Universal Orlando brings in a lot of excitement with a plethora of adventures to experience and cherish for life. However, life is not a free ride, and this adventure will cost you dearly. But all this can be compensated through Universal Orlando Passholder Benefits.
The Universal Orlando Resorts are a dreamland for anyone who loves theme parks, and it is the only place where you can experience world-class attractions in one place. No wonder Universal Orlando pass holders are always looking for ways to save money at the resort so they can enjoy more rides and attractions under their driving pass.
The best way to save money at this place is to use the Universal Orlando Pass. Therefore, a handy guide will help you avoid blowing your budget on this fun-filled vacation spot. Additionally, we will break down the best Universal Orlando pass holder hotel rates and everything you need to know about how they work, so let’s get started!
What is the Universal Orlando Annual Pass?
The Universal Orlando Annual Pass provides unlimited access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay theme parks. Membership includes perks like Universal Passholder discounts for friends and family, exclusive event invitations, and exclusive items.
With an annual pass, you may visit your favorite attractions and discover new ones all year long. If you want to stay at one of Universal’s on-site hotels, the annual pass may also provide exclusive pricing and incentives to make your stay more inexpensive.
Universal Orlando has four pass tiers:
- Seasonal Pass – $304.99 plus tax
- Power Pass – $354.99 plus tax
- Preferred Pass – $394.99 plus tax
- Premier Pass – $559.99 plus tax
Even though Seasonal and Power Pass is cheaper than others, they do not provide free parking at Universal Orlando Parking Garages and have blockout dates at the theme parks. If Universal Orlando hotel guests plan to stay on-site, note that the parking benefit will not apply.
The Preferred and Premier Pass tiers offer additional advantages such as free parking in the garages, no block out dates, a 15% discount on food and beverage, and much more Universal Passholder benefits. For some visitors, the food savings compensate for the higher pass costs. For further details, consult the UOAP benefits page.
All pass tiers offer up to a 30% discount on on-site hotels, subject to availability. Check the blockout dates beforehand to ensure that you will visit during an available time.
The Basics of Universal Orlando Passholder Hotel Rates
What are the Universal Orlando Passholder Hotel Rates?
Universal Orlando Passholder hotel rates are exclusive hotel rates for Annual Passholders. These rates are often lower than standard hotel rates, providing pass members with a wonderful opportunity to save money during their stay at Universal Orlando Resorts.
Who is eligible for these rates?
These special rates are available to Universal Orlando Annual Passholders. You can get pass holder hotel discounts if you have a current Annual Pass. Therefore, it is critical to read the terms and conditions to discover if any restrictions apply to individual passes or tiers.
How to book pass holder hotels?
Booking pass holder hotels is easy, and there are different ways to do it:
- Online: Visit the Universal Orlando website and select the resort you want to stay. Choose the “Annual Passholder” option and enter your pass details to unlock the exclusive rates.
- Over the phone: Call the Universal Orlando Reservations line and inform them you are a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder. They will provide you with the current passholder hotel rates, and you can make your reservation over the phone.
Keep in mind that Universal Passholder hotel rates have limited availability and may not be available during peak seasons or popular events. It is always a good idea to book in advance to secure your pass holder rate and ensure you get your preferred room type.
Can the benefits of Annual Passes vary depending on the type of pass?
The benefits of the various Annual Passes differ, and access to these perks is dependent on the type of pass. The Seasonal and Power Pass tiers are cheaper but do not include free parking at Universal Orlando Parking Garages and feature blockout days at the theme parks.
Meanwhile, only Premier Passholders receive Universal Express Unlimited privileges with their Annual Pass, but any pass holder staying at a Premier hotel is granted access to this perk.
Is it worth purchasing an Annual Pass for Universal Orlando hotel guests?
If you plan to visit Universal Orlando frequently, an Annual Pass can be cost-effective. Additionally, if you plan to stay at one of the Universal Orlando hotels, you can take advantage of the exclusive benefits offered to pass holders, such as early park admission and discounted hotel rates.
On the other hand, purchasing individual park tickets may be a better option if you’re only planning on visiting Universal Orlando once or twice. The cost of an Annual Pass may not be worth it in this case, especially if you won’t be able to take advantage of the pass holder benefits offered to hotel guests.
It’s important to carefully consider your travel plans, budget, and desired level of access before deciding whether to purchase a Universal Orlando Annual Pass as a hotel guest.
Are Universal Orlando hotel rates always the same?
Yes, Universal Orlando passholders hotel rates can change based on availability and seasonality. The rates for passholders are usually lower than standard rates, but they can vary depending on the time of year and how busy the theme parks are.
During the year, Universal occasionally provides special hotel prices, momentarily increasing annual passholder savings by up to 35% at certain hotels. Universal Orlando passholders can book their whole trip, including any applicable discounts, up to three months in advance at the standard prices.
