Universal
Orlando
 |
Just 12 miles north of Walt Disney World is this whopper of a
destination composed of two side-by-side theme parks, Universal
Studios and Islands of
Adventure, a dining, shopping, and
entertainment venue, CityWalk, and three themed resorts where a
few nights of pampering could only add to your vacation
experience. Universal's rapid expansion has certainly given
Disney a run for its money, and what it lacks in magic it more
than makes up for in its certain brand of frenzied, high-speed
intensity. Although Disney has the edge in service, attractions,
and plain old customer satisfaction, the compact Universal
Orlando is a great 2- or 3-day excursion. |
With more thrill rides at the new Islands of Adventure theme
park than Disney will probably ever have, a trip here is a must
if you have a teenager or coaster addict in your party. Although
it will never live up to the Magic Kingdom in the eyes of small
children, Universal does offer fascinating child-oriented areas
in each theme park. Low-keyed adults love the working studio aspect of
Universal Studios and are simply wowed by the creativity
invested in the new Islands of Adventure. Take Universal for
what it is, try not to compare it to Disney, and just enjoy.
Universal Orlando Admission
Take
into account the variety of options when purchasing park
passes. Consider how many days will actually be spent at the
Universal theme parks and if visiting SeaWorld, Wet ’n’ Wild,
or Busch Gardens in Tampa are to be part of your plans. If
many of these parks are of interest to you, buy one of the
Orlando Flex Tickets, remembering they expire in 14 days. The
Universal multi-park passes never expire and with only a few
dollars difference between the 2- and 3-day pass, even if your
plans only include 2 days at Universal, buy the 3-day pass if
a return trip is a strong possibility.
To avoid
a lengthy wait (and I mean lengthy!) in line your first
morning at Universal, pre-purchase your passes by calling
800-711-0080 or go online at
www.universalorlando.com where a slight discount is
usually offered. New automatic ticketing machines at both park
entrances are another option as long as you’re paying by
credit card. If you’re staying at a hotel on Universal
property, purchase your tickets at the concierge desk. The
prices below will most likely change given that price
increases occur regularly. AAA members receive a discount on
multi-day tickets. Florida residents should always inquire
about any special discounts offered.
1-Day/1-Park Ticket: Good for 1 day at either Universal Studios
or Islands of Adventure. No park-hopping allowed.
2-Day Multi-Park Pass: Admission to both Universal
Studios and Islands of Adventure with park-hopping privileges
and a free CityWalk Party Pass.
2-Park
Unlimited Admission: Available only online, it includes
admission to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for
up to seven days, with park-hopping privileges and a free
CityWalk Party Pass.
5-Park Flex Ticket: Unlimited admission with park-hopping for 14
consecutive days to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure,
SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Wet 'n' Wild. Also includes a free CityWalk Party
Pass. Parking fee is required only once a day at the first park
visited. Pass expires 14 days after the first use.
6-Park Flex Ticket: Unlimited admission with park-hopping for 14
consecutive days to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure,
SeaWorld, Wet 'n' Wild, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Parking fee
is required only once a day at the first park visited. Also
includes a CityWalk Party Pass and a complimentary Busch Gardens
Express Bus. Pass expires 14 days after the first use.
Two-ParkPower Pass:
Includes
365 days of admission to Islands of Adventure and
Universal Studios with limited black-out dates. Blackout dates
when admission is not allowed include several weekends in the
summer, Christmas, New Years, and Easter Week. Quite a bargain
when you consider a two park, seven-day pass is only five
dollars less.
Two-Park Preferred Pass: Includes 365 days of admission to
Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios with no black-out
dates along with free self-parking and free admission to select
special events as well as discounts on separately ticketed
events. Special discounts are offered on multi-day and single
tickets, merchandise, restaurants, VIP tours, CityWalk Party
Passes, seasonally up to 30% at Loews’ Universal hotels, and
more.
Premier Annual Pass: All the benefits of the two-park preferred
pass above as well as unlimited Universal Express after 4 P.M.,
free preferred self-parking and valet parking, and one free
non-peak night to Halloween Horror Nights.
Price
Without Tax |
|
|
Adult |
Child (3-9) |
|
1-Day/1-Park
Ticket |
$75 |
$60 |
|
1-Day/2-Park Ticket |
$80 |
$70 |
|
2-Park Multipass Ticket |
$115 |
$105 (less expensive online)
|
|
5-Park Orlando
Flex Ticket |
$235 |
$195 |
|
6-Park Orlando
Flex Ticket |
$280 |
$235 |
|
Premier Annual Pass |
$280 |
$280 |
|
Two-Park Preferred Annual
Pass |
$200 |
$200 |
|
Two-Park Power
Pass |
$115 |
$115 |
|
|
Current prices as at August 2008 |
Click
on the links below for additional information:
Universal
Studios Islands
of Adventure
The Luxury Guide
to Walt Disney World Resort Orlando |
