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Are you ready to unlock the secrets of maximizing your fun at Universal Orlando Resort? Look no further than the Universal Express Pass! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a family looking to make the most of your time, this pass is your ticket to skipping the long lines and enjoying more of what the parks have to offer. Here you will find everything you need to know about the Universal Express Pass, from what it is to how to make the most of it during your visit.
What is the Universal Express Pass?
Let’s start with the basics: What exactly is the Universal Express Pass? Simply put, it’s your shortcut to skipping the regular lines at most of Universal Orlando’s popular attractions. With the Universal Express Pass, you’ll have priority access and can breeze past the queues. Spend more time riding roller coasters and immersing yourself in the magic of Universal’s themed lands.
Types of Universal Express Passes
Universal Orlando offers a few different options for the Universal Express Pass, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Here’s a quick rundown of your options:
- Universal Express Pass: This pass grants you one-time express access to each participating ride and attraction at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
- Universal Express Unlimited Pass: With this pass, there are no limits! Enjoy unlimited express access to participating rides and attractions throughout the day.
- Universal Express Pass for Volcano Bay: If you’re planning to visit Universal’s Volcano Bay water theme park, this pass is for you. Skip the lines at the water slides and attractions and make the most of your day in the sun.
Keep in mind, the Express Pass doesn’t guarantee immediate access, so be strategic about when to use it.
There is also an Express Pass option for Halloween Horror Nights.
How to Get the Universal Express Pass
Now that you’re eager to get your hands on a Universal Express Pass, you’re probably wondering how to get one. Don’t worry, it’s easy! Here are a few ways to purchase your Universal Express Pass:
- Add it to your ticket: When purchasing your tickets to Universal Orlando Resort online or in person, you’ll have the option to add a Universal Express Pass to your order.
- Upgrade at the park: Already at Universal Orlando and regretting not getting a Universal Express Pass? Don’t worry! You can upgrade your ticket to include the pass at any of the designated kiosks or guest services locations within the parks if there is still availability.
- Stay at a Universal Premier Hotel: Guests staying at one of Universal Orlando’s premier hotels, such as the Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Passes included with their stay.
Universal Express Pass Pricing
Universal Express Pass pricing varies depending on the day and season you visit Universal Orlando. Prices typically start around $90 per person, per day for the standard Express Pass, giving you access to shorter lines for many popular attractions. The cost increases if you purchase 1 park per day or 2, during peak times, or if you opt for the Express Pass Unlimited, which allows you to bypass ride lines multiple times in a day. Costs can go up to well over $200 per person, per day. Keep in mind that Universal Express Pass prices are on top of your regular theme park admission ticket.
How to Use Universal Express Pass
Using the Universal Express Pass couldn’t be simpler. Once you’ve chosen the Express Pass type that suits your needs, there’s no need for advance bookings or pre-queueing for passes. Just purchase your Express Pass and head straight to the dedicated Express Pass line at any participating attraction.
When you arrive at the attraction, present your Universal Express Pass (or room key if you are staying at one of the resorts offering free Express Unlimited Passes) to the Team Member on duty for a quick scan. Some attractions may have two scanning points for added convenience – one at the entrance and another midway through the queue.
Keep in mind that certain attractions, such as Rip Ride Rockit or the Incredible Hulk, do not permit phones. If you have a digital Express Pass, simply show it to the Team Member before entering the line so they can provide you with a receipt, allowing you to securely store your phone in a locker while still enjoying the benefits of your Express Pass.
Tips for maximizing your Universal Express Pass
- Arrive early: Beat the crowds by arriving at the parks early in the morning. With your Universal Express Pass, you can start enjoying the attractions right away.
- Strategize your rides: Take a look at the park maps and plan your day accordingly. I would recommend rope dropping Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Islands of Adventure since it is not included with the Express Pass.
- Prioritize outdoor rides: Since it rains often in Florida, it’s smart to prioritize outdoor rides first in case there are storms later in the day and you are unable to ride.
Are Universal Express Passes worth it?
Universal Express Passes can be worth it if you want to skip the regular lines and enjoy more rides and attractions in a shorter amount of time. With the Universal Express Pass, you can typically skip the regular lines at most participating rides and attractions at Universal Studios theme parks. Keep in mind that the cost of the pass will vary depending on the park you are visiting and the date of your visit. While Universal Express Passes are more expensive than Genie+ at Disney, it is a much easier system to use since you do not need to select a return time or do anything in the app to use it.
Never been to Universal Orlando? Check out these 10 things to know before your first visit!
Universal Express Pass Rides That are Included
One of the best things about the Universal Express Pass is the access it grants you to some of the most thrilling rides and attractions at Universal Orlando Resort. Here’s a rundown of some of the must-visit experiences that are included with the pass:
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
- Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
- Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
- MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Revenge of the Mummy
- The Simpsons Ride
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
Universal 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
Universal Volcano Bay
- Honu of Honu ika Moana
- ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster
- Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Punga Racers
- Taniwha Tubes
Additional Rides Available with Express PLUS:
- Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge
- Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
Universal Express Pass is not valid on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Pteranodon Flyers.
The Universal Express Pass is your key to unlocking a day of non-stop fun and excitement at Universal Orlando Resort. Whether you’re racing through the streets of Diagon Alley or embarking on a daring adventure with the Jurassic World dinosaurs, the Universal Express Pass will help you make the most of every moment. So don’t wait – grab your pass today and get ready for an unforgettable day at Universal Orlando!