Question of the Week: Where to Find Universal Orlando Tickets at a Discount?
Are you looking everywhere online trying to figure out where to find cheap 1-day tickets for Universal Studios Orlando? Well look no further!
I know what it’s like prepping for your upcoming Universal Orlando trip and wanting all the possible discounts that you can get.
Being a self-proclaimed theme park expert, it makes me the main one in my group of friends who “knows” the ins-and-outs of doing parks like Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios on a budget.
Just know that purchasing your park tickets doesn’t have to be such a hassle as you may think.
Today’s technology gives me and you the power to shop around for the best theme park deals right at our fingertips.
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Your Universal Studios Florida Tickets at a Glance:
- Groupon is my favorite place to get discounted tickets for Universal Studios Orlando
- You can save up to 36% off of your theme park tickets using Groupon
- With the money you’ve saved from your cheap Universal Orlando tickets above, you can buy some other ticket add-ons to make the most of your park visit!
- For a LIMITED TIME, FL & GA Residents can Buy A Day and Get 2 Days Free at Universal Orlando
Keep reading to get a full guide on how to choose the best tickets for Universal Orlando like a pro!
2024 Universal Orlando Tickets
Before I take you through the best ways to find discount Universal Orlando tickets, you should know that the resort has 3 theme parks (with another one opening in the future) plus multiple hotels to choose from and the famous CityWalk.
Universal Orlando Resort Theme Parks:
How much does it cost to go to Universal Studios in Florida?
The cost of admission starts at $119, but I like discounts so I use sites like Groupon and The Park Prodigy to find cheap Universal Orlando tickets which we’ll discuss further in this guide.
Where can I get cheap tickets to Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay?
Now that you know it’s possible to do Universal Orlando on a budget, let’s go through where you can find your discounted Universal Orlando Resort tickets below.
1. The Park Prodigy
Park Prodigy helps you not only grab the best theme park deals, they also help you plan a full out vacation to Universal Orlando Resort and any theme park you are interested in.
The team at The Park Prodigy also specialize in Disneyland travel planning, just in case you want that epic Disney trip across America!
Mike is the owner who is very hands-on with everyone who uses his agency to book Universal Studios tickets and even anyone taking a full-out vacation to the Universal Orlando Resort.
So, if you’re only planning for a one day visit to one of the Universal Orlando parks or if you’re planning on making a full vacation out of it, then I suggest purchasing your cheap Universal Orlando tickets from The Park Prodigy.
Get your Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park Tickets with The Park Prodigy TODAY!
2. Groupon
Honestly, I never thought I’d see the day where Groupon would give us the options to purchase discounted theme park tickets.
Groupon is now providing Universal Orlando Resort tickets! For a limited time, you can grab some Universal Orlando Resort™ Multi-Day tickets to three theme parks, from up to $20 off.
Groupon is also offering deals for 2 Park Tickets to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica. Along with 2-Park Tickets for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island and more (up to 40% off)!
Why I love shopping from Groupon…
In addition to Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Entertainment tickets, Groupon helps you enjoy even more local attractions such as Fun Spot, Kennedy Space Center, and The Wheel at ICON Park for the low!
Groupon is also one of my favorite discount sites where I buy great deals for different restaurants and activities to do in any city I visit.
If you know anything about Groupon, then you know that the offers don’t last long, so take advantage of the deals ASAP!
Groupon believes in building the daily habit in local commerce, offering a vast mobile and online marketplace where people discover and save on amazing things to do, see, eat and buy.
Recommended: How to Save THE MOST Money on Your Next Universal Studios Orlando Trip with Groupon!
3. Undercover Tourist
One of the most popular theme park authorized ticket sellers is Undercover Tourist. I’ve used Undercover Tourist in the past for my Universal Studios Hollywood trip.
Their website was easy to use and when I sent them a message on Twitter, they quickly responded to all my questions.
Since 2000, Undercover Tourist has provided authentic attraction tickets at discounted prices, as well as insider planning tips and excellent customer service.
Undercover Tourist goal is to help you save time and money on your trip to:
- Walt Disney World® Resort
- Universal Orlando Resort™
- SeaWorld® Orlando
- Universal Studios Hollywood™
- SeaWorld® San Diego and more attractions in Orlando, Los Angeles and San Diego.
Get your Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park Tickets with Undercover Tourist TODAY!
4. CityPass Orlando
If you’re an avid traveler, then you’ve probably heard of CityPASS before. Just in case you haven’t, I want to give you a brief overview of why this may be a great option for you!