The ideal times to look for discounts are over the holidays or the summer’s end.
Is it necessary for all guests staying at Universal Orlando hotels to have an Annual Pass to receive discounts on hotel rates?
To receive discounted Universal Orlando pass holders hotel rates, it is only necessary for the individual who makes the reservation to be an Annual Passholder. Additionally, Annual Passholders can purchase extra tickets for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure at a discount of 10-15% off regular prices, depending on their pass level.
If a group visiting Universal Orlando includes at least one Annual Passholder, all members can enjoy lower hotel rates and discounted admission. However, keep in mind that ticket discounts are limited to a maximum of six people per day.
Are there any special discounts or perks that Universal Orlando hotels offer to Annual Passholders?
Universal Orlando hotels provide special discounts and perks to Universal Orlando Passholders based on their respective tiers. Passholders can enjoy up to 30% off room rates at Premier and Preferred hotels and up to 25% off at Prime Value and Value hotels.
Additionally, each tier of the Annual Pass offers varying discounts on food and beverage purchases at Universal hotels. Seasonal and Power Passholders can save up to 10% at hotel restaurants, while Preferred and Premier Passholders receive up to 15% off.
Passholders can also benefit from discounts at select hotel shops, with up to 15% off, and 20% off at the Mandara Spa located in Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Furthermore, the Hard Rock Hotel provides special show discounts for Preferred and Premier Passholders.
It is important to note that discounts are subject to change, so guests should check the current Universal Passholder benefits on Universal Orlando’s website before booking their trip.
Unlocking Exclusive Perks: Why Booking a Universal Orlando Hotel Should be Your Top Choice
- Location, location, location!
Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel offers unparalleled convenience, as you are only a stone’s throw away from the theme parks. Not only does this make it easy to escape the crowds for a refreshing mid-day break or a quick freshen-up before dinner, but it also means you can maximize your time in the parks.
You will not have to waste time commuting to and from the parks or dealing with parking headaches. Plus, being close to the parks means you can enjoy shorter wait times for popular attractions during off-peak hours, making your visit even more efficient and enjoyable.
- Proximity to the Parks
Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel offers numerous advantages; one is its proximity to the parks. Each hotel is within a short distance of the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, which is especially ideal for people with kids. You don’t want to repeatedly drag the little ones through the crowd, so book a Universal Orlando hotel to save yourself from the hassle!
- Early Park Admission – The Biggest Benefit!
Additionally, Universal Orlando hotels provide exclusive benefits such as Early Park Admission, which allows guests to enter the parks up to an hour before the general public. This is especially beneficial during busy seasons, as it enables you to beat the crowds and enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times.
- Resort Amenities
Universal Orlando hotels offer a wide range of resort amenities, including swimming pools, fitness centers, spas, and dining options. Some hotels even have unique features like bowling alleys, lazy rivers, and outdoor movie screenings. This means you can take a break from the parks and enjoy some downtime at the hotel while still having plenty of entertainment options.
Save Money on Dining with Universal Orlando Passes
Universal Studios Florida
Finnegan’s Bar and Grill offers traditional Irish pub fare and a lively atmosphere and offer Universal Orlando pass holders exclusive discounts on food and non-alcoholic beverages. Lombard’s Seafood Grille, also in Universal Studios Florida, serves fresh seafood in a beautiful setting overlooking the park’s lagoon.
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Confisco Grille in Universal’s Islands of Adventure offers eclectic cuisine inspired by flavors worldwide. Mythos, located in a beautiful setting at the foot of a waterfall, is consistently ranked as one of the best theme park restaurants in the world.
Both hotels offer Universal Passholder benefits, so they can enjoy a diverse selection of global flavors at Confisco Grille while savoring their meal in the picturesque location of Mythos.
Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk boasts a diverse selection of restaurants, including Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, which serves up authentic Mexican cuisine with live music and a festive atmosphere. Bigfire offers an immersive dining experience with an open-fire kitchen and rustic decor inspired by camping and the great outdoors.
Bob Marley — A Tribute to Freedom celebrates the life and music of the reggae legend with Jamaican cuisine and live music, while Pat O’Brien’s offers a taste of New Orleans with Cajun and Creole dishes. VIVO Italian Kitchen serves up classic Italian dishes with a modern twist.
Enjoy your pass discounts at these fine dining hotels to ensure the best trip with your friends and family and save money on the go!
Closing Thoughts
To summarize, staying at a Universal Orlando hotel has many benefits for Annual Passholders, including discounted rates, exclusive benefits, and a convenient location. Passholders can take advantage of lower hotel rates and ticket prices and enjoy discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise.
With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why Universal Orlando hotel stays are a great way to make the most of your Annual Pass. Just be sure to review the latest Passholder rates on the Universal Orlando website before booking your stay, as discounts and perks can change without notice.
