In this article, we are going to help you compare Universal Annual Passes 2023! Universal has become extremely popular over the past few years with world-class attractions like the Jurassic World VelociCoaster and fan favorites like Minion Land.
Many guests will also be pleasantly surprised at the different options you have when comparing Universal Orlando annual passes and that you can actually save money by becoming a passholder vs. purchasing multi-day tickets. That’s why we have put together this guide about the Universal Annual Pass!
Comparing Universal Orlando Annual Passes 2023
So let’s start with the most common question on this topic and that is, what are the different Universal Orlando annual passes? Universal Orlando has four annual passes for guests to choose from. These are the seasonal annual pass, the power annual pass, the preferred annual pass, and the premier annual pass. It’s also important to note that each of these four annual passes can be purchased for the 2-Parks or 3-Parks (the 3rd park being Volcano Bay). The Universal Studios annual pass has many benefits for guests that we will discuss in this article but first, it’s important to know that Universal annual passes can actually save you money. For example, if you are purchasing a 4-day Universal Orlando ticket, you should compare the price of the multi-day ticket to an annual pass. If the prices are about equal, remember that with select annual passes you will get discounts, access to the UOAP lounge and other perks.
What are the 2-Park annual passes at Universal?
- 2-Park seasonal annual pass
- 2-Park power annual pass
- 2-Park preferred annual pass
- 2-Park premier annual pass
What are the 3-Park annual passes at Universal?
- 3-Park seasonal annual pass
- 3-Park power annual pass
- 3-Park preferred annual pass
- 3-Park premier annual pass
Related Page: All Universal Islands of Adventure Rides Ranked
What Are the Different Universal Orlando Pass Benefits?
So now, let’s cover the second most common question which is what are the Universal Orlando pass benefits? And, as a general rule of thumb the most common benefits that guests are looking for is access to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure for the 2-Park pass and access to Universal Studios, Islands, of Adventure, and Volcano Bay for the 3-Park pass.
Universal Seasonal Annual Pass
The most important thing to consider with the 2-Park and 3-Park seasonal annual pass is that blackout dates do apply. This pass does however include access to either 2-Parks or 3-Parks outside of the blackout dates for a one (1) year period beginning and including the first day the pass is used.
Universal Power Annual Pass
The most important thing to consider with the 2-Park and 3-Park power annual pass is that blackout dates do apply. However, it’s important to note that the blackout dates are not as significant as the seasonal annual pass. This pass does however include access to either 2-Parks or 3-Parks outside of the blackout dates for a one (1) year period beginning and including the first day the pass is used.
Universal Preferred Annual Pass
The 2-Park and 3-Park preferred annual pass does not have any Universal Studios blackout dates. This pass includes access to either 2-Parks or 3-Parks for a one (1) year period beginning and including the first day the pass is used. This pass also includes free admission to select special events and discounts on select products including but not limited to: multi-day theme park admission tickets, separately ticketed events and at Universal Orlando Resort hotels and select food and merchandise locations.
Universal Premier Annual Pass & 3-Park Premier Annual Pass
The 2-Park and 3-Park premier annual pass does not have any blackout dates. This pass includes access to either 2-Parks or 3-Parks for a one (1) year period beginning and including the first day the pass is used. This pass includes free admission to select special events and one (1) admission to one (1) night of Halloween Horror Nights on select nights. The 2-Park Premier Annual Pass also includes Universal Express after 4:00pm one (1) time per participating rides and attractions, and discounts on select products.
UOAP Discounts & Perks
In addition to the perks of being able to visit the parks, there is more to the Universal Annual Pass that passholders will benefit from. In addition to the perks listed below, from time to time, Universal will host Annual Passholder Appreciation Days. During these days, you may receive additional discounts, exclusive passholder entrances, specialty food items and more!
Universal Seasonal Annual Pass Perks
- Includes admission to select special events such as Mardi Gras and Holidays
- Special discounts on separately ticketed events such as Halloween Horror Nights
- 10% off Multi-Day theme park tickets purchased at the front gate
- Save up to 30% off base rates plus enjoy a free single car class upgrade at Budget and Avis
- Admission to the Passholder Lounge located in Toon Lagoon in Universal Islands of Adventure
- $1 off per Coca-Cola Freestyle additional day recharge
- 15% discount on private and non-private experience tickets at Universal’s Great Movie Escape. Discounted tickets will only be available for purchase at the venue, Front Gate and Guest Services. (Must present valid photo ID and Annual/ Seasonal Pass at time of purchase. Pricing and availability vary depending on the time, date, and product selection. Restrictions apply.)
