Easy methods to Do Common Orlando on a Finances

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top of a red rollercoaster and tall palm trees against a blue sky with fluffy clouds - how to do universal studios orlando on a budget

Every part it is advisable know that can assist you plan a visit to Common Studios Orlando on a funds!

For those who suppose your dream journey to the Florida theme parks is assured to interrupt the financial institution, suppose once more! Though it’s no secret that an adrenaline-fuelled vacation in Orlando could be fairly costly, there are many methods to maintain prices down.

I first visited Common Studios Orlando as a child, wayyyy again when there have been simply two parks and the really terrifying JAWS journey was nonetheless round!

Since then, I’ve returned as an grownup a number of instances, together with a memorable journey with my previous housemate Vicky who described me as “insufferable” after I dragged her across the Wizarding World of Harry Potter like an excited youngster!

It’s considered one of my favorite theme parks on the planet – and positively price a splurge for a dream trip.

BUT earlier than you empty your checking account, try my money-saving suggestions and methods that can assist you plan a extra budget-friendly journey to Common Orlando.

My resort and park tickets for Common Studios Orlando had been kindly supplied in change for this evaluate. BUT the next recommendation relies on quite a few journeys, and the remainder of my Florida journey was paid for on my own. As all the time, all phrases and opinions are my very own.

emily next to a jurassic park car wearing denim shorts and a grey t-shirt with the jurassic park logo pretending to run away from a t-rex emerging from the bush behind her at Islands of Adventure Orlando

How A lot Does it Value to go to Common Studios?

This can be a little bit of a “how lengthy is a bit of string” query – as a result of how a lot it prices to go to Common Studios Orlando relies on plenty of elements. How lengthy you need to go for, which parks you need to go to, what time of 12 months you intend to go, and so forth.

Single-day tickets begin from:

  • Common Studios: $109 + tax
  • Islands of Journey: $109 + tax
  • Volcano Bay: $80 + tax
green water slides curling around above a small pool of bright blue water surrounded by palm trees and tropical greenery on a sunny day at Volcano Bay Universal Florida
Volcano Bay is the Common Studios water park

Nevertheless, it really works out cheaper per day to buy a multi-day, multi-park ticket. And with three superior parks to discover* – and SO MUCH to see and do in every one – spending a number of days having fun with the Common Orlando Resort is a good thought!

For instance, the 3-Park 4-Day Ticket begins from $75.00 + tax per day (from $299.99 per grownup ticket).

Kids’s tickets (aged 3-9) aren’t less expensive, so visiting as a household can add up a bit. For instance, the 3-Park 5-Day Ticket would begin from $1,288 for a household of 4.

*you’ll discover a breakdown of the three parks later on this publish.

Emily wearing a black and white dress and a Hogwarts robe holding a butterbeer in one hand and a wand in the other standing on a street in Hogsmeade Village at Islands of Adventure, with stone cottages on either side topped with snow -  how to do universal studios orlando on a budget
Visiting Hogsmeade on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Parking at Common Studios Orlando

Keep in mind that parking at Common Orlando Resort begins from $27 a day, so remember to issue these prices in in case you’re not staying at one of many resort motels.

Different Journey Prices

The primary different journey prices to think about when visiting Common Studios Orlando are:

  • Flights – e book prematurely and store round utilizing Skyscanner to discover a good worth. Or signal as much as Jack’s Flight Membership (learn my evaluate right here) and see if a discount comes by means of!
  • Lodging – extra on that later on this publish.
  • Meals & Drink – money-saving suggestions for this later within the publish.
  • Souvenirs – in case you’re on a decent funds, attempt to keep away from shopping for too many of those. TOP TIP – save all of your purchases in your final day to keep away from impulse shopping for!
roofs of stone cottages with snow on them against a bright blue sky with a signpost pointing towards Hogwarts at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida
Hogsmeade Village at Common’s Islands of Journey

Easy methods to Get Low cost Common Orlando Tickets

Typically, it really works out most cost-effective to buy your tickets instantly from Common Studios. Exterior reserving platforms might add on a reserving price, so in the event that they aren’t providing a reduction towards the usual ticket worth it’d find yourself costing extra.

