Best way to do Universal!

[Dancer80]

We are a family of 5 but all classed as Adults! We are staying at Disney for 2 weeks the last 2 in August this year (fingers crossed). My question is normally we stay at Hard Rock Hotel and do the 2 universal parks the 2 consecutive days. We did universal last time we were there 2019 so weren’t planning on going this year. However our eldest son who is 21 has decided he’d coming with us as he didn’t come last time as he went on a lads holiday. So when we went he was gutted! Anyway he’s desperate to do universal. But it’s a fortune for the 5 of us for the sake of 2 days.
What’s the cheapest way to do it?
In the past we’ve always booked the 14 day tickets which is just a waist of money but it’s been the cheapest option. But I’m now wondering if paying at the gate will be cheaper than £1200+ for 2 days. It’s a lot of money and I’ve been furloughed from my second job since last March so it’s already going to be a tight squeeze without the DDP.
Would appreciate any help.

[Gabsnoot]

Hi, We usually do a similar trip, mostly Disney with a couple of days at Universal. We always bought the 14 day tickets because I convinced myself we might pop back to Universal for a day later in the trip but we never did. On our last trip in 2018 I bought 2 day Universal tickets from Orlando Attractions and they were a bit cheaper than the 14 day tickets. They were one park per day tickets though so we couldn’t use the Hogwarts Express. It wasn’t too big a deal because we had been on it before and we didn’t mind not park hopping but I know it could be a deal breaker for some.

[lizzie145]

As he is 21 could he go on his own or with just one other? I get that isnt doing something as a family.

Are you planning a return the following year? If so perhaps an annual pass as long as you go within 365 days.

[WIGGYSMUM]

I’d definitely think about going as a smaller group if you all don’t feel the need to return.
I’d happily do universal by myself , single rider lines are great and if you were by yourself or even with a companion I really think by doing single rider both parks are doable in one day

[Claudette]

I have priced up the two or three day tickets for my next trip and it is about two thirds of the price of a 14 day ticket but at least some saving.

But in the situation you describe, I think the best way to save money is to get tickets for either the eldest on his own or with one or two others but not all of you.

[Nimbus]

The cheapest way would be to buy a 1 day park-to-park tickets and try to do everything at the Universal parks in one day. This isn't the best option though in my opinion - it's too much to do in one day.

A better option might be to get a 2, 3 or 4 day ticket, perhaps even dropping the park hopper option to save a bit of money.

Some example prices from UndercoverTourist below:

1-Day Park to Park ticket = from $175 (price varies with date) = about £130
2-Day Base ticket + 2 Days Free = $235 = about £175
2-Day Park-to-Park ticket + 2 Days Free = $279 = about £207

UndercoverTourist are currently doing some promos on the 2-day tickets where you get 4 days for the price of 2. These tickets have to be used this year and you can only get a refund before the end of April.