How We’re Planning to Save on a Universal Orlando Trip—Even During Peak Season
All prices quoted in this article are examples during a specific time and are subject to change. Use this information as a guideline and estimate only.
It started with a moment of sticker shock. I was pricing out a Universal Orlando vacation for our family of six—and when I saw the total, I actually laughed out loud. Not the fun, theme-park kind of laugh. The “surely this is a mistake” kind.
Over $13,000.
That’s what it would cost to do the trip the way we’d want to—with Express Passes (a must during peak times), an on-site hotel, and enough tickets for all six of us. Add in flights and parking, and the total just kept climbing.
But I wasn’t ready to give up on the dream. I knew there had to be a smarter way. So I started crunching numbers, digging into points strategies, and comparing every booking method possible.
Even though we haven’t officially booked our trip yet, I’ve priced out a Fall Break 2025 Universal vacation that takes the total from over $13,000 to around $6,500 + points.
Why Universal Is a Different Kind of Beast (Especially Compared to Disney)
If you're used to saving at Disney with things like discounted gift cards, Disney Vacation Club (DVC) rentals, or stacking sales—Universal requires a totally different mindset.
Here’s what’s different:
No gift cards accepted online for hotel or ticket purchases
No DVC-style rental market for deluxe hotel discounts
Fewer stacking promotions and limited seasonal sales
But Universal does offer some unique advantages, especially for families who are savvy with travel points:
One Annual Pass can unlock major hotel savings
Premier hotel stays include free Express Passes (a huge value)
You can redeem flexible points to book everything—from tickets to flights to lodging
The playbook looks different—but the savings potential is big.
Ticket-Saving Strategies: Points, Discounts, & Bundles
If you know points and miles tricks, there are multiple ways to get discounts on tickets. With Disney, you can pretty much only discount tickets by booking through a third party that codes as travel, like Getaway Today, and then erase those purchases using Capital One points. While not the best value, it does get your family where you need to go. You can do this for Universal too, but you do have another option.
Use Points Through a Travel Portal
If you have flexible points from cards that earn Ultimate Rewards®, you can book tickets through the Chase Travel Portal:
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Points are worth 1.5¢ each
Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Ink Business Preferred®: Worth 1.25¢ each
A $122 one-day ticket can be booked for just 8,146 points with the Reserve card. Is it better to transfer your points to be used on something like Hyatt? Sure. But if this is the way that your family is going to get to Universal, then using your points this way is a great option!
Buy Discounted Tickets Through Resellers
If you have the cash, authorized third-party resellers like Get Away Today often offer better pricing:
Adult 2-day Park-to-Park: $360 vs. $400 direct from Universal
Kids: $349 vs. $389 direct
These purchases code as travel, so you can erase them with Capital One miles or use Aeroplan’s Pay Yourself Back feature. At the time of this writing, they also have a deal for adult tickets at kid’s prices. This deal happens periodically throughout the year, so keep an eye out for it. Prices are always subject to change.
Epic Universe
Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe park opens in 2025 and will be home to:
Super Nintendo World
A new Harry Potter land
Dark Universe
The Isle of Berk
Tickets are already available as part of combo passes. For Fall 2025, we’re planning:
2 days at Universal + 1 day at Epic Universe
~$412 per adult | $402 per child
Epic Universe is a totally different park and the ticket offerings are ongoing. See the image below.
From Universal’s Website.
From some of the phrasing here, “first phase” and “additional ticket products at a later date,” make me wonder how things will change for discounts in the future. As of now, Epic Universe is NOT an option to use points to cover in the Chase travel portal. It is also a completely separate ticket from the regular Universal tickets and is not considered for park hopper or annual passes. You may be able to book through Getaway Today and still cover the cost of this tickets with Capital One points, so that is something to consider when planning your trip.
Hotel Options: On-Site Perks vs. Off-Site Savings
Universal Orlando has a wide range of hotel categories, and your strategy depends on whether you want convenience, space, or maximum savings.
Hotels With Express Passes
Hard Rock, Royal Pacific, and Portofino Bay are currently the only Universal hotels that offer Unlimited Express Passes and Early Park Admission for everyone in the room. If you are visiting in peak season, this can save you at least a day in the park because you will be able to get on rides so much quicker. This option is also especially helpful for families with young kids. Express Passes can run hundreds of dollars, so staying at a hotel that provides them is a huge savings. However, premium hotels also come with a higher price tag.
At full price, 4 nights in 2 rooms = ~$7,242
Buying Express Passes Separately:
~$3,096 for 6 people × 2 days
Built Into Premier Hotels:
Included for free
Booking a Premier hotel can be cheaper than buying the passes outright, especially when using the Annual Passholder discount
What is the Annual Pass holder discount you ask? Holding an annual pass can get you up to 40% off this premier hotel price. Keep reading to find out exactly how.
Use Points for Nearby Hotels
If you have older kids and time isn’t an issue, there are some great hotels close by Universal Florida. They don’t come with the Express Pass, but the price tag is not as high either. There are so many options to choose from with free breakfast and/or complimentary transportation, but my favorite is this one.
