What is the Cheapest Way to go to Universal Studios in 2024?

What is the Cheapest Way to go to Universal Studios in 2024?

What is the Cheapest Way to go to Universal Studios in 2024?

This article is your complete guide on how to do Universal Studios on a budget for 2024! There are many ways to do Universal Studios for cheap, like discounted tickets, off-site hotels, and early booking. There were many years where we were trying to plan Universal on a budget, with weekend trips and value hotels – so we get it! So, if you’d like to learn the best ways to do Universal Studios on a budget, keep reading!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando, check out our Universal Crowd calendar! 

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

How to Save Money at Universal Orlando in 2024

From our experience helping our clients book discount Universal Orlando trips, one of the easiest ways to save money at Universal Orlando is to keep an eye out for the latest Universal Orlando deals and promotions on both tickets and official Universal vacation packages. Taking it one step further, we would say to book your trip as early in the year as possible as that is typically when Universal will release the best deals, which can be combined with any New Year’s deals offered by The Park Prodigy.

If you’re looking for cheap ways to go to Universal Studios, staying at an official Universal Orlando hotel can be cost-effective. Once you arrive at your hotel, you won’t have to worry about transportation to the park, as it is entirely free. This could be a great way to go to Universal for cheap, as you might be able to avoid the additional cost of renting a car.

On the other hand, if you’re exploring the cheapest way to visit Universal Studios, consider staying at off-site hotels. These offer complimentary breakfast and free parking, amenities not typically included at Universal Orlando hotels.

Another budget-friendly tip we love, no matter which hotel you choose is ordering groceries for your room. You can bring your food and snacks to the park, as long as they are not in a cooler larger than 8x6x6 inches. This can significantly reduce your food expenses during your visit.

These are just some of the most popular ways to visit Universal Orlando on a budget, and we’ll continue to break everything down below without you breaking the bank.

How to do Universal Cheap:

• Always book discounted Universal Orlando tickets and packages with a travel agent
• Take advantage of seasonal deals
• Book as early as possible
• Book a Universal Orlando hotel if you want free transportation around the parks
• Stay at an off-site hotel (non-Universal) to save on hotel costs
• Order groceries to your hotel room

How much does a trip to Universal Studios cost?

Before we learn how to do Universal Studios for cheap, we might price out what an average Universal Orlando trip might cost you. If you want an in-depth view of all of the costs of a trip to Universal Studios Orlando, we have that outlined here: How Much is it to Visit Universal Orlando?

But for this article, we will use the average cost of Universal Studios for a group of 4.

How much does it cost for a group of 4 to go to Universal Studios?

• Aventura Hotel 4-night stay = $881.00 plus tax
• 2-park, two days for four adults = $1,092.00 plus tax
• Meals for four days = $1000.00
• Spending money = $1000.00

The total cost for one family of four staying four nights at Aventura Hotel = is around $4000. So, as we figure out how to plan a cheap trip to Universal Studios Orlando, let’s keep that number in mind.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Roller Coasters

How to Save on Universal Orlando Tickets 2024

Since theme park tickets are usually one of the most significant vacation expenses, you might wonder how to save money on Universal Orlando tickets. As a general rule of thumb, one of the easiest ways to save money when buying Universal tickets on a budget is to always purchase your Universal Orlando tickets in advance. From our experience, buying tickets online before your trip will always save you money vs buying at the park gate, not to mention it will also save you time once you arrive at the park. And if option number one sounds good to you, guests can always purchase their tickets from The Park Prodigy for the best Universal Orlando tickets deals! As an authorized Universal Orlando travel agent, we offer a safe and reliable choice for discounted tickets, so check out our ticket page if you want to do Universal Studios on a budget! 

The Park Prodigy Discounted Universal Orlando Tickets

While booking through The Park Prodigy is one of the cheapest ways to go to Universal Studios Orlando, it can’t only be about the discounts. Another way to save serious money on Universal tickets when booking a vacation is a discounted package. At The Park Prodigy, you can build your perfect Universal vacation package and hold it for as little as $50 down per person. That means discounted tickets and not having to spend all of your money at once when booking. We have also seen many times throughout the year where Universal might be running a deal giving an additional 25% off specific packages.

Here at the Park Prodigy, we know that saving time also saves you money, so we offer the following perks with all of our tickets to ensure you’re maximizing the fun!

