Orlando vacations are expensive, and Universal Orlando’s are among the priciest around. But there are ways to save some cash on your trip and

Lock in a Low Hotel Rate Early, Check Back For Discounts

Universal and Loews hotels have a generous rebooking and cancellation policy that allows you to rebook under a lower rated up to a week before your vacation. Many guests book their hotel and then forget about it, but you can save some cash if you frequently return to recheck for lower rates and rebook. For example, for my upcoming Halloween Horror Nights trip a $400 rate at Royal Pacific dropped to $292 a night, allowing me to rebook and receive the lower rate. In the past I’ve been able to save several hundred dollars by rebooking under the new rate or booking the new rate and canceling my old reservation.

Price Out A Signature Hotel Instead of Purchasing Express

Did you know that three hotels at Universal Orlando include complementary Unlimited Express with your stay? It’s true! Loews Portofino Bay, Loews Royal Pacific, and the Hard Rock Hotel all include Unlimited Express to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure for your whole stay. This includes both check-in and check-out days, so if you’re planning on visiting two days in the original Universal parks then a one-night stay in a hotel that offers Unlimited Express could cover both days of touring. With single use Express starting at $120 per person plus tax for one park this could save you a lot of money even if a night in a Signature Hotel costs over $600.

Buy Tickets Before Your Trip Through an Authorized Seller

Expect to pay at least $20 per ticket if you purchase admission at the front gate instead of online, but you can save even more by purchasing through an authorized ticket sellers. Many authorized sites like Unlocked Magic, Undercover Tourist, and CityPass Orlando sell discounted official tickets from Universal Orlando and other attractions around Orlando. These are real, never used tickets, usually offered at a discount to Universal Orlando’s online prices.

Buy Admission & Universal Express Early

Sometimes you have to purchase Express separately, such as for Halloween Horror Nights or for a day at Epic Universe. Universal uses demand adjusted pricing for Express and event tickets, so purchase these tickets as soon as possible for your trip. For example, my September 2025 Express Pass price increased by $60 before the day of the visit and the Halloween Horror Nights Premium Scream Nights ticket prices increased by $75 till it sold out. Purchase early to save some serious money.

Consider a Refillable Mug

Does someone (or several someones) in your group drink a lot of soda? Then look into purchasing a Coke Freestyle Refillable Mug for use at the parks or resorts. These mugs cost $19 per cup plus tax and include one day of unlimited soft drinks from the Coke Freestyle machines around the park or resort. Unlimited drink refills are available for $12 per cup, per day. This means two days of Coke Freestyle would cost $31 per cup for unlimited Coke products, Powerade, sparkling water, and more. Freestyle Unlimited purchases are only good for a resort or the parks, so you can use your Cabana Bay mug at the parks and the hotel but you must pay for unlimited drinks at both locations.

Universal Food & Beverage Card

The best kept money saving secret at Universal is only available during Mardi Gras, but boy what a deal it is. The Universal Orlando Food & Beverage Card is a prepaid food card accepted at most food booths and restaurants in the theme parks and CityWalk. All guests can purchase a card with $75 worth of dining credit for $65, and Annual Passholders can purchase a card with $150 for $120. The cards have no expiration date, and prior years’ card balances are still valid at this year’s Mardi Gras food booths. Even if you never eat at a food booth, purchasing dining cards can still save you 14% on food – that’s not bad.

You have any money saving tips for Universal Orlando vacations? Leave them in the comments below!