Hyatt House Across from Universal Orlando Resort
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Specialty Family King Suite: Features a king bed, bunk beds, and a sofa bed, comfortably sleeping six guests.
One-Bedroom Suites: Offer two queen beds and a sofa bed, providing ample space for families.
Suites come equipped with full kitchens, including a refrigerator, microwave, and stovetop, ideal for preparing meals and snacks.
Guests can enjoy a free full breakfast buffet each morning, featuring a variety of hot and cold items to start the day.
On Property or Off Property? Which to Choose
| Factor | Express Pass + Fewer Days | No Express Pass + More Days |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost (Family of 6) | ~$6,162 | ~$4,500 |
| Time in Parks | 2 Days | 3–4 Days |
| Wait Times | Short (~10–20 min avg) | Long (~45–90 min avg) |
| Convenience | High | Moderate |
| Hotel Experience | Premier (nicer) | Value/Moderate |
Annual Passes Unlock Hotel Deals
Here’s a major savings trick: Only one person in your group needs to upgrade to an Annual Pass to unlock discounts of up to 40% on on-site hotels. Notice it says “up to.” The amount of discount you get on your price will depend on which hotel with Express Pass you are staying with and the time of year.
There are four tiers of annual passes, each at different price points. Really, annual passes could be a whole separate blog post, but the main thing to consider is the time of year your family is going. If you are going during a certain time of year, you will need to make sure to buy the pass that does not have your dates blacked out. All of the pricing can be found here.
As a brief summary-
Seasonal Pass allows access during certain “seasons.” In other words blackouts during spring, some of the summer, or Christmas break
Power Pass cuts those blackout dates in half
Preferred Pass no blackouts for theme parks but does for the water park, Volcano Bay
Premier Pass has no blackout dates
Seasonal Pass: ~$450
Upgrade from 3-day ticket: ~$38
Preferred Pass: ~$540 | Upgrade cost: ~$128
💡 We budgeted $100 for the upgrade and saved **$2,900** on our hotel stay.
***IMPORTANT info! If you buy your tickets through a third-party vendor like Getaway Today or even through points with the Chase travel portal (still third party), you can ONLY upgrade to an annual pass IN PERSON. They cannot do it even over the phone. Then if you pre-book your hotel, you book at the annual pass rate and show them proof of annual pass BEFORE your stay is finished. You must book directly through Universal to get the annual pass rate. Your annual pass also MUST be upgraded before you use all your days at the park. At this time annual passes DO NOT include Epic Universe.
Flying for Less: Use Points and the Companion Pass
We usually fly Southwest and maximize the Companion Pass, which lets one person fly free with you (just pay taxes). For our family of six:
Points cover 4 tickets
2 companions fly free (we have two companion passes)
Taxes: $11.20/person
➡️ Total for 6: $67.20 out of pocket
No Companion Pass? Use points from flexible programs like Chase or Capital One and book via portals or transfer to airline partners.
Parking, Food, and Extras: The Sneaky Costs
These smaller expenses add up fast—but here’s how we keep them in check:
Parking
Free if you stay at a Premier hotel (saves ~$100 over 4 nights)
Off-site hotel guests: expect ~$30/night at Universal
Uber is also an exceptional idea that can save you a bundle, especially if you are staying on property
Dining
Estimate: $600–$900 for a family of 6
Pack snacks, share meals, and eat breakfast at the hotel when included. If staying at Hyatt House with a kitchen = save even more
Miscellaneous
We budget ~$200 for extras (souvenirs, unexpected expenses)
📊 Full Budget Breakdown for a Family of 6 (Fall Break Sample)
| Category | Full Price | With Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Universal Tickets (3-Day Combo incl. Epic Universe) | ~$2,432 | 149,600 points (redeemed via travel portal) |
| Premier Hotel (4 nights × 2 rooms) | $7,242.64 | $4,345.58 (Annual Passholder discount applied) |
| Express Pass (6 people) | ~$3,096 | Included with Premier hotel stay |
| Annual Pass Upgrade (1 ticket) | $0 | $100 (estimated upgrade from 3-day ticket) |
| Flights (Roundtrip for 6) | ~$1,200 | $67.20 (using points + Companion Pass) |
| Parking (4 nights) | ~$100 | Free (included with Premier hotel) |
| Food & Dining | — | $600–$900 (estimated total for family of 6) |
| Additional Expenses | — | $200 (souvenirs, snacks, miscellaneous) |
| Total | $14,070.64 | $6,512.78 + 149,600 points |
Note: Prices vary based on travel dates and availability—these numbers are based on October 2025 searches.
Bottom Line: There’s No One Right Way—Only Smart Ways
Whether you’re using points to erase Epic Universe tickets, booking hotels through travel portals, or unlocking discounts with an Annual Pass, the key is stacking smart strategies.
You don’t have to do everything. But even combining a few of these tactics can save thousands.
Need help mapping out your own Universal game plan? I’ve got you.
Check out my Beginner’s Guide to Travel Points
See my favorite flexible-points cards here
Join the conversation in The Rewards Mom Facebook Group
Let’s make theme park magic happen—without blowing the budget. ✨
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
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