping & handling. You’ll receive a $20 bonus for joining, plus a backpack and limited edition pin.
  2. The card can be purchased in the gift shop at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando and at Hard Rock Cafes for $24.95.
  3. MouseSavers.com reader Jatinder reports that as of June 2012, “All Access cards are given for free (if you request) at check-in. You have to register this card online. [Once we had one from a previous stay] it did get us free wi-fi and room upgrade. The clerk told me she was not positive, but thought the only difference between this card and the one you purchase in the gift shop was that the amount you pay on the gift shop card was credited to an account you could use later to purchase at the resort or any Hard Rock restaurant.”

Portofino Bay Hotel – Benefits for Platinum Card from American Express

If you have the Platinum Card® from American Express*, you can book Loew’s Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando through the Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program*. By booking through this program, you get:

Note that the FHR rates are sometimes higher than rates you might find elsewhere, so you’ll have to weigh that against the value of the extra benefits. I used FHR to stay at this hotel and for the date I selected in early October 2010, it was a great value. I got a $259 rate for a Bay View room, with all those extras.

*The FHR program is only available to those who have the Platinum Card® from American Express. This is a charge card that requires a substantial annual fee and is NOT the same as an American Express Platinum credit card, such as the Optima, Costco or SkyMiles Platinum cards, which do not qualify for FHR.

Off-Site Hotels Near Universal Orlando

If you don’t want to shell out for an official on-site Universal hotel, there are less expensive options nearby. These hotels do not include the special privileges associated with Universal’s official on-site hotels, but they provide good value for money.

Both of the recommended hotels below are part of the “Official Universal Orlando Partner Hotel” program, which provides a few minimal benefits: discounts on merchandise at select theme park locations, discounts on food and non-alcoholic beverages at select CityWalk locations, and scheduled transportation to Universal Orlando theme parks.

Many of the official “Partner Hotels” are not at all close to Universal: some are 8 miles or more away! However, the two I’ve listed below are very close to Universal and provide the best “bang for the buck.”

Jump to:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando is the closest of the hotels located off Universal property. It’s an easy walk of about a half-mile to the entrance of Universal Studios. There is free scheduled shuttle service to Universal, SeaWorld (which also provides easy access to Discovery Cove and Aquatica) and Wet ‘n Wild. The hotel is located on the I-Ride Trolley route, which gives you access to a wide variety of restaurants.

Standard rooms are good-sized (about 350 sq ft) and equipped with Sweet Dreams plush-top beds (either one King or two Queen beds), 32″ flat screen television, mini refrigerator, voicemail, in-room safe, iron and ironing board. The guest rooms have floor to ceiling windows, some with views of Universal. The DoubleTree offers Starbucks Coffee in the lobby, warm chocolate chip cookies upon check-in and a junior Olympic-sized heated pool. There is a lobby bar, a restaurant and a deli.

Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Studio City

Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Studio City is very close to Universal Orlando, but across a busy Interstate highway. You can technically walk to the parks, but it’s about a mile (allow 15-20 minutes to get to the moving walkways of the Universal parking structure) and you’ll have to cross major streets. However, there is free shuttle service to and from Universal multiple times during the day. There is also a free shuttle to the SeaWorld (which also provides easy access to Discovery Cove and Aquatica), and to Walt Disney World. (To use the shuttles, be sure to collect a ticket from the front desk.) Wet ‘n’ Wild water park is right across the street and you can easily walk to many restaurants.

The Four Points offers some fun Art Deco movie studio theming that will put you in that “Universal Studios” mood. Some rooms have views of Universal. Standard rooms are spacious (about 460 sq ft) and offer two Queen-sized Sweet Sleeper beds. The hotel offers an outdoor heated pool, and has a casual restaurant, lobby bar and pool bar (open seasonally).

Southwest Vacations Package Offers

If you live in or near a city served by Southwest Airlines, you may be interested in checking Southwest Vacations for Universal packages that include airfare on Southwest. (Note that Southwest Vacations is not actually operated by the airline itself, but rather by a third party licensed by the airline.)

Southwest Vacations sometimes offers discounted Universal packages. They will always include airfare. Sometimes the deals are quite good, but be sure to check the cost of the airfare and/or tickets included with the package: sometimes either or both may be inflated. Do the math and don’t rely on marketing statements such as “3 days free” without checking the bottom line price. If you do your homework, you may find it’s cheaper to book discounted airfare directly with the airline and get your room and tickets elsewhere.