Nevertheless, you possibly can generally discover offers to seize your self some discounted park tickets. Store round and examine costs earlier than reserving. Listed below are a number of reliable websites to search for low cost Common Orlando tickets:

AttractionTix an incredible supply for discounted tickets, together with cheaper multi-day tickets. Additionally they have a Disney and Common mixture ticket which will work out cheaper than buying individually.

Groupon – usually has offers and presents for the Orlando theme parks and different points of interest.

GetYourGuide generally have multi-day park tickets at a barely cheaper fee. Additionally they have some nice excursions and different attraction tickets.

Viator have a “lowest worth assure” and supply sure discounted ticket packages which will work out cheaper.

For those who’re reserving your vacation as a package deal, your park tickets could also be included within the package deal, which might work out cheaper than reserving all the pieces individually.

Emily wearing a bright blue bikini facing away from the camera in front of a large blue pool with a giant model volcano behind - Volcano Bay and Universal Studios Orlando on a budget
Volcano Bay is the proper place to chill off within the Florida sunshine!

What are the Three Parks at Common Studios Orlando?

There are three parks at Common Studios in Orlando, they usually’re all superb. However in case you’re on a funds, reserving the 3-park ticket is probably not an choice. So right here’s a fast overview of the parks that can assist you determine which of them you don’t need to miss.

Common Studios: The unique Common park, the place films and TV reveals are delivered to life with superb units and immersive rides. High points of interest embody: Hollywood Rip Experience Rockit™ rollercoaster, the Springfield space that includes The Simpsons Experience™, and the beloved E.T. Journey (a basic).

Common Studios has the Diagon Alley department of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, the place you’ll discover the Escape From Gringotts™ journey and might go to Ollivanders to see a wand-choosing demonstration.

looking across a lake towards various pretend buildings at Universal Orlando on a cloudy day
Common Studios appears like a movie set delivered to life!
a dragon on top of the tall white building of Gringotts Bank in Universal Studios Orlando
Gringotts in Diagon Alley at Common Studios
Emily wearing a bright yellow dress and black leggings hugging a statue of Millhouse from the Simpsons who is drinking from a can through a straw - how to do universal studios orlando on a budget
Simpsons Land at Common Studios

Islands of Journey: A park divided into a number of totally different themed lands together with Jurassic Park, Dr Seuess, and Marvel. High points of interest embody: Jurassic World Velocicoaster and the Jurassic Park River Journey, The Unbelievable Hulk Coaster®, and Dudley Do-Proper’s Ripsaw Falls®.

Islands of Journey has the Hogsmeade department of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, that includes Hogwarts Citadel and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorcycle Journey™.

When you have a two-park ticket, you possibly can journey between parks on board the Hogwarts™ Categorical.

View of Universal Islands of Adventure across a lake on a cloudy day with a train going over the top of a tall section of rollercoaster track
Islands of Journey options totally different themed lands set round a lake
emily wearing a black and white dress standing in front of a metal enclosure with an animatronic velociraptor behind her -  how to do universal studios orlando on a budget
Raptor Encounter within the Jurassic Park land
emily in a black and white dress going through a shop doorway into Honeydukes at Universal Islands of Adventure
Hogsmeade Village within the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Volcano Bay: An incredible water park based mostly round a towering volcano with tropical South Seas vibes. There’s a lazy river, a wave pool, and several other seashores to loosen up on.

For thrill-seekers, there are dozens of water slides, together with the Ko’okiri Physique Plunge; a 70-degree fall by means of a drop door. Don’t miss the Krakatau Aqua Coaster or the 2 epic rubber-ring slides of the Honu ika Moana.

many people on rubber rings in a lazy river with bright blue water between lots of tropical green plants on a very sunny day at Volcano Bay Universal Florida
Lazy river at Volcano Bay

What in case you can ONLY Go to One Park?

