At Universal Orlando Resort, there are so many amazing attractions and fun waiting for you. Did you know that there is a way to reduce your wait times so that you can get to the fun sooner? This is your complete guide to Universal Express Pass.
What is it?
The Universal Express Pass is an optional way for guests to enjoy access to shorter wait times at many participating attractions at the Universal Orlando theme parks and at Universal’s Volcano Bay. Guests may opt to purchase this service, or it is included for the theme parks when you stay at a premier hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. Let’s break it down a little more.
Universal Express
When you purchase Universal Express, you can experience each participating attraction one time per day. If you would like to use it each day, you need to purchase the Universal Express for each day of your visit. This can be added to your vacation package or purchased once you have arrived. It’s important to remember that this feature has date-based pricing. The price will also often be more if you purchase the same day.
Universal Express Unlimited
The Universal Express Unlimited option includes UNLIMITED access to all participating attractions at the theme parks. This option can be purchased for each day of your visit or added to a combo ticket, good for the length of your visit with your park admission.
The Universal Express Unlimited is also included for the length of your stay if you stay at a Premier hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort. This also includes your arrival and departure day!
Volcano Bay Express
With this option, you are entitled to skip the Virtual Line for SELECT attractions at Universal’s Volcano Bay. This is valid one time per participating attraction and separate theme park admission is required.
Volcano Bay Express PLUS
When you purchase this option for Universal’s Volcano Bay, you can skip the Virtual Line for ALL participating attractions at Universal’s Volcano Bay. This is valid one time per attraction and separate theme park admission is required.
How Does It Work?
The Universal Express Pass is very easy to use. You do not need to schedule anything ahead of time. When you want to ride a participating attraction, simply head to that attraction. There are two different lines and you will enter the one that the sign indicating “Universal Express”. As you enter, a team member will check your ticket or room key to verify that you have the pass. Then, you will be permitted to enter the line. As you proceed through the line, another team member will be waiting to scan your ticket or room key to verify it.
Using the Universal Express pass will often significantly cut down on your wait time at the participating attractions that you visit. Your actual wait time will vary but this is a great add-on to utilize when the parks are busy.
What Is Included?
Universal Studios
The following attractions at Universal Studios are included with the Universal Express and Universal Express Unlimited.
- The Bourne Stuntacular
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- E.T. Adventure
- Fast & Furious – Supercharged
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
- Hogwarts™ Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
- MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- The Simpsons Ride™
- TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
- Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
The following attractions at Universal’s Islands of Adventure are included with the Universal Express and Universal Express Unlimited.
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®
- Caro-Seuss-el™
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall®
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls®
- Flight of the Hippogriff™
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™
- Hogwarts™ Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster®
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Poseidon’s Fury
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Storm Force Accelatron®
Please note that Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike AdventureTM are not included with Universal Express or Universal Express Unlimited. The best way to experience these attractions is early in the day or to monitor wait times using the mobile app.
Universal’s Volcano Bay
If you want to head to the water park and enjoy all the fun at Universal’s Volcano Bay, you may want to consider purchasing the Volcano Bay Express or Volcano Bay Express PLUS. This can be done in advance online or once you arrive at the park, pending availability. With this purchase, you can skip the Virtual Line for participating rides.
The following attractions are included with your purchase:
- Honu of Honu ika Moana
- ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster
- Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Punga Racers
- Taniwha Tubes
These Additional Rides are Available with Express PLUS:
- Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge
- Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
It’s important to note that the Universal Express Unlimited that is offered with your stay at Premier Hotels or for purchase with your tickets does NOT include the attractions at Universal’s Volcano Bay. The Volcano Bay Express or Volcano Bay Express PLUS needs to be purchased separately.
Is It Worth the Money?
The short answer to this question is yes, it is absolutely worth the money. This is especially the case when the parks are busy because your wait time for many attractions is often significantly less. However, the best value when using the Universal Express Pass is to stay at a Premier hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. Not only are all three of these hotels gorgeous, but they are also closest to the parks and the Universal Express Unlimited is included for the length of your stay.
Another way to get Universal Express Unlimited is to add a combo ticket to your vacation package. Your Key to the World Travel Advisor is always here to help you figure out the best option for your trip!
Are you considering a trip? Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands.
Contact your Key to the World Travel® advisor for your next trip, or send us a quote request to get started.
