Universal Orlando’s Universal Express Pass is the resort’s priority boarding system. It isn’t cheap, but it can save you a significant amount of time. This 2025 update covers Express at all three theme parks (including Epic Universe) plus Volcano Bay. We also discuss whether you should consider purchasing it.
Updated: 31 August 2025
How does Universal Express Pass work?
Universal Express Pass allows you priority boarding at most attractions at Universal Orlando Resort. Present your pass at participating attractions at Universal Studios Florida, Epic Universe, or Islands of Adventure to bypass the regular lines. You will join a shorter Express Pass line and have a reduced wait compared to the regular line. You don’t book return windows, and can use Express whenever you like.
There is also an option available at Volcano Bay, which we will discuss below.
NOTE: If you are staying in a Universal Resort, Express Pass is not available during Early Park Admission.
How long will I wait?
Universal Express isn’t “front of the line,” but it typically reduces wait times substantially. Usually, you wait around half of the posted standby time. However, it should be noted that posted waits are often slightly exaggerated as well. At the newly opened Epic Universe, Express queues can fluctuate as operations continue to settle in.
What rides are not included in Universal Express Pass?
Coverage can change, but as of late August 2025, the significant omissions are:
- Islands of Adventure: Pteranodon Flyers does not accept Express. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure now accepts Express Pass.
- Universal Studios Florida: Most attractions accept Express.
- Epic Universe: Most major attractions accept Express; Dragon Racer’s Rally is the notable exception right now. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Donkey Kong: Mine-Cart Madness were previously excluded, but are now accepted with Express Pass.
- Hogwarts Express: Accepts Express tickets, but a Park-to-Park ticket is required to ride.
What types of Express Pass are there?
There are two types of Express Pass available:
- The Universal Express Pass allows one admission to each attraction per day via the Express Pass line.
- Universal Express Unlimited Pass allows unlimited admissions to each attraction via the Express Pass line.
Epic Universe: currently offers only a 1-park Universal Express (one time per ride). There is presently no Unlimited product available for Epic Universe.
The types of passes available can get a bit confusing:
- You can book a pass that gives you one day’s access to a specific park.
- You can book Universal Express Unlimited for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
- For Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, you can book a pass that allows you to visit both parks on the same day. A valid park-to-park admission ticket is also needed.
- For Epic Universe, you can only buy a basic Universal Express Pass, which allows one ride per attraction.
- Discounts are available for multiple-day bookings for all options.
Simple? If you try to book, it tends to make more sense.
How much is a Universal Express Pass?
Prices are date-based and vary widely. As a ballpark, Universal Express at the original parks often starts around $100–$130 on quiet days and can exceed $300 per person on peak dates. Epic Universe’s 1-park Express also uses surge pricing and can top $300 on the busiest days. The price soon adds up for a family vacation.
Express does not include park admission. However, discounts are available when booking a multiple-day pass.
How can I book Express Pass?
The number of passes is limited. However, the actual number available is not advertised.
Buy as soon as your dates are set. Express Passes are dated; check the current terms if your plans change.
You can book via Universal’s website and some ticket brokers.
Can I use my Universal Express Pass any day?
No, your Express Pass is only valid on a specific date. You will lose your money if you do not attend for any reason. It is essential to set your dates before making a purchase.
How else can I get an Express Pass?
There are three additional ways guests can receive a Universal Express Pass:
- Guests staying at select Universal Resorts receive a complimentary Express Pass Unlimited as part of their package. This benefit is exclusive to guests staying at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock & Royal Pacific Resorts. You should budget carefully before purchasing an Express Pass, as staying in one of these resorts can often work out cheaper, especially if there are 4 of you in a room. Your Express Pass will be valid on both arrival & departure dates. This hotel perk is not valid at Epic Universe or Volcano Bay.
- Guests who purchase one of Universal’s costly VIP Tours receive an Express Pass as part of their package.
- The final way to obtain an Express Pass is by purchasing the top-priced annual pass, known as the Premier Pass. Premier Pass includes a list of benefits, including Universal Express Pass from 4 pm until close. It is valid once per participating attraction per day and is not valid at Epic Universe or Volcano Bay.
Is Universal Express Pass worth buying?
This is a difficult question to answer, as it depends on your itinerary, goals, and budget. With only a few days, Express can be the difference between highlights and “almost everything,” especially during school holidays.
For a family of four, costs add up quickly on peak days. Compare the price with a one-night stay at one of the resorts that includes a complimentary Express Pass.
At Epic Universe, where waits can be longest right now, the 1-park Express is a strong buy on busier dates. However, we managed to visit most attractions during the peak summer period without purchasing an Express Pass.
How else can I save time at Universal Orlando?
Express Pass does cost a lot of money, and there are plenty of other ways to save time when visiting Universal Orlando:
- Buy your tickets in advance. Lines at ticket kiosks can be long and often over 1 hour. Make sure when purchasing tickets, your agent supplies hard tickets. Vouchers must be exchanged at the kiosks.
- Arrive early, and don’t head straight to Harry Potter. Other attractions will have much shorter waits in the first few hours. Complete as many rides as possible before heading to Harry Potter.
- Avoid Peak Season if you can.
- Avoid the summer storms; attractions will close during these periods.
- Use the single rider line. Many attractions at Universal Orlando have a single-rider line. The family will ride apart, but waits are often shorter than via the Express Line.
Does Volcano Bay have Express Pass?
Volcano Bay offers two tiers:
- Universal Express (standard) allows you to skip the Virtual Line at select slides.
- Universal Express Plus covers more slides (including the largest drop/body slides).
The “free Express” from selected hotels does not include Volcano Bay.
Volcano Bay is about to undergo some changes, including the removal of Virtual Lines and the TapuTapu system. This change will happen at the start of October 2025. It is too early to tell if this should impact your decision to buy.
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Our Guide to Universal Orlando is a great starting point to plan any vacation to Universal Orlando.
