The First-Timer’s Guide to the Universal Express Pass

One of the biggest questions we get from our clients visiting Universal Orlando is:

“Should I get the Universal Express Pass?”

Unfortunately, there is never a one-size-fits-all answer. Many factors come into play when deciding whether it’s a good fit for your family, including your budget and goals for each park.

In this guide, I’m going to explain exactly what the Universal Express Pass is, how it works, what types are available (including for Epic Universe), how much it costs, and whether it’s worth it for your trip.

What Is the Universal Express Pass?

The Universal Express Pass is an optional add-on that lets you skip the regular standby lines at most attractions in the Universal theme parks. Instead of waiting in the main line, you use a separate, shorter Express line—saving time and letting you experience more rides in a single day.

The best part of the Express Pass is that you don’t need to schedule ride times in advance or use an app. Just walk up to the ride, scan your pass, and go!

This system is very different from Disney’s Lightning Lane, where you have to schedule a specific window for each ride. It is much simpler to use (but also more expensive).

Which Parks Accept the Express Pass?

As of this writing (2025), Universal Express is available at all four of its theme parks:

Universal Studios Florida – Yes
Universal Islands of Adventure – Yes
Epic Universe – Yes
Volcano Bay – Yes

What Types of Express Passes Are Available?

There are two versions of the Express Pass, and they come in different park combinations:

1. Universal Express

Skip the regular line ONCE per participating ride.
Great if you want to hit the biggest attractions, but don’t mind waiting in standby for rides you want to do again.

2. Universal Express Unlimited

Skip the regular line as many times as you want at participating rides.
Ideal if you love re-riding your favorites or want maximum flexibility

How Much Does the Express Pass Cost?

Pricing is date-based and demand-based, similar to park tickets. On slower days, it’s more affordable. On busy days, it can get expensive. It’s also determined by how many days of Express Passes you purchase.

Standard Express: Usually starts around $89 per person per day
Express Unlimited: Starts around $119 per person per day
Peak season (summer, holidays): Can exceed $200+ per person

Prices are in addition to your park admission. For example, if your park ticket is $150 and you want to add Express Unlimited, you could be looking at $250–$350 per person for the day.

Important: These prices are in addition to your theme park admission tickets. Express Pass is not included with base park tickets unless you stay at a qualifying hotel (see below).

As a Universal Travel Agent, I am happy to price out different options for you. Just let me know what you are looking for!

What Rides Accept the Express Pass?

The great news is that the Express Pass works on just about every ride! The only exception is at Epic Universe, which has some limitations, mostly due to the fact that the park is brand new. Read below to learn more.

Epic Universe

Epic Universe, which opened in May 2025, includes Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and more.

As of now, there are a few rides that DO NOT accept the Express Pass at Epic Universe.

Astronomica
Dragon Racer’s Rally
Mine-Cart Madness
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Viking Training Camp

I believe that as time goes on, these rides will also be included in the Express Pass.

Some of the major attractions that do accept Express at Epic Universe include: Constellation Carousel, Curse of the Werewolf, Fyre Drill, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Le Cirque Arcanus, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Stardust Racers, The Untrainable Dragon, and Yoshi’s Adventure

Universal Studios Florida

There are no rides that the Express Pass doesn’t work on! You can go to the park confidently knowing you can skip the regular line for the best rides, such as Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Revenge of the Mummy, The Simpsons Ride, Transformers: The Ride 3D, and more!

Islands of Adventure

There is only one ride the Express Pass won’t work on, which is Pteranadon Flyers (a children’s ride near the Jurassic Park playground).

The Express Pass even works on the two best rides in all of Universal (my opinion!) – Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It also works on fan favorites like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, and The Incredible Hulk Coaster.

Volcano Bay

Universal’s water park has two options for Universal Express Pass. You choose either 8 rides or 12 rides to skip the line ONCE throughout the day, depending on the pass you choose.

Pros and Cons of the Universal Express Pass

Pros:

Dramatically reduces wait times
No reservations or app required
It lets you see and do more in less time
Included free with select Universal hotel stays (see below)

Cons:

The price. Everyone would purchase an Express Pass if it didn’t cost so darn much!
Doesn’t cover every ride at Epic Universe
It may be unnecessary on very low-crowd days
Express lines can still have waits (though usually much shorter)

How to get Express Passes for Free!

Yes, believe it or not, you can actually get Express Passes for FREE.

All you have to do is stay at one of the following Universal hotels, which are part of their Signature Collection.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Hard Rock Hotel
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

By staying here, you’ll receive an Express Pass Unlimited for every guest in your room —a value of $200+ per person per day during peak times. As of this writing, you can ONLY get a free Express Pass for Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. You still need to pay extra for an Express Pass to Epic Universe and Volcano Bay.

Even if these hotels cost more per night, the free Express Unlimited access can more than make up for it, especially for families or during busy seasons.

Should You Buy the Express Pass?

It depends on a few factors:

You’ll likely want Express Pass if:

You’re visiting during summer, spring break, or holidays
You have only 1–2 days to explore the parks and want to ride everything
You want to ride as much as possible with minimal waiting
You’re visiting Epic Universe, which is expected to stay busy for years
You dislike crowds or have young kids who can’t handle long waits

You may not need it if:

You’re visiting mid-week during a low-crowd season
You’re staying for several days and don’t mind waiting a bit
You’re focusing more on shows, dining, or low-key experiences

Another option is to only purchase an Express Pass for a day. For example, on a recent trip our family took, we only bought the Express Pass for our last day. We used it on Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. We had a Park to Park ticket, so we just walked around both parks and did our favorite rides as many times as we wanted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you add Express Pass later?

Yes, you can add an Express Pass later, even after you’ve already purchased your park ticket or arrived at the park.

You can purchase an Express Pass Online through your travel agent, Universal Orlando’s website, on the Universal Orlando app, or at the park ticket windows or guest services.

Important Considerations:

Express Passes can sell out—especially on busy days or for Epic Universe
Prices are date- and crowd-based, so the cost may increase closer to your visit
If you’re unsure whether you’ll need it, consider waiting until you’re in the park and see how long the wait times are. You can usually purchase the pass on the spot—but only if it’s still available.

Do kids need their own Express Pass?

Yes, every person who needs a theme park ticket also needs their own Express Pass, including children ages 3 and up. Express Passes are per person, non-transferable, and required to enter the Express line at rides.

Can I Share an Express Pass?

No. Express Passes cannot be shared between guests. They are non‑transferable and tied to the name or hotel room key of the purchaser. Attempting to share them can result in the pass being confiscated or even removal from the park.

Can I buy an Express Pass for Halloween Horror Nights?

Yes, you can. This separate ticketed event features 10 Haunted Houses and various scare zones. Halloween Horror Nights is incredibly popular and is typically very busy. If you want to be able to do all the haunted houses in one night, you will definitely need an Express Pass.

Final Tips from a Universal Travel Agent

Express Passes can sell out on busy days, especially for Epic Universe — buy in advance if possible
Booking through a travel agent gives you expert planning at no extra cost to you
Want the best value? Ask me about bundling park tickets + hotel + Express

As a certified Universal Orlando travel agent, I can help you decide if Express Pass is right for your group, book the right type, and customize your vacation for your goals and budget.

Let’s make your Universal Orlando visit epic, with fewer lines, more fun, and less stress.

If you have any additional questions regarding Universal Express Passes, please ask below, and I promise to get you an answer.