There’s always something going on at Universal Orlando Resort! And with so many events happening back to back, having a Universal Orlando Annual Pass is easily the best way to make sure you get to see it all!
But having an Annual Pass gives back in more ways than you might know! In addition to being entitled to entry through the entire (or at least most) of the year at Universal Orlando Resort, the theme park makes sure that it’s UOAPs know that they’re appreciated – especially during the holidays – with special UOAP perks.
Let’s take a look at what Universal is offering its Annual Passholders this holiday season!
Discounts on Holiday Events
Guests can get $10.00 off their VIP Holiday Tour tickets, which typically start at 84.99 per person depending on the day booked. We’ve talked about the Universal Holiday Tour before on Theme Park Shark – a great way to pack as much holiday cheer into one day as possible, and a great value for those visiting who might not have a whole lot of time to spend at Universal Orlando Resort, this VIP experience includes and exclusive meet-and-greet with The Grinch, Max, and a variety of Whos (an already coveted experience at the park!), reserved seating for the Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular, a meet-and-greet with Santa, priority access to one attraction of your tour guide’s choosing as part of the tour, and an after-hours showing of The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.
UOAPs were also offered 20% off The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast earlier in the season, but this event has unfortunately sold out. Any meet-and-greet event with The Grinch tends to sell out quickly, as these events tend to be some of the most popular of the season – and with good reason, to boot!
If meeting The Grinch is really at the top of your holiday bucket list this year, a VIP Holiday Tour guarantees your spot – otherwise, attempting to find digital meet-and-greet reservations through the Universal Orlando Resort app can be an all-day affair with no guarantee.
Exclusive Holiday UOAP Magnet
The tradition continues this holiday with an exclusive UOAP magnet! This year’s holiday magnet features everyone’s favorite gingerbread man, Gingy, along with a holiday cookie-themed design. The free Passholder magnets will be available until December 31st while supplies last, and Passholders can receive one per valid pass. They can be picked up at the UOAP Lounge in Toon Lagoon at Islands of Adventure while the lounge is open, or at the Five and Dime in Universal Studios from park open to park close.
Passholder Holiday Resort Rates
This one gives Passholders a little bit more wiggle room than the others! UOAPs have until February 12th to book their say at select Universal Orlando Resort hotels for up to 40 percent off regular rates. This discount is good for stays Sunday through Thursdays 11/3-12/25/24, as well as through 1/5-1/16-25 and 1/20-2/13/25 as well, so there’s plenty of opportunity to take advantage of these steep UOAP discounts! Be sure to talk to one of Universal’s booking representatives to make sure your Annual Passholder discount gets applied properly!
Special Holiday Parade Viewing Area for UOAPs
It’s always nice to feel special, and getting to experience the Holiday Parade from a reserved space exclusively for Passholders sure will do it! Universal Orlando Resort has sectioned off a portion of space in front of Mel’s Drive-In for Universal Orlando Resort Passholders to experience the magic of the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. This reserved viewing area is right in front of the Esoteric Gate – where the parade starts and ends – so guests will get double the holiday fun if they stay for the whole parade! Being right at the gate means you’ll also be among the first to see the parade pass by, to make filling your day with even more holiday cheer a breeze!
Space is first-come, first-served, so try to get there early if you really want to be admitted to the reserved viewing area – if the space is full by the time you’re able to get there, though, don’t worry! There’s plenty of other places to watch the parade go by, and those on the New York strip of the parade will even get to see Santa light the Christmas tree!
Extended Lounge Hours
Until December 31st, 2024, the UOAP Lounge in Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure will be open from park open to park close – great news if you forgot to grab your free UOAP magnet earlier in the day, or are looking to snag some exclusive UOAP merch before you head home!
The UOAP Lounge can get pretty crowded, though, so patience is key! Seating is limited, but the AC is free!
Exclusive Holiday Foods, Beverages, and Fudge (Yes, Fudge!)
The holidays bring not only cheer, but exciting seasonal foods and beverages too! For a limited time, guests can find UOAP-exclusive foods and beverages at select vendors.
This year, Lombard’s Seafood Grille is offering a new dining option – the Crispy Soft Shell Crab Appetizer, which includes crispy soft-shelled crab, sweet potato noodles, edamame, Asian vegetable slaw, calamansi dressing, and spicy chili aioli. This appetizer is $17.00 plus tax and can be ordered from your waiter or waitress with your annual pass.
Confisco Grille is also offering a unique food option: a Pimento Sliders entree for $18.95 plus tax. This dish features Wagyu beef sliders with pimento cheese, crispy bacon, and arugula on brioche rolls, and comes served with french fries.
And after trying one of Universal Orlando Resort’s new exclusive food items, Passholders can also find an excellent deal in some of the various confectioneries around the parks. Locations within Islands of Adventure include The Island Market and Export Candy Shoppe, Snookers & Snookers Sweet Candy Cookers, and Honeydukes at Hogsmeade; confectioneries at Universal Studios Florida include Sugarplum’s at Diagon Alley, the San Francisco Candy Factory, and Studio Sweet. These locations are all offering a sweet deal on fudge, where guests can buy four pieces of fudge and receive an extra three for free!
Of course, it’s worth noting that this doesn’t apply to and fudge of confectionery sweets purchased at the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen – so as cool as those sweets are, buyer beware!
Passholder Exclusive Merch
Passholders are also eligible for a 2024 Holiday Ornament, with personalization options available for an additional cost, from the UOAP Lounge in Islands of Adventure. And in addition to this year’s exclusive ornament, UOAPs also have the option to purchase exclusive merchandise like tee-shirts and pins, as well as a myriad of other holiday available to all, at the UOAP Lounge, the Five and Dime, or the Holiday Tribute Store!
As an added bonus, guests with either a Seasonal or Power Pass will receive 10% off their purchases at the UOAP Lounge until December 31st. Typically, Seasonal and Power Passholders don’t receive discounts on merchandise – but Universal is here to spread the holiday cheer, so be sure to take advantage of this limited-time discount to show off your Passholder pride!
Universal truly does make the holidays magical for its Annual Passholders, so whether you’re heading into one of the restaurants to try some exclusive new foods or just stocking up on stocking stuffers for the family with your UOAP discount, Theme Park Shark hopes you have a holly jolly holiday at Universal Orlando Resort this year!