Basically, think of CityPASS like a park hopper ticket, but for various attractions in big cities. Places like New York City, Chicago, Tampa and OF COURSE, Orlando apply!
CityPass Orlando offers pretty good discounts to the major theme parks in Central Florida, making it a budget-friendly way to experience Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.
Plus the tickets will go straight to your phone where you can then link them to the Universal Orlando Resort app.
Get your Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park tickets with CityPass TODAY!
5. Viator
I personally love Viator because no matter what major (and sometimes minor) city I go to, you can always find a local tour through Viator that will show you a spectacular side of the city.
When you’re visiting Orlando, you should check out the discounted deals that you can get for Universal Orlando Resort theme parks.
While you’re there, be sure to book a fun Central Florida tour so that you can explore other things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.
Viator is owned by Tripadvisor so you can check out the honest reviews of Universal Orlando before you go!
Get your Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park tickets with Viator TODAY!
6. Local Grocery Stores
Many of the chain grocery stores, especially in the South, like Publix and Costco, offer discounted theme park tickets for places like Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.
Hipster Power Tip: Don’t forget to check out Orlando Vacation Home Rental companies like Top Villas who also offer discounted tickets to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay and other Orlando theme parks.
So, you can book your vacation rental and theme park ticket with one company.
7. AAA or Professional Organization
If you’re a part of a professional organization or travel club, always check to see if they have any theme park discounts.
Professional dental, pharmacy, and AAA organizations are just a few examples of companies that have theme park deals.
AAA usually has significant discounts on Universal Orlando theme park tickets, so be sure to look there if you’re a part of the organization.
Members of AAA can also save up to $65 on Universal Orlando theme park admission, and no, it’s not just for a single day ticket.
Hipster Power Tip: Be sure to find discounted Universal Orlando tickets that are one or two days short of your total vacation length.
So, if you will be at Universal Orlando Resort for four days, maybe book only two days to go to a park. On the first day in Orlando you may be tired or jet-lagged. Use that day to explore CityWalk or discover your resort.
8. Buy Directly from Universal Orlando Resort
Ok, I know this is an obvious option, but I still must mention it!
UniversalOrlandoResort.com is always having limited time sales that allow you to buy one ticket and get one free, receive special discounts on Annual Passes and so much more.
Many times they will send them straight to your email if you’ve signed up to receive updates from Universal!
One thing you should know is that many of their deals are not predictable and can happen at random times. I know that’s not the best news, especially if you’re a planner.
Recommended: Universal Orlando Tickets Discount (Free Day at Universal Studios)
9. Use an Authorized Universal Orlando Vacation Planner (THEY’RE FREE!)
There are a lot of authorized travel agents in the Central Florida area. I personally use The Park Prodigy as my theme park vacation planner.
Travel agents can help you put your whole plan together. They usually know the different discount Universal Orlando tickets and deals that are available right away before anyone.
They know the different time frames that are best for you to book AND they’re also really good with when it comes to planning a customizable Orlando vacation.
Through the authorize vacation sellers, you will be able to get a significant discount on your Universal Orlando Resort vacation package.
Your theme park tickets will also get scooped up in that whole package price.
Plus, you’ll be able to make payments on your trip which helps alleviate the pressure of needing to have all your money upfront.
10. Hotel Concierge
This may not be the best option, but hear me out.
If you’re in town for a business trip or conference and decide to have a park visit, then you can connect with your hotel or resort concierge to get a last minute ticket to one of the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks for a possible discount.
Hipster Power Tip: If you stay at a vacation villa, they may offer a presentation for you to view for possibly purchasing a Timeshare with their organization.
After you complete the presentation, you’re sometimes offered free tickets to Universal Studios Florida. Do keep in mind that these sales pitches are intense, but if you can stay strong you can come out with a free theme park ticket.
My Final Thoughts on Finding Cheap Universal Orlando Tickets
Overall, remember to look around the web to find the best deals and coupons for your upcoming Universal Orlando Resort vacation.
As you can see, you can find discounts to many of the world’s most popular theme parks by doing just a little bit of digging.
If you have any additional suggestions, be sure to leave them in the comment box below. Don’t forget to check out the YouTube channel for more Universal Orlando Resort vacation tips.
If you enjoy this article, then you’ll love these:
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- 5 Best Hotels Near Universal Orlando for Solo Travelers
- Universal Studios Orlando VIP Tour Guide: Should You Do It?
- Why a Universal Orlando Annual Pass Should be Your Next Big Purchase!
- Universal Orlando Express Pass: COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Article Date: January 1, 2022/Updated on January 19, 2024)