Is the Universal Express Pass Worth It?

What is the Universal Express Pass?

Express Pass is Universal’s paid offering for shows and attractions. A valid Universal theme park ticket is required before you can get the Universal Express Pass upgrade.

With the standard Universal Express Pass, guests are permitted to bypass the regular lines only one time per participating attraction.

What is the Universal Express Unlimited Pass?

With the Universal Express Unlimited Pass, guests are permitted to bypass the regular lines as many times per participating attraction as they wish.

Additionally, there’s also an option to upgrade types of passes so they will work at both Universal Orlando theme parks – Universal Studios and Universal’s Island of Adventure theme parks.

How much does the Universal Express Pass Cost?

This perk allows you to skip the regular lines at Universal’s most popular rides and attractions, but it is an extra charge. Please note that theme park admission is required and sold separately.

There are two Express pass options at the main theme parks, and two at the water park. Prices vary for each. Here’s an overview of each option, followed by a table of current prices:

Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure

• Universal Express enables you to skip the regular attraction line once per ride (at participating rides)
• Universal Express Unlimited allows you to skip the regular lines an unlimited amount of times (at participating rides)

Volcano Bay Water Park

• Universal Express enables you to skip the virtual queues at select attractions at Volcano Bay, once per attraction
• Universal Express Plus allows you to skip the virtual queues at all rides at Volcano Bay, once per attraction

Note

These starting prices increase during holidays and weekends. Be aware that prices can soar over $200 during Christmas week!

How Do the Express Passes Work?

The Universal Express Pass is valid per day, per person.  In other words, each member of your party must have a Universal Express pass AND a valid park ticket. Once you have the pass, no reservations are required to skip the lines (unlike the Disney Lightning Lane pass). You just walk through the Express queue and get on the ride.

Disney Lightning Lane vs. Universal Express Pass

Both the Universal Express Pass and the Disney Lightning Lane allow you to skip the normal lines at participating rides and attractions. However, there are some major differences between the programs.

Disney Lightning Lane

Disney Lightning Lane passes give you the ability to book times to use the Lightning Lane entrance at Walt Disney World theme parks. The cost ranges varies based on the park/ride and the time of year. Reservations can be made in advance of arrival.

Universal Express Pass

As stated before, the Universal Express Pass gives you the ability to skip the standby line at participating rides (one time at each ride), with an additional charge for a 2-park pass.

Universal Express Unlimited

The Universal Express Unlimited gives you the ability to skip the standby line at an unlimited number of rides (not just one time), with an additional charge for a 2-park pass. Once you have the pass, no reservations are required to use it on the rides.

Which is Better – Disney’s Lightning Lane or Universal’s Express Pass?

The Disney offering is much cheaper and, overall, a better value. That said, Universal’s 2 types of passes are still worth it.  If you only have one day at Universal — or just hate waiting in lines and want to maximize your limited time at Universal by spending it on the rides instead of in the lines — then these passes can really make the difference.  The Universal passes are great because you don’t have to make reservations on an app like Disney’s Lightning Lane. It’s so convenient!

Read our next blog post for a valuable Universal vacation hack. In it, we show you how staying at one of Universal’s Premier Hotels can get you FREE Express Unlimited Pass. Wow!

Read: How to Get the Universal Express Pass for Free

Do you really need the Universal Express Pass to have fun?

Absolutely not! The Universal Express Pass and Universal Express Unlimited Pass are nice luxury add-ons — but you can still get on the most popular rides at Islands of Adventure and the best rides at Universal Studios without one. But buying the express passes will probably give you rest and relaxation overall because you won’t be on your feet as long and you’ll be enjoying more time on the rides. If you have good touring plans and a little patience, you’ll have an amazing time at Universal Orlando Resort, no matter what!

Is the Express Pass the Same as the Attraction Access Pass?

No. Universal’s Attraction Access Pass is a free service provided to guests with disabilities or other conditions which make it difficult for them to wait in a traditional standby queue. It generally requires guests to wait the same amount of time as those who are in the standby line, but allows for an alternate waiting experience. The Express Pass, on the other hand, is a service offered to anyone willing to pay for it; it minimizes or eliminates the wait time at attractions. Guests may use both services on the same day if eligible for both.

Ready to Book your Trip to Universal Orlando?

Need some help planning a vacation at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure? Speak with the Universal and Disney travel agents at The Vacationeer! They know Universal like they know Disney so you know you’ll be in good hands.