2023 Guide to Express Pass at Universal Orlando Resort

Written By Megan Hamilton
Understanding how and when to use Universal Express pass can be key to a great Universal vacation. It can also save you money by knowing  when out of the year it's really needed vs. buying them to splurge.

What Is Universal Express Pass

Universal Express allows you to skip the regular lines at most rides and attractions in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. You can fit ton more into your park day as it minimizes the amount of time spent waiting in line. This skip-the-line access is a huge help in the parks, especially on crowded days.

When to Use Express Pass

  • When Park Is Busy, Or Expected To Be Busy

    • During Universal’s busiest times of the year, the average wait time at popular attractions like Harry Potter and The Escape from Gringotts can climb up to 90-130 minutes. Rides like Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure can have wait times of over 130 minutes.

    • Generally, when Undercover Tourist’s Crowd Calendar predicts crowds of 8, 9 or 10, these are key times to consider Express passes.

  • If your trip is during the summer or around major holidays

    • Easter

    • Spring Break
    • MLK Weekend
    • Memorial Day
    • Summer Break
    • Labor Day Weekend
    • Week of Thanksgiving
    • The week between Christmas and New Years

  • If you only have 1 day and want to experience as much as possible

    • Maybe you only have a day and want to experience one or both parks? 

      • If you are going during a super busy day, Express pass is a must to get the most accomplished.

  • How much patience do you or your family have for waiting in lines

    • Less complaining & frustration

    • It’ll lend to a more enjoyable day when y’all can spend your time exploring instead of in long lines.

How to Save Money on Universal Express Passes

Stay at 1 of Universal’s 3 premier hotels

  • Complimentary unlimited Express passes including check-in & check-out days.
  • Universal Premier Hotels 
    •  Loews Portofino Bay Hotel (starting at $522 per night) 
    • Loews Royal Pacific Resort (starting at $432 per night)
    • Universal's Hard Rock Hotel (starting at $488 per night)

If You’re Not Staying On-Site

  • Go ahead and purchase your park tickets online, & ahead of time at a discount through Undercover Tourist.   
  • Buy Your Express pass tickets well in advance.
    • The cost varies by day & expected crowds.   
    • During peak times, prices will be higher.
    • Sometimes they will sell out.

Don't Break The Bank 

  • Everyone’s budget is different. With a little extra planning, you can absolutely have a great time without them.
  • If your visit includes multiple days, you definitely can try without Express Pass on day one. This will give you a sense of whether you need it for later days of your trip.
  • Do you want to repeat rides with Express? 
    • There are 2 Express pass options you can consider. Express Pass is cheaper than the unlimited Express Pass, only allowing one ride. After that, you’d wait in the regular line to ride
  • If doing Single Rider works for your trip, it's not only free, but can be a great alternative to  Express Pass.

Things To Keep In Mind

  • Most Express lines bypass major portions of the Queue

    • Particularly Skull Island: Reign of Kong,  Revenge of the Mummy, Escape from Gringotts, Forbidden Journey, and Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure

  • Hagrid’s Motor Bike Adventure & Jurassic World’s VelociCoaster do not accept Universal Express pass

Related Posts:

  •  Easy Money Saving Tips for Universal Orlando

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Megan Hamilton