• Early Park Admission – Long lines in the parks can cause a miserable day at Universal Orlando. If you purchase multi-day tickets from The Park Prodigy, you can save up to three hours in the parks with Early Park Admission! All Park Prodigy customers are given access to Early Park Admission to The Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay.
• Free Universal Touring Plans – Park Prodigy Universal touring plans can help you build the perfect itinerary to avoid crowds and save time to have more fun!
• Advance Ticket Sale SAVINGS! – If you’re wondering if you should buy Universal Studios tickets in advance, the answer is yes! With the Park Prodigy, you can save up to $50 per ticket!

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Roller Coasters

How to go to Universal Studios Cheap 2024 – Where to Stay?

Another way to save and plan a cheap trip to Universal Studios Orlando without breaking the bank is by booking a discounted hotel. Luckily, there are plenty of offsite and onsite discount hotels for Universal Studios Orlando, so saving money on lodging is pretty easy. For convenience’s sake, we always recommend checking with onsite Universal Orlando Resort hotels first, which there are four value-level hotel choices.

Since the city of Orlando is so frequently visited, there are over 450 hotels to choose from in the Orlando area. That means you have a LOT of cheap options to shop around for and can even book hotels with shuttles to Universal Orlando.

Another really great tip we have for doing Universal Orlando on a budget is to look for hotels with suites. Not only can you pack a lot of people into a suite, especially a two-bedroom or family suite, but they also are typically equipped with a kitchen. Cooking meals in your hotel room can save you a ton of money versus eating inside theme parks, where food is a huge expense.

What are the cheap hotels at Universal Studios Orlando?

The cheapest hotels at Universal Orlando are going to be those in the Value and Prime Value categories:

• Endless Summer Resort (Dockside and Surfside Inn and Suites) – Starting at $98 a night 
•  Cabana Bay Beach Resort & Aventura Hotel – Starting at $140 at night

Each of these Universal Orlando hotels has great perks, such as Early Park Admission and access to free Universal Orlando transportation for all guests staying in the room. Another tip of ours is to shop around for off-site Orlando area hotels. You can find really great deals if you are okay with having to travel a small distance to get to Universal Orlando itself.

What is the cheapest way to go to Universal Studios? – Transportation

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to visit Universal Studios 2024, you are going to want to plan for transportation fees. Unfortunately, Universal does not have any free transportation options from the Orlando airport to any of the Universal hotels, so guests will have to use a rideshare app, book a paid shuttle, or rent a car.

Prices of transportation from Orlando airport to Universal Orlando one-way:

• Rideshare app – Between $30 – $70
• Taxi – $30
• Shuttle Bus – $23
• Car Rental – As low $25 a day

If you are part of a club with discounted rates, like AAA or Costco Travel, we highly recommend looking for deals through them to book your airfare or transportation options. Some of the best deals Universal Studios Orlando has been offered on professional or club memberships, so don’t forget to use them.

Related post: Universal Cabana Bay vs. Endless Summer Resort Guide

When is the Cheapest Time to go to Universal Studios 2024?

There is a small secret to be known in the travel industry that isn’t a secret and should be considered. One of the cheapest ways to visit Universal Studios is to visit in the off-season. Booking a vacation in the off-season will save you on tickets, hotel pricing, transportation pricing, and even time, making it the best time to go when doing Universal Studios on a budget.

If you’re wondering how to do Universal Studios cheap, one key factor to consider is date-based pricing. This pricing strategy makes tickets more affordable during slower times of the year to encourage guests to visit then. If you’re planning a cheap trip to Universal Studios Orlando, aim for the off-season, which typically includes early November, January, February, and most of September. These months coincide with school sessions and are far from holidays and special events, making it easier to experience Universal on a budget.

We have an in-depth article titled ‘The Cheapest Time to Visit Universal Orlando,’ which provides comprehensive details on the cheapest way to do Universal Studios. It covers everything you need to know about the best times of the year to travel to the parks if you’re looking to save money.

What are the cheapest days to go to Universal Studios 2024?

• Jan. 12-20, 26-31 (cheapest way to go to Harry Potter World)
• Feb. 3-13
• Mar. 1-5
• Apr. 26-May.2
• May. 12-18
• All of August
• All of September
• Oct 1-21
• Nov. 16-21 (avoid Thanksgiving week)
• Dec. 1-5, 6-13 (minus the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s Eve)

If you’re looking for the best days to go to Universal Studios, we recommend avoiding the weekends and trying to visit on days like Tuesday and Thursday. You will typically get the lowest crowds and cheapest tickets during the weekdays.

