If you are visiting the Orlando parks for more than a couple of days, you might be wondering about your ticket options. Both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando offer extensive discounts and perks to annual passholders, which can tip the scales in favor of buying a pass even if you don’t live locally. Provided below are the major reasons to consider purchasing an annual pass for one or all of the people in your family.
1. Food and merchandise discounts
Theme park dining and souvenir costs can add up quickly, especially if you are staying at a hotel without kitchen facilities. Any discount can translate into a significant number of total dollars saved. It’s easy to do the math for Universal Orlando, which offers a straight 10% off dining and merchandise (except carts and kiosks) for Preferred Pass holders and 15% off dining and merchandise (except carts and kiosks) for Premier Pass holders. Disney’s discounts are a bit more confusing, as the best dining deals are reserved for those who also purchase Tables in Wonderland. Still, it’s worth matching up the discounts list to where you plan to shop and dine to get an idea of potential cost savings.
2. Hotel savings
Both resorts offer significant annual passholder deals for on-site hotel rooms during slower times of the year. If you stay at an official Universal Orlando deluxe hotel (though not the moderately-priced Cabana Bay), you will also receive Unlimited Express passes valid for your length of stay. On-site Disney hotel stays come with their own perks as well. If you like to stay on property but are uncomfortable with the expense, passholder discounts can take away some of the sting.
3. Cost per day
Both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World operate on a pricing model in which the more days you visit, the less expensive your per day cost becomes. The break-even point for a Walt Disney World annual pass depends on a host of factors including how many days you plan to visit and which options you will add to your tickets (but most guests will see a cost savings after about a week). For Universal Orlando, 5-6 days is the break-even point depending on whether or not you live in Florida and what promotions might apply during your stay.
4. Parking fees
If you stay on-site at Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, you will not have to pay to park at the theme parks. If you prefer to stay off-site, however, $17 per day for parking adds up fast. Regular annual passes (with no block-out dates) at both resorts include free parking. Universal’s Premier Pass also includes free valet parking, but check the other benefits to see if this higher-priced pass makes sense for you.
5. Return trips
Where annual passes truly show their value is for families who can make more than one trip during the year. If you live close enough to take three or four long weekends, your annual pass will more than pay for itself. But even if you can only manage an annual visit, see if it would be possible to schedule next year’s trip for just before this year’s pass expires. Two seven to ten day trips on a single annual pass mark a tremendous savings over buying two sets of tickets.
6. Passholder-exclusive perks
Passholder perks encompass a vast array of bonuses that add both tangible and intangible value to an annual pass. Passholder-only special events, the opportunity to ride on one of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras floats, discounts on recreational activities and water park admissions, and special pricing for hard ticketed events are just a few of the extra perks for annual passholders. In addition, a changing lineup of monthly bonus perks make annual passes especially enticing for those whose schedules are flexible enough to take advantage of them.
7. Monthly payment options
If you happen to have a Florida address, you can purchase a Walt Disney World annual pass on a monthly payment schedule. Although you must make a down payment of $112 per pass (2015 pricing), this option makes annual passes much more affordable for many families.
Universal Orlando extends the monthly payment option to all visitors, though Florida residents pay a bit less. The down payment varies depending on the type of pass and whether or not you live in Florida, but the ability to break up payments over a year makes this an attractive option.
In both cases, you will pay the same price for your pass whether you pay up front or take advantage of the monthly payment option. There is no interest, loan origination fee, or other add-on. Just remember that the person who will foot the bill must appear in person to sign the contract, so this might not be a solution for parents sending their teens on vacation with another family.
Whether or not to buy an annual pass is a complex decision that should be weighed against your family’s budget, normal vacation patterns, and typical spending while on vacation. What makes perfect sense for another family might be entirely wrong for you. Take the time to sit down and weigh out your options before committing to a decision.
If you are still unsure, consider buying an annual pass for one person in your party. Use that person’s pass to book your hotel stay, obtain discounts, and look more closely into the available perks. This can help you decide whether annual passes are the best choice without the full financial commitment of buying for everyone. Should you decide later to take the plunge, you can upgrade your tickets during your trip, subject to certain limitations.
Do you have an annual pass to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando? How far away do you live from the parks? What made you decide to make the investment? Share your thoughts in the comments!
