Universal Annual Passes?

[BabySimba]

So I was wondering if anyone else has bought or is thinking about buying a Universal/Islands of Adventure annual pass. I think I'd like to get one for my year as a Cultural Representative. So can we people (whether you're from other US states or from out of country) get a Florida resident discount on the tickets because we live in the apartments?

 

[beckysmith]

Out of curiosity, do you know how much those cost? I was thinking about getting one too *hopefully* if I get accepted for Spring 2012.

 

[Rahel]

You can only get the Florida Resident discount on Universal tickets with a Florida government issued ID.

Here is the link for pricing for non-Florida resident annual passes: http://www.universalorlando.com/Tic...s.aspx?ComponentId=12956&SourcePageId=13636#8

 

[BabySimba]

Aw! That sucks! I wish I could get the discount. Now I'm wondering if it's just better to get day to day tickets rather than get an annual pass. Because over $200 seems a bit extreme. It's not Disney, for crying out loud!

 

[Rahel]

Considering that it's $200 for a year pass for 2 parks versus almost $500 for some Disney annual passes it's a pretty good deal. Plus Universal is a TON of fun with a lot to do. Also, a one day ticket for just one park is $82 plus tax at the ticket windows. You're much better off with an annual pass for multiple visits over a span of time greater than 2 weeks.

 

[BabySimba]

Hmm. Maybe you're right. Besides, I think I need the year to actually get the courage to ride the Hulk! Do they only sell them online or can I get the annual pass at the ticket windows? I don't know if I'll have enough money when I start my program so I was thinking that I might save up a bit while I'm there. Am I wrong to do this?

 

[Rahel]

You can do it online or at the ticket windows. Plus you can do the Flex Pay where you make a down payment when you purchase it, then each month they take a small payment from your credit card for the rest of the year.

 

[dsnyprincess22]

I've never been to Universal but I'm definitely interested in getting an annual pass!

 

[mpetras1]

See... I think the only good thing about Universal is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I went there in January and was so... not thrilled with the parks. I AM thinking of getting an annual pass though just for the Harry Potter part! It was PHENOMENAL!

 

[RyanS]

Make friends with someone who works at Universal. They can get you a serious discount on an annual pass. They can also get you team member discounts on merchandise and food and Universal doesn't make a fuss about it like Disney does about using your discount for others. I paid ~127 after tax for my very basic level annual pass because of a friend at Universal, so keep that in mind. And you will meet people while you are there that either work at Universal and Disney, or have a boyfriend or girlfriend who work at Universal so it's not a big deal if you don't know anyone right now. Good luck.

 

[beautybutafunnygirl]

Thanks for all the info- I'm def going to try to get a reduced rate annual pass to Universal solely for Harry Potter. Who wants to come???

 

[mpetras1]

oh I'll be there! That place is AMAZING!

 

[Rahel]

Just make sure you're all aware that unless you have a valid Florida gov't issued ID the lowest level pass you can get is a Preferred Annual Pass, you can't get the Power Pass.

 

[t-ho]

So I was wondering if anyone else has bought or is thinking about buying a Universal/Islands of Adventure annual pass. I think I'd like to get one for my year as a Cultural Representative. So can we people (whether you're from other US states or from out of country) get a Florida resident discount on the tickets because we live in the apartments?

Aw! That sucks! I wish I could get the discount. Now I'm wondering if it's just better to get day to day tickets rather than get an annual pass. Because over $200 seems a bit extreme. It's not Disney, for crying out loud!

Oh, it's not Disney but it's awesome! Totally more adult appeal. I have been waiting for DCP to get an annual pass too. And maybe even for Sea World. For the prices, it's paying for themselves after going like 4 times. And then it's nice to go just for a ride or 2 you really enjoy, then go home. Even if you go like once a month, it's worth it.

 

[WDW_lover_in_SC]

Oh, it's not Disney but it's awesome! Totally more adult appeal. I have been waiting for DCP to get an annual pass too. And maybe even for Sea World. For the prices, it's paying for themselves after going like 4 times. And then it's nice to go just for a ride or 2 you really enjoy, then go home. Even if you go like once a month, it's worth it.

When you get Sea Worlds AP I believe you also gain entry into Busch Gardens.

 

[Metro West]

When you get Sea Worlds AP I believe you also gain entry into Busch Gardens.

It depends on the what level AP you purchase. A basic SW AP does not get you into BGT. One park park Passport is $109.99 (plus tax) and the two park is $159.99 (plus tax).

Make friends with someone who works at Universal. They can get you a serious discount on an annual pass. They can also get you team member discounts on merchandise and food and Universal doesn't make a fuss about it like Disney does about using your discount for others. I paid ~127 after tax for my very basic level annual pass because of a friend at Universal, so keep that in mind. And you will meet people while you are there that either work at Universal and Disney, or have a boyfriend or girlfriend who work at Universal so it's not a big deal if you don't know anyone right now. Good luck.

Your basic AP...if it's the Power Pass does not include any discounts or free parking. Those costs will add up quickly if you go a lot. You're better off upgrading to the Preferred AP which WILL give you the discounts and free parking. Also...your friend (the employee) will have to be there with you if you want to get their discounts when they buy something. You can't go by yourself and get a employee discount.

See... I think the only good thing about Universal is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I went there in January and was so... not thrilled with the parks. I AM thinking of getting an annual pass though just for the Harry Potter part! It was PHENOMENAL!

If you think WWoHP is the only good about Universal, you need to go more often. There are plenty of great things about Universal but you have to go with the mindset not to expect at Disney type of atmosphere.

Out of curiosity, do you know how much those cost? I was thinking about getting one too *hopefully* if I get accepted for Spring 2012.

The current prices are: Preferred AP ($229.99 + tax) and Premier ($349.99 + tax) for out of state residents.

 

[mpetras1]

If you think WWoHP is the only good about Universal, you need to go more often. There are plenty of great things about Universal but you have to go with the mindset not to expect at Disney type of atmosphere.


I was there for four days... I don't know. It didn't thrill me. I thought that it was a waste of money besides the Wizarding World.

 

[beckysmith]

The current prices are: Preferred AP ($229.99 + tax) and Premier ($349.99 + tax) for out of state residents.

Thanks so much!!

 

[WDW_lover_in_SC]

It depends on the what level AP you purchase. A basic SW AP does not get you into BGT. One park park Passport is $109.99 (plus tax) and the two park is $159.99 (plus tax).

That's a steal at only 50 bucks more though. It probably costs more than that to go to BGT once if not surely twice.

 

[theflyingzero]

Honestly 229 is a great deal for BOTH Universal parks. I am considering gettin the Premiere pass because of the club access and one free ticket to Halloween Horror Nights. Which by the way is the single GREATEST halloween event i have ever been to(if you liked to be scared that is if not MNSSHP is the way to go).

And yes Potter land is awesome went and got a wand and everything oooo so cool cant wait to go back but ya sometime in October everyone should go to HHN.