How much is parking at Universal Orlando 2024?

Another incredible tip when learning how to do Universal Studios on a budget is knowing when parking is the cheapest. The Universal Orlando parking fee is $30 per day per car for standard parking, which is a hefty price, especially if you visit more than one day. If one of those days is just a half day, consider going after 6 PM when parking is free at Universal Orlando.

We know that it isn’t always feasible to do that, so that is also why we recommend staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel so you can utilize their free transportation to and from the parks.

Related post: Complete Guide to Universal Studios Orlando Shows

How to Visit Harry Potter World on a Budget 2024

If you are here because you are looking to dive into the wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter, don’t worry, we have some great tips for witches and wizards too! One great thing to note when planning a budget vacation to Universal Orlando is that the cost of Harry Potter land is free. That’s right, the price for the Wizarding World is included in your Universal Orlando park ticket.

With that being said, you will have to purchase a park-to-park ticket to visit BOTH Harry Potter worlds or buy two single-park day tickets since there is one in each Universal Orlando theme park. We do have some tips for those Potterheads looking to go all out for the Wizarding World but are looking for a budget Universal Studios Orlando trip.

Tips on how to save at Harry Potter World 2024

• Make your own Harry Potter robe, or purchase one from sellers other than Universal before your trip. While the robes at Universal are super authentic and a cool prop to pick up in the parks, they are very expensive.
• Get the souvenir butterbeer mug – If you want a souvenir to bring home but can’t afford anything too pricey, purchase your butterbeer in a take-home mug! We find it a great tip because you can try butterbeer and only pay a few extra dollars for a cheap souvenir.
• Buy the park-to-park ticket. It will cost you less to cram both Harry Potter parks into one day, especially with Early Park Admission. This way, you can also take the Hogwarts Express and have the full Harry Potter experience.
• Visit in January – Not only will the Wizarding World still have a cozy, wintry vibe, but the crowds will also be lower, and the tickets will be cheaper! We always recommend visiting Harry Potter World in January over any other month.

Related post: Complete Guide to Super Nintendo Land Orlando

Best Way to Visit Universal Studios Orlando Cheap Tips and Tricks – Before You Go

So now that you know all of the basics on how to do Universal Orlando Cheap 2024, we are going to give you insider tips to truly keep your budget low. First, we are going to provide you with our best tips on going to Universal Studios cheap before you leave your house.

These are the things you’re going to want to do well before your trip, as early as six months in advance. One of the smartest things to do when looking to do Universal Studios on a budget is to plan your vacations far before you leave. This gives you access to the best deals and the most time to create a time-saving itinerary.

Tips to save money before you go to Universal Studios 2024

• Use Early Park Admission to do everything in one day
• Book in advance
• Take advantage of deals and discounted tickets through trusted retailers
• Become an Annual Passholder

Early Park Admission

Early Park Admission is one of the best ways to do a cheap Universal Orlando vacation for so many reasons. With Early Park Admission, guests get early entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and can ride attractions, visit shops, and get butterbeer an hour before the regular park opens! Most guests can visit the most popular attractions before noon and save up to three hours with Early Park Admission.

Early Park Admission can save you a ton of money by making your two-day trip only one day! Many guests can do Universal Orlando in one day as long as there are low wait times and crowd levels. So, knocking out high-wait attractions before regular parks open is a huge time saver! Especially since Jurassic World VelociCoaster was added to the Early Park Admission attractions list.

Book in Advance

Probably the number one way on how to save on Universal Studios tickets is to book in advance. It is estimated that you can save up to 20% by booking online in advance versus the gate price at Universal Orlando. There is also the issue of time, which is that purchasing your tickets at the park can take a very long time if the lines are long at the park gates. So, for not only convenience but also for your budget’s sake, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.

Use trusted ticket resellers

Reputable, authorized Universal ticket sellers like us have saved guests money for years on theme park purchases. As we mentioned above, guests can save at least $20 off of their Universal Orlando tickets, if not more if special deals are running. Universal partners are amazing ways to save you a ton of money but also offer you a personalized experience with free tools and travel advice.

