When you’re ready to cast spells with Harry Potter, take on the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park or race down Volcano Bay’s waterslides at Universal Orlando Resort, keep in mind there are ways to save money during your time in the parks, so there’s plenty left over for a cup or two of Butter Beer (and Butter Beer Ice Cream!).
Through the Gates
Single-day tickets into Universal Orlando Resort’s Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure start at $115, or a one-day, park-to-park ticket for $170; one-day tickets to Universal’s Volcano Bay start at $80. Spend more days and the price begins to drop. For example, a five-day, park-to-park ticket starts at $45 a day (one park each day).
Take It With You
You may be surprised to learn, as I was, that some of Orlando’s theme parks allow guests to bring food and drinks in with them, including Universal Orlando Resort. Sure, you have to carry it with you in a backpack (no coolers allowed!), but if you do it well, you and your family will have munchies to enjoy throughout the day. Our suggestion is take a few bottles of water — especially on sunny Florida days, and sandwiches to enjoy for lunch, then buy a snack or two during your time in the parks. Not only will you save money, but time so you can cast more spells rather than standing in line.
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Park It
When choosing a place to stay during your time in Orlando, try and find a hotel where you can park the car and take shuttle buses to the parks. Many local hotels run complimentary shuttles throughout the day and into the night, saving you money on parking, which can really add up if you’re spending more than a day.
Stay with Harry
Okay, you can’t really stay with Harry Potter at Hogwarts, but you can stay at one of the six properties found within Universal Orlando Resort’s expansive grounds, with one on the way! The hotels range not only in size, but price points and amenities, too. Compare hotels to see which fits your family’s wants and needs, and keep in mind complimentary shuttle buses run from some of the hotels to the parks, or there are walking paths.
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