Did you know there’s a way to get the Universal Express Pass for free?

Guests staying at one of Universal’s Premier Hotels receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Passes as part of their stay. The value of these passes is often equal to—or even greater than—the cost of the hotel stay.

Let’s take a closer look at how to get complimentary Universal Express Unlimited passes and why staying at a Premier Hotel can be one of the best value hacks at Universal Orlando!

Complimentary Express Pass – Universal’s Best-Kept Secret

Many people visiting Universal Orlando Resort already know that Universal Express Unlimited is the best way to skip long ride lines. But did you know there’s a way to get these passes for free and potentially offset the cost of your hotel stay?

Here’s the trick: stay at one of Universal’s three Premier Hotels, and you’ll receive complimentary (free!) Universal Express Unlimited is for every guest in your room and every day of your stay, including check-in and check-out days! (Valid theme park admission required.)

Depending on your travel dates, booking a Premier Hotel with free Express Passes may actually be cheaper than buying Express Passes separately!

Let’s break down why this works…

How Much Do Universal Premier Hotels Cost?

Here’s a look at starting rates for Universal’s Premier Hotels:

  • Loews Royal Pacific Resort – Typically $300–$450 per night
  • Hard Rock Hotel – Typically $400–$600 per night
  • Loews Portofino Bay Hotel – Typically $450–$700 per night

Important: Prices vary based on demand, season, and promotions. Be sure to check current rates before booking!

At first glance, these hotel rates might seem expensive, but the value becomes incredible when you factor in the included Universal Express Unlimited Passes.

Perks of Staying at a Universal Premier Hotel

✅ FREE Universal Express Unlimited Passes

Every guest in your room gets free Universal Express Unlimited for every day of your stay (including check-in and check-out days).

Skip the regular lines and ride as many times as you’d like!

Savings Example:

The 2-Park Universal Express Unlimited Pass starts at $134.99 per person per day and can go as high as $379.99 during peak times.

For a family of four, this could mean over $1,500 in Express Pass value for a 2-night stay!

✅ Prime Locations & Free Water Taxi

All Premier Hotels are just a quick water taxi or walking path away from the parks—way more convenient than driving and parking.

✅ Early Park Entry

Guests staying at any Universal Orlando hotel get Early Park Admission, allowing entry one hour before the parks open to regular guests. This means you’ll have more time in the park than regular guests and fewer crowds at Universal Orlando Resort to compete with during your stay.

*Valid theme park admission is required.

✅ Universal’s Best Hotels

Premier Hotels offer luxurious rooms, fantastic dining, fun pools, and a relaxed atmosphere—all while being right next to the parks.

✅ Great Value – Surprisingly!

The included Express Unlimited Passes mean a Premier Hotel stay could actually save you money versus buying Express Passes separately.

For example:

  • A family of 4 staying at Loews Royal Pacific for 2 nights might pay $1,200 total.
  • If they bought Express Unlimited separately, they could pay $1,600+ just for the passes!

That means they’d pay MORE for Express Passes alone than for an entire stay at a Premier Hotel!

Lowes Hotel at Univeral

Stay at a Premier Hotel and Save Money

When you stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, or Loews Royal Pacific Resort, you receive:

✔️ Complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Passes
✔️ For every guest in your room
✔️ For every day of your stay—including check-in & check-out day

This is the highest-tier Express Pass, which normally costs $134.99 to $379.99 per person per day.

Let’s Do the Math

Let’s assume a family of 4 stays at Loews Royal Pacific for 2 nights.

  • Hotel Cost (2 nights, taxes/fees included): ~$1,320
  • Express Pass Cost if Bought Separately:
    • $140 per person x 4 people = $560 per day
    • $560 x 3 days (since it includes check-in and check-out) = $1,680+

The Express Passes alone cost MORE than the hotel stay!

Bottom Line: If you plan to buy Express Unlimited Passes anyway, staying at a Premier Hotel is the smarter deal!

Additional Savings: Florida Residents & Annual Passholders

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

✅ If you plan on purchasing Express Passes, a Premier Hotel stay is likely the best deal.

✅  You’ll not only skip long lines but also enjoy luxury accommodations, early entry, and prime park access.

Book Your Universal Stay & Get a Free Universal Express Pass!

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