Working at Universal Studios Orlando comes with all the standard perks of theme park employment, like free park admission and discounted merchandise. However, there are some particular perks that Universal goes above and beyond to offer Team Members. These stand out even in comparison to what Walt Disney World Cast Members receive. Here are some of the best things about working at Universal Studios.
1. The Thanksgiving turkey
As long as you’re employed at Universal Studios, you’ll never have to worry about picking up a nice big Thanksgiving turkey. Employees line up in the days before Thanksgiving and each receive their own turkey absolutely free. If you have to have multiple Team Members in your family, this makes for a ton of turkey for the holiday season. These aren’t small birds, either, and they’re as juicy as anything you’ll grab at the grocery.
Though many Team Members will invariably end up working on Thanksgiving Day, this perk ensures that everyone gets a chance to enjoy a feast with their family, even if they do have to schedule it a few days before or after the traditional holiday.
2. Special event access free of charge
Both Disney and Universal provide free park access to their employees. However, Universal really goes all the way by offering access not only to the theme parks, but also to special events like Halloween Horror Nights. Universal doesn’t have any blackout dates for Team Members, either. This means you can pop in for big name concerts at Mardi Gras, catch the first Macy’s Holiday Parade of the season, and attend every single Horror Nights event without spending a dime.
This is a big difference from Walt Disney World where even Cast Members are blocked out of the park during peak days. Disney Cast Members also have to purchase separate tickets for special events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Very Merry Christmas Party.
3. Free movie screenings
When Universal releases a big movie, it usually gives its Team Members the chance to screen it in theaters before it’s released to the public. Team Members can pick up their tickets during select hours a few days before the event. These tickets are usually good for the Team Member and one guest, though some screenings only allow Team Members. There are a limited number of tickets so you won’t realistically make it to every one, but it is possible to get ahold of tickets to two or three showings a year.
4. Backstage shopping
Universal Studios Orlando has two backstage stores that are exclusively open for Team Members. One sells Universal merchandise at steep discounts. This is where you can pick up overstocked items for rock bottom prices. The store is particularly handy for grabbing event gear after the fact. Shirts and hats for seasonal events like Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights are often available for just a few dollars here once the event is over.
The second backstage store offers conveniences that Team Members might need to pick up before heading home. Items like milk and eggs are available so you don’t have to make an extra stop on the way home. You can even pick up essentials like socks or underwear in case you need an extra pair on the job. Universal recognizes that Team Members often work long hours and may not have a chance to run a lot of extra errands so they even stock items like cards and birthday cakes so you can show up at home on time and with something special in hand.
5. Parade participation
Regular Universal Team Members have the opportunity to participate in seasonal parades, becoming an interesting part of the action. While many entertainment positions, like dancers and stilt walkers, are reserved for extremely qualified Team Members, there are some other jobs that just about anyone can fill.
Universal Team Members can pick up shifts holding the giant balloons in the Macy’s Holiday Parade or throwing beads from the Mardi Gras floats. This is a fun way to try on the role of an entertainer without actually devoting your career to becoming one.
6. Hotel discounts
Image: Universal
Universal offers flat rate hotel discounts to Team Members. This means that they can book nearly any room at an on-site resort for one low rate. Depending on the season this is either a good deal or an insanely good deal. Hotel stays include Express Passes, which adds a big chunk to their value.
In contrast, Disney’s resort discounts for Cast Members are based on the price of the room at the time of booking, so a room at the Grand Floridian is always more expensive than a room at Pop Century, and seasonal fluctuations will impact room rates as well.
Though working in a theme park is far from being an easy job, there are many perks that come along with it, particularly for Team Members at Universal. With these special add-ons, the job can suddenly seem a whole lot sweeter.
