Guides and Tips, UOAP

A Local’s Guide For A First Time Passholder at Universal Orlando Resort

May 26, 2019
Universal Orlando Resort Annual Passes

Congrats! You finally made the plunge to become a Universal Orlando Annual or Seasonal Passholder. With park-to-park admission, amazing benefits and exclusive events, there are many opportunities and perks waiting for you. As a UOAP, you can now experience the parks in ways you never did before.

Upload Your Pass to Your Phone

The Official Universal Orlando Resort App offers amazing features that will enhance your entire experience at the Parks. Forget your Pass at home? Not a problem! If you connect your Pass with the app’s In-App Wallet, you can come to the Parks any time, with or without your physical Pass.

Get it now for your iPhone or Android device and plan your first visit right away.

*Currently only available to Preferred, Power, and Seasonal Passholders.

Don’t Forget about Complimentary Valet and Self-Parking 

As a Preferred Passholder, after your first visit you can receive free Self-Parking. If you’re a Premier Passholder, after your first visit you can receive free Valet or Prime Self-Parking. Power Passholders receive 50 percent off self-parking after first visit. Seasonal Passholders can receive free parking with the purchase of two matinee movie tickets at Universal Cinemark. And fun fact –– you can keep track of where you parked through the The Official Universal Orlando Resort App!

Use Your Amazing Discounts

As a UOAP, you can use your discount on Universal Orlando hotels, separately ticketed events such as Halloween Horror Nights, Rock the Universe and more. Premier and Preferred can use their Pass for discounts at select stores and dining options throughout Universal Orlando Resort. Power and Seasonal can also receive select discounts seasonally. To not forget at checkout, wear your Pass on your official UOAP lanyard! To find out more about the amazing discounts available, view the full list here.

*Discounts vary by Pass type.

Get into the Park Early

If you’re a Premier or Preferred Annual Passholder, you can experience the action of the parks before everyone else with Early Park Admission at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. On select days, Preferred Passholders can enter the park and experience select rides one hour before the park opens. Premier Passholders can enjoy the fun for an extra hour every day, with no blockouts. Are you Power or Seasonal and want to experience the action for an extra hour? It’s never too late to upgrade!

Use Your Exclusive Additional Seasonal Benefits

During select times throughout the year, UOAPs can also watch parades from their own exclusive viewing area. Throughout Mardi Gras, you can watch the nightly parade in the UOAP viewing area, or even be in the parade tossing beads to the crowds with your fellow UOAPs! There’s even a parade viewing area during Universal Holidays. You can also take advantage of exclusive UOAP benefits for Halloween Horror Nights, like specialty merchandise and more. In addition to discounts on HHN tickets, Premier Passholders can experience one night of scares for free!

*Parade viewing areas are subject to availability and time of year.

Take advantage of the Freestyle Soda and Popcorn Bucket Refills

If you plan on purchasing drinks throughout your day, maximize your wallet by purchasing the Coca-Cola freestyle souvenir cup! On the day of your purchase, you receive free soda and Icee refills all day. After that, all UOAPs can receive $1 off per Coca-Cola freestyle refill activation (not valid at food and beverage carts). More of a snack person? When you purchase a popcorn souvenir bucket, each additional refill only costs $2.

Get all of the exclusive merchandise and items

Each month, a new giveaways are released privately for UOAPs. They are on a first come, first served basis. But don’t worry, the giveaways are not the only souvenirs that UOAPs can get exclusively. UOAP exclusive merchandise is available throughout the year for special events.

Take your time

You now have the chance to come whenever you want*! Take your time to enjoy the parks, and do the things you normally might not get to do. If you can’t get in all of your favorite rides right away, don’t sweat it –– there’s always next time!

*Excluding blockout dates

Relax at the Lounge

UOAP Lounge inside Universal Store with UOAP background and white chairs

The UOAP Lounge is the perfect in-park getaway from the Florida heat, exclusive to UOAPs. Once you scan your Pass and head inside, you can charge your phone and purchase and enjoy crystalized refreshments from the Arctic Coke Cooler, pick up the monthly UOAP exclusive giveaway, or just relax.