Passholder deals

If you visit Universal Orlando Resort more than once a year or are looking to go for an extended period, purchasing an Annual Pass might be smart for you. Not only can an Annual Pass get you into the park almost whenever you want, certain tiers also offer free parking and discounts on merchandise and hotels. Getting an annual pass is one of the cheapest ways to do Disney and Universal if you’re a frequent theme park enthusiast.

Related post: Complete Guide to Best Universal Studios Pool

How To Save Money at Universal Orlando 2024 – Inside the Parks

This next set of times is going to be how to do Universal Studios on a budget when you’re already inside the parks. It can be easy to forget some of these easy tips while hot and stressed out in the Florida sun, so try and remember these when making your way around the parks to save yourself some money:

Tips to save money at Universal Studios 2024

• Visit After 6 PM for Free Parking: One of the hidden gems for budget Universal Orlando is that parking is free after 6 PM. This can significantly reduce the cost of your trip to Universal Studios.
• Invest in Refillable Snacks: Universal offers refillable snack options that can be a cost-effective way to eat throughout the day.
• Bring Your Own Snacks: To manage your budget further, consider bringing your own snacks. Universal allows you to bring food into the parks as long as it’s not in a cooler larger than 8x6x6 inches.
• Look for Freebies or Cheap Souvenirs: Keep an eye out for budget-friendly souvenirs or even freebies that might be available during special events or promotions.

Get refillable snacks and drinks

One of our best tips on doing Universal Studios on a budget is investing in the refillable snack options Universal Orlando offers guests. Refillable popcorn buckets and the Universal Coke Freestyle Cup are our top two favorite refillable hacks that will save you money. With both of these, you pay a higher price upfront but then get extremely discounted refills during your stay at Universal Orlando.

• Universal Studios refillable cup price – $16.99 plus tax with unlimited refills
• Universal Studios refillable popcorn bucket price – Between $12 – $20 for the bucket with $2.19 refills.

Bring your own snacks and drinks

If you really are looking for the cheapest way to visit Universal Studios, pack your snacks! A lot of guests are under the impression that food and drink is not allowed with you in the parks, but that isn’t true! Luckily for us, guests are allowed to bring prepackaged snacks into the parks, which can save people a ton of money. Just follow this guide on what to pack to Universal Orlando, and you’ll be shocked by what you can bring in!

You can also bring your water bottles into the parks, as there are water bottle refill stations around the parks. If you happen to forget your water, don’t pay for a bottle! Not only are there refill stations, but many different quick service locations will offer free cups of water due to the intense heat in the Florida sun.

Take advantage of free Universal Orlando items

Another way to do Universal Studios on a budget is to look out for any freebies being handed out in the parks. Some of our favorite moments from trips are the little, cheap Universal Studios souvenirs we were able to acquire during our visit.

Here are some of our favorite cheap or free Universal Studios souvenirs:

• Celebration buttons
• Stickers
• Mardi Gras beads
• Universal park tickets or brochures for scrapbooking
• Themed food or drink containers
• Plastic ice cream cup from Wizarding World of Harry Potter ice cream shops
• Plastic souvenir butterbeer mug
• Exchange your U.S. currency for Gringotts bank notes

Related post: Guide to the Universal Hogwarts Express

Universal Studios on a Budget FAQ

Q: How much money should I take to Universal Studios Orlando?

A: If you are wondering how much money you should take to Universal Studios Orlando, that could change drastically depending on what you want to do. For a baseline, we suggest budgeting around $30 per adult per meal while in the parks and then an extra $100 per day for souvenirs. If you’re looking at a family of four for a four-day trip, we would recommend bringing about $2000 if you plan on eating and purchasing souvenirs in the parks!

Q: When is the cheapest time to go to Universal Studios?

A: The cheapest time to go to Universal Studios will be during the off-season, which is usually early November, late January and February, and August – September. This is typically when kids are back in school and on dates that aren’t near any major holidays or popular events.

Q: Is it cheaper to buy Universal Studios tickets online?

A: Another common question we receive is, is it cheaper to buy Universal Studios tickets online? And as a general rule, yes, it’s always cheaper to buy your Universal Orlando tickets online compared to the park gate. This is true even if you decide to buy your tickets directly from Universal, as you will automatically save up to $10 per ticket by buying them in advance.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Universal Studios, be sure to check out Universal Orlando Tickets! Not only will you save money vs buying direct, but all of our Universal Orlando tickets come with some amazing benefits which can help save you up to three hours in the parks!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!