Truthfully, that is completely as much as you. In my private opinion, Islands of Journey is probably the most enjoyable park, and it most likely has a number of extra thrill rides.

However in case you’ve by no means been earlier than, Common Studios is the unique park and presents the basic expertise. Plus it has some superior areas with unbelievable theming to discover.

For those who’re a Harry Potter fan primarily visiting Common Orlando for the Wizarding World, the query all of it comes all the way down to is: Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade and Hogwarts? You’ll discover the previous in Common Studios and the latter in Islands of Journey. Each are AMAZING so that you received’t be upset with both expertise… however I really feel like it might be a disgrace to not see Hogwarts fort, so Islands of Journey might need the sting there!

Hogwarts Castle at night lit up with gold patterned progections and the shape of the Hogwarts crest -  how to do universal studios orlando on a budget
Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Citadel – Islands of Journey

How Many Days for Common Orlando?

Once more, what number of days to spend at Common Orlando completely relies on you, your funds, and the size of your journey. You might do exactly at some point, however you possibly can additionally do 5 or 6 days with out losing interest! There’s so much to see and do.

THREE DAYS: Ideally, you want not less than three days to get the very best out of Common Orlando. That offers you one full day at every park – or you possibly can do two full days on the theme parks, plus a morning revisiting any points of interest you missed and a day enjoyable on the water park.

FOUR OR MORE DAYS: Personally, I believe 4 days is finest, with three days on the two theme parks and a full day on the water park. There’s a lot to see and do within the theme parks, notably Islands of Journey, so having an additional day (or longer) to revisit something you missed or journey your favourites once more is good. It additionally offers you time to attempt a number of totally different eating places.

ONE DAY: For those who’re on a really tight funds, you possibly can decide one park and simply do at some point, and it might be sufficient to get pleasure from the primary highlights. Actually, you possibly can nearly squeeze the highlights of the 2 theme parks into one lengthy day – particularly with the Common Categorical cross. However it might be tiring and also you’d miss plenty of the enjoyable particulars.

the back of emily's head with one arm raised to point a wand at the scarlet red steam train engine of the Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios Florida
You’ll be able to journey the Hogwart’s Categorical between the 2 theme parks at Common Studios

Finest Time to Go to Common Orlando to Save Cash

There’s no official peak- or low season at Common Orlando, because the solar shines year-round in Florida and the parks are open twelve months a 12 months.

BUT there are occasions when the parks are busier than others. Visiting throughout the quieter instances of the 12 months may also help you lower your expenses on flights, automotive leases, and lodging…

  • January to early February – often up till the UK half time period, and earlier than the beginning of the favored Mardi Gras pageant in mid-February.
  • April to Could – the “shoulder season” between Mardi Gras and summer season, with snug heat climate and fewer crowds. Keep away from any seasonal breaks and faculty holidays.
  • September to November – the second “shoulder season” – so long as you keep away from fall break, the UK’s half-term vacation, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.

Most notably, the parks are busiest whereas children are off faculty: throughout summer season holidays, spring break, main US public holidays, and UK half-term holidays. These busy durations often imply full-price journey prices and fewer reductions (plus huge crowds within the parks).

You also needs to consider any particular occasions, such because the Halloween Horror Nights, in addition to new journey openings, which might draw huge crowds, once more driving prices up – notably on the resort motels.

large crowd in front of Hogwarts Castle at Universal Florida on a very sunny day
Weekend crowds in June at Islands of Journey

The place to Keep at Common Orlando When You’re on a Finances

One of many huge issues when planning a visit to Common Studios Orlando on a funds is the place to remain. Must you keep on the resort at one of many Common motels, or must you go for a less expensive resort in Orlando and journey in?

