Seeking Advise on How to save Money to Go to Universal Studios in FL

Hi S., It is about 12 years ago when my family went to Florida and we got 4 free tickets to Universal just for attending a showing of a timeshare. Grandma Mary

Hi S.!
I am a travel agent with YTB Travel Network and we have some GREAT online deals at http://www.mytravelmuscle.com . Just scroll down a little and click on the picture of the Vegas showgirl that says Tickets and Attractions and then put in the dates and Orlando in your search and see all the great deals available to you! You can book directly online and avoid the lines at the park also!
If you really want to see about possibly traveling at an even more SERIOUS discount and getting travel agent rates on ticket attractions and other travel(I saved over $100 entry into the Grand Ole Opry just for saying I am a travel agent for my husband and I) check out http://www.way2go.biz . No experience necessary AND you can earn commissions on the travel of yourself and others as well!
Last but not least, we just got a new deal out that will help you save money on your vacation for next year. Go to http://www.ytbtravel.com/Hotels.aspx?wa=nordejesus and scroll down to click on the 7 Night Resort Vacation certificate to purchase a 7 day resort e-certificate for only $379!! I don't know how much your lodging cost this time, but unless you stayed with friends or family, I am sure it was more than $379. Can't hurt to check it out! These make great Christmas presents also! :)
Anyway, my husband and I have saved A LOT (over $1600 in our most recent week long hotel stay) by me being a travel agent and if you are thinking of traveling at least once a year...this could be an option for you too.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at the info under the contact us link on http://www.mytravelmuscle.com . All the best! N.

S.,
My suggestion would be to let the kids know that the vacation will be their birthday gift and rather than spending money on gifts or parties for them, put the money toward this exciting experience rather than a party that will last 2 or 3 hours. If you have a husband or significant other, rather than birthday, holiday and anniversary gifts this year, put that money you would have spent into an account toward the vacation. Good luck!

We just came back from Universal 3 weeks ago, there were 6 of us so I can relate. We purchased combo ticket (unlimited access to all parks for 14days) that gave us access to Universal, Islands of Adventure, Seaworld, Wet n Wild and Aquatica. This was the most afordable way for us. I purchased them thru Universal's website. We didn't use the meal deal and I'm not so sure it would have been worth it. You can prepay parking online for all the parks, which I did, but didn't see any benefit from it other than not having to bring the extra cash. If you have a AAA card Universal and Islands of Adventure give you 10% discount at most food and souvenier locations. Have fun!

Dear S.,
It seems possible that you just can't afford this vacation right now. With the way the economy is, you might want to think about saving your money. Perhaps you might consider having a vacation closer to home. Depending of when you want to take vacation, you might consider renting a place off-season on the Jersey Shore or something like that where your family can be together enjoying. I have rented apartments on the beach, fully equipped from vacationrentals.com or homeaway.com It is absolutely great and not expensive. Your children are at an age when they will be happy with a bucket making sandcastles with YOU. Save your money for when your children really need it. You'll be glad you did.

Bank of America has a checking account where all debit purchases made to that account are rounded up to the nearest dollar, and the difference gets automatically deposited in a savings account for you! So you can be saving without even feeling it. Like if you swipe your card at the grocery store for $15.25, the checking account will be debited 16.oo and .75 cents will go in a savings account. Sounds like a good idea to me. Good luck and enjoy!

Girl Universal Studios is a whole lot cheaper then Disney, lol - there are only 2 parks so you dont need a whole lotta days.

Did you look into purchasing them online? Mapleleaftickets.com - they have tickets to attractions in Orlando for cheaper then at the ticket window at the attractions.. they are reputable - I recently purchase Disney tickets for cheaper then the gate price and before the prices went up.

Sometimes Universal Stuidos has discount tickets when you purchase online at their website.

Good Luck and have fun.

If you or anyone you know is a AAA member-purchase your tixs via them. Believe it or not, I have a childs ticket I did not need which has not expired. Let me know if you can use it. It is a one day one park child ticket.

S.,

You could get tickets from Ebay as well - I went there about 4 yrs ago and saved a BUNDLE by getting my tickets on ebay.

I do recommend however, that when you get to universal - spend the extra $$ to get a fast pass - allowing you to get first in line on many rides.

some of the tickets on ebay are for only 1 day.. or for 2 people...but getting discount tickets for 2 people is better than paying full price for all 5!!!!

Get an ING account. The APY is much higher than in a regular bank savings account. Then do a weekly automatic transfer from your checking account into the ING account- maybe $25-50 a week and increase it if you are comfortable doing so. This way you will never miss the money and it builds up quickly. Or get a CD if you have several months to save. Pack your lunch and your kids lunches every day- this will save money. Also cooking dinner instead of take-out or going to a restaurant can save a lot too.

S.,

Looks like you have gotten some great ideas for ways to find great deals and ways to channel the money you already have into you vacatin from other areas of your budget.

You might also try a garage sale. Everyone in the family can contribute, thus coming together as a family with a common goal and then everyone will have ownership in the vacation. Put the money earned into a jar or box that sits in an accessable place. Then everyone can continue to contribute to it - the children can put in their birthday and holiday money from Grandma and Grandpa, allowances, etc. and mom and dad can offer their spare change at the end of the day and give up their coffee money to the fund and so on. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach your young children about money. Set up a very visable chart (the thermometer style seems to work well) to help them see how far or close to your goal you are. And using a cash box or jar makes it very concrete for your little ones to whom numbers on paper won't mean anything.

Good luck and enjoy your vaca!

S.

If you have AAA, you can save a few bucks off admission plus 10% off merchandise.

Try Undercovertourist.com or mapleleaftickets.com. I was able to save quite a bit this year when we went to Disney through undercover tourist. They also have free shipping.

I think buying it off http://www.universalorlando.com/tickets.php is your best bet. It is $99 for the unlimited 6 day pass which includes both parks and wet and wild. The sites listed below do not offer it that low. The price they show is off of the gate price. The one I'm talking about you have to purchase at least 2 days prior to you arriving at the parks.

Here is more info about the tickets:

2-PARK UNLIMITED ADMISSION

* Unlimited park-to-park admission to Universal Studios Florida®, Universal’s Islands of Adventure® for up to seven (7) consecutive days
* FREE admission to select live entertainment venues* at Universal’s CityWalk entertainment complex.
* This offer is only available online and is not available at the front gate
* Ticket expires six (6) days after first day of use
* Photo ID must be presented at front gate turnstile and Citywalk.
* Signature may be required on ticket.
* Limit of six (6) tickets per purchase.
* Parking not included.

We'll be in Orlando September 19th - 27th and hope to hit up Universal (but we're staying at Disney and have tickets for that every day). We found a great deal where the disney meal plan was included for FREE during certain dates. That's how we're saving money on our vacation. Good luck on yours. It is very expensive....but sometimes we all need a break from our lives, even if it does put us out financially.

Oh! And one more thing -- if you plan on eating in the parks, look at purchasing the meal plan! It is a really good deal -- unlimited eating.