So, picture this: you’re standing in front of Jurassic World VelociCoaster, heart racing with excitement – but the wait time says 110 minutes. Been there! Lucky for me, I had an Express Pass, and I was on the ride in just 20 minutes.
Universal says Express Pass holders can do up to twice as many attractions in a day compared to regular queues. And from personal experience? I’d say that’s spot on. But is it worth the cost? Let’s break it down in this Universal Orlando express pass guide.
The Different Types of Express Pass
When I first visited Universal, I didn't realise there was more than one Express Pass option. But I soon realised that not all Express Passes are created equal. Here’s the simple breakdown:
Standard Express Pass – Skip the regular queue once per ride.
Express Unlimited – Skip the queue as many times as you like.
Personally, I love Express Unlimited. There’s nothing better than re-riding your favourites without thinking twice!
A Handy Trick for Free Express Pass
One of Universal’s best-kept secrets? If you stay at a Signature Collection hotel (Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, or Loews Portofino Bay), you get Unlimited Express Pass for free. And here’s the trick:
Book just one night at a Signature Collection hotel.
You’ll get Express Passes for both check-in and check-out days.
Everyone in your hotel room gets one!
This can save hundreds compared to buying Express Pass separately – especially if you’re travelling as a family or group.
Express Pass Pricing – How Much and How to Save
Let’s talk numbers. Express Pass prices fluctuate like airline tickets, depending on crowd levels. Here’s what you can expect:
Prices start around $79.99 per person in quiet seasons.
During peak times (summer, holidays), prices can soar to $199.99+.
Booking in advance can save you around 20%.
If you’re an annual passholder (Premier Pass), you can also score discounts of up to 20% off.
Which Rides Accept Express Pass?
Express Pass works on most major attractions, including:
✅ Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (As of the end of May 2025!)
✅ Revenge of the Mummy
✅ Jurassic World VelociCoaster
✅ Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
✅ The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
However, some rides don’t accept it, like:
🚫 Pteranodon Flyers (kids ride)(also, it's been closed quite a while but is expected to reopen soon)
Plan accordingly, because if you want to ride Pteranodon Flyers, you’ll need to join the regular queue.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Express Pass
Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my strategy for maximising Express Pass. Here’s what works best:
1. Use Express Pass During Peak Hours
Early mornings and late evenings tend to have shorter lines anyway.
Save Express Pass for the busiest times: 11 AM – 4 PM unless you have Express Unlimited of course.
2. Rope Drop the Rides That Don’t Accept Express Pass
Get to the park early and head straight to Pteranodon Flyers before the crowds build up.
Once the main queues fill up, then start using Express Pass.
3. Park Hop Like a Pro
Express Pass makes park hopping super efficient.
Check wait times on the Universal Orlando app and hop between parks to dodge long queues.
Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?
If you’re visiting during busy seasons, Express Pass is a total game-changer. You’ll spend less time queueing and more time actually enjoying the rides.
For families with young kids, it can save you from meltdowns in long queues. And if you’re a solo traveller, pairing Express Pass with single rider lines means you can fly through the parks in record time.
Not sure if you need it? My advice:
👉 Check crowd calendars before your trip.
👉 Start your day without Express Pass, then buy it later if queues are unbearable.
Either way, planning smartly means you’ll have an epic Universal trip – Express Pass or not!
Got any Express Pass tips? Share them below – I’d love to hear your thoughts!