So I just returned from Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL...I was not scared at all by the haunted houses, but the atmosphere was incredible and lively. I had a great time--I went with about 12 people in all.

 

One of the guys that I was with has the Preferred Annual Pass ($179) and I was talking to him about it last night...It gets you discounts on just about everything, including park tickets, hotel rooms and restaurants. They have a flex plan that allows you to make 12 monthly payments, which in my mind is ideal and appreciated.

 

If anyone has any firsthand experience or information/suggestions regarding the Annual pass, please let me know. I'm seriously considering it because I've already gone to Universal three times since March (twice before last night), and the combined money that I've spent is close to the $179---JUST on the tickets. I can't imagine how much I would have saved already from food, rooms, merchandise, parking, etc if I had the annual pass. I know Halloween Horror Nights is not covered by the pass, but even so I've spent a lot.

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

If you figure to go 5 or more times a year, even as a Florida resident, it's worth it.

 

I had one with Disney a while back. Don't know the specifics of the Universal one, but if you go and stay on the property, it's probably a good idea to get it.

 

At the same time, having it also makes you feel almost obligated to use it which would of course lead to more spending than normal (as you'll be at the park more than normal).

I'm going in December, again in March (Spring Break) and probably at least once over the summer. So right there, that's three trips (which would normally cost about 175 bucks just for tickets).