Universal Orlando Resort debuted an Annual Pass price increase, new ticket option, and added perks for Passholders on Wednesday.
The price increase marks the second this year, with Universal raising their Annual Pass prices only four months ago. In total, pricing for some Universal Orlando passes has risen by up to almost 50% this year (Florida Resident Power Pass).
Universal Orlando introduces Seasonal Pass
Park officials have introduced a new lower tier pass that includes access to both theme parks most times of the year. Blackout dates include Christmas, spring break, summer, and all concerts. The pass does not include free or discounted parking or food and merchandise discounts. It does, however, include discounted special event tickets (e.g., Halloween Horror Nights) and discounted on-site hotel rates.
The new Universal Orlando seasonal pass will cost you $284.99, plus tax. It’s discounted to $259.99 for Florida residents.
Universal Orlando modifies Annual Pass options
In addition to rolling out the new pass option, Universal modified their current options while significantly increasing the cost of each.
Power Pass: No blockout dates in summer, discounted parking
Universal Orlando’s Power Annual Pass no longer has blackout dates at one theme park during the summer. Blackout dates during Christmas and spring break remain. 50% off self-parking has been added. The pricing increased by over 8% (9% for FL residents) in April and another 33% (36%) today.
A Universal Orlando Power Annual Pass will cost you $344.99, plus tax. It’s discounted to $319.99 for Florida residents.
Preferred Pass: Early Park Admission (blockout dates for EPA apply)
Preferred Annual Passes now include Early Park Admission, but almost 100 blockout dates apply to this perk. The pricing increased by 3% in April and another 12% (13%) today. A Universal Orlando Preferred Annual Pass will run you $384.99, plus tax. It’s discounted to $349.99 for Florida residents.
Premier Pass: Early Park Admission (no blockout dates)
Like the Preferred option, Premier Annual Passes will also receive Early Park Admission. However, there will be no blockout dates on the perk for Premier Passholders. The pricing increased by almost 4% in April and another almost 13% today. A Universal Orlando Premier Annual Pass will cost you $539.99, or $489.99 if you’re a Florida resident.
Florida Resident Annual Pass pricing
Before April 19, 2016 > After April 19, 2016 > August 31, 2016 pricing
Power Pass: $214.99 -> $234.99 (9.3%) -> $319.99 (36.2%)
Preferred Pass: $299.99 -> $309.99 (3.3%) -> $349.99 (12.9%)
Premier Pass: $429.99 -> $444.99 (3.5%) -> $489.99 (10.1%)
Non-FL Resident Annual Pass increase
Before April 2016 > After April 2016 > August 31, 2016 pricing
Power Pass: $239.99 -> $259.99 (8.3%) -> $344.99 (32.7%)
Preferred Pass: $334.99 -> $344.99 (3%) -> $384.99 (11.6%)
Premier Pass: $479.99 -> $494.99 (3.1%) -> $539.99 (9.1%)
There is a discount for renewing.
Are the added benefits worth the price increase? Will you be considering the Seasonal Pass? Let us know in the comments below.
