Is the Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass Overhyped or Overpriced?

The Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass is one of those theme park extras that sparks instant debate.

It promises shorter wait times and more rides packed into your day, but let’s be real—it doesn’t come cheap.

Starting at around $99.99 for the basic Universal Express and $129.99 for the Express Unlimited, the price can feel, well, a little outrageous.

Add in the fact that it doesn’t even work on every ride, and suddenly, it’s clear why people question whether it’s worth the splurge.

However, Epic Universe is opening on May 22nd, 2025, and it’s been announced recently that there will be Express Passes available!

And we can assume that Epic Universe (and Universal Studios Orlando generally) will be very busy for the foreseeable future.

Whether you’re visiting for only a day or looking to skip the tedious waits, Express Passes can sound like the ultimate park hack.

But is the Universal Express Pass a smart investment or just an overpriced luxury? Let’s break it down.

This post is all about deciding if the Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass is overhyped or overpriced.

Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass

What is the Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass?

The Express Pass is essentially Universal’s FastPass system.

By offering a way to skip the regular lines for most attractions, the Express Pass allows you to maximize the number of attractions you can experience.

Sounds simple, but there’s a bit more to it than that.

From Standard to Unlimited to being free for some on-site hotel guests, there’s plenty to cover here!

Let’s dissect what you’re really getting with an Express Pass.

Standard vs. Unlimited Express Pass

The first thing to know about the Universal Express Pass is that it comes in two types: Standard and Unlimited.

Think of the Standard Pass as the basic model—it lets you skip the regular lines once per participating ride each day.

Want to ride your favorites multiple times without dealing with long waits?

That’s where the Unlimited version steps in, allowing repeat access to participating rides throughout the day.

Here’s what each option looks like:

Standard Express Pass:
- Skip the regular line once per ride for participating attractions.
- Slightly more cost-effective not worth it if you want to ride a participating attraction multiple times in one day.
Unlimited Express Pass:
- Skip the regular line for participating attractions as many times as you’d like.
- Ideal for thrill-seekers or families with kids who insist on riding popular rides again and again.

Pricing and Availability of Universal Express Pass

How much are Express Passes at Universal Studios Orlando?

The cost of a Universal Express Pass isn’t set in stone.

Pricing will vary based on factors like the season, crowd levels, and the day of the week. During quieter times, you might score a Standard Pass for as low as $99.99 + tax (I know that’s not cheap, but it’s the lowest you’ll usually find a standard Express Pass selling for).

But during peak holidays or school breaks? Don’t be shocked if you’re staring at $200-$400 per day. The Unlimited version, unsurprisingly, costs even more.

So how do you get your hands on one?

Online Purchase: Make your purchase ahead of time through the official site or trusted third-party sellers (who may offer Express Passes for a more reasonable price).
At the Gate: Some folks gamble on same-day purchases, but be aware that Express Passes can sell out on crowded days.
Bundles: If you’re already buying park tickets, consider bundling them with Express Passes for added convenience.

While it’s certainly not the cheapest add-on, the price can feel justifiable during high-demand times, especially if you’re trying to avoid spending hours in line, but you still want to experience many attractions.

Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass Rides Included

Universal Studios Florida Express Pass Rides Included

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Production Central
E.T. Adventure – Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone
Fast & Furious – Supercharged – San Francisco
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
Hogwarts Express (which requires park-to-park admission) – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – Production Central
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast – Illumination’s Minion Land
Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – Springfield: Home of the Simpsons
Men in Black Alien Attack – World Expo
Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon – New York
The Bourne Stuntacular – Hollywood
The Simpsons Ride – Springfield: Home of the Simpsons
Transformers: The Ride – 3D – Production Central

Universal Islands of Adventure Express Pass Rides Included

Caro-Seuss-el – Seuss Landing
Doctor Doom’s Fearfall – Marvel Super Hero Island
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls – Toon Lagoon
Flight of the Hippogriff – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Hogwarts Express (park-to-park admission required) – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Jurassic Park River Adventure – Jurassic Park
Jurassic World VelociCoaster – Jurassic Park
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish – Seuss Landing
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges – Toon Lagoon
Skull Island: Reign of Kong – Skull Island
Storm Force Acceleration – Marvel Super Hero Island
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – Marvel Super Hero Island
The Cat in the Hat – Seuss Landing
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! – Seuss Landing
The Incredible Hulk Coaster – Marvel Super Hero Island

Epic Universe Express Pass Rides Included

Constellation Carousel – Celestial Park
Curse of the Werewolf – Dark Universe
Fyre Drill – How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Le Cirque Arcanus – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge – SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – Dark Universe
Stardust Racers – Celestial Park
The Untrainable Dragon – How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Yoshi’s Adventure – SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Premier Hotel Perks – How to Get “Free” Universal Unlimited Express Passes

Here’s a helpful Universal hack Universal hack: staying at one of Universal Orlando’s qualifying Premier hotels gets you complimentary Unlimited Express Passes.

