Another perk of being stationed at Kings Bay? The access to Orlando, Florida and the multiple amusement parks there!
Similar to the post about Disney World, this post will focus mostly on how to get discounted tickets and travel to Universal Studios Florida. Located three hours from Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Universal Studios is a great weekend destination!
As COVID is still circulating, please remember to take precautions if visiting the parks. If an active duty member is also traveling, they should check with their command regarding any COVID-related restrictions surrounding the parks.
What to Know
Universal Orlando consists of three parks and a shopping area. The parks consist of Volcano Bay (waterpark), Universal Studios, and Universal’s Island of Adventure. All the parks are accessed through a main area called Universal CityWalk, which connects Universal Studios and Island of Adventure via boardwalks with a bus area for access to Volcano Bay. There are two main parking structures which connect to Universal CityWalk and make accessing all three parks easy.
How to Purchase Tickets
There are a few ways to purchase discounted Universal Orlando tickets. One of the best deals for military families is to purchase the Military Freedom Pass from the ITT office. These passes are good for an entire calendar year and allow park hopping. They are available in two or three park passes. Military service members can purchase and activate up to 6 tickets per calendar year. However, these tickets need to be purchased and activated at the same time. For example, you cannot purchase three tickets one month and then three tickets another month. All tickets must be purchased and activated at the same time (my family found this out the hard way). Universal also runs occasional specialty tickets through the ITT office. For example, there is currently a military promotion for the Harry Potter Experience.
Universal also has discounted tickets and hotel stays for Florida residents. Information on Florida resident tickets can be found here.
Where to Stay
While you can definitely travel to the parks and back in one day, it can make for a more pleasant experience to spend a night or two down at the parks. There are lots of options for all types of budgets in the Orlando area. There are Universal Resort Hotels that are within walking distance to Universal CityWalk. There are also a variety of hotels which are a bus ride away (or even a 20 minute walk, if feeling up for extra walking). Parking at CityWalk costs about $30, but provides quick access to all the parks in one location.
Have you been to Universal Orlando? What is your favorite part of the parks?