Friday, July 22, 2022
HomeUK TravelThe best way to Do Common Orlando on a Finances

The best way to Do Common Orlando on a Finances


Some posts on this website include affiliate hyperlinks. In case you e book or purchase one thing by way of these hyperlinks, I earn a small fee (at no further price to you). Check out my privateness coverage for extra info.

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

All the pieces it is advisable to know that can assist you plan a visit to Common Studios Orlando on a price range!

In case you 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 will 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 actually terrifying JAWS trip was nonetheless round!

Since then, I’ve returned as an grownup a number of occasions, 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 baby!

It’s one in every of my favorite theme parks on the planet – and undoubtedly value 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 offered in change for this overview. BUT the next recommendation relies on quite a few journeys, and the remainder of my Florida journey was paid for on my own. As at all times, 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?

It is 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 is dependent upon a whole lot of elements. How lengthy you wish to go for, which parks you wish to go to, what time of yr you propose to go, and many others.

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).

Youngsters’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 submit.

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 you’ll want to issue these prices in for those who’re not staying at one of many resort inns.

Different Journey Prices

The principle 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 value. Or signal as much as Jack’s Flight Membership (learn my overview right here) and see if a cut price comes by way of!
  • Lodging – extra on that later on this submit.
  • Meals & Drink – money-saving suggestions for this later within the submit.
  • Souvenirs – for those who’re on a good price range, attempt to keep away from shopping for too many of those. TOP TIP – save all of your purchases to 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

The best way to Get Low cost Common Orlando Tickets

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

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

AttractionTix a fantastic supply for discounted tickets, together with cheaper multi-day tickets. In addition they have a Disney and Common mixture ticket that will work out cheaper than buying individually.

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

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

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

In case you’re reserving your vacation as a bundle, your park tickets could also be included within the bundle, which may work out cheaper than reserving the whole lot 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 wonderful. However for those who’re on a price range, reserving the 3-park ticket will not be an choice. So right here’s a fast overview of the parks that can assist you resolve which of them you don’t wish to miss.

Common Studios: The unique Common park, the place motion pictures and TV exhibits are delivered to life with wonderful units and immersive rides. Prime points of interest embody: Hollywood Rip Experience Rockit™ rollercoaster, the Springfield space that includes The Simpsons Experience™, and the beloved E.T. Journey (a traditional).

Common Studios has the Diagon Alley department of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, the place you’ll discover the Escape From Gringotts™ trip 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 to be like 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. Prime points of interest embody: Jurassic World Velocicoaster and the Jurassic Park River Journey, The Unimaginable 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 Fortress and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorcycle Journey™.

You probably have a two-park ticket, you may 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: A tremendous water park primarily based round a towering volcano with tropical South Seas vibes. There’s a lazy river, a wave pool, and a number of 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 way 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 for those who can ONLY Go to One Park?

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

However for those who’ve by no means been earlier than, Common Studios is the unique park and provides the traditional expertise. Plus it has some superior areas with unimaginable theming to discover.

In case you’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 disenchanted with both expertise… however I really feel like it could be a disgrace to not see Hogwarts fortress, 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 Fortress – Islands of Journey

How Many Days for Common Orlando?

Once more, what number of days to spend at Common Orlando completely is dependent upon you, your price range, and the size of your journey. You may just do at some point, however you would additionally do 5 or 6 days with out becoming bored! There’s lots to see and do.

THREE DAYS: Ideally, you want no less than three days to get one of the best out of Common Orlando. That offers you one full day at every park – or you would 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 trip your favourites once more is good. It additionally provides you time to strive a number of totally different eating places.

ONE DAY: In case you’re on a really tight price range, you would decide one park and simply do at some point, and it could be sufficient to take pleasure in the primary highlights. In truth, you would nearly squeeze the highlights of the 2 theme parks into one lengthy day – particularly with the Common Categorical move. However it could be tiring and also you’d miss a whole lot 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 trip 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 12 months a yr.

BUT there are occasions when the parks are busier than others. Visiting throughout the quieter occasions of the yr may help you get monetary savings 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 time, 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 youngsters are off faculty: throughout summer time 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 massive crowds within the parks).

You must also consider any particular occasions, such because the Halloween Horror Nights, in addition to new trip openings, which may draw massive crowds, once more driving prices up – notably on the resort inns.

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 massive concerns when planning a visit to Common Studios Orlando on a price range is the place to remain. Do you have to keep on the resort at one of many Common inns, or do you have to go for a less expensive resort in Orlando and journey in?

Though they could be a little dearer than inns exterior of the resort, there are a number of perks to staying at one of many Common resort inns, which may really show you how to get monetary savings.