Though they could be a little costlier than motels outdoors of the resort, there are a number of perks to staying at one of many Common resort motels, which might really allow you to lower your expenses.

emily wearing denim shorts and a grey t shirt linking arms with a statue of Duff Man from the Simpsons and pretending to laugh while touching his bicep. how to do universal studios orlando on a budget.
Resort friends get early entry to the parks – which suggests emptier picture spots!
  • Early entry to the parks. Resort friends can enter the parks an hour earlier than everybody else, that means you may get on a few of the busiest rides faster.
  • FREE Common Categorical Limitless Go for friends at premier motels. This superior cross helps you to skip the traces to most rides within the parks, and often begins from $79.99. Visitors on the following motels will get the cross FREE: Loews Portofino Bay Resort, Onerous Rock Resort® and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.
  • Direct entry to the parks – avoiding taxi charges (which could be fairly expensive). Among the motels are inside strolling distance of the park gates (just like the Onerous Rock Resort®), whereas others embody frequent free water taxis or shuttles.
  • Free parking. Parking at Common Orlando Resort begins from $27 a day, so staying on-site can prevent fairly a bit!
  • Pop again to your resort simply. For those who’re staying self-catering or have a fridge in your room, you possibly can simply nip again to the resort for lunch or an early dinner, earlier than returning to the parks for the night. Thus saving your self from buying two meals on the park that day!
  • Bundle and save. Reserving your park tickets and resort as one package deal instantly by means of Common Studios might prevent as much as $200!

For those who’re reserving a Common Studios resort resort, be sure you store round to check costs. Examine their web site first (and examine the particular presents web page for any offers), but additionally examine resort reserving websites like reserving.com and motels.com to see who has the very best worth.

Common Studios Orlando’s Worth Lodging: Infinite Summer time Resort

looking down from a hotel room window at a curved blue pool on a cloudy day with various other hotels and buildings in the background - budget accommodation at universal studios in orlando florida
Dockside Inn and Suites is without doubt one of the two Worth motels at Common Orlando

The Infinite Summer time Resort is the place you’ll discover the 2 Worth motels at Common Orlando, offering a extra reasonably priced choice for these visiting the parks on a funds.

Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites are each fairly related. With rooms ranging from $91 per night time, these are probably the most reasonably priced choices inside the Common Orlando resort.

I stayed on the Dockside Inn and Suites on my final go to and cherished it. The rooms are easy, however they’re additionally clear, snug, and vibrant, with enjoyable beach-y decor. And actually, you received’t be spending an excessive amount of time in your room with so many enjoyable parks to discover!

I attempted one of many two-bedroom suites (sleeps six). Thse include a small kitchenette space and a desk, in order that they’re ultimate for snacking in your room to chop down on meal prices. I additionally tied out the dual room for an evening, it’s smaller however in any other case pretty related.

Hotel room painted in pale blue with two double beds with pale cyan bedsheets. there is a wooden blue picnic table in the foreground with a straw hat and sunglasses on it. budget accommodation at universal studios in orlando florida
The 2-bedroom suite at Dockside Inn and Suites sleeps as much as six

There are two massive outside swimming pools with small sandy seashores and poolside actions like ping-pong. Contemplating it is a “funds” resort, the swimming pools are superior – I extremely suggest spending considered one of your free days lazing on a solar lounger with a cocktail from the pool bar!

Food and drinks choices are considerably fundamental – there’s a canteen-style eatery with first rate sufficient meals which is nice for a fast pit cease, plus a pizza supply service, and a Starbucks within the foyer. However you possibly can simply hop on the free shuttle to Metropolis Stroll to get pleasure from one of many extra budget-friendly eateries there. There are additionally some first rate eating places and fast-food chains inside strolling distance of the Infinite Summer time Resort.

The primary draw back is that the Infinite Summer time Resort motels aren’t inside strolling distance of Metropolis Stroll or the theme parks. However throughout my keep, we by no means waited longer than 5 minutes for a shuttle, and the drive takes lower than ten minutes, so it’s tremendous handy.

a hotel with an orange and yellow patterned facade standing behind a bright blue pool. budget accommodation at universal studios in orlando florida
Certainly one of two swimming pools at Dockside Inn and Suites

Different Finances Resort Choices Close to Common Studios

These motels supply free shuttles to and from the Common Studios parks, though these could also be slower than those from the resort motels.

