Universal Studios Annual Pass Details and Perks

If you’ve ever wondered if getting Universal Studios Passes is worth it, we’re here to help! On our last trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, after weighing the cost of Universal Studios Tickets to the cost of a Universal Studios Annual Pass, we chose the pass and couldn’t be more impressed about what it is included. So, if you’re hoping to visit Universal Studios Orlando multiple times a year, we’re sharing everything we learned to give you an inside look to all the perks and benefits. Did we mention that UOAP is pretty affordable too? Here’s what you need to know about Universal Studios Annual Passes; from types of passes, to cost, to perks and benefits. 

Universal Studios Annual Pass Details

On our recent trip to Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we decided to do the math on getting Universal Studios Passes or just Tickets. Mind you we already knew a few things going into this trip. We knew we wanted to get Early Admission, so that we could ride the Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike ride before the crowds showed up. And having a Universal Express Pass, to skip the ride lines, would be nice just in case it was busy. And since we wanted to ride the Hogwarts Express, we knew we needed to have a Park to Park Ticket too. And it made us aware of a few things!

You get all these things with the right Universal Studios Passes. Even the lowest tier pass gets you discounts at the Universal Studios Hotels, so these perks may come with your stay too. In fact, getting Universal Studios Passes COST THE SAME as just ONE 4-Day Ticket with park to park access. And that’s just one trip! So, if we planned any other vacations, all but lodging would be covered.  

Early Admission- Up to 1 Hour Early Park Entry

To get Early Admission at Universal Studios Orlando, you either need at stay at an on site hotel, like Loews Portofino Bay, or have an annual pass.

Universal Express Pass- Skip the Line at Rides

To get the Universal Express Pass you either have to stay at a Premiere Hotel, or pay the $120- $320 cost for an express pass in addition to a park ticket, or get a pass.

Park to Park Ticket- Freely go Between Parks

And we needed a Park to Park ticket, at about $190, so that we could see both areas of Wizarding World of Harry Potter, both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Needless to say when we did that math for one day of going to the parks, with these perks, an Annual Pass just made sense.

Universal Studios Annual Pass Types

Wondering if the Universal Orlando Annual Pass is right for you? Of course there are so many different kinds of Universal Studios Passes, and if you’re considering any of them, you must be thinking of visiting a few times this year, right? What about wanting to get into all the Universal Parks with a pass? Well, while EPIC Universe is not included in annual passes just yet, you can still visit Universal Studios Florida & Universal Islands of Adventure as part of your pass benefits. And even Volcano Bay if you get the 3-Park pass. With access to the Universal Parks in Orlando for a year, if you plan on visiting more than once, or longer than 4 days, here is what you should know before you go. Annual Passes for Universal Studios Orlando offer a range of options in price, blockout dates, payment options and more.

• You can get a 2-Park Annual Pass which includes Admission To Universal Studios Florida & Universal Islands of Adventure.
• Or a 3-Park Annual Pass which adds on Volcano Bay. For either choice the general benefits are the same. 
• EPIC Universe is not yet included in the Annual Pass Program. 

Universal Studios Annual Pass Benefits

We love perks! Who doesn’t, right? Annual Passholders at Universal Studios get perks based on the type of pass that they hold. Annual Passes are available in several different tiers. At different price points, you can choose which level is best for you. Seasonal, Power, Preferred and Premier passes are all available at different price points. And all offer different benefits. Perks can include things no blackout dates, early entry to the Parks, free parking, and even Express Pass on the highest level pass. All pass types offer resort discounts, park to park admission, and discounts on special event tickets.

