Universal Express Pass at Universal Orlando – Complete Guide
One of the worst things about visiting any theme park is waiting in line for rides. To combat this, Universal Orlando introduced the Express Pass.
From my experience, a Universal Express Pass reduces wait times by about 85%. So, if a ride has a 1-hour wait, you’ll typically wait just 10 to 15 minutes.
Universal Express Passes are sold using a dynamic pricing model. They cost between $89.99 and $299.99 per day. The cost of a Universal Express Pass is extra and in addition to your general admission theme park ticket.
Pro Tip: This does not include the Volcano Bay Express, which costs between $19.99 and $139.99.
The dynamic pricing model means Universal Express Passes are expensive on busy days and cheap on quiet ones. However, you don’t need to skip the line on quiet days because the line is already so short.
This means that whether a Universal Express Pass is worth it will depend on when you’re visiting.
I therefore suggest looking through a Universal Orlando crowd calendar before your visit.
If Universal Orlando is going to be quiet, you shouldn’t need an Express Pass. However, if it is going to be busy, I’d recommend buying one. Sure, the Universal Express Pass will be more expensive on the busier days but you’ll also maximise its benefits.
Pro Tip: It’s rare, but Express Passes can sell out. If you’re visiting during super-peak times, consider upgrading your Universal ticket in advance.
How the Universal Express Pass Works
Depending on how you obtain your Express Pass, it will either be:
- Paper ticket with a barcode
- Hotel room key
- Universal Orlando VIP Tour Ticket
You can enter through the Universal Express Pass entrance for eligible rides with any of these items.
At some point during that line, a staff member will ask to scan your Express Pass. The exact location varies between rides.
If your Express Pass is correct, you can continue using the Express Pass line. You’ll then meet the standby line for the ride at some point close to the boarding area. Again, the exact location varies between rides.
Universal Express Pass & Universal Express Unlimited Pass
There are two types of Express Passes available at Universal Orlando:
- Universal Express Pass
- Universal Express Unlimited Pass
With the Universal Express Pass, you can only use the Express Pass line for each ride once. This doesn’t stop you from going on the same ride multiple times. However, you can use your Universal Express Pass on that ride once.
Meanwhile, with the Universal Express Unlimited Pass, you can use the Express Pass line as many times as you like. It’s typically about $20 to upgrade from a Universal Express Pass to a Universal Express Unlimited Pass.
Eligible Express Pass Rides
You can use an Express Pass on all rides at Universal Orlando except for:
- Pteranodon Flyers
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Pro Tip: If you buy a Universal Express Pass for one park, it will only work on eligible rides inside that selected park. If you want to use the Express Pass in all the parks, you will need a multi-park Express Pass.
Where to Buy the Universal Express Pass
There are three ways you can get a Universal Express Pass:
- Buy one online when you’re buying your theme park tickets
- Buy one in person from Will Call or any of the ticket desks
- Get one free by staying in an eligible on-site hotel
Pro Tip: Once your tour has finished, you can use your Universal Orlando VIP Tour ticket as a Universal Express Unlimited Pass.
If you are buying a Universal Express Pass in person, be sure to get it as early as possible to maximise its value.
This gives you more time to skip lines and go on more attractions. For the best experience, start with the most popular rides first, as Express lines can still build up later in the day.
Universal Express Pass Unlimited Hotels
Selected Signature on-site hotels offer all guests free Universal Express Unlimited Passes. This includes both check-in and check-out days. So you get two days of Universal Express Unlimited Passes with a one-night stay at an eligible hotel.
These eligible hotels are:
These hotels typically cost between $500 and $1,200 per night. However, two days of Universal Express Passes cost between $179.98 and $599.98 per person. As such, couples and families may save money on Universal Express Passes by staying in one of these eligible hotels.
