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Destination vacations can be expensive especially to major theme parks. If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort this year you definitely want to consider these ideas to save you time and money.

1. Plan Your Visit During the “Slow Season”

Visiting Universal Orlando during major holidays may be the most popular and most convenient time to travel for most families but holidays are considered peak season. Park tickets and hotel rates are usually more expensive, not to mention having to maneuver through larger crowds during this time.

Some great slow season times to consider are the first week in February, March, May, and June, then the first two weeks in November and December. You may see smaller crowds and shorter ride wait times as well.

2. Stay On Site

Universal Orlando offers eight onsite hotels ranging from prime value to luxury premier. No matter the price point, every Universal Orlando resort hotel offers early park admission (EPA) which allows resort guests entry to the park one hour before regular posted park hours.

Utilizing EPA gives you a big advantage over general admission guests to riding the most popular rides with shorter wait times, like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Reign of Kong: Skull Island and Jurassic World Velocicoaster.

You can browse all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, current rates and deals here.

Exploring the park during EPA makes for a more enjoyable experience. Think about all the prime photo ops you’ll get without people in the background – that’s so worth it!

3. Get Complimentary Unlimited Express Passes

Universal Orlando Premier hotels are pricier but come with major perks. All three Universal Orlando Premier Hotels offer complimentary unlimited express passes for each person on the reservation for the duration of your stay. It comes in the form of your hotel room key card so it’s super easy and convenient.

Universal Orlando’s three premier hotels are:

⁃ Loew’s Portofino

⁃ Hard Rock Hotel Orlando

⁃ Loew’s Royal Pacific

You may pay more staying at a premier hotel but it’s more than worth it considering the value of the Unlimited Universal Express Passes that are included with your reservation. Bypassing the longer standby queues is a major flex when the parks are crowded, plus you can ride back to back as many times as you want – it’s UNLIMITED!

4. Become an Annual Passholder

Buying an annual pass earns you benefits that save lots of money. Whether you live outside of Florida or are a Florida resident, visiting Universal Orlando multiple times a year with an annual pass will make park visits more affordable. It pays for itself the more often you visit. It also gives you access to exclusive merchandise, discounts on park merch, special hotel rates, exclusive park food/drink offerings and exclusive events.

Passses come in five levels which vary in price and benefits so you have options based on your needs and preferences.

You can explore Universal Orlando Annual Pass options with pricing info here.

These tips are a great starting point for planning the best Universal Orlando experience ever. If you find this post helpful or if you have other tips to share please leave your thoughts in the comments!