• Seasonal Pass
  • Park-To-Park Admission ( Blockout Dates Apply)
  • Universal Orlando Hotel Room Discounts
  • Discounts On Select Theme Park & Special Events Tickets
• Power Pass
  • FlexPay Options With Automatic Renewal
  • Park-To-Park Admission ( Blockout Dates Apply)
  • 50% off regular daytime self-parking
  • Universal Orlando Hotel Room Discounts
  • Admission To Select Special Events & Concerts
  • Discounts On Select Theme Park & Special Events Tickets
• Preferred Pass
  • FlexPay Options With Automatic Renewal
  • Park-To-Park Admission ( Blockout Dates Apply)
  • FREE regular daytime self-parking
  • Early Park Admission ( Blockout Dates Apply)
  • Discounted Food, Merchandise & Specialty Items
  • Universal Orlando Hotel Room Discounts
  • Admission To Select Special Events & Concerts
  • Discounts On Select Theme Park & Special Events Tickets
• Premier Pass
  • FlexPay Options With Automatic Renewal
  • Park-To-Park Admission ( Blockout Dates Apply)
  • Universal Express After 4 pm
  • FREE Valet & Prime Self-Parking after first visit
  • Early Park Admission
  • Discounted Food, Merchandise & Specialty Items
  • Universal Orlando Hotel Room Discounts
  • Admission To Select Special Events & Concerts
  • Discounts On Select Theme Park & Special Events Tickets

Universal Studios Passholders can also receive a Free Button each month. The button is complimentary but it does have to be picked up in person. And Universal Studios also hosts Passholder Appreciation days each year, where Passholders can get even better discounts, special merch, and more. 

Universal Studios Annual Pass Costs

What does a Universal Orlando Annual Pass cost? The prices vary depending on which tier pass you want to purchase.  Prices vary depending on if you choose 2 parks or 3 parks ( which includes the water park, Volcano Bay).

2-Park Universal Studios Passes

• Seasonal Pass- $295
• Power Pass $345
• Preferred Pass $430
• Premiere Pass $760

3-Park Universal Studios Passes

• Seasonal Pass $395
• Power Pass $455
• Preferred Pass $540
• Premiere Pass $950

And if you’re a Florida Resident the cost of a Universal Studios Pass is less. As you can see the best prices are reserved for Florida residents but unlike Walt Disney World’s annual pass program, out-of-state visitors have access to all of the same levels of annual passes that Florida residents do. Almost all of the annual pass tiers also allow for monthly payments. 

Depending on how much you plan to go to Universal Studios, this can save you a lot of money. A one-day ticket to Universal starts at $134 per day; and this rate is dependent upon what time of year you are going, if you want to visit both Parks while there and if you have any other add-ons for your ticket. Check out all the Universal Studios Ticket Options on the website. 

Universal Studios Annual Pass Discounts

What discounts are available for UO Annual Passholders? One of the best parts of being an Annual Passholder is all of the amazing discounts! Universal really takes care of their Passholders. Passholders can receive great discounts on resort stays, merchandise, and food. Plus you can receive discounted tickets to EPIC Universe.

We recently were able to save about 50% off staying at Loew’s Portofino Bay by using an Annual Passholder discount. ( And that got us the Unlimited Express Pass, free boat transportation, access to a Starbucks on property and Early Admission.) Discounts for resort stays change throughout the year, but if you book during the right time you can save a lot of money on your resort.  We booked during Annual Passholder Appreciation Days, but even during the rest of the year, you can expect to save between 25%-30% on your resort. 

Annual Passholders at Universal also receive up to 15% off at certain dining locations and up to 20% off of merchandise. Both discounts are dependent upon what level pass you have. Check out the Universal Studios Annual Pass Benefits List for everything you can get depending on the pass you choose. 

Universal Studios Annual Pass Review

Okay, so is Universal Studios Season Pass worth it? This is always the biggest question we get about pretty much everything that involves spending money. “Worth it” is sometimes hard to gauge, but in this case, it’s really just a matter of doing some math. Will you be visiting the parks more than once this year? Are you planning on staying longer than 4 days? If you can answer yes to both questions, then you’ll most likely pay less with a Pass.

Universal Studios tickets are not cheap.  But annual passes at Universal Studios are a lot more affordable than those at Walt Disney World, especially if you’re an out-of-state visitor. Obviously, if you are only going to go one or two days in an entire year, then no it wouldn’t mathematically make sense to get an annual pass. But if you plan to visit Universal Studios even just four days during one year, the lowest tier annual pass will save you money. Add on discounts like resorts, merchandise, and food and it actually ends up being a pretty good deal. 

Hopefully, this post has cleared up for you whether or not an annual pass at Universal Studios is right for you. Are you considering an annual pass at Universal Studios? Let us know if you have any other questions!