With the addition of the new Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort, families are flocking to Florida for the summer vacation of a lifetime. But big hype also equals high costs. Fortunately, there are ways to save on a Universal vacation with careful planning and prioritizing where it’s worth paying more.
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Beverlyn Fleming of Best Ever Vacations with BEV, offered her best tips to save on a Universal Studios vacation.
Choose Off-Peak Times To Travel
Ticket and hotel prices rise during peak season, and big crowds mean you might need Express Passes to enjoy all the rides. “Going during off-peak times saves money because daily tickets prices are cheaper, hotel rates are cheaper, and you may not need Express Passes,” Fleming said. She recommended September or early June as the best times to go.
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Avoid the Weekends
If you have to vacation during school breaks, try to avoid the parks — especially Epic Universe — on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Use these days to recuperate and relax by the pool, enjoy Orlando shopping or see a movie on the CityWalk.
Get More Value at a Deluxe Hotel
For coaster fanatics who want to be sure they experience every ride more than once, it might pay to stay on-site during peak season. Not only do you get early entry, but the Deluxe hotels offer Express Passes with your stay.
“Even though the hotel price is steep at the Hard Rock, Loews Portofino or Royal Pacific, the cost of an Express Pass alone is anywhere from $100 to $350+ per person,” Fleming said. “The hotel can cost anywhere from $350 to $800 per night, but for a family of five, one day of Express Passes can cost as much as $1,750. Purchasing your park tickets with your hotel as a bundle [also] saves you more money.”
Cut Parking Costs
If you choose to stay at an off-site hotel, budget $25 per day for parking at Universal. However, you can park at CityWalk free after 6 p.m., and walk or take a shuttle bus to the theme parks. “If you go bowling or see a movie in CityWalk, you also get your parking validated,” Fleming said.
Save on Food
As with any theme park, food at Universal Resort gets pricey. “Save money by eating at one of the places on CityWalk,” Fleming said. You can bring up to two liters of bottled water per guest, as well as any food required for special dietary needs, into the parks, according to the Universal Orlando website.
“Regular, ice-cold water is free all over the park at their refillable stations,” Fleming said, warning travelers to “avoid the Gilly Water trap. It’s just water in a fancy bottle.”
Harry Potter fans may want to splurge on Butterbeer, though, which is something you can’t find many other places.
If you want a meal inside one of the parks, Fleming advised, “Split an adult meal between two people or order kids’ meals. The serving size for most adult meals is huge.”
Final Note: Splurge on What’s Important
You can have fun and save money at Universal Orlando Resort. Prioritize what’s most important to your family — whether that’s getting on all the thrill rides without waiting in line or splurging on Mediterranean fare at Mythos Restaurant in Islands of Adventure.
“For the Harry Potter fan, park-to-park tickets are a must,” Fleming said. “This allows you to take the Hogwarts Express back and forth, saving you time and, therefore, giving you more time at each park.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Ways To Save Money on Your Universal Studios Vacation This Summer
