Is Universal Orlando Express Pass Worth It? A Guide to Help You Decide
Are you planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort and wondering if the Universal Express Pass is worth the extra cost? The Universal Express Pass is a ticket that allows you to skip the regular line at participating rides and attractions. But is it really worth it?
The answer depends on a few factors, such as the time of year you're visiting, the length of your stay, and how much you value your time. If you're visiting during peak season or have a limited amount of time to spend at the park, the Express Pass can be a great investment. It allows you to skip the long lines and experience more attractions in a shorter amount of time.
However, if you're visiting during the off-season or have several days to explore the park, you may not need the Express Pass. You can still enjoy most of the attractions without the pass and save money in the process. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Universal Express Pass comes down to your personal preferences and budget.
Universal Studios Orlando
Understanding Universal Orlando Express Pass
The Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass is a skip-the-line pass that lets you skip the standby line on most (but not all) Universal Orlando attractions and use a specially marked “Universal Express” line. Here's what you need to know about the Universal Orlando Express Pass:
How much does it cost?
The cost of the Universal Express Pass varies depending on the park and time of year. Prices range from $89.99 to $379.99 per person. There are also different types of Express Passes available:
Basic Express Pass: Starting at $89.99 per ticket for all ages
Unlimited Express Pass: Starting at $99.99 per ticket for all ages, or included with your stay at a Universal Premier Hotel
Universal Volcano Bay Express PLUS Pass: Starting at $19.99 per ticket, per day
How does it work?
When you purchase an Express Pass, you'll receive a ticket that allows you to skip the standby line on most participating attractions. You'll see specially marked "Universal Express" signs at the attractions where you can use your pass. Simply show your pass to the attendant at the entrance to the Express line and they will scan it to let you in.
Is it worth it?
Whether or not the Universal Express Pass is worth it to you depends on a few factors, including how much time you have to spend in the parks and how much you value your time. If you only have a limited amount of time in the parks and want to experience as many attractions as possible, the Express Pass can be a good investment. It can save you a significant amount of time waiting in line, especially during peak season.
If you have kids that don’t do well with long waits, the Express Pass can be crucial. For our family of 5, the Express Pass is often a must.
You will also want to consider what attractions you want to ride. If you want to ride Velocicoaster, Hogwarts Express, Villain-Con or Minions Blast, the Express Pass can save you a lot of time. But if you want to skip those headliners, the Express Pass will have less value, as these are the main attractions with long stand-by waits.
However, if you have more time to spend in the parks and don't mind waiting in line, you may not need the Express Pass. Keep in mind that not all attractions offer the Express Pass, so you may still need to wait in line for some of the more popular rides (like Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure).
Overall, the Universal Orlando Express Pass can be a valuable tool for maximizing your time in the parks, but it may not be necessary for everyone. Consider your budget and schedule when deciding whether or not to purchase an Express Pass.
Express Pass Types
When it comes to Universal Orlando's Express Pass, there are two types available: Universal Express Unlimited and Universal Express Standard. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Universal Express Unlimited
The Universal Express Unlimited pass allows you to skip the regular lines an unlimited number of times at participating rides and attractions. This means you can skip the lines as many times as you want, all day long. The cost of this pass varies depending on the time of year, but it's generally more expensive than the Universal Express Standard pass.
Want to ride Velocicoaster 5 times without waiting in line? The Universal Express Unlimited Pass is for you.
If you're planning on visiting Universal Orlando during peak season or on a busy day, the Universal Express Unlimited pass can be a game-changer. You'll be able to experience more rides and attractions without having to spend as much time waiting in line.
Universal Express Standard
The Universal Express Standard pass allows you to skip the regular lines one time per participating ride and attraction. This means you can skip the line once at each ride and attraction that accepts the Express Pass. Like the Universal Express Unlimited pass, the cost of the Universal Express Standard pass varies depending on the time of year.
If you're visiting Universal Orlando during a less busy time of year or if you don't mind waiting in line, the Universal Express Standard pass may be a good option for you.
Cost Analysis of the Express Pass
If you are considering purchasing an Express Pass for Universal Orlando, you may be wondering if it is worth the extra cost. Here is a breakdown of the different types of Express Passes and their prices:
Basic Express Pass: Starting at $89.99 per person per day (plus tax). This pass allows you to skip the regular lines one time per participating ride.
Express Pass Unlimited: Starting at $99.99 per person per day (plus tax). This pass allows you to skip the regular lines an unlimited number of times per participating ride.
Volcano Bay Express Pass: Starting at $39.99 per person per day (plus tax). This pass allows you to skip the regular lines one time per participating ride at Universal's Volcano Bay water park.
Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change depending on the time of year and park capacity. In fact, the prices are often much higher!
It is also important to note that Express Passes are only valid for one day and for one park. If you plan on visiting multiple parks in one day, you will need to purchase an Express Pass for each park.
While the cost of an Express Pass may seem steep, it can save you a significant amount of time waiting in line. During peak season, wait times for popular attractions can be upwards of 2-3 hours. With an Express Pass, you can skip these long lines and enjoy more rides and attractions during your visit.
If you are on a tight budget, consider visiting during the off-season when wait times are typically shorter. You can also save money by staying at a Universal Premier Hotel, as some of these hotels offer complimentary Express Passes for their guests.
