Universal Orlando on a Budget

Orlando Vacation - Universal Orlando on a Budget

Theme parks are expensive places to visit. Prices are sky high on everything from admission tickets to souvenirs and even food and beverages. Universal is certainly not alone, as its prices are carefully monitored to remain in line with those of SeaWorld, Walt Disney World and other market competitors. Rather than competition driving down prices across the board, as happens in many industries, the parks are aware that guests will visit no matter what the price, so instead the competitors strive to keep prices roughly equal across the industry.

How, then, can those on a budget fight back? Is it realistic to plan a Universal Orlando vacation if you are not independently wealthy? Is a second mortgage on the house necessary if you have multiple children?

Fortunately, a Universal Orlando vacation does not have to be the staggeringly expensive purchase that it may seem at the outset. A myriad of money saving tips exist that will help keep you on budget. It is important to go through the tips before you go and decide which ones best fit your lifestyle and can be incorporated without you feeling that your vacation is lacking. A tip that might work perfectly for one family could leave another family feeling deprived of an important part of their vacation. Know yourself and what is important to you, and never make yourself miserable just to save a few bucks. You will be much more likely to stick to your budget if you feel that you are getting what you want from the vacation.

With the above in mind, presented here are this author’s tips and suggestions for saving money at Universal Orlando. Again, select only those items that fit well into your lifestyle.

1. Take advantage of the Universal Meal Deal. The Meal Deal allows you to pay one price for unlimited dining at any of several counter service restaurants throughout the parks. You can get a Meal Deal for just one park or for a few dollars more, the Two Park Meal Deal. Also add a sipper cup which allows free refills all day on fountain beverages. The Deal is well worth the investment for anyone, and is a real blessing for those with larger appetites.

2. If you want to splurge on a table service meal, eat lunch rather than dinner. Lunch prices may run as late as 4 pm depending on season, and are generally around half the price of dinner. Also consider sharing a meal. Portions are enormous, easily big enough for two.

3. Do not buy Express Passes unnecessarily. This paid program is a real blessing for those who have only one day or visit during extremely crowded times, as it allows you priority entrance at each major attraction once during the day. However, if you have a few days allotted or you visit during the slower season, Express Passes are generally not needed. Since each person in your party needs his or her own Express Pass, the cost savings of simply standing in lines can be significant.

4. Put off your souvenir purchasing until the last day. There are fabulous items for sale throughout both parks and CityWalk. Give yourself time to shop around and decide what you truly want in order to curb impulse spending.

5. Pack appropriately. The theme parks make a fortune on changing weather conditions, selling logo ponchos, sweatshirts, flip flops, towels and even blankets to tourists who did not plan ahead. If you purchase clothing items at Universal Orlando, it should be by choice, not because you’re suddenly freezing. Always dress in layers and carry a towel and change of clothes for water rides. Bring a poncho every day. It’s Central Florida and rain is always a threat. Also bring in your own autograph book and pen, as well as extra camera batteries. Planning ahead for the small essentials can save significant amounts of money.

6. Carry in a backpack containing a few snacks and drinks. Although it is still technically against the rules to bring in food, allowance is made for a small quantity of snack food. Make sure that you bring candy and other fun snacks, as there are vending machines strategically placed in queues and other central locations. The vending machines are extremely overpriced, so distract your kids with their favorite snacks instead.

7. If you want table service dining at CityWalk’s legendary restaurants, look into special offers that may be in effect. Perhaps you can leave the kids with a sitter while you have a Dinner and a Movie special date night. A variety of promotions are usually offered, so visit CityWalk Guest Services for information.

8. Keep in mind that CityWalk itself is free to enter. You pay only for the nightclubs. Therefore, it is easy to make a special evening out of simply strolling and shopping, perhaps having dinner on the outside patio of one of the less expensive eateries.

9. A nice alternative to the Meal Deal is the plethora of snack stands throughout the parks. An entire meal can be assembled by browsing the stands, often at a significant price savings over purchasing a meal.

10. Keep yourself and the family distracted when walking through the parking garage and CityWalk. Brightly lit carts selling all manner of light up toys and other goodies are everywhere. Remember that these items are impulse buys and generally not worth the investment. Try not to even stop, but just walk right on by.

Remember that this is your vacation, and you do not want to nickel and dime yourself into misery. Utilize budgeting tips as they realistically fit into your trip plans, but give yourself permission to splurge now and then. Just limit your splurges to the things that really matter to you.