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 company get early entry to the parks – which implies emptier picture spots!
  • Early entry to the parks. Resort company can enter the parks an hour earlier than everybody else, which means you will get on among the busiest rides faster.
  • FREE Common Categorical Limitless Move for company at premier inns. This superior move helps you to skip the strains to most rides within the parks, and often begins from $79.99. Friends on the following inns will get the move FREE: Loews Portofino Bay Resort, Onerous Rock Resort® and Loews Royal Pacific Resort.
  • Direct entry to the parks – avoiding taxi charges (which will be fairly expensive). Among the inns 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. In case you’re staying self-catering or have a fridge in your room, you would 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 bundle straight by way of Common Studios may prevent as much as $200!

In case you’re reserving a Common Studios resort resort, ensure you store round to check costs. Examine their web site first (and test the particular provides web page for any offers), but additionally test resort reserving websites like reserving.com and inns.com to see who has one of the best value.

Common Studios Orlando’s Worth Lodging: Limitless Summer season 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 inns at Common Orlando

The Limitless Summer season Resort is the place you’ll discover the 2 Worth inns at Common Orlando, offering a extra inexpensive choice for these visiting the parks on a price range.

Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites are each fairly related. With rooms ranging from $91 per night time, these are essentially the most inexpensive choices throughout 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 best 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 giant outside swimming pools with small sandy seashores and poolside actions like ping-pong. Contemplating this can be a “price range” resort, the swimming pools are superior – I extremely suggest spending one in every of your free days lazing on a solar lounger with a cocktail from the pool bar!

Foods and drinks choices are considerably primary – 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 may simply hop on the free shuttle to Metropolis Stroll to take pleasure in 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 Limitless Summer season Resort.

The principle draw back is that the Limitless Summer season Resort inns 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
Considered one of two swimming pools at Dockside Inn and Suites

Different Finances Resort Choices Close to Common Studios

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

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.

Least expensive 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!

Beneath, I’ve listed among the most inexpensive 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, Fireplace 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 inexpensive than dinner. So if you would like a sit-down meal, contemplate having your predominant 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 may take meals into Univeral Studios, with a number of restrictions. There are bag searches on coming into, so any prohibited gadgets could also be confiscated.

However you may undoubtedly deliver your personal 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 would deliver some pre-made sandwiches to save lots of your self from shopping for lunch. In case you’re on a price range, it’s a good suggestion to deliver your personal sweets/sweet, crisps/chips, and different snacks, too – as these will be fairly expensive within the parks.

These are the accepted and prohibited meals gadgets in response to 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 method
  • Tender-sided insulated luggage no bigger than 8.5″ extensive x 6″ excessive x 6″ deep

Prohibited Gadgets

  • Glassware or glass containers
  • Open containers or drinks containing alcohol
  • Onerous-sided coolers
  • Tender-sided coolers bigger than 8.5″ extensive 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 wish to miss the possibility to strive a Butterbeer!

Is the Common Categorical Move 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 move 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. In case you’ve solely acquired a day at every park, you won’t be capable to go on the whole lot.

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 move comes all the way down to how lengthy you’ve gotten on the parks.

In case you solely have a day at every park and also you’re eager to go on as a lot as attainable, the Categorical tickets are well worth the splurge. In case you don’t thoughts lacking some stuff, skip the Categorical move to maintain your total Common Orlando price range down.

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

Bear in mind – company at Premier inns within the Common Orlando Resort get FREE Categorical passes. You can even bundle them together with your park tickets to save cash 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

A number of extra money-saving suggestions that can assist you plan your journey to Common Orlando on a price range…

Examine for Discounted Charges

Earlier than reserving, test to see you probably have 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 Navy, 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 Ebook a Common Orlando Resort

In case you’re within the UK and accumulate Tesco Clubcard vouchers, you may convert these into vouchers to assist make your journey extra inexpensive.

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

You can even use Clubcard factors to purchase Virgin Factors, which may very well be used in the 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. In truth, throughout the summertime wet season (Could-October), a day rainstorm or two is fairly frequent.

Ponchos in Common Studios can price 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 personal water bottle and refill it on the ingesting fountains across the parks. In case you’re nervous concerning the high quality of the water, put money into a Water-to-Go filter bottle which may immediately filter the water earlier than you drink it.

Suncream (sunscreen) is one other merchandise that’s on the pricier facet throughout the Common Studios resort, so for those who’re in Orlando on a price range I recommend pre-buying your solar safety and taking it to the park with you.

Ultimate Ideas

In case you’re visiting Orlando on a price range and wish to go to the parks at Common Studios, it’s definitely do-able. You simply need to be savvy!

Attempt to e book as far prematurely as you may, and do a number of analysis to ensure you’re getting one of the best offers. At all times test the Univesal Studios web site first, as they might have one of the best costs and particular provides – then store round to see if yow will discover 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, massive into Nickelodeon cartoons, or feeling nostalgic for traditional motion pictures like ET and Again to the Future, there’s one thing for everybody. And it truly is like watching your favorite movies and TV exhibits come to life!

Are you aware every other nice money-saving suggestions to assist individuals plan a visit to Common Studios Orlando on a price range? Scroll down to go away a remark!



Supply hyperlink

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments