Why use a Universal Studios Express Pass?
Imagine, for a moment. You’re at Universal Orlando, surrounded by the excitement of rides and attractions, but find yourself stuck in long lines under the hot sun. While waiting might occasionally offer a chance to enjoy a snack or play a game, it can also take a toll on your vacation experience. Waiting in lines, ride after ride, may leave you and your family drained.
Enter Universal Orlando’s Express Pass! This ultimate perk transforms your vacation experience, letting you skip the standby lines at most ride attractions in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. While some of the newest attractions might be excluded, the Express Pass also lets you access shows ahead of the standby line, securing the best seats in the house.
Unlike other theme parks where you are tied to your phone trying to secure a “return time,” Universal’s Express Pass gives you the freedom to enter attraction queues whenever you want. Simply show your card at the Express Pass entrance, and you’ll be on your way to thrilling rides without the wait.
Keep in mind that the Express Pass queue might skip some of the storytelling in the standby lines, so if you want to fully immerse yourself in the themed queues, you may choose to go through the regular line.
Universal offers 2 types of Express Pass:
Universal Express Pass: Skip the standby line once per attraction.
Universal Express Pass Unlimited: Skip the standby line as many times as you like.
The Express Pass Unlimited is included with your stay at Universal’s top-tier hotels (Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort). Guests can also purchase Express Pass as part of a package with another hotel or as part of a ticket-only purchase. The Express Pass can be a paper ticket with a bar code, so it is recommended to keep your passes in a waterproof pouch or lanyard. Express Pass isn’t just about skipping lines; it maximizes your time in the park. Unofficial studies show that guests with Express Pass ride an average of 15 attractions in a 9-hour park day, compared to just 8 rides for those without the pass. That’s almost double the efficiency! By saving nearly 2 hours and 45 minutes in wait times, Express Pass guests spend only 12 minutes per attraction in line, while standby guests wait over 41 minutes each time. Please note that peak travel times (those times when schools are not in session) will have longer wait times.
While the Express Pass does come with a higher price tag, The price point keeps the number of purchases down to only those staying at a top tier hotel or those who have made the investment have access to skip the standby lines. The value Express Pass brings in time and convenience is unparalleled. Prices start at $89.99 for the standard Express Pass and $119.99 for the Express Pass Unlimited for all guests ages 3 and up. During peak travel dates, prices may increase due to demand, so it’s wise to plan ahead.
Express Pass is a fantastic investment for those looking to make the most of their Universal Orlando experience. So, is this time-saving, sanity-preserving convenience worth it to you? Talk to your travel advisor today and discover how the Express Pass can elevate your Universal Orlando adventure!
