Is the Universal Orlando Express Pass Worth it?

Is the Universal Orlando Express Pass Worth it?

Is the Universal Orlando Express Pass Worth it?

This article will teach you how to figure out if the Universal Express pass is worth it at Universal Orlando! From our experience visiting the parks, we do find the Universal Express pass to be worth it if you’re only visiting Universal Orlando for one or two days, you simply don’t want to wait in lines and maximize your time in the parks or you still need to book a hotel room and you plan to get the express pass for free by booking one of the Universal premier resorts. However, as you will see below the Universal Express pass prices do fluctuate based on the day you plan to visit and we find that it’s important to understand which rides you would like to go on when determining if it’s worth upgrading or not.

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

How to Figure Out if the Universal Express Pass is Worth it?

As discussed above, we find the best way to figure out if the Universal Orlando Express pass is worth it or not is to figure out which rides you plan to use it on and then compare that to the cost of the express pass and how much time you will save throughout your trip. The reason is Universal Orlando Resort currently has 34 rides between the two main theme parks of Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida, and a single-day, two-park ticket, will cost you around $200 per person. When you break down the cost over a 12-hour day at Universal Orlando, you’re essentially paying around $16 per hour to enjoy the theme parks.

The next step would be to figure out exactly how many rides you can get on with and without the express pass. For this analysis, we’ll assume that the average wait time for each ride is approximately 45 minutes. We’ll also compare this to the significantly reduced average wait time of 15 minutes when using the Universal Express Pass.

Breaking down if the Express Pass at Universal Orlando is Worth it?

• Without the Express Pass: Assuming an average wait time of 45 minutes per ride, you can go on approximately 16 rides during a 12-hour day.
• With the Express Pass: If the average wait time is reduced to just 15 minutes per ride, you could enjoy up to all 34 rides at Universal Orlando in that same 12 hour period.

Results: The Express Pass allows you to experience 18 more rides within a single day compared to using the regular standby lines. Now, of course, it’s important to note that this would be an extremely long day, especially if you’re taking advantage of early park admission, which comes with all Park Prodigy multi-day Universal Orlando tickets or hotel stays, and most families would still like to enjoy breaks in between rides for meals and character meet-and-greets. However, this should allow you to come up with an educated guess as to whether you believe the Universal Express pass would be worth it for your family’s goals or not.

And for families who are not as familiar with the theme parks we highly recommend utilizing The Park Prodigy Universal Orlando park planning tool. By inputting the specific day of your visit and selecting the rides that are top priorities for your group, the tool generates a customized park plan. This plan includes estimated wait times based on historical data, giving you a realistic overview of what you can accomplish during your visit. The tool also provides insights into whether you’ll have sufficient time to experience all your must-do attractions.

Things to Consider When Deciding: is the Universal Express Pass Worth it or Not?

• Which rides would you like to go on?
• What time of year are you visiting
• How much time do you have to spend in the parks
• Are you only visiting for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Will you use early park admission 

Which Rides to Use the Universal Express Pass On?

• Revenge of the Mummy
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster
• Jurassic Park River Adventure
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Related Page: Discounted Universal Orlando Tickets With Express

When is Universal Express Pass at Universal Worth it?

As discussed above, we do find the Universal Express Pass to be worth it if you’re only visiting Universal Orlando for one or two days, you simply don’t want to wait in lines and maximize your time in the parks, or you still need to book a hotel room and you plan to get the express pass for free by booking one of the Universal premier resorts. However, as you will see below the Universal Express pass prices do fluctuate based on the day you plan to visit and we find that it’s important to understand which rides you would like to go on when determining if it’s worth upgrading or not, and for those not staying on-site, exploring discounted Universal Orlando Express Pass combo tickets can be a helpful option to cut the cost of adding the pass on to your ticket.

You’re Only Visiting Universal for One or Two Days

If your group is looking to maximize your time and experience as much as possible in a limited timeframe, the Universal Express Pass can be a game-changer and is worth considering. The main reason is that Universal Orlando has over 34 rides at this point in time, as well as shows and character meet and greets, so it can be extremely difficult to get everything done within one or two days at Universal without the Express pass.  By bypassing the standby lines, the Express Pass saves time in the parks. Getting the most out of your day and money spent on your ticket.

You’re Simply Don’t Like Waiting on Lines

The Universal Orlando Express pass is sold in limited quantities each day and can sell out. Very simply, it does what Universal markets it to do: help you skip the lines as quickly as possible. For this reason, it is a great option for guests who are okay with upgrading their Universal Orlando ticket to maximize their time within the parks and have a better experience throughout the day.

When Visiting Universal During Peak Season

Another one of the best times when the Universal Orlando Express pass will be worth it is if you’re visiting the parks during the peak season, typically any major holiday break. These times of year will typically make the parks more crowded, and the Express passes can be a huge help even if you are visiting Universal Orlando for multiple days. We also find that the peak season tends to have the best deals when it comes to the Universal Orlando Express pass combo ticket! 

You Still Need a Hotel For Your Universal Trip

Another reason the Universal Express pass could be worth it for your family is if you still need a hotel for your Orlando vacation and you’re considering staying at one of the Universal Orlando premier resorts. The reason is the Universal Orlando premier resorts give guests the unlimited Universal Express pass for free.  So if the cost of the Express Pass and an off-site hotel is more expensive than staying at one of the Premier Resorts, you’re better off staying on-site and getting the pass for free!

Related Post: Discount Universal Express Passes

Is the Universal Express Pass Worth it for Harry Potter?

You’ll be happy to know that 4 out of the 5 Harry Potter rides at Universal Orlando accept the Universal Express pass. These rides include some of the most popular rides in the park including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the Hogwarts Express, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. However, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is the only Harry Potter Ride not included with the Universal Express Pass.

Do I need the Express Pass for Harry Potter World?

If you’re only visiting Universal to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, we do not believe that you need the Universal Express Pass. We believe the most important thing to consider is making sure that you are taking advantage of early park admission. Specifically, try to visit Universal during a time when they do have early admission at the Islands of Adventure theme park in which you can use your time to go on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and then Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey right after.

The main reason is that most guests who take advantage of early park admission can get onto these two rides within the first hour and a half. This will allow for plenty of time to explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and get on the remaining 4 Harry Potter rides. and even grab a Harry Potter Butterbeer. So if visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is your only objective we would say that the Universal Express Pass is not worth it.

Related Post: Complete Guide to Early Park Admission

Universal Express Pass Additional FAQ

Q: Is Universal Express Unlimited worth it?

A: Universal Express Unlimited is the most expensive tier of Express Passes, so it is totally fair to wonder if it’s worth it or not. Our favorite part of Universal Express Unlimited is that if you book a Universal Premier Hotel vacation, each member of your party receives a Universal Unlimited Express Pass. We also love that you can ride participating attractions as many times as you want since the Universal Express Pass does not have return times. If you’re wondering about the two, we think for unlimited rides, it is definitely worth it to spend the extra $30 for the Express Unlimited. 

Q: Can you go to both Universal parks in one day with an Express Pass?

A: If you only want to do the main rides and attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure the express pass will help you in one day. It becomes tougher when you add all of the shows and character meet and greets that both Universal Orlando parks have.

Q: Is Express Pass or Early Park Admission More Worth it?

A: All multi-day Universal tickets and ticket packages come with Early Park Admission, which allows guests into the parks one hour before the park opens. While there are only a few attractions open during this time, you can get a lot done in the time you’re in the parks with Early Park Admission.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!