Yow will discover cheaper lodging farther from the parks, however the extra journey prices might negate any financial savings you make, so weigh up all of your choices earlier than reserving.

Most cost-effective Place to Eat at Common Studios Orlando

a bright turquoise circular building wiht a pink sign saying Mel's Diner and two retro American cars in front of it - based on the set of American Graffiti - one of the cheap places to eat at Universal Studios Orlando
Mel’s Diner sells burgers. fries and shakes!

Under, I’ve listed a few of the most reasonably priced eating choices in every of the parks at Common Studios Orlando…

Common Studios: The Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck and Quick Meals Boulevard (each in Simpsons Land), TODAY Café, Mel’s Diner.

Islands of Journey: Doc Sugrue’s Desert Kebab Home, The Three Broomsticks, Hearth Eater’s Grill.

Common CityWalk: Bread Field Handcrafted Sandwiches, Sizzling Canine Corridor of Fame, Crimson Oven Pizza Bakery, Burger King, Starbucks.

Volcano Bay: pizza from Whakawaiwai Eats (the new canine are NOT well worth the cash), Bambu Jungle Kitchen.

TOP TIP 1 – in table-service eating places, lunch tends to be extra reasonably priced than dinner. So if you need a sit-down meal, take into account having your essential meal round lunchtime, and one thing extra snack-y for dinner.

TOP TIP 2 – you don’t need to eat out for each meal. Minimize out restaurant prices by ordering takeaways or Uber Eats to your resort and eat in your room (or by the pool)!

Selfie of Emily taking a bite of a pink doughnut with sprinkles the same size as her head outside a replica of Moe's Tavern at Simpson's Land in Universal Studios Florida
Stuffing my face at Common Studios!

Can You Take Meals Into Common Studios?

The excellent news is that you possibly can take meals into Univeral Studios, with a number of restrictions. There are bag searches on coming into, so any prohibited objects could also be confiscated.

However you possibly can positively convey your individual water (and there are refill fountains across the park) in addition to snacks. You’ll be able to’t take meals that wants heating or hard-sided coolers, however you possibly can convey some pre-made sandwiches to avoid wasting your self from shopping for lunch. For those who’re on a funds, it’s a good suggestion to convey your individual sweets/sweet, crisps/chips, and different snacks, too – as these could be fairly expensive within the parks.

These are the accepted and prohibited meals objects based on the Common Studios insurance policies web page:

Acceptable Gadgets

  • Bottled Water (most 2 litres)
  • Small snacks that don’t require heating
  • Any meals required for medical functions and medically-indicated dietary dietary supplements
  • Any meals required for particular dietary wants
  • Child meals/child system
  • Mushy-sided insulated luggage no bigger than 8.5″ huge x 6″ excessive x 6″ deep

Prohibited Gadgets

  • Glassware or glass containers
  • Open containers or drinks containing alcohol
  • Onerous-sided coolers
  • Mushy-sided coolers bigger than 8.5″ huge x 6″ excessive x 6″ deep
  • Picnic lunches; any meals that requires heating or refrigeration; folding chairs
close up of a plastic cup of Butterbeer with a cream foam on the top at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando
Harry Potter followers received’t need to miss the possibility to attempt a Butterbeer!

Is the Common Categorical Go Price It?

The Common Categorical passes allow you to skip the road on collaborating rides and points of interest on the Common Studios theme parks.

For Common Studios and Islands of Journey, the Common Categorical cross begins from $79.99pp plus tax, whereas for Volcano Bay it begins from $19.99pp plus tax. So it’s a little bit of a splurge, particularly if there are a number of of you.

However on busy days, queues for the favored rides can generally be properly over an hour. For those who’ve solely obtained a day at every park, you won’t have the ability to go on all the pieces.

giant red and white striped hat with a saign saying The Cat in the Hat with a cloudy sky behind. budget guide to universal studios in orlando florida
Sueuss Landings is without doubt one of the themed lands at Island’s of Journey

Finally, I believe the query of whether or not or to not purchase the Common Categorical cross comes all the way down to how lengthy you’ve got on the parks.