Dining, Entertainment & Merchandise Discounts

Jump to:

Tips for Eating at Universal

MouseSavers.com reader Jen W offers these great tips on Universal food and drink, plus an edible souvenir idea:

The Great Feast Platter at Three Broomsticks

MouseSavers.com reader Jatinder reports: “the family dinner at Three Broomsticks in Harry Potter was a great bargain and decent food for an amusement park. For $50 (10% off with AAA) you get a large salad with Italian dressing, 4 pieces of chicken (2 each breast/wing and leg/thigh), 4 ribs, sautéed vegetables and roasted potatoes. Nothing fried and all quite tasty, both rare in an amusement park.”

MouseSavers.com reader Jen W agrees: “The Great Feast at The Three Broomsticks was such good food (and such a good deal w/AAA discount) that we had it twice during our 3-day visit.”

September is Orlando Magical Dining Month

Annually for the entire month of September, participating high-end Orlando restaurants feature three-course, prix fixe dinners at an exceptional value. Typically some of the top restaurants at Universal Orlando participate.

Visit OrlandoMagicalDining.com for details.

Refillable Drinks & Popcorn Buckets

For cheap snacks, you can’t beat the refillable soft drink mugs and popcorn buckets available at Universal Orlando. Prices below are subject to change at any time:

Meal Deal (All You Can Eat Pass)

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure offer a Meal Deal (aka the All You Can Eat Pass) that allows you to eat at selected counter-service restaurants all day long for a flat rate.

Prices:

There are no additional discounts on this pass.

Each time you order, you can choose an entree platter and a dessert. On this plan, you can eat as often as you wish during the day starting at 10:30 am, so no breakfast. The pass is good until 30 minutes prior to park closing.

Beverages and some other items are not included. However, you can purchase a Meal Deal Souvenir Cup along with the Meal Deal for $8.99 plus tax and get unlimited free fountain drink refills all day. (You must have an active wristband to get the free refills, so you can’t bring the cup back and get free refills on other days when you are not buying the Meal Deal.)

If you eat two full counter-service meals per day, selecting the more expensive entrees and eating dessert at each meal, you may save a dollar or two with the Meal Deal. Otherwise, the Meal Deal is not really worth it unless you’ll eat three meals between 10:30 am and 30 minutes prior to closing. It’s probably best for teenagers and others with “bottomless pit” type appetites.

Also, be aware that lines in the few participating restaurants (see below for list) can be extremely long, particularly during peak seasons. Since you have to go through the line each time you want to order, this can take up a lot of your day. It also makes it time-consuming to just pop into one of the counter-service locations for a quick snack.

Participating restaurants at Universal Studios:

Participating restaurants at Islands of Adventure:

The Meal Deal is available at park ticket booths; Dining and Information carts at Citywalk, Universal Studios, and IOA; and selected stores (Universal Studio Store, Sahara Traders, Islands of Adventure Trading Company and Marvel Alterniverse). You will be given a wristband, which is how they make sure only one person uses the pass. No sharing or takeout allowed.

Orlando Magicard Discount

Show your Orlando Magicard (which you can download instantly for FREE) and save $10.00 on a purchase of $50.00 or more in the Hard Rock Cafe or the Hard Rock Rock Shop. Does not include alcohol, tax or gratuity. Not valid on discounted or charity merchandise. Magicard must be presented at time of purchase. Valid at Orlando CityWalk location only. Expires 3/31/13.

AAA/CAA Discounts

Members of the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) save 10% at select dining and merchandise locations:

Annual Passholder Discounts

Holders of the Preferred Annual Pass (but not the Annual Power Pass) get a host of meal, merchandise and entertainment discounts.

As of June 2010, MouseSavers.com reader Lew C reports that although marketing materials seem to indicate that there are no discounts in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter section of Islands of Adventure, “Currently Three Broomsticks and gift shops in Hogsmead are offering AP discounts.”

Restaurant.com

Save money at some Universal-area restaurants by purchasing discounted gift certificates from Restaurant.com. Most certificates are for a specific amount (usually $25) and you get them at a discounted price (usually $10 or less).

The Universal Orlando area restaurants offered through Restaurant.com change frequently (search for restaurants near zip code 32819).

Hard Rock All Access Club

Hard Rock All Access Club members get a $20 credit for each $200 they spend at the Orlando Hard Rock Cafe in CityWalk and at the Hard Rock Hotel restaurants, as well as the same benefit (or 10% off) at many other Hard Rock Cafes. They also get first available/preferred seating at most Hard Rock Cafes.

Click here to learn more about membership.

