Our trip to Universal Orlando did cost a bit more than I expected, but I have no regrets. We had a very good time with plenty of memories!
Here's the approximate breakdown of costs:
Airline Fees $144
Park Tickets $604
Hotel Cost $695
Hotel Parking $52
Rental Car $191
Food/Gas/Souvenirs $668
Airport Parking $42
Grand Total $2396
We did Early Bird Check in for Southwest on both legs of the trip, which added $100 to our cost. It was worth it leaving, but on the way home our flight probably only had 60 people, so need for it. But you don't know that ahead of time.
Hotel costs could have been much less, however, we did get Express Passes included to cover all three days for four people even though we only stay two nights for that cost. (Third night at different hotel was paid with reward points) If we had purchased Express Passes (Unlimited version) for three days for four people it would have cost us over $1400! That is not a typo. There is no way I would have paid that, which is why staying on site is such a deal even though the cost of the hotel seems pricey it isn't for what you get.
I mentioned the rental car issue in yesterday's post. Originally I though I was getting a rental car 'free' with reward points.
Of course, we could have limited souvenirs, of which there really were only six or seven items. My husband had some pricey beer. We did eat Clif Bars in our hotel room each morning so that saved us a bit, but if we wanted food in the parks we ate it. I tried Earl Grey and Lavender ice cream, which was yummy! With it being so hot, water was probably our biggest expense. I didn't have time to do enough research, but we could have refilled our water bottles with water at the Coke Freestyle machines for FREE! Oops. Lesson learned for next time!
So it's all good. I'm using a little bit of our house proceeds and army reimbursements to pay for the trip. 
Total Universal Orlando Trip Costs
August 3rd, 2015 at 12:24 pm
August 3rd, 2015 at 12:30 pm 1438605038
We're off to Orlando Universal at the end of Nov/Dec. Any tips to share for saving money? I am tempted to do the meal plan for two days and plan on one dinner out at the Hard Rock. And my son with the August birthday is getting a wand as his gift - so I can start the souvenir/gift category now. Hope you had a wonderful time! Is your daughter ready for college yet? She must be leaving soonish!
August 3rd, 2015 at 12:39 pm 1438605564
I'll try to think of more tips...Laura. I did it so spur of the moment, I didn't have time to do my normal research.
We will spend the next 10 days getting ready for college. We will be making a list to buy quite a few things when we arrive, so not a ton to do before hand.
August 3rd, 2015 at 01:22 pm 1438608171
August 3rd, 2015 at 03:55 pm 1438617354
August 3rd, 2015 at 04:07 pm 1438618042
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/harry+potter+wand?fs=0&_requestid=210388
Coin albums are a good souvenir - There are several machines where you put a penny in and it will spit it out with an imprint reminding you of the place. Kids like to collect these and it's cheap!
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=disney+penny+book
Disney photo album / autograph books are also a hit. Kids will take pictures with different characters and you can put that picture (when developed) in the picture slot and have the character autograph the page. Have a big sharpie handy! Also, you can get a Disney photo card (free) and they have photographers that will be able to take pictures for you and on the card they provide you with a website and pin where you can go and look to see if you want to purchase those photos. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=disney+photo+albumn+autograph+book&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Adisney+photo+albumn+autograph+book
Disney landyard with are another things kids want. They can also trade the pins with others at the park! http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=disney+lanyard+and+pins&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Adisney+lanyard+and+pins
Disney costumes and shirts - buy before you go!
A lot of families wear these!! Super cute!
https://www.google.com/search?q=disney+family+matching+shirts&biw=1280&bih=894&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CE0QsARqFQoTCLret76ljccCFcwakgod_OkCmA
August 3rd, 2015 at 04:07 pm 1438618061
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