Universal Studios Orlando is home to a handful of theme parks, but there’s a lot to learn. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder. 

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The primary parks are Universal Studios Florida (original park, opened in 1990) and its neighboring park, Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Both comprise the Universal Orlando resort complex and are a short walk from each other. This is perhaps the biggest advantage over competing parks in the area, there’s no transportation required to reach the other park if you’ve got passes for both.

The brand also offers Universal’s Volcano Bay, a water theme park and access can be added to any Annual Passholder account, an individual annual pass for just Volcano Bay or daily tickets purchased.

Here’s a full list of all Universal Orlando Resort rides (via UniversalOrlando.com):

*These rides have test seats available so that guests can determine comfort and fit for themselves before riding.

*These rides have test seats available so that guests can determine comfort and fit for themselves before riding.

Unique to other parks, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is actually split up between both theme parks. At Islands of Adventure, Hogsmeade is the Harry Potter section with three rides plus the Hogwarts Express. At Universal Studios Florida, Hogwarts is the Harry Potter section with just one ride excluding the Hogwarts Express.

A train connects the two lands, departing King’s Cross station in Universal Studios Florida, and arriving into Hogsmeade station at Islands of Adventure. The Hogwarts Express “ride” is an easy connection between the two Harry Potter worlds and saves guests the trouble of going to the front of the parks to enter the other. As it transports guests between the two parks, a two-park pass is required to ride and see both lands.

The far more extensive land of Harry Potter Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida has more shops, restaurants, and cobblestone streets but fewer rides. Olivander’s wand shop features an absolutely magical experience and has a shorter line in this park, though it is available in both. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringott’s.

Home to the brand new – and frankly, the best ride at both parks – is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Ride, Hogsmeade puts Harry Potter fans in the middle of the action. It features an interactive simulator and a pair of roller coasters for two different age groups. For what it’s worth, our favorite ride is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – out of both parks and all Disney parks.

At the time of publication, Universal offers annual passes for sale. Each comes with a variety of benefits, some common to other theme parks and some unique to those who visit Universal.

There are four types of passes and each is offered in 2-park or 3-park options. In either instance, park-to-park is included without reservations required. In each case, the progressively higher packages include at least the prior benefits and then add benefits, flexibility, and access. Two park prices below, three park passes add about $150.

Universal Orlando outlines the FlexPay options as follows:

Power Pass: FlexPay option renews automatically. Requires down payment of $239.62 (Tax Inclusive) and 11 monthly payments of $21.79 (0% APR) after savings.

Preferred Pass: FlexPay option renews automatically. Requires down payment of $266.25 (Tax Inclusive) and 11 monthly payments of $24.21 (0% APR) after savings.

Premier Pass: FlexPay option renews automatically. Requires down payment of $380.74 (Tax Inclusive) and 11 monthly payments of $34.62 (0% APR) after savings.

Here are the benefits of each pass type side-by-side, images via Universal Studios Orlando

One aspect that makes Annual Passholder life at Universal Studios Orlando particularly unique is the extension of discounted annual pass holder options not just to Florida residents but also to Georgia residents. Those who reside in Florida or Georgia should be able to demonstrate proof they reside in the state such as a state-issued ID card, mortgage statement, pay stub from an area employer with a local address, auto insurance or vehicle registration, as well as utility bills. Just one of those documents is required, and children of adults that purchase do not need to produce documents for their IDs if purchased at the same time.

Two park prices below, three park passes add about $100-190.

FlexPay for Florida/Georgia residents include the Seasonal level as well.

Seasonal Pass: FlexPay option renews automatically. Requires down payment of $159.75 (Tax Inclusive) and 11 monthly payments of $14.53 (0% APR).

Power Pass: FlexPay option renews automatically. Requires down payment of $186.37 (Tax Inclusive) and 11 monthly payments of $16.95 (0% APR).

Preferred Pass: FlexPay option renews automatically. Requires down payment of $213.00 (Tax Inclusive) and 11 monthly payments of $19.37 (0% APR).

Premier Pass: FlexPay option renews automatically. Requires down payment of $319.50 (Tax Inclusive) and 11 monthly payments of $29.05 (0% APR).

There’s no question that Universal Studios has some of the best rides, shows, and attractions in Orlando. For Harry Potter fans, a minimum of a Seasonal Pass is a must. But for those who may be weighing the costs and options, most will find savings and added value after just three visits. Park-to-park passes average $145/day, less for Florida/Georgia residents. Given that both parks are included, into the third day, guests have nearly come break even with the base level package.

For those who are staying as long as five days, a Premier Pass will significantly improve their experience. In addition to any cost savings, Express Pass is included after 4 pm valid once per ride (with the exception of the Velocicoaster and Hagrid’s) every day. Premier pass holders also have early access to the parks an hour before they open to the public.

Connecting the theme parks, Universal Citywalk is a series of themed restaurants and stores outside the entrance gates. Guests go through security complying with safety guidelines before Citywalk reducing lines at the park gates. The two parks are also connected via a Hogwarts Express train at the back of the parks allowing guests to spend more time in each park when switching.

Additional savings on resorts, food & beverage offerings, and merchandise add to the total value of a visit to the parks.

The best value is at the Premier level, especially if you’re a Florida/Georgia resident given the price points and extraordinary benefits.

Those comparing Universal Studios Orlando to Disney World annual passes will enjoy the additional pass options (Disney only offers its Florida resident, weekday-only Pixie Pass at the moment.) Universal’s valet option, premium-parking, park-to-park access without a reservation, and included Express Pass for Premier holders is all unmatched by Disney. Disney has more parks but fewer true thrill rides and none of the parks are nearly as close together as Universal’s three parks. Disney Springs is also farther from the parks than Universal’s Citywalk for those who want to extend the experience past the closing of the parks.

It’s also worth noting that Universal is preparing to open a “third gate”, Epic Universe, in 2025. The new 750-acre park is a massive expansion; doubling the footprint of both parks, CityWalk, and several Universal hotels – combined. Epic will be home to Super Nintendo World among other lands mirroring the theme at its Japan location and Hollywood location opening in 2023.

As newly minted Universal Studios Orlando Premier Passholders, we have enjoyed the parks immensely. Rides like Velocicoaster and Hagrid’s push the bounds of what a modern theme park can and should offer. Immersive lands like Hogwarts that allow visitors to really step inside of fantasy worlds they enjoy were pioneered by Universal and completely changed the landscape. Further, the value for money at Universal is significantly greater than that of nearby Disney, paying for itself within a week of visiting.

What do you think? Are you a Universal Studios Orlando Annual Passholder? How has your experience been? 

Kyle is a freelance travel writer with contributions to Time, the Washington Post, MSNBC, Yahoo!, Reuters, Huffington Post, MapHappy, Live And Lets Fly and many other media outlets. He is also co-founder of Scottandthomas.com, a travel agency that delivers "Travel Personalized." He focuses on using miles and points to provide a premium experience for his wife and daughter. Email: sherpa@thetripsherpa.com

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