Hey Universal Vacationers! Heading to Universal Orlando and asking yourself, “Is the Universal Express Pass worth it?” Let me break it down for you in a way that’s not just helpful but game-changing. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned park-goer, this guide covers everything you need to know about Universal’s Express Pass. By the end, you’ll know if this add-on is a must-have for your visit or if you can skip it. Let’s dive in!

What is the Universal Express Pass?

Think of the Universal Express Pass as your VIP backstage pass to the parks. It’s your ticket to skipping the long standby lines, saving you hours of wait time so you can ride more, stress less, and make memories without the hassle.

You can get an Express Pass in two ways:

1. Buy it separately. Prices vary depending on the type of pass and the season (we’ll cover that shortly).
2. Stay at a Premier Universal Hotel. Guests at Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay, or Royal Pacific get Unlimited Express Passes included with their stay—yes, for free! Even better? The pass is valid for both your check-in and check-out days, giving you two full days of Express access for a one-night stay.

Types of Universal Express Passes

Universal offers three main types of Express Passes tailored to different needs. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Universal Express
   • Skip the standby line once per ride at participating attractions.
   • Ideal for visitors who want to skip lines on select rides without the need for repeat rides.
2. Universal Express Unlimited
   • Skip the standby line unlimited times per ride at participating attractions.
   • Best for those who want full flexibility and love to re-ride favorites. This pass is included if you stay at one of Universal’s Premier hotels.
3. Volcano Bay Express
   • Skip the standby line once per ride at Volcano Bay, Universal’s water park.
   • Great for maximizing your time at this tropical oasis.

Which Rides Accept the Express Pass?

Most rides at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure accept the Express Pass. Here’s a quick list:

Universal Studios Florida

• The Bourne Stuntacular
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• E.T. Adventure
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• HogwartsExpress (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
• Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
• MEN IN BLACKAlien Attack
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Revenge of the Mummy
• The Simpsons Ride
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• Caro-Seuss-el
• The Cat in the Hat
• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
• Flight of the Hippogriff
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
• Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Jurassic Park River Adventure
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong
• Storm Force Accelatron

Rides Not Covered by Express Pass

Before you get too excited, there are some high-profile rides where the Express Pass isn’t valid. These include:

• Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Pteranodon Flyers

If these rides are non-negotiable for your trip, plan to rope-drop them (arrive before the park opens) or visit during less crowded times of the day.

How Much Does the Express Pass Cost?

Let’s talk dollars. Pricing for the Universal Express Pass varies based on the season, crowd levels, and the type of pass. Here’s what you can expect:

Pricing Chart by Season (per Person)

Pro Tip: Prices skyrocket during peak seasons like summer, Halloween Horror Nights, and holidays. To find the busiest times, make sure to check out the crowd calendar.

Do Premier Hotels Include the Express Pass?

Yes! Guests staying at Universal’s Premier Hotels receive free Unlimited Express Passes for their entire stay, including check-in and check-out days. These hotels are:

• Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort

This perk can save you hundreds of dollars, especially during busy seasons. Always compare the cost of a Premier Hotel vs a non-Premier Hotel plus Epxress Pass. Many times if may be cheaper to stay at a Premier Hotel.

Is the Universal Express Pass Worth It?

Here’s the million-dollar question: Should you invest in a Universal Express Pass? The answer depends on your priorities, but here’s when it’s a no-brainer:

1. You’re Visiting During Peak Season. If you’re heading to the parks during busy times, the Express Pass can save you hours of waiting in line. It’s the difference between riding three attractions in a day versus ten or more.
2. You’re Staying at a Premier Hotel. If you’re already planning to stay at Hard Rock, Portofino Bay, or Royal Pacific, the included Unlimited Express Pass is a huge perk. You’re getting premium hotel amenities plus the ultimate park convenience.
3. You Love Re-Rides. Whether it’s zipping through Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or braving the twists of The Incredible Hulk Coaster, the Unlimited pass lets you ride your favorites again (and again).

Express Pass Hack: Two Days for the Price of One

Here’s the secret sauce: Book a single night at a Premier hotel, and you’ll get Unlimited Express Passes for two full days. Your pass starts the day you check in and lasts through the day you check out. Even if you don’t plan to sleep at the hotel, this hack can save you hundreds of dollars compared to buying the passes outright.

For example:

• A family of four buying Unlimited Express Passes at $119 each = $476 per day.
• One-night stay at Royal Pacific = ~$350 (including Express Passes for two days).
  You save money and get the convenience of Express for two days. Genius.

Who Doesn’t Need the Express Pass?

Not every visitor needs an Express Pass. If you:

• Visit during off-peak times, like weekdays in September or January.
• Plan strategically, using early park entry, rope-dropping major attractions, and staying until park close.
• Don’t mind waiting in lines for a few key attractions.

Then you might be able to skip the pass and still have an amazing day.

Tips for Using the Express Pass

1. Buy Early: Passes sell out on busy days. Purchase ahead of time.
2. Check Crowd Calendars: Use crowd level predictions to decide if you need the pass.
3. Start Early: Arrive at the park before opening to get the most out of your day.
4. Use Virtual Line Options: Some attractions use Virtual Line. With an Express Pass, you don’t need to reserve a time slot—just walk in.

Final Verdict: Universal Express Pass Worth It?

If your goal is to experience everything Universal Orlando has to offer with minimal stress, then yes—the Universal Express Pass is absolutely worth it. Whether you’re splurging for a day or taking advantage of the hotel hack, this pass can transform your visit into a seamless, queue-free adventure. With this guide, you’re now equipped to make the smartest choice for your Universal Orlando trip.

Looking to Book Your Epic Universal Vacation

Meet the Author: Stephers

I’m your Universal Studios Orlando expert, I’ve been visiting theme parks since she was a baby. My favorites include Mulan as her favorite princess, E.T. Adventure as my favorite ride, and a tie between Universal Studios Orlando and EPCOT for my favorite park. In her spare time, I enjoy reading, hosting my bookish podcast, and cuddling my dog, Gimli. Need Universal insights or planning tips? I’m your girl!