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on June 22, 2021 I get it…you’re wondering, “Is Universal Express Pass worth it?” After all, Universal theme park tickets are already expensive, and standing in long lines can’t be all that bad, right? In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at whether or not Universal Express Pass is worth it by examining the qualifying rides, Express Pass prices, and exact wait times associated with Universal Express Pass. Next, we’ll let you know exactly why, or why not, we think Universal Express Pass is worth it! This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. For more info, see disclosure.  Universal Express Pass RidesWhen considering if Universal Express Pass is worth it, the first thing to note is that not all rides and attractions accept Express Pass. This means that it is inevitable that at some rides and attractions you will have to wait in the regular (typically long) line no matter what. Here is a list of the rides and attractions at both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure that participate in the Express Pass system. It is only at these rides that you’ll be able to enter a separate, quicker, Express Pass queue and skip the regular line if you have Express Pass privileges.
Please note that Universal always makes a point to mention that participating rides are subject to change without notice. Universal Studios Florida Express Pass
As you can see, most of the best rides at Universal Studios accept Express Passes. Notably missing from the list, however, are Fievel’s Playland and the shows The Bourne Stuntacular, Fear Factor Live, Horror & Make-Up Show, and Animal Actors on Location. In other words, there is not an Express Pass line for preferred seating or to enter these theaters before general admission. All guests use the same line. Universal’s Islands Of Adventure Express Pass
Most notably missing from this list are two of the best rides at Islands of Adventure, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and the new Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Due to their immense popularity, it’s fair game for all looking to ride Hagrid’s and VelociCoaster. Your best bet for getting on Hagrid’s is to book a line reservation time via Universal’s Virtual Line Experience system, and as for Jurassic World VelociCoaster – expect a 2 hour wait minimum beginning immediately upon park opening. The other attraction at Universal’s Islands of Adventure that does not participate in Express Pass is Pteranodon Flyers. Universal Express Pass PriceUniversal Express Pass is a park ticket add-on. This means that each person wanting Express Pass benefits must first purchase a Universal park ticket as well as the Express Pass add-on. (Cost of park ticket + Cost of Universal Express Pass = Total price.) Something to note is that there are two different types of Universal Express Passes, and each comesat a different cost. They are Universal Express and Universal Express Unlimited. Universal Express:
Universal Express Unlimited:
With Universal theme park tickets ranging in cost from $109 (1-park-1 day) to $164 (2-park-1 day) plus tax per person, adding on an Express Pass Unlimited to a 2-park ticket, for instance, brings the total cost per person to $254 + tax PER PERSON! (Prices relevant as of 9/12/21.) Universal Hotels With Express PassUniversal Orlando has three stunning on-site Universal Premier category hotels that offer complimentary Express Passes for each registered guest included with your hotel stay. (Your room key doubles as the Express Pass that you must show to get on rides.) They are Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. It’s also worth noting that when you stay on-site at Universal’s Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, or Portofino Bay, you receive complimentary unlimited Express Pass access and Early Park Admission on your check-in and check-out days. In other words, when booking a two-night stay you get Express access for three full days at the theme parks (check-in day, the day mid-stay, and check-out day). (This is a huge deal if you truly factor in the cost of purchasing daily express passes vs. the nightly cost of Premier hotels.) Check out these amazing hotels that offer Universal Express Unlimited included in your stay!
**Click here for our complete review and a detailed explanation of the additional perks of staying at Loews Royal Pacific Universal Orlando.** Is Universal Express Pass Worth It?In our firm opinion, Universal Express Pass is worth it. We feel that the additional cost associated with Express Pass abundantly covers the time saved from having to stand in long lines. Not only did these short wait times allow us to maximize both our Universal Studios touring plan and Islands of Adventure 1-day itinerary, but it meant that we never got crabby or restless while having to wait in long lines. Express Pass also allows you to be able to ride your favorite rides multiple times with little to no wait in a fraction of the time if being done without Express access. In order to make this happen, our top suggestion is to sacrifice by paying a higher room rate in order to stay at a Universal Premier hotel, in order to have Express Passes included with your stay. If staying on-site is not an option, be sure to purchase the Express Pass Unlimited vs. the standard Express Pass for only $20 more per ticket than the standard Express. Universal Express Pass Wait TimesHere is a breakdown of the posted wait times at Universal’s most popular rides. We kept track of them during our visit which landed on a Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in March 2021. In monitoring the app, these wait times were consistent at all times throughout the day (minus the first hour after park opening when all lines are fairly short). In addition, we have included the time we actually spent waiting in line upon using our Universal Express Passes to enter through the Express Pass queue. As you can see, the time savings is huge.
As you can see, we never waited for more than 15 minutes to board a ride when using Express Pass. In fact, we most commonly waited only 5 minutes to board a ride despite the parks being extremely busy (Spring Break week). Is Universal Express Pass Worth It During COVID?In our opinion, Universal Express Pass is still worth it during times of decreased park capacity related to COVID. There are still going to be long waits during peak traveling times despite that the overall capacity of the park is decreased. We experienced all of the general wait times and Express Pass wait times listed above during March of 2021 when Universal Orlando Resort was operating at a limited capacity. So yes, Universal Express Pass is worth it…even during COVID.
If you liked reading about Universal Express Pass, continue planning your Universal Orlando vacation here:Universal Orlando Touring Plans:
Universal Orlando Tips:
Universal Orlando Rides:
*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.* TAGS Is Universal Studios CA Express Pass worth it?Even though these tickets cost more than regular admission, the benefits are well worth it, especially if you are taking that once-in-a-lifetime trip. The park limits the number of Universal Studios Hollywood Express Passes sold each day, so the awesome perks are always maintained.
What's the difference between Universal Express and Universal Express Unlimited?This is an easy distinction to understand. Express Pass allows you to skip the line at each eligible ride once. Universal Express Unlimited Pass allows you to skip the line at each eligible ride as many times as you want.
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Is it worth getting express pass for universal studios
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