Yes, you read that right. Guests at Premier-tier accommodations including Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel automatically receive Unlimited Express Passes for each guest in the room.

Please note hotels guests of Universal Helios Grand do not get complimentary Express Passes as of April 2025.

This perk alone could pay for part—or even all—of your hotel stay, especially if you’re with a group.

Although Premier hotels usually cost at least a few hundred dollars per night, it seems like a decent deal when you account for the Unlimited Express Passes. Especially if you were going to splurge on these Express Passes anyway.

Plus, the convenience of being so close to the parks is unmatched.

In a nutshell, if you’re already planning a multi-day trip, upgrading to a Premier hotel might be the smartest move you can make in terms of cost savings and simplicity.

Assessing the Value of the Express Pass

So, we’ve established the main ways of saving on Express Pass. But before booking, let’s establish if it’s even worth it in the first place.

The real question is: Is it saving you time, or just emptying your wallet? Let’s break it down.

Impact on Wait Times

The golden claim of the Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass is its ability to cut down your wait times.

Now, nobody can guarantee that you’ll get on every ride within 10 minutes if you have an Express Pass.

However, anecdotally (after using Express Pass in August and December – sometimes on weekdays, other times on weekends), I can tell you that it usually at least halves the wait time.

For example, if the standard wait time for the VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure is 60 minutes, it’s not unreasonable to assume that an Express Pass wait time would be up to 30 minutes.

That being said, in my experience, Express Pass wait times are usually less than half of the standard wait time. Sometimes, they practically give you front of line access.

However, this largely depends on a few major factors:

How popular the attraction is (and the standby queue at the time of your visit)
How busy the park is
If the ride has experienced any downtime.

Exclusions and Limitations

While the Express Pass can be great for skipping lines, it doesn’t work everywhere.

That’s right—some major rides – are not included in an expensive Express Pass.

The most notable exclusion is Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.

To the disappointment of many, this highly immersive ride in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter doesn’t participate in the Express Pass program.

If this is on your must-do list, you’ll still be committing to a standby line, which often exceeds 90 minutes during busy times.

What rides are not included in Universal Express Pass?

Other exclusions include:

Dragon Racer’s Rally – Epic Universe
Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry – Epic Universe
Horror Make-Up Show – Universal Studios Florida
Mine-Cart Madness – Epic Universe
Ollivanders Wand Shop – Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure
Pteranodon Flyers – Islands of Adventure

Volcano Bay Express Passes

Volcano Bay has two different types of Express Passes with Virtual Lines:

Basic – only includes a few attractions – starts at $19.99 + tax, per person, per day
Plus – includes all Volcano Bay Express Passes – starts at $49.99 + tax, per person, per day

Rides Included in Basic Volcano Bay Express Pass (Virtual Lines)

Krakatau Aqua Coaster
Punga Racers
Honu ika Moana
Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
Tonga and Raki of Taniwha Tubes

Rides Included in Plus Volcano Bay Express Pass (Virtual Lines)

Krakatau Aqua Coaster
Punga Racers
Honu ika Moana
Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
Tonga and Raki of Taniwha Tubes
Ko’okiri Body Plunge
Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides

If you have an Express Pass in Volcano Bay, you won’t receive a card (that looks like a credit/debit card) that gets scanned before you can go on the attraction.

Instead, you’ll get two wristbands: one for your Express Pass, another for the TapuTapu virtual system. Therefore, you can use both to maximize the number of attractions you get to experience.

(Please note that if you are staying at a qualifying Premier hotel where you get Unlimited Express Pass, you will not qualify for free Express Pass at Volcano Bay).

