The Universal Express Pass

Planning a visit to Universal Orlando can be overwhelming, especially when you factor in ride queues. That’s where the Universal Express Pass comes in. With nearly 40 attractions across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and the upcoming Epic Universe included, this add-on can dramatically change your day in the parks.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know: how it works, which rides are included, and whether it’s really worth the cost for your trip.

What is the Universal Express Pass?

The Universal Express Pass allows you to skip the regular standby line and use a shorter Express line instead. Think of it as queue-jumping with official approval.

Instead of waiting 60–90 minutes for a major ride, you’ll typically cut that wait to a fraction of the time. The exact savings depend on the day, crowd levels, and specific ride capacity.

There are two main versions:

• Universal Express Pass (regular) – lets you use Express access once per ride.
• Universal Express Unlimited – allows you to use the Express line as many times as you like on the same attraction.

How Does Universal Express Pass Work?

Using the pass is simple. After you buy one (either as a standalone ticket add-on or as part of a hotel package at select Universal hotels), it’s tied to your park ticket or given as a separate pass.

At each attraction offering Express access, you’ll see a clearly marked Express line. Simply present your ticket or scan your pass, and you’ll be directed into the faster queue.

Unlike Disney’s Genie+ system, there’s no need to book return times or reserve slots in advance. You can walk up and use it whenever you like.

Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure Coverage

One of the biggest questions guests ask is which rides actually take Express. Here’s the breakdown:

Universal Studios Florida – Express Pass Rides

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

*Note: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem often has the longest Express wait due to limited capacity—sometimes half of the standby time.

Islands of Adventure – Express Pass Rides

• Marvel Super Hero Island: The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, Storm Force Acceleration, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• Toon Lagoon: Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges, Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
• Jurassic Park: Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure
• Hogsmeade: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Hogwarts Express
• Seuss Landing: Caro-Seuss-el, The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Seuss Trolley Train Ride
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Yes—Hagrid’s, VelociCoaster, and Flight of the Hippogriff now accept Express, which wasn’t the case in earlier years.

Volcano Bay – Express Access

Universal’s water park works a little differently. It uses the TapuTapu virtual line system, but Express can override this.

• Basic Express covers select slides (like Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Punga Racers, Honu ika Moana).
• Express Plus includes all slides, such as Ko’okiri Body Plunge and Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Slides.

Guests receive a separate wristband for Express, making it easy to choose between TapuTapu or Express depending on wait times.

Epic Universe – Express Access (Opening 2025)

The new Epic Universe park will also honour Express Pass on many attractions, including:

• Celestial Park: Constellation Carousel, Stardust Racers
• Dark Universe: Curse of the Werewolf, Monsters Unchained
• Isle of Berk: Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, The Untrainable Dragon
• Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
• Super Nintendo World: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure

This makes Epic Universe an even bigger draw for Express Pass users.

Express Unlimited vs. Regular

Here’s where strategy comes in.

• Regular Express: You can use Express once per ride. If you want to ride The Hulk twice, you’ll queue normally for your second go.
• Unlimited Express: You can ride again and again, always through the Express line.

For families who want to re-ride favourites like Spider-Man, Forbidden Journey, or VelociCoaster, Unlimited is the clear winner.

But if you’re mainly focused on doing every ride once, the standard pass often suffices.

Top Tip: Think About Park Hopping - Because Express covers Hogwarts Express (the train linking Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure), it’s worth combining it with a park-to-park ticket. This way, you can use Express both ways and save time moving between parks.

Attractions Without Express Access

It’s also important to know what’s not included:

• Ollivanders Wand Shop (both parks)
• Pteranodon Flyers (Islands of Adventure)
• Horror Make-Up Show (Universal Studios)
• Dragon Racer’s Rally (Epic Universe – Isle of Berk)

These are exceptions, so plan accordingly if they’re must-dos for your group.

Is Universal Express Pass Worth It?

This is the golden question. The answer depends on:

• Time of year – If you’re visiting during peak holidays, Express can save hours of waiting.
• Length of stay – Short trips (one or two days) benefit more from Express, as you’ll need to pack in attractions quickly.
• Group type – Families with kids often appreciate Express to avoid restless waits. Solo visitors may find it less essential.
• Ride priorities – If your must-do list includes heavyweights like Gringotts, VelociCoaster, and Spider-Man, Express makes life easier.

Bottom line: If you value time and want to experience as much as possible, Express is usually worth it—especially if you choose Unlimited.

Top Tip: Check Hotel Packages - Some Universal Orlando hotels, like Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Portofino Bay, actually include Unlimited Express for every guest. This can work out better value than buying passes separately, especially for families.

Frequently Asked Questions'

Does Universal Express Pass cover all rides?

Almost all major attractions are included—nearly 40 across four parks. A few, like Ollivanders and Pteranodon Flyers, are excluded.

Can I add Express Pass later?

Yes, you can upgrade at the parks if you decide you need it after seeing the crowd levels.

Is Express Pass included with park tickets?

Not by default. It’s a separate add-on, unless you stay at select Universal hotels where Unlimited Express is complimentary.

Do I need Express if I go in low season?

In quieter months, standby lines are shorter. Express is still useful but less critical—especially if you have multiple park days.

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