4. Hotel specials

Hard Rock HotelAnnual passholders get discounts at Universal's onsite resort hotels. Image: Mike Burton, Flickr.

Depending on the season, annual passholders can score rock-bottom pricing at Universal’s onsite hotels. The Royal Pacific, Hard Rock Hotel, and Portofino Bay are well-known for their luxurious appointments and convenient location to the parks. The newest property, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, is Universal Orlando’s first moderately-priced option. Guests at the three deluxe hotels also get free unlimited Universal Express, allowing you to skip the regular lines. All four properties provide early entry to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The hotel specials vary dramatically from month to month, and some offers are better than others. Pay close attention to your passholder newsletter or call the hotel that interests you directly for details.

5. Insider info and invitations

Known as the ePassport, the emailed monthly passholder newsletter is chock full of insider information, tips and tricks, and special invitations. If a new discount is added or a special event is about to occur, you will find details in your ePassport. In addition, the ePassport is a great place to keep up with news on upcoming projects across Universal. If you are already a passholder, make sure your email address on file is up to date so you don’t miss a single opportunity. You can also check out the annual passholder website for up-to-the-minute additions and changes.

6. Free stuff

Incredible Hulk CoasterA Premier Pass gives you free Universal Express every day after 4 p.m.

Universal offers different levels of seasonal and annual passes. The top level, the Premier Pass, is especially packed with benefits. At this tier, your discounts are slightly better than those offered by the Preferred Pass. You also get quite a bit of free stuff, including free Universal Express after 4 p.m. each day. It is not valid during specially ticketed events such as Halloween Horror Nights, but the savings can be tremendous on crowded days. You are eligible for free valet parking, except after 7 p.m. on special event nights and certain holidays. In addition, each year you will receive 8 coupons, each good for one free bottle of water, as well as one free ticket to Halloween Horror Nights.