A Universal Orlando Annual Passholder says she was out of bed before sunrise on what was supposed to be her “chill” day. This is because the theme park announced a “special gift” for Passholders. However, after seeing the reward for her effort, viewers don’t think it was worth the wait.
In a viral TikTok, Jadean (@jadeanorlando), who makes Orlando, Florida, content, says she had planned on doing laundry, “but I have to go and see what this special gift is.” She films herself heading to the Universal Orlando Annual Pass (UOAP) Lounge, where the gift will be distributed from 11am to 4pm while supplies last. She shows that the line for the gift stretches around what looks to be several stores. The wait is so long that a whole section of people in line are sitting on the floor.
As she searches for her place, she says, “Mind you, we don’t even know what exactly this free gift is.” She finally finds the end of the line and then indicates with a SpongeBob meme that she waited for 45 minutes.
Jadean then presents the gift: an 8-oz cup of soda with a gummy shark in it. “So, it was soda with a shark,” she says. While some probably would’ve been less grateful, Jadean kindly says, “Thank you, Universal.”
Of the flavor, she says, “It’s definitely really good. It’s like raspberry Coke or something like that. It’s some good soda, but yeah, it was soda.”
The UOAP Lounge is presented by Coca-Cola, so, in hindsight, it’s not surprising that the gift was a soda.
Since when has raspberry Coke been a thing at Universal Orlando?
If you’ve never heard of Raspberry Coke, it’s a beloved flavor available from the beverage giant’s Freestyle machines. This treat may have been extra special for raspberry Coke lovers who report that their local Freestyle machines no longer have the flavor. Coke says this is due to the choices retailers make about what flavors to have. However, given that Raspberry Coke is still available in Freestyle machines at Universal, it’s a little less of an exclusive treat. The fact that it was free is still a win, though—and the shark was a nice touch.
Still, viewers were less than impressed.
‘I hope you’re hungry…for NOTHING‘
One viewer asked, “How was a single person not tellin everyone it was just a free soda and not worth waiting for LMAO?” Perhaps no one wanted to spoil the surprise. Or, maybe everyone was bitter they waited for a disappointing gift and felt everyone else should suffer too. Who knows?
A second said, “This actually made me NOT want to become a passmember…..”
“Not even in a souvenir cup?!” a third asked incredulously. “Or if that’s too much to ask for not even a full sized drink?!?”
What are the other perks of being an Annual Passholder?
On its website, Universal Orlando has a guide to the perks of being a Passholder. However, it is important to note that the guide was published before the opening of Epic Universe. The Annual Pass, which usually gives free admission to the parks, does not appear to apply to this park.
The website states, “As a Passholder, you get special pricing on 1-Day tickets to Universal Epic Universe. Link your Pass to the wallet in your Universal Account Wallet for the easiest way to purchase.” It notes that these tickets are limited in quantity and available only while supplies last, though additional quantities may be available at later dates.
The perks guide notes that there are four Annual Pass options: Seasonal, Power, Preferred, and Premier. Each comes in a two or three-park variety. The 2-Park Pass includes admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. The 3-Park Pass includes admission to the preceding parks and Universal Volcano Bay.
Benefits
The first benefit of the passes is that you can go to the park almost any time. “The Seasonal Pass and Power Pass do have Blockout Dates, and Volcano Bay is occasionally blocked for the 3-Park Preferred Pass,” the guide notes.
Included with park admission is admission to seasonal events like Holidays at Universal and Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavor of Carnaval. There are also Passholder Appreciation Days. Additionally, Passholders enjoy Early Admission on select days, giving them access to some attractions up to an hour before opening.
The second benefit is access to the UOAP Lounge at Toon Lagoon in Islands of Adventure. You can recharge and buy exclusive merchandise here. There is also a Concierge Services team to help you with all your Passholder needs.
The next benefit is special event perks. You can ride a Mardi Gras parade float; view the Mardi Gras and Holiday Parades from the Passholder-only viewing areas; receive early access to the Holiday Tribute Store, which sells UOAP-exclusive merch; and save money on separately-ticketed events like Halloween Horror Nights, which also has Passholder-exclusive merch. Additionally, on Passholder Appreciation Days, there is an exclusive menu of items available at dining locations throughout the resort.
The fourth perk is free stuff, like the UOAP Magnet, available in the UOAP Lounge in Islands of Adventure or Five and Dime in Universal Studios. There are seasonal magnets for special events and other seasonal goodies like buttons and lanyards.
The next perk is special discounts. Passholders receive 40% off room rates at select hotels throughout the year. In July 2024, when the guide was posted, these hotels included Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Passholders also receive deals on resort restaurants and more. For the full list, click here.
Finally, the guide highlights the perks exclusive to the Premier Pass that make it “well worth the higher price tag.” These include:
- Year-round admission with no blackout dates.
- A free Universal Express Pass after 4pm.
- Free valet and Prime self-parking.
- One free Halloween Horror Nights ticket for select nights.
How much does an Annual Pass at Universal Orlando cost?
The 2-Park Seasonal, Power, Preferred, and Premier passes cost $425, $475, $630, and $905, respectively. In the same order, the 3-Park passes cost $525, $585, $740, and $1,095.
Florida residents receive special pricing. In the same order as before, the Florida resident prices for 2-Park Annual Passes are $325, $375, $530, and $790. The Florida resident pricing for 3-Park passes is $425, $485, $640, and $980.
@jadeanorlando This annual passholder perks got me outta bed before sunrise. Can you guess what it is? ?➡️? #universalstudios #UOAP #IOA #annualpassholder #universal ♬ original sound – Jadean ✨ Orlando Content
The Mary Sue contacted Jadean via TikTok comment and direct message. It contacted Universal Orlando via press email.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