Overall, whether or not an Express Pass is worth the cost depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. If you value your time and want to experience as many rides and attractions as possible, an Express Pass may be worth the investment.
Time Saving Benefits of Universal Express Pass
One of the main benefits of the Express Pass is the time-saving factor. With the Express Pass, you can skip the regular lines and get to the front of the line faster. This can save you a lot of time, especially if you're visiting during peak season or on a weekend.
The Express Pass can be particularly useful for popular rides such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Velocicoaster which can have wait times of up to two hours. With the Express Pass, you can typically get on the ride within 15-20 minutes, depending on the time of day and the crowds. This means you can ride more attractions in less time, which can make your visit more enjoyable overall.
Peak vs. Off-Peak Visits
When deciding whether the Universal Orlando Express Pass is worth it, one important factor to consider is the time of year you plan to visit. Universal Studios Orlando experiences peak and off-peak seasons, which can affect wait times for attractions.
Peak Season
Peak season at Universal Studios Orlando typically includes holidays and school breaks, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break. During these times, the parks can be extremely crowded, with long wait times for popular attractions.
If you plan to visit during peak season, the Universal Express Pass can be a valuable investment, but keep in mind the price will be higher as well.
Off-Peak Season
Off-peak season at Universal Orlando includes times of the year when there are fewer visitors, such as weekdays during the school year or the months of September and October. During these times, wait times for attractions are generally shorter, and the parks are less crowded overall.
If you plan to visit during off-peak season, you may not need the Universal Express Pass. Wait times for most attractions are typically shorter, and you may be able to experience everything you want without the pass. Because of the dynamic pricing of the pass, for lower crowds, the Express Pass will be less expensive. If you want to maximize your time in the parks and avoid any potential wait times, the pass can still be a good investment.
Ultimately, whether or not the Universal Orlando Express Pass is worth it depends on your personal preferences and the time of year you plan to visit. Consider the crowds and wait times during your planned visit and decide if the pass is right for you.
Ride and Attraction Coverage
When deciding whether the Universal Orlando Express Pass is worth it, one important factor to consider is ride and attraction coverage.
Some of the rides and attractions that are not covered by the Express Pass include:
Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Pteranodon Flyers
While these rides are not included in the Express Pass, you can still enjoy them by waiting in the regular line. The only reason Pteranodon Flyers is included is because of it’s unique rider requirements. It should not be considered an overly popular or long wait attraction.
Alternatives to the Express Pass
If you decide that the Express Pass isn't worth it for you, there are a few alternatives that you can consider to make the most of your time at Universal Orlando.
Single Rider Lines
Many of the rides at Universal Orlando have a single rider line, which can significantly reduce your wait time. The single rider line is designed for individuals or groups who don't mind riding separately from their party. By using this line, you can often bypass the regular line and get on the ride much faster.
Early Entry
If you're staying at one of the Universal Orlando on-site hotels, you may be eligible for early entry to the parks. This means you can enter the park an hour before it opens to the general public, giving you a head start on the crowds. This can be a great way to experience some of the most popular attractions before the lines get too long.
Plan Your Day
Finally, one of the best ways to avoid long lines at Universal Orlando is to plan your day carefully. Start by arriving at the park early, before the crowds start to build. Then, head straight to the most popular attractions and ride them before the lines get too long. Use the Universal Orlando app to check wait times and plan your route through the park, so you can maximize your time and avoid the biggest crowds.
Personal Experiences and Reviews
If you're still unsure whether the Universal Orlando Express Pass is worth it, consider reading some personal experiences and reviews from other visitors. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Many visitors report that the Express Pass significantly reduced their wait times and allowed them to experience more attractions during their visit.
Some visitors note that the Express Pass can be especially helpful during peak times, such as holidays or weekends, when wait times can be longer.
However, some visitors feel that the cost of the Express Pass is too high, especially if they are only visiting for a single day or have a limited budget.
Others note that the Express Pass can be especially helpful for families with young children or those with mobility issues, as it allows them to avoid long lines and make the most of their time in the parks.
In our opinion, Express Pass is essential for families with small children that will have difficulty waiting in long lines. This is especially the case when considering small children likely cannot ride the attractions with long waits. They are basically waiting in line with adults tall enough to ride and then don’t get to ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Universal Premier hotels the only way to get Express Pass at Universal Orlando?
No, Universal Orlando offers a variety of ways to get Express Pass access. You can purchase Express Passes separately, or they may be included with certain vacation packages. Additionally, some annual passes come with Express Pass access on select days or times.
What are the benefits of using Express Pass at Universal Studios theme park in Florida?
Using Express Pass can greatly reduce your wait times for popular attractions, allowing you to experience more rides and shows during your visit. The pass also allows you to skip the regular lines and access a separate Express Pass queue.
Which Universal Studios in the world offer Express Pass?
Universal Studios theme parks in Orlando, Hollywood, and Japan offer Express Pass access. However, the specific details and pricing may vary between parks.
Are there any discounts available for Universal Express Pass?
Discounts for Universal Express Pass are rare, but they may be available during certain times of the year or through select vacation packages. It's always best to check the official Universal Orlando website for the most up-to-date pricing and promotions.
Which rides are included with Universal Express Pass?
Universal Express Pass grants you access to a separate queue for most attractions at Universal Orlando, including popular rides like Velocicoaster, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Hulk, and Revenge of the Mummy. However, some attractions, such as Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, do not offer Express Pass access.
