Making the most of your time in the Orlando theme parks is essential and a Universal Express Pass could be the answer. But with prices running from $79.99 to $289.99 per person, it’s definitely not a cheap add-on. You’ll need to take the time to plan and work out if you really need it. A lot will depend on the time of year you visit, crowds and weather. Our info below will help you decide if an Express Pass is worth the cost.
Keep in mind too, that not all attractions have Express Lines.
What is the Universal Express Pass?
The Universal Express Pass is a priority entry status that enables you to cut down your wait times. There are several Universal rides and attractions that have an Express Pass line. You join the line close to the front, rather than right at the front, but it should cut your wait time depending on the time of year.
There are 2 types of passes: Universal Express Pass and Universal Express Unlimited Pass.
- Universal Express Pass can be used one time on each attraction offering an Express Line.
- Universal Express Unlimited Pass can be used as many times as you like on each attraction offering an Express Line.
Express Passes are available for both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. They can be purchased individually for each park or you can also purchase a two park pass if you plan on visiting both parks.
They are date specific and last for the full day.
(The regular Express Passes can not be used during Halloween Horror Nights – there are separately sold passes exclusively for the Halloween event nights).
How Does the Express Pass Work?
Present your Express Pass to the ride attendant at the entrance of the attraction to be scanned. In most attractions, you’ll merge with the line much closer to the front, cutting your wait time.
Your Express Pass will not get you to the front of the line, but it will cut your wait time considerably.
If an attraction has a virtual line, you can get a return time like everyone else. However, your Express Pass also gives you the option to walk in immediately, rather than getting in the virtual line.
When Should I Buy an Express Pass?
It depends on what time of year you plan to visit. If it is a quiet time of year, an Express Pass is more than likely not necessary. You could wait until you arrive at the park to judge crowds. If it’s busier than anticipated, you can purchase once inside the park.
During peak dates it can be a huge time saver. If you are visiting during a major holiday, such as Christmas/New Year, purchasing an Express Pass in advance would be well worth considering. They can and do sell out.
To see both parks, even at a quiet time of year, it generally takes two days to experience everything. If you only have one day and want to do both parks, a Universal Express Pass could be a real time saver.
How to Purchase
Express Passes can be purchased at numerous locations throughout the parks. You can also purchase in advance through the Universal website.
Online: Universal Website
There are also combo tickets that include park and express passes. You can see full details on the Universal website.
If you are staying onsite at one of the Universal premier hotels, an unlimited express pass is included. The premier hotels are: Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort.
If you are staying in one of our vacation homes, message me for a money saving tip!
What Rides Are Included in the Universal Express Pass?
There are almost 30 rides that have Universal Express Pass access in both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Express Pass Attractions at Universal Studios Florida
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Hogwarts Express Kings Cross Station (2 park pass required)
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- The Bourne Stuntacular
- Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon
- Revenge of The Mummy
- The Simpsons Ride
- Transformers: The Ride 3D
- Fast & Furious Supercharged
- ET Adventure
- Kang & Kodos wire n Hurl
- Men in Black Aliens Attack
- Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
Express Pass Attractions at Islands of Adventure
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Storm Force Acceleration
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
- Popeye & Blutto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Hogwarts Express Hogsmeade Station (2 park pass required)
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Poseidon’s Fury
- Caro-Seuss-el
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
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What Rides Do Not Have Express Pass Lines?
Most rides and attractions do have an option for the Express Pass, but there are some that don’t. Those are:
Universal Studios Florida
- Fievel’s Playland
Islands of Adventure
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Pteranodon Flyers
How Much Does a Universal Express Pass Cost?
The cost of an Express Passes is date dependent. The busier the parks are, the higher the price. The quieter the parks, the lower the price. The highest priced week is the week between Christmas and New Year.
- One Park Express Pass: A one park pass starts at $79.99 and goes as high as $249.99.
- One Park Unlimited Express Pass: A one park unlimited pass starts at $109.99 and goes up to $279.99
- Two Park Express Pass: Two park passes start at $89.99 and goes up to $259.99
- Two Park Unlimited Express Pass: A two park unlimited pass starts at $119.99 and goes up to $289.99
All prices are per person, plus tax.
Is An Express Pass Worth the Cost?
That’s really the million dollar question. And the answer depends on different things and will be yes for some, no for others.
Only you can decide.
If time is limited, then a Universal Express Pass is definitely worth it. You will achieve so much more enjoyment and satisfaction if you come away at the end of the day feeling exhausted but fulfilled.
You’ll have seen and done everything on your “must ride” wish list. There’s so much to do, if you are only visiting once or twice, an Express Pass will make a difference.
It also depends on how much value you place on saving a little time. During busy times, Express Passes will give you a wait time of up to 20 minutes. During low season dates, Express Pass users will experience very little wait times.
What’s the Alternative?
If you don’t mind going it alone, single riders are a great way to cut the wait times. There is a good chance your wait will be even less than a Universal Express Pass.
However, do be aware that you’ll miss out on the line experiences. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey both have fascinating wait lines and it can be a big part of the attraction.
Single Line Rides at Universal Studios:
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Revenge of the Mummy
- Men in Black: Alien Attack
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Transformers: The Ride 3-D
- Fast & Furious – Supercharged
Single Line Rides at Islands of Adventure:
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- Dr. Doom’s Fearfall
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Islands of Adventure also offer single line rides on occasion at Jurassic Park River Adventure and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.
Universal Orlando Time Saving Tips
Get the low-down on wait times and crowds with Crowd Calendars. Check out these terrific resources for Crowd Calendars:
Touring Plans will help you plan the whole day and offer the best way to make the most of your time. Here’s our favorite resources for Touring Plans:
So there you have it in a Nutshell. We hope this Universal Express Pass Guide was a help.
Orlando Accommodation
If you are visiting the Universal Orlando theme parks, we’d love to welcome you to one of our cozy Orlando Vacation Homes. An awesome alternative to hotels for comfort, space and privacy, just 25 minutes from Universal.
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