Hear from Fellow UOAPs and Join the Community

Now that you know a little more about what to expect as a UOAP, it’s time to get involved! There’s an amazing community of fellow UOAPs waiting for you in the Universal Orlando Annual Passholder Facebook group. Plus, if you have any questions on how to maximize your experience, there are lots of experts in the group.

Already a UOAP? Did we miss any key important facts? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to share your fun with #UOAP on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

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70 Comments

  • Reply Dave May 27, 2019 at 10:06 am

    Too bad you can’t fit your Popcorn bucket or full Freestyle cup in the stupid new free very small lockers!

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    Reply Social Media Team May 27, 2019 at 11:02 am

    Hello David, thank you for your feedback. Please feel free to share your concerns with our Guest Services team at 407-224-4233 option 4 or via email at GuestServices@universalorlando.com.

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    Reply Social Media Team May 27, 2019 at 11:58 am

    Hello! Thank you for your feedback, Loretta.

  • Reply Andrew Cintron May 29, 2019 at 2:35 am

    Do annual pass holders get discounts on tickets for other people

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      Reply Social Media Team May 29, 2019 at 7:10 am

      Annual Passholders receive a discount on multi-day theme park admission tickets purchased at the Front Gate. For more information, please feel free to click the “benefits” link at the beginning of the article!

  • Reply PHIL MASTERMONICO May 30, 2019 at 10:15 pm

    So we are Preferred Pass holders coming from Pittsburgh. We have a non pass holder coming with us for a 4 day trip. What type of deal can I get them. June 23-26….

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      Reply Social Media Team May 30, 2019 at 10:24 pm

      Hi Phil! You do get 15% off multi-day tickets when they are purchased at the front gate.

  • Reply Marina L Kane June 2, 2019 at 8:18 pm

    What are the select nights for HHN 2019 for Premier annual passholders?

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      Reply Social Media Team June 2, 2019 at 8:31 pm

      Hi Marina!

      At this time, we do not have selected dates just yet. Please continue to monitor our social media pages as well as our website for any updates.

  • Reply Mark June 8, 2019 at 10:51 pm

    I love IDrive Orlando and the new surfside inn going in on it.

  • Reply Gabriela June 13, 2019 at 10:16 pm

    Hi, I want to buy an annual pass this month, somebody can help me because is my son’ birthday and I need more information. Thank you

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      Reply Social Media Team June 13, 2019 at 10:24 pm

      Hi Gabriela! I recommend visiting our website for more information about Annual Passes.

  • Reply Jeanette June 14, 2019 at 2:40 pm

    Premier pass has block out days?

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      Reply Social Media Team June 14, 2019 at 3:07 pm

      Hello Jeanette, the Premier Annual Pass does not include block out dates.

  • Reply mike stearns June 14, 2019 at 7:21 pm

    we have preferred APs and want to enjoy fast passes at one of our visits. Is there an option for that?

  • Reply Mike May 27, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    Hi!
    Do the Preferred or Premier annual passes include discounts for Surfside/Dockside? Also, If I live outside of Florida will the passes ship to my home address?

  • Reply Dana June 5, 2020 at 7:03 pm

    Adding your pass to your phone is convenient but it would be even better if volcano bay could acknowledge passholder status through tapu tapu…I couldn’t get my passholder food and beverage discount during my trip unless I was carrying my physical card:-(

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      Reply Social Media Team June 6, 2020 at 9:38 am

      Hi Dana, thank you for this feedback! We’re always looking for ways to improve the functionality of our products.

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    Reply Social Media Team June 7, 2020 at 11:37 am

    Hello Mimi! A reservation is not needed in order to visit the theme parks. Please note that since we’re limiting attendance, there may be times when the parks reach capacity and additional guests will not be admitted.

  • Reply Brian June 20, 2020 at 1:30 pm

    Improved sanitation stations and security from 2 weeks ago! Of course a little more crowded as well. As a health care provider, feeling better this time around than a few weeks ago. Most people are adhering to social distancing and mask wear. Nice job Universal!

  • Reply Anna Waddell June 30, 2020 at 10:06 am

    Question, if I purchase the UOAP in August and activate it in Sept. Does it expire from the purchase date or the activation date? Thank you!

