4. Backstage shopping

Universal Studios Orlando has two backstage stores that are exclusively open for Team Members. One sells Universal merchandise at steep discounts. This is where you can pick up overstocked items for rock bottom prices. The store is particularly handy for grabbing event gear after the fact. Shirts and hats for seasonal events like Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights are often available for just a few dollars here once the event is over.

The second backstage store offers conveniences that Team Members might need to pick up before heading home. Items like milk and eggs are available so you don’t have to make an extra stop on the way home. You can even pick up essentials like socks or underwear in case you need an extra pair on the job. Universal recognizes that Team Members often work long hours and may not have a chance to run a lot of extra errands so they even stock items like cards and birthday cakes so you can show up at home on time and with something special in hand.

5. Parade participation

Regular Universal Team Members have the opportunity to participate in seasonal parades, becoming an interesting part of the action. While many entertainment positions, like dancers and stilt walkers, are reserved for extremely qualified Team Members, there are some other jobs that just about anyone can fill.

Universal Team Members can pick up shifts holding the giant balloons in the Macy’s Holiday Parade or throwing beads from the Mardi Gras floats. This is a fun way to try on the role of an entertainer without actually devoting your career to becoming one.

6. Hotel discounts

Image: Universal

Universal offers flat rate hotel discounts to Team Members. This means that they can book nearly any room at an on-site resort for one low rate. Depending on the season this is either a good deal or an insanely good deal. Hotel stays include Express Passes, which adds a big chunk to their value.

In contrast, Disney’s resort discounts for Cast Members are based on the price of the room at the time of booking, so a room at the Grand Floridian is always more expensive than a room at Pop Century, and seasonal fluctuations will impact room rates as well.

Though working in a theme park is far from being an easy job, there are many perks that come along with it, particularly for Team Members at Universal. With these special add-ons, the job can suddenly seem a whole lot sweeter.