What is Universal Orlando Express Pass?
Anna Trosper2.27.20If you are planning an upcoming trip to Universal Orlando Resort, you're in the right place! I am sure most of us know theme parks have slower times of year and busier times. Spring break, summer months, and holidays are among the busiest times of the year. Sometimes they may even hit maximum capacity. While Universal Express Pass isn't a required purchase, our family finds it super helpful on our trips. There's no better time to figure out if a Universal Express Pass is worth the splurge for your family, than now!Thrills! Action! Transformers! Butterbeer! With so much to see and do how can you do it all? Between Universal Studios Florida, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal's Volcano Bay, you have plenty of places to play. One of the ways our family experiences more fun with less wait, is with the Universal Express Pass. Universal's skip-the-lines access is a big help in the parks, especially on crowded days. But it isn't free; unless you stay on-site at select Universal hotels. It is an additional cost to your park ticket. Understanding how and when to use the Universal Express Pass is your key to a great visit. Here is everything you need to know!
A Universal Express Pass allows you to skip the lines at most Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure attractions. A change from the past, Universal now offers Universal Express Pass access for most of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter rides, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The only rides that do not have it are Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Pteranodon Flyers at Universal's Islands of Adventure.How to use the Universal Express Pass, you ask? When you approach an attraction with the Universal Express Pass sign, show your pass to the attendant and he or she will scan it and let you enter the Express Pass queue. When you get close to the ride loading area (the distance varies by ride), the Universal Express Pass queue will merge with the regular line. At this point, your pass will be scanned again. You will still likely wait at this point, but it is usually no longer than five to ten minutes. Know that Universal Express Pass is not a group pass. Everyone in your party will need his or her own Universal Express Pass. Also, the passes are non-transferrable.Here’s a tip. Keep in mind that Universal Express Pass lines skip major portions of the queue. Some of the queues are spectacular and help set up the ride storyline. For example, if it's your first time on any of the Harry Potter rides, I recommend experiencing the regular queue. If you've been there, done that, take the route that's best for you.
There are two types of Universal Express Pass options. The traditional Universal Express Pass allows you to skip to the head of line for eligible attractions, but it is only good for one time per ride. So, if you entered the Express Pass line for Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon and wanted to race a second time, you would have to enter the stand-by line.The other option is the Universal Express Unlimited Pass. It works the same as the Universal Express Pass, but you can ride the same attraction an unlimited amount of times. So, if you love the Amazing Adventures of Spider Man, you can use the Express Pass line as many times as you want!The price varies depending on travel dates. However, if you are staying on property at Universal Orlando Resort at either Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, guests receive the Express Unlimited Pass at no additional cost. That’s right, it’s free to every member of your party for every day you have valid park admission. The value of this cannot be underestimated, especially during busier times. If you are considering purchasing the Universal Express Pass, I will be happy to do the math and see if it makes more sense to stay on-site at one of these premier resort hotels, or not. Most of the time it does. Plus, you get the added benefit of being within walking distance to the parks, having access to all of the fabulous pools, enjoying plush rooms and many more on-site amenities. These select resort hotels have now made it even easier to acquire your Universal Express Unlimited Pass. It used to be that you had to visit a kiosk at the hotel to get it, but now your hotel room key acts as your pass. Keep in mind that you do still need regular admission to enter the park.
Finally, when is the best time to use Universal Express Pass? My recommendations are fairly simple.
- Anytime it's free.
Okay, it's never really free, but if you are staying at a select Universal Orlando premier resort, you won’t pay for it directly. Even if the parks are not extremely crowded, you will still save time by using Universal Express Pass. And, there is nothing better than skipping the regular line!
- When the parks are expected to be very busy.
If you're visiting during the peak of summer, spring break, or around major holidays (especially the week between Christmas and New Year’s), you should seriously consider purchasing the Express Pass.
- If you only have a day and want to see as much as possible.
If you only have one day and want to experience everything, the Universal Express Pass is a good idea. If you want to see both Universal Studios and Island’s of Adventure in one day, then it’s an even better idea! And if you are going during one of those super busy days, it’s a must.No matter when you visit, having Universal Express Pass will be a time-saver. The question is really how much you value your time. During less busy times, I think it's nice to have, but not a necessity. You may feel differently. It's all about what you value most! I would love to help you plan a great trip to Universal and see what works best for your family! Contact me at annat@wishedfamilytravel.com.