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      Reply Social Media Team June 30, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      Hello Anna! When you purchase a Universal Orlando Annual Pass, it activates on the first time you enter the parks. No need to rush right away after purchase to pick it up!

  • Reply Jim October 8, 2020 at 7:25 pm

    Hello,

    how many times can you enter park for free with an annual pass (Premier) ?

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      Reply Social Media Team October 8, 2020 at 8:05 pm

      Hey Jim! At this time, our Premier Annual Passholders have no blockout dates. Here on our website would have all the information! https://bit.ly/36H0e9k

  • Reply Lynn October 10, 2020 at 2:10 pm

    Hello

    If I have a preferred pass do my husband and two children benefit from early admission too or would we all require our own individual passes?

    Thanks

  • Reply Amy February 9, 2021 at 12:57 pm

    If I ordered passes online do I have to physically pick them up or is there a barcode that can be sent? For example, if I don’t physically have them in hand, what do I do when I get to the park or hotel?

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    Reply Social Media Team February 9, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    Hi Amy! If you’ve already purchased your Annual or Seasonal Passes, you would have to pick them up at Guest Services with a photo ID. If you are staying at an onsite hotel, you can pick them up at the Vacations desk. Once you have your Passes, you can then add the barcodes to the Official Universal Orlando Resort App!

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    Reply Social Media Team February 16, 2021 at 9:16 pm

    Hi Anna!
    All Annual Passes do have to be picked up at Guest Services in person. The first time you visit, you will have to pay for parking, but after that it will be free for certain Annual Passes. You can find the benefits and parking information for each Pass on our website here: https://bit.ly/3djkv82

  • Reply Kim March 10, 2021 at 12:05 pm

    I live out of state and plan on purchasing an annual pass today online. However, I won’t be attending the park until May. Do I have to pick up my passes within a certain time frame or is it okay that several months pass before I am able to pick up and activate my pass?

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      Reply Social Media Team March 10, 2021 at 12:10 pm

      Hi Kim! You could pick up and activate your Annual Passes anytime after purchase.

      • Reply Kim March 10, 2021 at 12:26 pm

        Thank you so much! Can I pay for annual passes online using a Universal Orlando gift card?

  • Reply Beth Norman April 1, 2021 at 10:59 am

    I am purchasing a annual pass for my daughter to attend with friends. I will not be with her. She does not have a photo ID. What does she need to be able to pick up her pass when they arrive?

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    Reply Social Media Team April 1, 2021 at 11:05 am

    Hi Beth! She would need some sort of photo ID to pick up an Annual Pass from Guest Services. It does not have to be a driver’s license, but has to have a photo of her and her full name. If you have any further questions, please contact our Guest Services team at 407-224-4233 or GuestServices@UniversalOrlando.com!

  • Reply Pramod April 29, 2021 at 9:37 am

    Hi – I purchased annual passes for my wife and son using my card. They’ll be visiting with friends, I’ll not be with them. What do they need to be able to pick up their passes when they arrive?

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      Reply Social Media Team April 29, 2021 at 10:49 am

      Hey there! The Ticket purchaser would need to be present upon arrival for pickup. We suggest reaching out to Guest Services at 407-224-4233 with any other questions!

  • Reply Pramod April 29, 2021 at 11:46 am

    Hi – As I mentioned, I’ll not be there. What is alternative? They have photo ids.

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      Reply Social Media Team April 29, 2021 at 12:04 pm

      You would want to reach out to Guest Services where they can a look into the order and help answer!

  • Reply Tim April 30, 2021 at 12:07 am

    If me and my wife have the premier pass is it possible to add both our passes to the universal orlando mobile app so we can enter the park with the pass on our phone or do we still have to carry the card all the time. I’ve added our passes but I don’t see any baroda pop-up on the app to scan the passes.

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      Reply Social Media Team April 30, 2021 at 8:24 am

      Hi Tim! At this time, Premier Passes are unable to be linked to the mobile app, so you would need to ensure you bring your physical pass.

  • Reply Sabrina A Hayes May 13, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    I purchased my 16-year-old an annual pass. I will not be traveling with him on his visit. How can he pick up his pass without me being there?