Deals at The Palm in the Hard Rock Hotel

Check the Specials page on the website for The Palm to see current offers.

If you plan to be a repeat customer (at any of the locations of The Palm), consider joining the 837 Club for $25 and receive a $25 gift card towards your next meal or happy hour bar visit. Once you become a member, you’ll receive Club Points every time you visit The Palm that can be redeemed for special rewards ranging from a complimentary dessert to a weekend getaway for two.

FREE Birthday Drink at Pat O’Brien’s in CityWalk

Join the Pat O’Brien’s Birthday List and E-Club and you’ll receive an email voucher for any drink of your choice and a souvenir glass, about a week before your birthday.

FREE Smoothie at Bubba Gump in CityWalk

Get a coupon for a FREE smoothie (with purchase of an entree) at Bubba Gump in CityWalk for answering a short survey. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer or coupon. One coupon per table. Coupon usually has about a 3-month expiration date, so wait until shortly before your trip to do this. Click here to complete the survey. (Printable coupon appears on next page after you answer survey.)

Deals for AMC Theatre in CityWalk

There is an AMC 20-plex movie theater in CityWalk.

Blue Man Group Ticket Discounts

Experience the new face of today’s entertainment at Universal Orlando Resort with Blue Man Group. Their unique form of entertainment that combines music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to create a blissful party atmosphere that people of all ages agree is a totally outrageous experience.

Regular ticket prices at the box office are: adult Zone 1 $94 ($100.11 with tax); adult Zone 2 $84 ($89.46 with tax); child ages 3-9 any zone $29 ($30.89 with tax). There is no “convenience fee” if you buy tickets directly from the box office, but advance purchase prices are often cheaper.

Mandara Spa Discounts

Mandara Spa at Portofino Bay Hotel offers the usual massages, facials, and pedicures, as well as exotic therapies such as the Elemis Stone Therapy (small stones placed on key energy points during your massage) and Elemis Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap with Massage (using seaweed, sage, and essential oils to wrap your body, followed by a body massage). For reservations call (407) 503-1244.

American Express Lounge

Buy your multi-day ticket or Annual Pass with your American Express card through the Universal website or in person at the Universal box office and get access to the American Express Lounge in Universal Studios, with free snacks and drinks, open noon to 5:00 pm daily. Present your confirmation page or original receipt plus your American Express Card to gain entrance. Click here for details.

Getting to Universal from Walt Disney World

The cheapest way is usually to rent a car for one day. Click on the link to learn more about how to do this. Often you can get a one-day rental for as little as $30 plus tax, which is much cheaper than the other options and gives you tons more flexibility.

If you don’t want to rent a car, other options are a taxi (about $35 each way plus tip) or a limo, which will be expensive but could be worthwhile if you have a large enough group to split the costs.

Another option is Mears Shuttle, which offers scheduled, shared shuttle service between Disney World and Universal that operates a few times each day. This option can cost as much as a taxi and can be inconvenient due to the time schedule, which is not flexible.

Technically you could take the city bus. This is really cheap but not recommended. It takes about 1.5 hours each way from Disney’s Transportation & Ticket Center to Universal and requires you to change buses at the Central Station, which is very sketchy.

Parking Deals

Regular Parking Prices

Click here for current parking rates.

Discounts/Deals on Parking

If you leave and return on the same day, present your parking receipt and you won’t have to pay again.

Self-parking is substantially cheaper after 6:00 pm (except on special event nights) and FREE for Florida residents after 6:00. This is primarily intended for those planning to eat/shop/go to a movie in CityWalk, but you can of course go into the theme parks if they are still open.

Preferred Annual Passholders get FREE self-parking and reduced-price valet parking at the theme parks every day.

Premier Annual Passholders get FREE preferred self-parking and FREE valet parking (except on holidays & special events) at the theme parks every day.

Universal Express Ride Access and Universal Express Plus

Universal Express Ride Access – For Universal’s Hotel Guests Only

Guests staying at Universal’s hotels (Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay Hotel) receive special theme park privileges including Universal Express Ride Access at both Universal Orlando theme parks. This fantastic benefit allows you to show your room key at the most popular attractions and use the Express entrance, which allows you to wait in special, shorter ride lines.

Note that the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction is excluded from the Express Ride Access benefit at this time, but through at least 12/31/13, resort guests get early entry to select rides in Island of Adventure, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This summer (7/1/13 – 9/2/13) resort guests will receive early admission to TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D.

