Ticket Prices
A 1-day ticket costs $67 (plus 6.5% sales tax) for adults, $56 for children 3 to 9. At press time, Universal was also offering a 3-day/two-park pass for $122.95 (adults) and $112.95 (kids ages 3-9), and an Earlybird Exclusives ticket (available online only) good for unlimited admission with park-hopping privileges for 7 consecutive days (a true bargain at $85.99 for all ages). Note that ticket promotions often come and go, so be sure to check Universal's website (www.universalorlando.com) before you plan your vacation and set your budget.
All multiday passes let you move between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Multiday passes also give you free access to the CityWalk clubs at night. Because the parks are within walking distance of each other, you won't lose much time jockeying back and forth, unlike the situation at Disney. Nevertheless, it's a long walk for tykes and people with limited mobility, so consider a stroller or wheelchair.
The Flexticket -- The most economical way to see the various "other-than-Disney" parks is with a multiday pass that counters Disney's Park Hopper add-on. With the FlexTicket, you pay one price to visit any of the participating parks as many times as you want during a 14-day period. A four-park pass to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Wet 'n Wild, and SeaWorld is $194.95 for adults and $160.95 for children 3 to 9. A five-park pass, which adds Busch Gardens in Tampa, is $239.95 for adults and $199.95 for kids. Both passes also include entrance to Universal CityWalk. The FlexTicket can be ordered through Universal (tel. 407/363-8000; www.universalorlando.com); SeaWorld (tel. 407/351-3600; www.seaworld.com); or Wet 'n Wild (tel. 800/992-9453 or 407/351-1800; www.wetnwild.com). Note: There's a round-trip shuttle available to Busch Gardens that's free for FlexTicket buyers (it's $10 for other guests).
For details on VIP tours at Islands of Adventure, see "Ticket Prices" in the "Universal Studios Florida" section.
Hours -- The park is open 365 days a year, generally from 9am to 6pm, though often later, especially in summer and around holidays, when it's frequently open until 9pm, sometimes later. Also, during Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights, the park closes around 5pm, reopens at 7pm (with a new admission), and remains open until at least midnight. The best bet is to call before you go so that you're not caught by surprise.