For those who solely have a day at every park and also you’re eager to go on as a lot as potential, the Categorical tickets are well worth the splurge. For those who don’t thoughts lacking some stuff, skip the Categorical cross to maintain your general Common Orlando funds down.

For those who’re visiting for longer and plan on spending greater than at some point at every park, you received’t actually need the Common Categorical cross. One other argument for saving extra by staying longer!

Keep in mind – friends at Premier motels within the Common Orlando Resort get FREE Categorical passes. You too can bundle them together with your park tickets to economize when buying direct.

model of a predator dinosaur emerging from a thicket of bamboo behind a red and gold Jurassic Park jeep

Cash-Saving Ideas for Visiting Common Orlando on a Finances

Just a few extra money-saving suggestions that can assist you plan your journey to Common Orlando on a funds…

Examine for Discounted Charges

Earlier than reserving, examine to see when you’ve got entry to any discounted charges. Members of sure organisations, comparable to AAA within the USA, can entry discounted charges for Common Studios tickets. Likewise, there are reductions for members of the US Army, and a few journey golf equipment additionally present entry to theme park offers.

emily wearing a black and white dress at night standing next to Spiderman and pretending to shoot webs from her hand. they are both lit by a red light .
Meet comedian e book heroes within the Marvel space at Islands of Journey
a circular blue shop with a picture of Spongebob Squarepants on the front and a sign saying Spongebob Storepants. budget guide to universal studios orlando.
And meet Spongebob and buddies in Common Studios

Use Clubcard Vouchers to Guide a Common Orlando Resort

For those who’re within the UK and acquire Tesco Clubcard vouchers, you possibly can convert these into vouchers to assist make your journey extra reasonably priced.

For £5 of Clubcard factors, you may get £15 of Inns.com vouchers, which can be utilized to e book the Common Studios resort motels – saving you a good bit of cash and supplying you with entry to the Categorical Go. Click on right here for more information.

You too can use Clubcard factors to purchase Virgin Factors, which could possibly be used in direction of reserving your flight (or upgrading).

Yellow archway with a sign saying Universal Studios Florida against a blue sky at the entrance to the park

Take your Personal Ponchos, Water, and Sunscreen

Florida could also be often called the sunshine state, however that doesn’t imply it by no means rains. Actually, throughout the summertime wet season (Could-October), a day rainstorm or two is fairly frequent.

Ponchos in Common Studios can value round $10 a pop, however you should buy them for about $1 on Amazon. So purchase them prematurely, take them with you, and also you’ll save a ton of cash!

Likewise, take your individual water bottle and refill it on the consuming fountains across the parks. For those who’re fearful concerning the high quality of the water, put money into a Water-to-Go filter bottle which might immediately filter the water earlier than you drink it.

Suncream (sunscreen) is one other merchandise that’s on the pricier facet inside the Common Studios resort, so in case you’re in Orlando on a funds I counsel pre-buying your solar safety and taking it to the park with you.

Last Ideas

For those who’re visiting Orlando on a funds and need to go to the parks at Common Studios, it’s actually do-able. You simply need to be savvy!

Attempt to e book as far prematurely as you possibly can, and do a number of analysis to be sure you’re getting the very best offers. All the time examine the Univesal Studios web site first, as they could have the very best costs and particular presents – then store round to see if you could find higher costs wherever else.

Most of all – get able to have the BEST time. Whether or not you’re a Harry Potter tremendous nerd like me, a large Jurassic Park fan (additionally like me), a lover of all issues Marvel, huge into Nickelodeon cartoons, or feeling nostalgic for traditional films like ET and Again to the Future, there’s one thing for everybody. And it truly is like watching your favorite movies and TV reveals come to life!

Have you learnt every other nice money-saving suggestions to assist individuals plan a visit to Common Studios Orlando on a funds? Scroll down to go away a remark!

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