Many families dream of a trip to Universal Orlando, but with tickets to visit now around $175 a day, it can break the bank. So we met with a travel blogger who has some great ways to cut those costs.

Nedra McDaniel loves to travel, posting money savings tips on her Adventure Mom blog. Her latest spot is Universal Orlando where she says contrary to popular belief, on-site hotels are really your best bet.

“We really like staying on site,” McDaniel said. “You get to go into the park an hour early.”

Sure, an off-site hotel will save a few dollars, but she says a number of on-site hotels also give you free fast or express passes, a $90 value per person.

“Some of them do include the express pass,” McDaniel said.

And while a simple hotel room may be the cheapest, McDaniel says a suite with a kitchenette can save a family hundreds of dollars on meals.

“Ours had a kitchenette with a microwave and a mini fridge,” she said.

Inside the park, she says eat what’s unique to the park.

“If you are a huge fan of Harry Potter, you are definitely going to want to take advantage of those dining experiences,” McDaniel said.

One thing that can really cost some money is souvenirs. Like Gringoitt’s piggy bank from Harry Potter World, or a Harry Potter wand. They can be $50 or more. Buy them outside the park, or purchase in advance on Amazon.

Finally, Universal has two parks: Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. McDaniel says Harry Potter plans need to buy the pricier two-park ticket, but if you are not a big Potter fan she says opt for a cheaper one-park ticket.

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“Prioritize what’s important to you and your family,” McDaniel said.

Our best bet, if it doesn’t interfere with school, is off-season such as October into mid-December. Tickets and lodging are at their lowest prices, and you don’t waste your money.

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