In my opinion, the Universal Express Ride Access feature alone is worth any extra cost of staying on-site at Universal, because it allows you to get a lot more access to the attractions in a lot less time. On-site guests also get free transportation by boat and tram to and from the theme parks and CityWalk; priority seating at select Universal Orlando restaurants; package delivery to your hotel room; and use of hotel room key card to charge purchases.

Something useful to know: if you stay ONE night at a Universal hotel, you can actually get TWO days of Express Ride Access. That’s because you can check into your hotel as early as 7:00 am on the first day and collect your room key, which you can take into the park and begin using right away. (Your room almost certainly won’t be ready that early, but the front desk will store your luggage and you can call or come back in the afternoon and get your room number.) The room key remains valid for Express Ride Access even after check-out on the second day: you can use it until the parks close that night.

There are many different hotel discounts at Universal — be sure to check them out.

Universal Express Plus Pass

With the purchase of a regular-priced ticket or pass, you can pay an extra fee (which varies by season, usually $15-$45 per person) to get the Express Plus Pass. It gives you one entry through the Express entrance for each attraction that participates, with no pre-determined ride time and no need to pick up a pass for each attraction. I think this would be worth the extra money only at very peak times in the parks.

FREE Universal Orlando Apps

Undercover Tourist Universal App

I’ve been recommending Undercover Tourist for years. This totally reliable ticket broker offers excellent prices on its easy-to-navigate site, as well as special discounts exclusively for MouseSavers Newsletter readers. Undercover Tourist is contracted, licensed, and officially authorized by Universal Orlando and other attractions (including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and the major dinner shows) to sell discounted tickets that are new and genuine.

Undercover Tourist now offers fantastic FREE apps for iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone and Facebook that will help you minimize wait times and more!

iPhone App

The Undercover Tourist App helps you minimize wait times, find your favorite attractions and pick the best park for the day:

The Undercover Tourist App is not an official app of Universal Orlando®. (In my opinion, it’s much better than the official app.)

Android App

The Undercover Tourist App helps you minimize wait times, find your favorite attractions and plan your itinerary:

The Undercover Tourist App is not an official app of Universal Orlando®. (In my opinion, it’s much better than the official app.)

Blackberry App

Undercover Tourist offers a FREE, simple version of its app for Blackberry. It features accurate wait times for both parks. This app has low power use requirements, so it won’t run down your battery quickly.

The Undercover Tourist App is not an official app of Universal Orlando®. (In my opinion, it’s much better than the official app.)

Windows Phone App

Undercover Tourist offers a FREE, simple version of its app for Windows Phone. It features accurate wait times for both parks.

The Undercover Tourist App is not an official app of Universal Orlando®. (In my opinion, it’s much better than the official app.)

Facebook App

Undercover Tourist offers a FREE, simple version of its app for Facebook. It features accurate wait times for both parks. If you don’t have one of the phones above, but you do have access to Facebook on your phone, this is perfect for you.

The Undercover Tourist App is not an official app of Universal Orlando®. (In my opinion, it’s much better than the official app.)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opened to the public on June 18, 2010. This area of Islands of Adventure features immersive rides and interactive attractions, as well as experiential shops and restaurants that enable guests to sample fare from the wizarding world’s best known establishments. The big attraction is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a state-of-the-art thrill ride that brings the magic, characters and stories of Harry Potter to life in an exciting way.

Inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters – and faithful to the visual landscapes of the films – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the magical world of Harry and his friends. The fully immersive, themed land enables guests to visit some of the most iconic locations found in the books and the films, including the village of Hogsmeade, the mysterious Forbidden Forest, and even Hogwarts Castle itself. You can drink butterbeer and pumpkin juice, shop for wizard merchandise, and even experience a wand selection!

Mike and I visited The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in early October 2010 and found the theming absolutely fantastic. The village is adorable: it’s like walking right into the books. The effects in Hogwarts Castle are amazing. If you are a Harry Potter fan, it is definitely worth a half-day of your time. We did and saw everything in about 3 hours, though that was on a weekday in the off-season, so the lines were not huge.

Jump to:

Tips and Tricks for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Tips and Tricks for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Fun idea shared with me by a reader: announce your visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter by sending your kids a Hogwarts Acceptance Letter!

You can buy a wide variety of Harry Potter merchandise, including Noble Collection wands (same ones sold in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) at WBshop.com, the official online store of Warner Bros Studios.

If you’re looking for Harry Potter t-shirts for your family to wear when you visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Zazzle.com has a huge variety.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Vacation Package

This EXCLUSIVE vacation package includes:

Note that this package offers the ONLY way to reserve breakfast at the Three Broomsticks, minimizing time in line. (Three Broomsticks is a counter-service restaurant at lunch and dinner, and lines can be long!)

