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Should You Buy Universal Studios Florida Tickets At The Gate?

If you're planning to visit Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, you've probably seen tons of ads pushing you to purchase your tickets online, which leads many to question if you can even buy tickets at the gate.

Theme Park Center is here to explain if you can still purchase Universal Studios tickets at the gate, but more importantly is it even a good decision to purchase tickets at the gate?

Questions We'll Answer About Purchasing Universal Studios Florida Tickets:

  • Does Universal Studios Want You To Purchase Tickets Online?
  • Can You Buy Universal Studios Florida Tickets At The Gate?
  • Are Tickets Purchased At The Universal Studios Gate Cheaper? 
  • Should You Buy Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure Tickets At The Gate?  

Universal Orlando Ticket

Why Does Universal Studios Want You To Purchase Tickets Online?

Universal Studios wants to know in advance how many guests to anticipate on any given day.

Pushing guests to purchase tickets online allows them to forecast what attendance will look like with much better accuracy which impacts things from staffing to food preparation. 

This allows Universal to run a much more efficient business, which means money is being saved! 

Universal Studios Florida Archway

While Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure don't require reservations to access the park anymore, Walt Disney World still does as a means to even more accurately predict attendance levels. 

Purchasing tickets online also allows Universal Studios to put a lot more offerings in front of you like Express Pass, seasonal events, and hotels.

This isn't purely an upsell, but another way for Universal to make sure you know everything that is offered at the theme park during your visit and ensure you make the right purchases. 

Islands of Adventure Sign

Can You Buy Universal Studios Florida Tickets At The Gate?

Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure tickets can still be purchased at the front gate! 

There are multiple ticket booths just in front of the main entrance and at CityWalk where a Universal employee will walk you through the different ticket types, and help you make your purchase. 

Be aware that there are days when tickets are sold out (typically major holidays) and if you were hoping to purchase tickets at the gate you will be out of luck.

Purchasing your tickets online ensures you'll be able to access the park and won't be hit with a sold-out sign as you pull up to Universal Orlando. 

Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Ride Entrance

Are Tickets Purchased At The Universal Studios Gate Cheaper? 

Tickets purchased at the front gate of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are more expensive than prices you’ll find online.

This is yet another incentive to purchase your tickets in advance before your trip to Universal.

You can purchase tickets directly from Universal online or you can save even more money by purchasing your tickets from an Authorized Universal Ticket Seller.

Some of the most popular Authorized Universal Ticket Sellers include:

There are often savings of $5-10+ per person when purchasing your tickets online instead of at the front gate.

Hogwarts Express Train

Should You Buy Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure Tickets At The Gate? 

Probably not!

Between the risk of tickets selling out and higher prices at the gate, you should purchase your Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure tickets online.

There’s no real benefit of purchasing Universal tickets at the gate except being able to pay in cash, so we’ll always recommend purchasing tickets online in advance of your visit.

 

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