August 30, 2016Universal Orlando let slip on Monday that they were planning changes for Annual Passes. Since then, theme park social media went ablaze accusing the company of copying Disney.
The Motley Fool posted an article on Tuesday stating “Comcast needs to be careful.” Passholders and the media have called the changes brash and too aggressive.
Forecasters and the media have come to a conclusion that Passholders will be paying a premium in 2017. Holders of both Disney and Universal passes could be paying as much as $1,200 each year for no blockouts. This is a high price to pay for entertainment unless it’s your primary enjoyment.
This doesn’t hold a candle to the unlimited pass that Disneyland offers to Californians. A no blackout pass in the golden state costs $1,049. Also want to enjoy Universal Studios Hollywood? As a Californian you’re already looking at over $1,600 in just passes.
So what’s different about these new Universal Orlando Annual Passes? Here’s a quick rundown on each.
Biggest Changes
- Premier and Preferred annual passholders now have Early Park Admission to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure one hour before the park opens to the public.
- Summer blockout dates for Power annual passholders have been removed.
- Power Pass includes 50% off general parking.
- Season Pass has been introduced. It includes
Seasonal Pass (New) – $259.99
One year of park-to-park admission (blockout dates apply)
Discounts on Universal Orlando’s separately-ticketed events – Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe
Discounts on Blue Man Group tickets, on-site hotel stays, multi-day theme park tickets purchased at the Front Gate, and more
Power Annual Pass – 319.99
One year of park-to-park admission with fewer blockout dates and access to concerts at Universal Studios Florida
NEW! Blockout dates have been removed for summer dates – so you can access both theme parks all summer long!
NEW! $10 self-parking – that’s 50% off the regular price
Discounts on Universal Orlando’s separately-ticketed events – Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe
Discounts on Blue Man Group tickets, on-site hotel stays, multi-day theme park tickets purchased at the Front Gate, and more
Preferred Annual Pass – $349.99
One year of park-to-park admission with NO blockout dates
NEW! Early Park Admission to enjoy the parks one hour before opening (blockout dates apply)
Free self-parking; $10 preferred parking
Discounts on Universal Orlando’s separately-ticketed events – Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe
Discounts on merchandise, restaurants, Blue Man Group tickets, on-site hotel stays, multi-day theme park tickets purchased at the Front Gate, and more
Premier Annual Pass – $489.99
One year of park-to-park admission with NO blockout dates
NEW! Early Park Admission to enjoy the parks one hour before opening all year long – no blockout dates
Complimentary valet and preferred parking
Universal Express access to bypass the regular lines at participating rides and attractions after 4 p.m.
Free Halloween Horror Nights ticket on select event nights
Discounts on Universal Orlando’s separately-ticketed events – Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe
Discounts on merchandise, restaurants, Blue Man Group tickets, on-site hotel stays, multi-day theme park tickets purchased at the Front Gate, and more.
Pricing for all Universal Orlando Annual Passes does not include tax. The pricing is interesting considering the $30 price difference for less restrictions for the Preferred Annual Pass.
It honesty seems like they added a new pass tier just for the sake of adding one. We’ll see how the new changes pan out over the next few months during the slower season and ramp up into the holidays.