Cut the Line, Not the Fun
Ah, the age-old theme park dilemma: wait 75 minutes to ride, or survive another hour with a slightly overstimulated toddler in tow? If that’s a familiar inner monologue, you may want to say hello to your new best friend: the Universal Express Pass Ultimate Guide.
The Universal Orlando Express Pass lets you breeze past the standard queues at many top attractions across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and soon enough, even Epic Universe. It’s a fast-track to fun, and unlike some competitors (looking at you, mouse with the lightning lane), this pass requires zero return times and absolutely no app juggling.
You simply flash your pass and go. It’s the closest you’ll get to feeling like a theme park VIP… without having to become an actual wizard or velociraptor handler.
Major Upgrade to Express Pass
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
UPDATE: Epic Universe Express Pass Revealed
Hold onto your wand: Epic Universe officially opens on May 22, 2025, and yes, Express Pass access is confirmed. But there are a few magical caveats worth knowing before you book.
Let’s break it down faster than a fire-breathing dragon.
- No Unlimited Option: For now, Epic Universe does not offer Express Unlimited. That means you can only skip the regular line once per ride, no matter how many times you’re desperate to relive that Dark Universe thrill.
- Epic Universe Solo Pass now available: You can now just grab an Epic Universe Express Pass.
- Pricing Starts Around $150: That’s the starting point for lower crowd dates like mid September. But if you’re heading there during peak season or around opening (May, June, July, and December) expect to fork out $300+ per person.
- Express is not yet available on all attractions: Currently Express pass is not able to be used on 3 attractions at Epic Universe, so if you was hoping to skip the wait times for Dragon Racer Rally, Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness or Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, unfortunately you will still have to wait in the regular line.
For now, if you’re planning to visit Epic Universe soon after opening, just know the crowds will be thick and the rides shiny and new, so Express Pass might just be what you are after to a stress-free, queue-skipping adventure.
Our opinion with its high price tag and the Express Pass may not be worth it, keep an eye on queue times and if they spike and you have limited time then maybe it might be worth the price, for us we have planned at least 2 days in the park to give time to ride all the rides and experience the park at a more relaxed pace.
UPDATE: Hagrid’s Joins the Express Pass Party
Big news from the Forbidden Forest: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is now included in the Universal Express Pass lineup.
Yes, you read that right. The wild motorbike journey through magical mayhem is finally skippable well, the queue is. Not the hippogriffs.
This is a huge win for anyone grabbing Express, especially during those sticky summer months when wait times for Hagrid’s regularly hit 120+ minutes before your Butterbeer even has time to melt.
So what does this mean for you?
- More value packed into Express: Hagrid’s was the major holdout from the pass, so adding it seriously boosts your ability to maximise your day without sprinting at rope drop.
- Still some exclusions: Don’t get too comfy, Pteranodon Flyers is still the odd one out over at Islands of Adventure (probably forever destined to be the most exclusive ride with a 56” height limit and cult-like parent-only access).
- Epic Universe still has limits: As noted above, several rides in Epic Universe are excluded from Express, at least during the initial rollout. So manage expectations and queue snacks accordingly.
We’ll be giving this a proper magical field test during our next trip and updating this guide with the real-world details: wait times, ride timing, and whether Hagrid judges your muggle driving skills from the queue.
But for now? Score one for Team Express.
Two Types of Passes: Choose Your Power Up
Let’s break it down, as there’s more than one way to skip a queue.
Standard Express Pass
- Skip the regular line once per ride.
- Great for planners, park-hoppers, and anyone aiming to tick off the ride list without doubling back.
Express Unlimited Pass
- Skip the line as many times as you want.
- Ideal for roller coaster addicts, families with favourites, or anyone determined to ride Spider-Man six times before lunch.
Pro tip: The “Unlimited” version is the better value if you’re visiting during peak seasons or just can’t say no to “one more go.”