Time Efficiency vs. Cost

So, how do you know if it’s worth it? Here are some scenarios to help:

When it’s worth it:
- You’re visiting during holidays (think Christmas break, Spring break, Thanksgiving etc.) when crowd levels are at their peak.
- You’re short on time, squeezing Universal Orlando into a single day.
- You’re traveling with kids or people who can’t handle long waits.
- You’re staying at one of Universal’s Premier hotels, where the Unlimited Express Pass is included.

When it’s probably not worth it:
- You’re visiting during a low-crowd season, like mid-week in January.
- You’re in no rush, comfortable waiting, and flexible with your ride priorities.
- Your must-do attractions aren’t covered by the pass (looking at you, Hagrid’s).
- You’re planning multiple park days, giving you more time to experience everything without rushing.

Alternatives to the Express Pass

Sure, the Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass is convenient, but not everyone wants to fork over hundreds of dollars for a fast track to the rides. Luckily, there are effective alternatives that can help you optimize your time and get more out of your visit—without draining your wallet.

Let’s dive into some strategic options.

Strategic Planning for Low Wait Times

You don’t necessarily need to pay extra to avoid long lines at Universal. Sometimes, it’s all about smart planning. By timing your visit wisely and arriving prepared, you can skip the chaos without the need for an Express Pass. Here are some tips:

Early Park Admission: Guests staying at Universal hotels or select passholders get early entry to the parks (usually one hour early), meaning you can start enjoying attractions up to an hour before the general public. Use this time to knock out popular rides like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (however, some rides – such as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure may not open until the official opening time).
Off-Peak Visits: Visiting during off-peak seasons, like mid-January or September, can drastically reduce wait times.
Stay Late: If you’re more of a night owl, staying until close can be just as effective. Crowds tend to thin out in the evening, especially once families with young kids head home. However, remember that park hours will be shorter in winter, so be sure to check this before your visit.

Universal Mobile App: Did you know Universal’s mobile app offers live wait-time updates? Use this data to plan your next stop and stay flexible. When one ride’s line starts looking daunting, simply pivot to one with a shorter queue.
Single Rider Hacks: Although these lines don’t guarantee to save you time, there are certainly occasions where they will! See the list below for rides with single rider lines:

Universal Studios Florida:

Fast and Furious – Supercharged
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (which is closing permanently in September 2025)
Men in Black Alien Attack
Revenge of the Mummy
Transformers: The Ride – 3D

Islands of Adventure:

Dr. Doom’s Fearfall
Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Jurassic Park River Adventure
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
Skull Island: Reign of Kong
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
The Incredible Hulk Coaster

Universal Epic Universe:

Curse of the Werewolf
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Mine-Cart Madness
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Stardust Racers

Comparing the Express Pass to VIP Tours

If you’re looking for an experience that elevates your visit even more than the Express Pass, VIP Tours might be worth considering.

These guided, premium experiences combine everything that makes the Express Pass great with behind-the-scenes perks and personalized service. But are they worth the price tag?

Let me break it down.

What VIP Tours Offer: With a VIP Tour, you get not only front-of-line access to rides but also exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences. A private guide customizes your day based on what you love most—or, for smaller budgets, join a non-exclusive tour with other groups (from $299 + tax – not including park admission).
Key Differences: While both options save time, the VIP Tours include extras like reserved seats at shows, lunch in exclusive areas, and more direct, personalized service. Additionally, VIP guests truly skip the lines, something even the Express Pass can’t guarantee at certain attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions about Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass

Is Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass worth it?

Wondering ‘is the Express Pass worth it at Universal Orlando?’

It really depends on the amount of time you have at Universal, and the amount of time you’re willing to spend waiting in line.

Taking a long Universal vacation. You may be fine to skip the Express Pass.

Shorter trip? Express Pass can be immensely helpful.

How to get free Express Pass Universal Orlando?

Sadly, there’s no way to get a Universal Express Pass COMPLETELY for free.

But the most economic way is often to stay in a Premier Hotel, and get a “free” Express Pass to Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure.

Can you buy an Express Pass at Universal Studios on the day?

Sometimes. It depends on availability. If you know you definitely want an Express Pass, your best bet is to secure it immediately – especially if you’re visiting on a busier day (i.e. holidays/weekends etc.)

Ta Ta For Now

Have you used a Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass in the past? What was your experience?

Or if you haven’t, would you splurge on an Express Pass on an upcoming trip?

Share your thoughts in the comments 🙂

This post was all about deciding if the Universal Studios Orlando Express Pass is overhyped or overpriced.