Now it's Universal's turn to raise theme park ticket prices

February 16, 2018, 9:15 AM · Following Disney's ticket price increase last weekend, Universal's theme parks this morning posted higher prices for their daily admission tickets.

Unlike Disney, however, Universal has not adjusted prices on its annual passes for Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, which remain the same as before.

Ticket prices are going up $5 for most one-park tickets at both resorts, with Park-to-Park ticket price increases ranging from nothing to $20 at Universal Orlando. (Universal Studios Hollywood has only one gate.)

Here are the new Universal Orlando prices for one-park tickets:

1 day: From $110/124 -> $115/124
2 day: $199.99 -> $204.99
3 day: $219.99 -> $224.99
4 day: $229.99 -> $234.99
5 day: $239.99 -> $244.99

And Park-to-Park:

1 day: $165/179 -> $170/179
2 day: $254.99 -> $264.99
3 day: $274.99 -> $284.99
4 day: $284.99 -> $299.99
5 day: $294.99 -> $314.99

Universal Studios Hollywood is going from three seasonal pricing tiers on its one day tickets to four for tickets bought in advance online, making direct comparisons a touch more difficult. But the gate price for its tickets is going up from $120 to $125 for a one-day ticket.

Advance sale online tickets go from:
$105/110/116 -> $105/109/114/119

Two-day tickets go up $10 at the Hollywood park.

Replies (8)

Russell Meyer

February 16, 2018 at 10:01 AM · It's amazing how long parks hovered below the $100 "glass ceiling", but now that they've broken through, there's no end to how high they can go now.

192.158.48.160

February 16, 2018 at 11:18 AM · It is now cheaper to buy a seasonal pass than buy 5 day tickets. Seems like they want to phase one or the other out.

66.27.157.116

February 16, 2018 at 11:47 AM · At what point do they raise prices so high it really is not worth going to these parks to put up with the large crowds, construction closures and down rides! My family has reached that point!

216.230.46.174

February 16, 2018 at 1:25 PM · Personally I think the next ceiling that will be approached cautiously is $150. At that price a family of 4 will be $600 per day, and closer to $800 if you factor in food and souvenirs. I also think that at $150 you hit a tipping point of vacation value reality. Just like professional sports, the pricing blocks out a number of individuals and families altogether. Revenue is up, attendance is down. This translates to needing less staff, and even more profits. Disney is already reporting these types of numbers. They will continue to increase.

The Annual Pass is a great concept until you really look into what you spend every year. With the monthly pay as you go plan, it lessens the upfront pain, but hides the long-term expense. Yes, it is a great deal, but every time we visit, I still spend $20 to $40 on something (let's not talk about Food and Wine). Go one a week, and you've spent another $2,000 without knowing it. I've coined it "trickle-and-dime theme park economics"

We will have to see where this goes in 2019 and 2020 as we approach the Magic Kingdom's 50th, but I'd guess we are going to see prices continue to rise as Disney continues to target and retain the highest value customers.

66.87.149.43

February 16, 2018 at 1:59 PM · Stop going is the only way to Stop them.

Anton M

February 16, 2018 at 7:49 PM · The Universal price increases are lower than I expected. That’s good.

jeremygary

February 17, 2018 at 5:43 AM · but wait, there's more! the inevitable AP increase for 2018 ... will it be 5%, 8% or more ?!? soon all will be revealed when that stealth AP bump hits an annual pass near you sometime SOON.

23.119.136.208

February 18, 2018 at 12:15 PM · It is so completely mind boggling and downright UNACCEPTABLE that Universal Studios Hollywood thinks it can charge that much. Or even remotely close to what Disney charges.
There are 8 count them EIGHT rides in USH. TOTAL. Or "13 attractions". Disneyland alone (not including DCA) has 54 Attractions. How on earth does Universal think it can charge the same as Disneyland when they offer less than 1/4 as Disney does.

That means at USH you are paying $9.15 PER attractions vs $2.20 per attractions at Disneyland.

So so so so so gross to me that they think they are anywhere even remotely close to Disneyland. It is absurd and truly insane. You can finish USH in 4 hours.

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Now it's Universal's turn to raise theme park ticket prices

Replies (8)

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