Minimum stay required for travel on certain dates. 2-Night minimum stay required for travel 7/1/13-7/31/13 and 12/16/13-12/31/13.

*If you stay at one of the official on-site Universal hotels, you’ll get front-of-the-line access to many rides (not including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey).

**Early Park Admission begins one hour prior to regular scheduled park opening for Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations guests who purchase a vacation package including hotel and theme park tickets. Early Park Admission begins one hour prior to Universal’s Islands of Adventure regular scheduled park opening and is valid 7 days a week through 12/31/13 only at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Dragon Challenge and Caro-Seuss-el. Early Park Admission begins one hour prior to Universal Studios Florida regular scheduled park opening and is valid 7 days a week for travel 7/1/13-9/2/13 only at TRANSFORMERS™: The Ride – 3D and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

***The 2-Day Base Ticket with 3rd Day FREE entitles one guest admission to one Universal Orlando Resort theme park per day. Ticket is valid for any three calendar days during a fourteen consecutive calendar day period which includes the first day any portion of the ticket is used. Valid Photo ID required. Excludes admission to separately ticketed events, parking, and discounts on food or merchandise. First use of this ticket must be on or before 6/17/13, to receive full ticket entitlements. Ticket expires in full on 6/30/13. Unused days will be forfeited. Additional restrictions apply.

Small World Vacations has travel agents who specialize in booking Universal Orlando packages. They can help you with your Harry Potter Vacation Package (2-night minimum, on-site hotels only).

Please contact them at least 21 days in advance of your trip (45 days for international visitors).

  • For self-booking of Harry Potter Vacation Packages, call Universal at (877) 801-9720.

Annual Special Events

Jump to:

Check out the full calendar of current and upcoming special events at Universal Orlando.

Mardi Gras

For 2013, Mardi Gras at Universal Studios was offered each Saturday night and select other nights between February 9 – April 20.

The main attraction is a parade with authentic floats, which usually starts about 8:00 pm. Beads are thrown to the crowd. No “flashing” takes place, as in the real New Orleans Mardi Gras — this is a family-friendly event!

After the parade there is a concert. Click here to check for the latest list of performers.

Cajun food is available for purchase on Mardi Gras nights.

During the Mardi Gras parade, most or all of the attractions are closed. Mardi Gras festivities are included in the regular price of admission to the park.

Summer Concert Series

The Summer Concert Series is held at Universal Studios on Saturday nights in peak summer.

New!2013 concerts are June 1 – July 6.

2013 Summer Concert Series Line-up (subject to change:

June 1 NE-YO
June 8 Nickelodeon’s Big Time Rush
June 15 Gavin DeGraw
June 22 Earth, Wind & Fire
June 29 Adam Lambert
July 6 Kip Moore

Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) is an after-hours event at Universal Orlando that is held on selected nights in October — usually Friday, Saturday and most Sunday nights, plus Halloween night and sometimes a few weeknights. For 2012 the Halloween Horror Nights were September 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30 and October 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31.

This is a scary event that is NOT appropriate for young children — I would not recommend taking a child under 12. It includes gruesome displays, actors with chainsaws and other twisted stuff, in addition to haunted houses and a creepy parade. Park guests are not allowed to wear costumes.

Halloween Horror Nights requires separate admission. Advance purchase is advisable because this event frequently sells out.

Holidays at Universal

Holiday events at Universal Orlando run from early December through early January each year. The 2012 season was December 1 though January 1.

Universal Orlando offers the music and festivities of “Grinchmas” as Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventure is transformed into a wintry wonderland. Enjoy a live show, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” the Wonky Tree Lot, strolling Whos, and a chance to get your picture taken with the mean green one himself.

Next door, the Macy’s Holiday Parade takes to the streets of Universal Studios with colorful balloons and floats direct from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, marching bands, clowns, and an appearance by Santa Claus. You can explore the Holiday Village bustling with unique gifts, delicious treats, and crafts for the kids. Mannheim Steamroller, the biggest selling Christmas artist of all time, performs live onstage select Saturday and Sunday nights in December.

In-park holiday events are included with your regular Universal admission.

If you stay at one of the three official Universal Orlando resort hotels, you’ll receive exclusive theme park benefits including a private parade viewing area at Universal Studios for the Macy’s Holiday Parade, plus you will be immersed in the spirit of the season including Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, visits from Santa and Hanukkah candle lightings.