- $3 off admission to after 6 p.m. showings at Universal Cinemark for Passholder and up to one guest (excludes Senior Mondays, $5 Tuesdays and matinées).
- Note: Free parking with purchase of two Universal Cinemark matinée tickets^.
- Save up to 35% off room rates at Universal Orlando Hotels
- 10-15% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks at Universal Orlando Hotels.
Power Annual Pass Benefits
- All benefits listed above
- 50% off regular daytime self-parking each time you visit (after first visit)
- 15% off multi-day theme park admission tickets purchased at the front gate
Preferred Annual Pass Benefits
- All benefits listed above
- Early Park Admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure up to one (1) hour before the theme park opens (select days only, select attractions)
- Prime Self-Parking discount
- Free self-parking (after first visit)
- 50% off valet parking
- 10% off airport Terminal A, B and C stores
- 10% off All Universal Orlando owned and operated restaurants and carts
- 10% off All Universal Orlando owned and operated merchandise stores and carts
- 10-15% off select CityWalk Dining & Merchandise locations
Premier Annual Pass Benefits
- Universal Express Pass after 4:00pm†† at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure (one time per participating attraction)
- FREE Valet (subject to availability) or Prime Self-Parking (after first visit)
- One (1) free night admission to Halloween Horror Nights
- 15% off Orlando International Airport Terminal A, B and C stores
UOAP Lounge
As mentioned above, all Universal Orlando Annual Passholders have access to the UOAP Lounge located in Islands of Adventure. This is a great spot to cool off, renew or upgrade your pass, pick up passholder collectibles and merchandise or grab a cold beverage!
Throughout the year, Universal will release special UOAP magnets, collectible prints, stickers, and more that you can pick up in the parks for free.
Related Page: Best Places to Buy Universal Orlando Tickets
2023 Universal Orlando Annual Pass Prices
As you can imagine the Universal Orlando annual pass prices will change based on the different passes you choose. However Universal does have a variety of pass prices that should fit any family size and budget ranging from $424.99 up to $1,094.99.
How Much is a Year Pass for Universal 2-Park Options?
- 2-Park seasonal annual pass: $424.99 plus tax
- 2-Park power annual pass: $474.99 plus tax
- 2-park preferred annual pass $629.99 plus tax
- 2-park premier annual pass $904.99 plus tax
How Much is a Year Pass for Universal 3-Park Options?
- 3-Park seasonal annual pass: $524.99 plus tax
- 3-Park power annual pass: $584.99 plus tax
- 3-park preferred annual pass $739.99 plus tax
- 3-park premier annual pass $1,094.99 plus tax
Related Page: What to Pack for Universal Orlando
2023 Universal Studios Blackout Dates
Another popular question we receive is, what are the Universal Orlando annual pass blackout dates in 2023? And the Universal season pass blackout dates are always found in the summer between June 11th through August 14th and around Christmas time between December 17th – 31st. It’s important to note that the 2-Park and 3-Park Universal annual pass might have different Universal Studios block out dates.
Seasonal Pass
- July 1 – July 31, 2023
- November 20 – 25, 2023
- December 23 – 31, 2023
- January 1 – 2, 2024
- March 18 – April 6, 2024
- July 1 – 31, 2024
- November 25 – 30, 2024
- December 21 – 31, 2024
Power Pass
- December 23 – 31, 2023
- January 1 – 2, 2024
- March 18 – 30, 2024
- December 21 – 30, 2024
Volcano Bay Blackout Dates
Seasonal Pass
- June 10 – August 13, 2023
- March 18 – April 6, 2024
- June 8 – August 11, 2024
Power Pass – Blackouts apply before 4 p.m.
- June 10 – August 13, 2023
- June 8 – August 11, 2024
Preferred Pass – Blackouts apply before 4 p.m.
- July 1 – August 13, 2023
- July 1 – August 11, 2024
When is the Best Time to Buy Universal Orlando Annual Pass?
So now that you have decided on if the Universal Premier vs Preferred annual pass makes the most sense for your, when is the best time to buy a Universal Orlando annual pass? On average we find the best times to buy a Universal Orlando annual pass to be in the beginning of the year with the main reason being this is typically when Universal will run ticket deals. In years past we have seen Universal run deals offering one or two months free with Universal annual passes.
If you are unsure about purchasing Annual Passes prior to your visit, you may upgrade your multi-day ticket to an Annual Pass at guest services before your last day in the parks.
Comparing Universal Annual Passes FAQ
How much is Volcano Bay Annual Pass?
Universal does not have a specific annual pass just for Volcano Bay. However Volcano Bay is included as part of the 3-park seasonal annual pass, 3-park power annual pass, 3-park preferred annual pass and the 3-park premier annual pass.
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