How Much Does It Cost? Brace Yourself
Theme park pricing is a little like a roller coaster: it goes up and down depending on the day. Express Pass prices change based on demand and date, but here’s a ballpark idea:
- Standard Express: Starting around £90 ($110) per person
- Express Unlimited: Starting around £100–£140 ($140-$150) per person
- Epic Universe Standard Express: Starting around £130-£285 ($150-$330) per person.
These are for single day starting prices, prices go up for multi-day Express passes.
Busy days? Expect those prices to climb faster than Doctor Doom’s Fearfall.
If you’re visiting during holidays, weekends, or summer break, the Express Pass often feels less like an add on and more like a survival tool.
Skip the Line, Not the Savings: How to Get It Free
Yes, you read that right you can get Universal Express Pass for free. Well… sort of. Stick with me, because this is one of the best hidden gems in the Universal playbook.
Book a stay at one of the Universal Premier Hotels, and you’ll unlock a magical bonus: free Unlimited Express Pass for every guest in the room.
We’re talking:
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
That means you skip the regular lines all day, and not just once per ride—this is the Unlimited version. Even better? It’s valid on both your check-in and check-out days, giving you up to two full days of Express Pass magic with just one night’s stay.
Let’s break it down with a bit of theme park maths (yes, budgeting is part of the fun…sort of):
- Standard Unlimited Express Pass can cost £90–£250 per person per day, depending on season
- A Premier Hotel stay often starts around £300–£500 per night, depending on time of year
- For a family of four, the pass value alone can exceed the room rate, making the hotel effectively pay for itself
If you’re planning to purchase Express anyway, Premier hotels are an absolute winner and you get early park entry, luxury perks, and walkable access to the parks on top.
One Important Caveat
This free Express Pass is only valid at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
At this time, Epic Universe Express Pass must be purchased separately, and it’s not included with hotel stays (yet!). So if Epic is on your itinerary, plan accordingly and expect to pay extra for those front-of-the-line privileges.
Ready to Book your Park Tickets?
Looking to make your Orlando dreams a reality without watching your wallet do a disappearing act like Figment in a puff of imagination? Look no further than our trusted affiliate partner: AttractionTickets.com – the UK’s No.1 provider for Florida attraction tickets and theme park hotels!
Here’s why we trust them for all our magical ticket needs, and why you should too:
Why Book with AttractionTickets.com?
Instant, Gate-Ready Digital Tickets: No more wasting your first 30 minutes in Florida queuing up to exchange a voucher. You’re on holiday get straight to the fun!
Always Cheaper Than the Gate Price: Save those extra pounds for Mickey pretzels or a wand at Ollivanders.
Pay in Instalments: Spread the cost and keep your budget looking happily ever after.
No Hidden Extras: The price you see is the price you pay. No villainous surprises here.
Top-Notch Customer Support: Available 7 days a week via phone, live chat, email or social media (Weekdays 9am–7pm, Weekends 9am–5pm).
Trusted by Millions Over 5 million happy customers since 2002.
Award-Winning Service: 12-time winner of Best Attraction Ticket Provider and 7-time winner of Best Attraction Website. Mickey himself would be impressed.
Sweet Extras Included: Discount vouchers, expert tips and magical planning advice.
Hot Deals for Summer 2025
Disney’s not just opening the gates, they’re handing out the pixie dust:
- 10% Off Universal Orlando Hotel Packages: Use code HAPPY, valid on 2025 and 2026 tickets
Ready to ride?
Whether it’s Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, or beyond, AttractionTickets.com has the deals to get you there for less—with zero stress and gate-ready tickets at your fingertips.
Get your tickets in advance and skip the stress and time getting your tickets at the Park, it’s just like a Lightning Lane pass, but for your whole vacation!
Booking through our link helps support the site at no extra cost to you—and keeps the churro fund going strong. Thanks for the magic!
Book Smarter. Play Harder. Save More.
Where to Buy Universal Express Pass
So you’re ready to skip the standby and live your best queue-free life? Let’s talk logistics: how to buy Universal Express Pass without accidentally adding a souvenir mug to your cart.
1. Buy Online via Universal’s Website
The most popular (and often cheapest) option: book Universal Express Pass online directly through the official Universal Orlando website.
