Best Value Alternatives to Universal Studios That Will Save You Hundreds
Written by
Cara Danielle Brown
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Each year, families flock to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, for a fun-filled adventure. Visitors immerse themselves in themed lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, enjoy rides and take in live-action shows… for a fee. How much, you ask?
Per Universal Orlando‘s official website, the price of entry to Universal Studios in November 2025, utilizing the one park per day option, costs between $140 and $175 for one adult, and between $135 and $170 for one child; hotels start around $150 per night for a value resort like the Cabana Bay Beach Resort and go up to $500 per night for a higher end resort like the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel; food costs $75 to $100 per person per day.
For a family of four, the cost of visiting Universal Studios can feel out of reach. If you’re looking for other Florida theme parks that are just as enjoyable but cheaper to visit, here are three value alternatives.
LEGOLAND
This 150-acre, kid-friendly theme park in Winter Haven, Florida, features rides like Coastersaurus, interactive shows like LEGO City 4D and dynamic attractions inspired by (you guessed it) LEGO. In addition to the main park, the resort also includes a separate water park and Sea Life Aquarium.
Per LEGOLAND‘s official website, tickets cost between $60 to $80 per person for ages 2 and up for one-day access to the main park (not including access to water parks, etc.); resorts on-site range between $200 to $250 per night; food costs between $50 to $100 per person per day.
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida, is infamous for its thrill rides.
Iron Gwazi is not only the tallest hybrid coaster in North America, but the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world. And that’ not all. The grounds also include an animal park, live shows and dazzling parades.
Per Busch Gardens‘ official website, tickets cost roughly $150 per person for ages 3 and up for one-day access — with the option to purchase a $210 ticket that includes all-day dining. According to TripAdvisor, hotels near Busch Gardens average $150 per night — with some as low as $75.
When compared to Universal Orlando, “Hotel rates in the Tampa area are generally around 20% to 30% cheaper than in Orlando, with many offering free or low-cost shuttles to the park,” stated Joe Cronin, president at International Citizens Insurance.
Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America is an amusement park with locations in both Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida, offering a variety of roller coasters, multi-level go-kart tracks and arcade games. It’s also home to Gator Spot, a small exhibit featuring alligators and other reptiles.
According to Fun Spot America‘s official website, a single day, one-park ticket costs $60 for ages 3 and over when purchased online; a one-day dining pass costs $25 when purchased online.
Kayak lists top-rated hotels in Kissimmee costing between $60 and $160 per night, while Hotels.com shows hotels near Orlando averaging $200 per night.
Editor’s note: All prices are for November 2025.
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