I Spent Two Days at Universal Orlando — Here’s What It Cost

Universal Orlando Resort is a multi-theme park destination in Florida featuring attractions based on blockbuster films and major franchises. The resort includes Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and the newest addition, Universal Epic Universe.

Theme park prices vary by day depending on holidays, demand and Florida residency discounts. During the weekend of June 27 and June 28, this is what it cost to visit Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure.

Universal Epic Universe

Before arriving at Epic Universe, my family booked an overnight stay at Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites to receive early park access. The hotel room cost $367, and one park ticket cost $160.

With early access, we woke up at 7 a.m. and stopped at the hotel Starbucks for coffee and breakfast before entering the park. My grande Salted Caramel Cold Brew and Dubai Bread cost $10.

At 8:30 a.m., we made it through security, and at 9 a.m., early-access guests were allowed into the park.

The morning started slowly after getting stuck on our first ride in the Harry Potter area. Universal gave us a complimentary Express Pass to return later. Our second ride in the Nintendo area was also delayed. Express Passes at Epic Universe were an additional $290 the day we visited.

Around 12:30 p.m., we stopped at Yoshi’s Snack Island and purchased the Red Shell Calzone for $12.99 and a bottle of water for $6. The calzone was slightly smaller than an average bagel.

Later, while exploring the Harry Potter area, I purchased a Butterbeer for $10.64.

After a full day at the park, we headed to Universal CityWalk for dinner at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.

I ordered the Duck Confit for $39.95, which included crispy duck confit, French cassoulet, fresh citrus salad and rustic bread. For dessert, I ordered the Hazelnut & Banana Crepes for $17, which included mascarpone, Nutella, brûléed bananas, chopped hazelnuts, powdered sugar and chocolate whipped topping.

My total for the day, not including hotel, tax or tip at dinner, was $256.58. Including the hotel stay, the total came to $623.58.

Universal Islands of Adventure

After leaving Epic Universe, we moved hotels to stay somewhere that offered Express Pass access. We stayed at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel for $634 per night, which included all-day Express Passes.

A park ticket with the Florida resident discount cost $160.

We woke up at 6:30 a.m. for early park access, and I purchased the same Starbucks order as the day before for $10.

Inside the park, I purchased a $4 water bottle and refilled it throughout the day at the drink stations to save money.

Around noon, we ate at The Burger Digs, where I ordered a chicken tender meal for $20, which came with fries but no drink.

In the Harry Potter area, I purchased a frozen Butterbeer for $10.64.

Because we had Express Passes and there were no ride delays, we were able to ride every attraction in under three hours and left the park around 3 p.m.

My total for the day, not including the hotel or tax, was $44.64. Including the hotel stay, the total was $678.

Overal

Each Universal park has different ticket and Express Pass pricing, so visitors should check the park calendar before planning a trip. Nearby hotels may also offer benefits such as early park admission and Express Pass access.

Florida residents purchasing discounted tickets should be prepared to show proof of residency or a Florida ID at the park entrance.