Next month, nearly 12,000 UCF students will be able to visit Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure for free during Universal Knights 2019. The annual event takes place April 7 from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. A limited number of guest tickets will also be sold to students who were unable to get a free ticket, as well as non-student guests.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets will be available through online and in-person distribution this year. Note: even if you reserve your ticket online, you will still need to pick up the ticket in person prior to the event (read more below). Students will need their UCF ID to pick-up their tickets. Tickets will be distributed to students on a first-come, first-serve basis over a two-week period as follows:
Week 1
March 18– 7 p.m.;Online pre-order via Ticketmaster
March 19– Noon; CFE Arena
March 20– 9 a.m.; CFE Arena
Week 2
March 27– 7 p.m.; Online pre-order via Ticketmaster
March 28– 9 a.m.; Live Oak Event Center in Ferrell Commons
March 29– Noon; Live Oak Event Center in Ferrell Commons
On each online pre-order date, students will receive an email from the Student Government Association with a link and password to reserve their tickets. At that time, students will also need to select an in-person distribution date to pick up their tickets at either CFE Arena or Live Oak Event Center on UCF’s campus. These tickets will be available for pick up through designated express lines. Be sure to bring a print-out or email receipt of your online voucher.
Guest Tickets
Non-students and students who were not able to get a free ticket can still attend Universal Knights with the purchase of a guest ticket. These tickets cost $58 plus tax. Tickets must be purchased by a UCF student at guest services at Universal Studios from 4 to 8 p.m. on the day of Universal Knights. Only 2,000 are available.
Transient Students
Students who are enrolled at UCF but currently taking courses at another college or university for the Spring 2019 semester are unable to receive a free Universal Knights ticket. However they can still attend if a UCF student purchases a guest ticket for them.
Pass Holders
Universal Studios annual and seasonal pass holders still need to get a Universal Knights ticket to attend the entire event. Only attendees with the Universal Knights wristband will be allowed inside the park after 8 p.m. Annual passholders without a Universal Knights wristband must leave the park by 8 p.m.
Transportation
Students who plan to drive to and from Universal Studios must use the free parking pass provided by SGA. The parking pass becomes valid at 3 p.m. on the day of the event.
SGA will provide limited busing to Universal Studios from main campus and back. Students must sign up for separate rides to and from the park between 3 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Students will need to bring their UCF IDs to ride these buses.
Reselling Tickets
Selling a Universal Knights ticket is a violation of the UCF Golden Rule. Violations are handled on a case-by-case basis by the Golden Rule Review Committee.
Food and Drinks
You are allowed to take bottled water and small snacks in a backpack or soft-sided bag.
There are different quick-service dining plans that include meals, snack and drinks available between $15.99 and $29.99 plus tax. They can be purchased online in advance or at guest services on the day of your visit.
What to Wear
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you will be on your feet for hours.
Don’t forget sunscreen and hats to help keep you protected from the heat before the sun goes down.
A lightweight jacket might also be useful at night in case it gets cooler.
What to Take
If you’re purchasing a guest ticket at the park or are will be using transportation provided by SGA, you will need to take your UCF ID. You do not need to take your UCF ID to the park for anything else.
To save money, take a small backpack with snacks and sealed water bottles.
Be sure to put your phone on low-battery mode and, if you have one, take a portable charger to make sure your phone doesn’t die.
Wait Times for Rides
You can save time looking for the shortest lines by downloading the Magic Guide: Universal Orlando app to keep track of each ride’s wait time.
Share your experience on social media by tagging @UCF and using #UniversalKnights2019