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      Reply Social Media Team May 13, 2021 at 5:53 pm

      Hi there! The purchaser must be present to pick up any passes at the park. We would recommend calling 1-866-PASS-4-FUN.

  • Reply Scott June 27, 2021 at 4:59 pm

    Hello! Can annual passes be picked up at the guest services kiosk in City Walk?

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    Reply Social Media Team June 27, 2021 at 5:00 pm

    Hi Scott! Annual Passes that are paid in full can be picked up at Guest Services in CtiyWalk. Annual Passes on FlexPay can only be picked up at the parks.

  • Reply Loreal June 28, 2022 at 7:00 pm

    Where can I find a list of perks for the Preferred Pass? Something I can print. Is there a brochure?

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    Reply Social Media Team June 28, 2022 at 7:09 pm

    Hi there! Preferred Annual Pass benefits can be found on our website here: https://bit.ly/3OwkMUX

  • Reply Jenell July 28, 2022 at 5:22 pm

    are there any discounts for Volcano Bay in September?

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      Reply Social Media Team July 28, 2022 at 6:08 pm

      Hi Jenell,

      We recommend visiting our website, https://bit.ly/3OLvm9U, for the best information about our current ticket offers and pricing. You can also speak with our Online Ticket Store over the phone at 407-224-7840 for any assistance with your ticket purchase. We look forward to hosting you!

  • Reply Julie August 11, 2022 at 2:41 pm

    I love the lounge and all the perks of being a passholder. To make the lounge even more alluring, it would be wonderful to have a coke freestyle machine or Icee machine there…..and even more extra to have a special Icee flavor. My favorites are Banana and Watermelon which are hard to find around the park…. Thank you Universal for all you do to make the passholders feel valued (unlike the competition).

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      Reply Social Media Team August 11, 2022 at 3:31 pm

      Hey Julie! Thanks so much for this suggestion, and we’re so glad you love being a part of our UOAP family!

  • Reply Amy Cox August 12, 2022 at 4:45 pm

    Good Afternoon!

    I was wondering how you go about getting the valet services? Where to go when you get there? (do you go through the main drive where the garages are?) We have Premier passes, and we haven’t yet gotten to use the Valet services, as we weren’t sure how to go about using them?

    Thanks so much! And we are thrilled to be part of the UOAP family!!!

    Hugs, Sunshine, and all the fixin’s

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    Reply Social Media Team August 12, 2022 at 4:59 pm

    Hi Amy, for Valet Parking, you would head to the main parking garage and follow the signs to Valet Parking. You will need to present your Premier Annual Pass in order to receive free valet parking (excluding select special event nights after 7pm).

    • Reply John December 17, 2022 at 11:37 am

      1. Has it now been updated to put the AP card in the app for park entry?
      I also think it would be cool for the after 4pm to just scan a phone…
      2. I saw in the park entry area where it says early park entry is not currently available I assume that means as either a premiere pass holder or a hotel denizen?
      3. City walk has some good food options for sure but wouldn’t a nice Greek place be welcome?
      4. Where would you go to do the bead tossing in MG as a passholder?
      5. Unlikely to know… but will Epic universe be an upgraded price from a current three park pass?

      • Reply Digital Guest Communications January 7, 2023 at 3:23 pm

        Hi John! All Annual Pass types except for Premier Annual Passes can be linked to the Mobile App. Because Premier Annual Passes have that Universal Express after 4 P.M. option, it cannot be linked as a physical ticket needs to always be scanned for Universal Express access. Early Park Admission is available for certain Annual Passes on dates that can be found on our website here: https://bit.ly/3GOlNGA. We suggest checking our website for the most up to up-to-date information regarding Mardi Gras Parade float riding. We also regrettably do not have any details about Annual Passes and Epic Universe at this time, but we will be sure to share your feedback regarding CityWalk dining to the proper teams.

  • Reply Samantha Thieme February 4, 2023 at 11:56 am

    Greetings,

    Thinking about buying an power or preferred annual pass since I live here But my friends who are visiting Florida only buying a 1day 2 park pass. Will they be able to to do early admission with me or have access to the lounge with me?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications February 4, 2023 at 12:41 pm

      Hi Samantha! Each Guest would need to present their own eligible Annual Pass or valid Universal Orlando Resort Hotel Room Key to access Early Park Admission. Additionally, only Annual Passholders would have access to the UOAP Lounge.

