Universal Orlando sells tickets that range from one to five days in length. Regardless of the length of the vacation, however, the tickets can be broken down two major ways.

One Park per Day Tickets

These are your basic tickets that allow you to visit either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, or the Volcano Bay water park. If you have a Single Day, One Park per Day ticket, you must choose one park. If you have a Multi-Day, One Park per Day ticket you must choose either park on any given day. Within that day you may leave and return to the same park, but you cannot switch parks.

Park-to-Park Tickets

These are your basic tickets that allow you to visit either Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure (or the Volcano Bay water park, if you get a 3-park ticket). If you have a Single Day, One Park per Day ticket, you must choose one park. If you have a Multi-Day, One Park per Day ticket you must choose either park on any given day. Within that day you may leave and reenter, but you cannot switch parks.

Additional Information

Universal Orlando tickets expire 7 days after the first use and children under 3 are free, but child tickets for ages 3-9 are only a few dollars discounted from the adult prices, despite the large number of rides with height requirements at Universal.

Universal's admission discounts change too rapidly to cover comprehensively here. The best online clearing-house for keeping up with the latest available offers is MouseSavers.com's Universal Orlando discounts and deals page. There are often deals for Florida residents, deals where you get a day or two "free" with the purchase of certain tickets, etc.

The lowest prices on electronically delivered one-day Universal tickets is through Orlando Ticket Connection, which undercuts Universal's online prices a couple of bucks. We'd love to hear from readers who have had experiences (good or bad) with Orlando Ticket Connection.

Multi-day tickets sold through travel agencies generally cost the same as the Universal Orlando website but often include access to Early Park Admission, even if you are not staying in a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel.

Universal charges $14 for domestic FedEx shipping of tickets ($19 for international delivery). If you want physical tickets mailed to you for the cheapest price and can order at least two weeks before your trip, consider using an online ticket wholesaler, such as The Official Ticket Center. Official Ticket Center advertises all their prices inclusive of tax and USPS Certified shipping, and has the lowest bottom-line cost on physical Universal Orlando tickets that we've found.

All Universal Orlando annual passes include park-to-park admission to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, including discounts on events that cost extra, like Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe. All annual passholders also receive up to 30% room rates at on-site hotels, and a number of other discounts as detailed below.

Here are the four types of annual passes offered by Universal Orlando:

Seasonal Pass

• Admission with many blackout dates. This pass cannot be used during Christmastime, Easter, or all summer.
• 2-Park Seasonal Pass: $424.99 (not including tax)
• 3-Park Seasonal Pass: $524.99 (not including tax)

Power Pass

• Fewer blackout dates and a few more amenities. This pass cannot be used during Christmastime or Easter.
• Includes admission to select special events like Mardi Gras.
• 50% off regular daytime self-parking.
• 2-Park Power Pass: $474.99 (not including tax)
• 3-Park Power Pass: $584.99 (not including tax)

Preferred Annual Pass

• No blackout dates for regular admission.
• Early Park Admission, although there are many blackout dates for early admission.
• Includes admission to select special events like Mardi Gras.
• Free self-parking
• Discounted food, merchandise, and specialty items.
• 2-Park Preferred Pass: $629.99 (not including tax)
• 3-Park Preferred Pass: $739.99 (not including tax)

Premier Annual Pass

• No blackout dates for regular admission.
• Early Park Admission with no blackout dates.
• Includes admission to select special events like Mardi Gras.
• Free valet and self-parking
• One free Halloween Horror Nights ticket on select nights.
• Discounted food, merchandise, and specialty items.
• Free Universal CityWalk club access.
• 2-Park Premier Pass: $904.99 (not including tax)
• 3-Park Premier Pass: $1,094.99 (not including tax)