- Choose your park date and type of pass (Express or Unlimited)
- Bundle it with your park tickets for multi-day or multi-park combos
- Download your pass digitally or link it to your Universal account
Pro tip: Express pricing is date-based, and it can swing wildly. Weekends and holidays = higher prices. Booking in advance usually saves you from sticker shock at the gate.
2. Use the Universal Orlando App
Already in the parks or planning on-the-go? The Universal Orlando app makes things super easy:
- Tap “Buy Tickets and Passes” in the main menu
- Select your ticket or add Express Pass to an existing one
- Pay and access it straight from your phone (no paper, no panic)
Bonus: You can also check ride wait times to see whether Express is worth it for your day.
3. Buy at the Park
Prefer the old-school way? You can still purchase Express Pass at the parks, either:
- At the front gate ticket windows
- At guest services kiosks
- Or inside the park at dedicated Express Pass sales booths
This option gives you flexibility if you want to see the crowds first and decide on the fly. That said, same-day prices are often higher and quantities can sell out on busy days. Yes, Express Pass can actually go out of stock—especially during peak summer or holiday madness.
Rides Covered by Express Pass (and a Few That Aren’t)
It doesn’t cover everything (But also everything), but it gets you access to most of the major thrills.
You can use the Express Pass on:
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Revenge of the Mummy
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- And many more…
- As stated on Universal Studios Orlando Website these are subject to change
But note: The only exceptions now to the Express Pass are Pteranodon Flyers and Raptor Encounter both located at Islands of Adventure.
Over at Epic Universe the Express Pass is currently not available on:
- Dragon Racer Rally
- Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Although these are likely to be added eventually no information on when this could happen are available.
When to Buy It (And When Not To)
Not every day calls for Express. If you’re visiting on a sleepy Tuesday in January, you might not need it. But here’s when it’s definitely worth it:
- Holidays and weekends
- Summer school breaks
- Special events like Halloween Horror Nights or Mardi Gras
- One-day visits where every minute counts
On quiet days, you might find queues under 20 minutes. But if your trip lands on a jam-packed Saturday in July… well, the Express Pass will feel like the best decision you’ve made since not wearing jeans in Florida.
How to Maximise Your Express Pass
You’ve got the golden ticket—now use it wisely:
- Start early: The first hour of park opening is still the best time to hit rides before lines grow.
- Use Express on high-demand rides only: Don’t waste it on attractions with short wait times.
- Combine it with the Universal app: Wait times are posted in real-time, so you can plan smart.
- Use Child Swap if needed: One adult rides, the other waits with the little one, then switch without queueing again.
Also, pack like a pro:
Backpack that offers some water-protection. Food bags to keep spare clothes and valuables dry.
Portable phone charger (one that can charge multiple devices is useful) You’ll thank yourself when the battery hits 10% half way through your day.
Breathable walking shoes, Florida heat and thunderstorms are not kind to your feet (wet feet are unhappy feet).
Our Honest Take: Is It Worth It?
Short answer: usually, yes.
If it’s your first trip, you’ve got limited time, or you just really hate standing in line, then it’s a solid investment in your happiness. You’ll ride more, stress less, and maybe even catch the parade and the Butterbeer break without checking your watch every five minutes.
If you’re on a tighter budget or travelling during an off-peak week with multiple park days, you can skip it and still have a magical experience.
But if you’ve ever queued 90 minutes for a Minion… you already know what to do.
Final Thoughts: The Magic is in the Moments
Theme parks are about creating unforgettable moments, not endless hours in queues. The Universal Orlando Express Pass gives you the freedom to explore more, enjoy more, and make the most of every thrilling second.
Still unsure? Ask yourself this: Would I pay to skip the line at the coffee shop when I’m under-caffeinated and running late? Yes? Well then…
It’s time to skip the queue and own the day.
Have you ever got the Express Pass or not purchased it only to regret that decision later in the day? Let us know you thoughts and stories in the comments, follow us on instagram, facebook and TikTok.