  • Reply Samantha Thieme February 6, 2023 at 1:31 pm

    Do passholders get a free locker?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications February 6, 2023 at 1:47 pm

      Hi Samantha! While Universal Orlando Annual Passholders do not receive Complimentary Lockers, we do offer complimentary temporary lockers to store small loose articles that are prohibited on certain attractions. Theses can be found at participating attractions. For more information on our locker services, you can visit our website by the link provided here! https://bit.ly/3JLcvNy

  • Reply Tim March 27, 2023 at 4:36 pm

    Can others who aren’t annual pass holders come in early with a AP holder?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications March 27, 2023 at 4:41 pm

      Hi Tim! Only Universal Orlando Hotel guests, Premier Passholders, or Preferred Passholders (select days only) can access Early Park Admission.

  • Reply Mark A October 18, 2023 at 7:34 am

    From the UK, does the year start date activation begin from the point of purchasing an annual pass or from the first time used to enter the parks? If its entering the parks is there a maximum amount of time from purchasing that you have to activate it by?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications October 18, 2023 at 7:59 am

      Hi Mark! Our Annual Passes are activated upon first usage through turnstile entry. Please know that upon purchase, there is currently no designated timeframe that limits Guests to an activation period.

  • Reply Robert Carter December 16, 2023 at 8:13 am

    Does the 2024 Military Freedom Pass allow early park access?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications December 16, 2023 at 11:16 am

      Hi Robert! The 2024 Military Freedom Pass does not include Early Park Admission. We recommend checking out our website for more information: https://bit.ly/41pDPrf.

  • Reply Jonathan February 23, 2024 at 7:20 pm

    Are passholders able to park-hop? In other words, if I bought a pass, could I go to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure on the same day?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications February 23, 2024 at 7:28 pm

      Hey Jonathan! Yes, an Annual Pass would give you Park-to-Park access, meaning you can visit both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure within the same day!

  • Reply Tina March 14, 2024 at 1:20 am

    Hi

    I’m travelling from Europe, and would like to buy seasonal passes and book a hotel. If I buy the card now, and goes to activate on October 1st, can I then book a hotel room now, from October 1st, and use the discount on rooms, or do I need to go to the park for a day first?

    Also, I have looked into seasonal pass or power pass, and see the difference is in block out dates, and some special events/concerts.
    When I check the calendar, I only see Mardi Gras concerts. How do I see if there is any pass difference to Halloween night prices, or if there is any events/concerts in October?

    • Reply Digital Guest Communications March 14, 2024 at 9:09 am

      Hi Tina! We are thrilled to hear of you wishing to join the UOAP Family! Guests are more than welcome to purchase their Annual Pass at any time and book their hotel room with their discount on our website https://bit.ly/3v1CWJX, without having the physcial pass with you. However, please keep in mind a valid Annual Pass is required upon check-in to finalize the discounted room rate. Annual Passes paid in full can be picked up at our Resort Hotels with our Universal Vacation Planning Center team and our Annual Passes on FlexPay can be picked up by visiting our Guest Services team at our parks upon arrival.

      Additionally, to compare all of our current Annual Pass benefits, we recommend visiting our website at: https://bit.ly/3ViITNd. We hope to welcome you soon! 🌎 💙

  • Reply Digital Guest Communications March 14, 2024 at 9:08 am

    Hi Tina! We are thrilled to hear of you wishing to join the UOAP Family! Guests are more than welcome to purchase their Annual Pass at any time and book their hotel room with their discount on our website https://bit.ly/3Po3ps6, without having the physcial pass with you. However, please keep in mind a valid Annual Pass is required upon check-in to finalize the discounted room rate. Annual Passes paid in full can be picked up at our Resort Hotels with our Universal Vacation Planning Center team and our Annual Passes on FlexPay can be picked up by visiting our Guest Services team at our parks upon arrival.

    Additionally, to compare all of our current Annual Pass benefits, we recommend visiting our website at: https://bit.ly/3TBSiOP. We hope to welcome you soon! 🌎

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