[mickeysgirlz]

IMHO . . . more BANG for your BUCK at WDW! (did you think I'd say anything else?)


Orlando Sentinel - Universal joins Disney with basic $75 ticket on Tourism Central Florida

Universal joins Disney with basic $75 ticket
posted by ScottPowers on Aug 5, 2008 2:52:13 PM

Universal Orlando is hiking the price of its basic ticket to $75 starting tomorrow, putting the price in line with the level Walt Disney World reached Sunday. Until today the basic one-day, one-park ticket cost $71.

Universal also announced some other price increases in various packages for multiple days and multiple parks, but also continues to offer a few deep-discount options as well.

Michael Lewellen, Universal vice president for public relations, said the price increases reflect the company's new offerings and its future commitment to invest in such new attractions as he Wizarding World of Harry Potter, set for a 2010 grand opening, and the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster, set to open next year.

It's no coincidence that Universal's basic, one-day, one-park price remains in line with Disney's as it pretty much has since early 2004.

"It's sound business strategy to keep prices on par with market levels," Lewellen said. "We believe our pricing reflects the world-class experience we offer our guests."

SeaWorld Orlando used to keep pace too, but in the past couple of years that park has followed a more independent-appearing path on ticket prices and its basic ticket price has stayed a few dollars below Disney and Universal.

Among other Universal ticket prices:

The three-park, seven-day unlimited admission goes up $5, to $99.99, good for Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Wet 'N Wild. Universal likes to piont out that it remains below the price of a Disney World one-day ticket with a Park Hopper option.

Florida residents who purchase Universal tickets on-line can still get a one-day, two-park ticket at the old price of $64.99. Florida residents also can get a second day and second park free when they purchase a one-day, one-park pass online at the $75 price.

[Dana]

Well it does fall in line with WDW. you won't be able to get the same discounting, but I am sure they have something else similar to WDW. WDW always is going to have my money..just stinks watching everything get so darn expensive.

[mickeysgirlz]

Originally Posted by Dana

Well it does fall in line with WDW. you won't be able to get the same discounting, but I am sure they have something else similar to WDW. WDW always is going to have my money..just stinks watching everything get so darn expensive.

I know . . . it's just crazy! Day to day living is hard . . . and entertainment is sky rocketing . . . such is life! Hopefully it will start to all even out! OR, I'll win the lottery!

[tinkerbelle24]

I thought Universal was $79 or $89 for 7 days? I guess its all going up

[ddoll]

That is the price for a one day pass. Just like at WDW, the more days you go, the lower the price per day goes.

[Jennatrz]

I'm sorry I really enjoy Universal but for the average person to spend $75.00 for that ticket is outrageous. We bought a year pass for 99.00. I guess that is just one of the perks of living in Florida.

[CarolinaTilt]

Right on cue!!! They have been in lock-step for a few years.

[nitaworm]

That price still encourages you to buy soon as this additional area opens soon. Although not a Disney Park, Universal has awesome rides that I haven't seen anywhere and with the addition of an interactive park that allows the participants to be emerged in a magical experience the ticket price may well be worth it. I myself will purchase my tickets now...although I don't plan on using them again until 2010 when the additional area opens up. I figure I could purchase a ticket a month... I have 6 tickets to buy ugh

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort Media Site - Press Release - Harry Potter
Veritaserum | Harry Potter Theme Park - Universal Studios

[PrincessPooh]

Can't really say I'm surprised. I can't form too much of an opinion though, since I haven't visited Universal in probably over 15 years! We're thinking we'll go one day, when the kids are a bit bigger. By that time, I can't imagine how much it will cost!

[A Goofy Family]

Originally Posted by tinkerbelle24

I thought Universal was $79 or $89 for 7 days? I guess its all going up

I think it was an online special that they ran several months ago. We took advantage of it, even tho we don't plan to use the tickets for a few years...we want to wait until Harry Potter is finished.

[disney1]

Originally Posted by nitaworm

That price still encourages you to buy soon as this additional area opens soon. Although not a Disney Park, Universal has awesome rides that I haven't seen anywhere and with the addition of an interactive park that allows the participants to be emerged in a magical experience the ticket price may well be worth it. I myself will purchase my tickets now...although I don't plan on using them again until 2010 when the additional area opens up. I figure I could purchase a ticket a month... I have 6 tickets to buy ugh

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort Media Site - Press Release - Harry Potter
Veritaserum | Harry Potter Theme Park - Universal Studios

MAGICAL!? I think Disney has the lock on that adjective. You can say "unique", "wondrous" or "fun". But not "magical"