How Much is Universal Express Pass 2023?

How Much is Universal Express Pass 2023?

How Much is Universal Express Pass 2023?

This article is your complete guide to the answering how much is Universal Express Pass 2023? Are you planning on visiting Universal Orlando Resort but really do not like standing in lines? One of the worst ways to spend a vacation is standing in line queues for hours under the hot sun and Universal Orlando Resort has a solution for that exact problem: Express Passes.

The Express Pass at Universal Studios is offered for all guests to purchase or even get as a free perk for staying in one of their hotels!

In this guide, we are going to tell you all you need to know about Express Passes at Universal Studios and more! The Universal Express Pass price starts at $89.99 per guest, but can be more depending on the day or pass type. So, if you want to learn more Universal Studios Express Pass, keep reading!

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 the latest deals on Universal Orlando vacation packages and our discounted Universal Orlando tickets which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

 Universal Crowd Calendar

What are Universal Express Passes 2023?

Express Passes at Universal Studios are guest’s one way ticket to skip the regular stand-by line and use a special entrance to bypass any long waits. The Express Pass at Universal 2023 can be used at almost any attraction at Universal Orlando Resort with the exception of a few. If you’re a ride lover and only visiting for a few days, we highly recommend purchasing the Express Pass and using Early Park Admission to make sure you are able to ride everything you want to! We like to think of this feature as an equivalent system to Disney World’s fast pass system. So in other words, if you’re wondering does Universal have Fast Pass? The answer is yes, in a way. Let’s get into it!

What are the Universal Express Pass Options 2023?

Yes, now that you know what is the Express Pass at Universal Studios, there are a few different types of Express Passes at Universal Studios to choose from depending on what you’re looking to do.

• Basic Universal Express Pass – Skip the regular lines one time per participating attractions in the theme parks
• Universal Express Unlimited Pass – Skip lines an unlimited amount of times at participating attractions in the theme parks
• Volcano Bay Express PLUS Pass – Skip the lines one time at ALL  participating attractions at Volcano Bay
• Volcano Bay Express Pass – Skip the lines at SELECT participating attractions at Volcano Bay.

Universal Express Pass Vs Unlimited Express Pass 2023

If you are more of a visual thinker, here a video guide we put together comparing the Universal Orlando express pass vs the Universal unlimited express pass:

How Express Pass Works at Universal Orlando 2023

So, how does the express pass at Universal work? Once you’ve purchased your Universal Orlando Express Passes, you can head into the parks and start using! This is a feature that’s on the Universal Orlando app. Unlike the Disney Fast Pass experience, there is no return time for Universal Orlando Express Passes. Therefore, you can head in and start searching for the big yellow signs outside of line queues labeled “Express Pass.” Before you enter the queue, a team member will scan your Universal Express Pass ticket and allow you to pass through the line.

Related Page: Which Hotels Come With Free Universal Express Passes? 

How Much Is Universal Express Pass 2023?

Okay, so how much is Universal Express Pass 2023? Universal offers passes pricing from $19.99 – $119.99. As we mentioned above, there are 4 different types passes. This means that there will also be 4 variations of Express Pass Universal Prices. Each pass will also have its own rules that come along with them that can help determine which pass is right for you. Guests are able to purchase 1 park per day or 2 park per day Express Passes, so it is important to note if you plan on park hopping between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.

In this next section, we are going to break down the prices of the Universal Express pass and where you can use them. There are many different options for Universal Fast Pass Prices, like 1 or two park options or what type of Express Pass you want.

What is the Universal Express Pass Cost? – How Much is Express Pass at Universal 2023

Basic Express Pass:

• 1 Park Per Day – Starting at $89.99 all ages per ticket
• 2 Park Per Day – Starting at $104.99 all ages per ticket

Express Pass Unlimited:

• 1 Park Per Day – Starting at $119.99 all ages per ticket (or included with your stay at a Universal Premier Hotel)
• 2 Park Per Day – Starting at $134.99 all ages per ticket (Or included in your stay at a Universal Premier Hotel)

Volcano Bay Express Pass:

• Universal Volcano Bay Express Pass – Starting at $19.99 per ticket, per day

Volcano Bay Express Plus Pass:

• Universal Volcano Bay Express Plus Pass – Starting at $49.99 per ticket, per day

For the rules of each pass, they are fairly simple to follow. The basic Universal Express Pass 2023 allows guests to enter the Express Lane one time per participating attraction. Where as the Universal Express Pass Unlimited allows guests visiting Universal to ride participating rides an unlimited amount of times. Last, but not least, Universal does offer an Express Pass for Volcano Bay, which is the water park at Universal Orlando Resort.

One of the perks of staying at a Universal Orlando Premier Hotel is that the Universal Express Unlimited is included for all guests registered to the room for the length of the stay! The Universal Orlando Resort Premier Hotels are Loews Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Hotel.

Related post: Guide to Hotels Near Universal Studios Orlando with Free Shuttle

Which Attractions Offer Universal Express Access 2023?

Another popular question we receive is, which Universal rides have Express Pass? Right now, twenty-seven of the rides at Universal Orlando are Universal Express Pass Rides. However, we will note that the most popular ride doe not accept Express Pass – Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. As of February 2023, Jurassic World VelociCoaster WAS added to the Express Pass. This is a MAJOR factor when planning out your day and knowing what Universal Orlando Express Pass rides 2023 there are.

Below we are going to rank the Universal Express rides at each park in order of what we think will save you the most time throughout your day. If you need help planning out your Universal Orlando vacation, check out our free daily park plan tool! All of the attractions below are included in the Universal Studios fast pass price, depending on what park you choose.

Islands of Adventure – Attractions with Express Access 2023

Universal Studios Florida – Attractions with Express Access 2023

• The Simpsons Ride
• TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
• The Bourne Stunt-acular – Best Universal Studios Express Pass rides for a mid-day break
• Fast & Furious – Supercharged
• E.T. Adventure
• Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
• Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster
• Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)

Volcano Bay – Attractions with Express Access 2023

• Krakatau Aqua Coaster
• Punga Racers
• ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
• Honu of Honu ika Moana
• Taniwha Tubes
• Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
• Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides

Additional Rides Available with Express Plus 2023:

• Ko’okiri Body Plunge
• Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
• Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides

You might be wondering, how does Express Pass work at Volcano Bay? The Volcano Bay Express Pass is handled slightly different than the theme parks express pass. When entering Volcano Bay, guests are given a TapuTapu wearable which is the device that saves your spot in line. When using the Volcano Bay Fast Pass, guests do not have to use their TapuTapu wearable for the attractions participating. Express pass guests get to join the line immediately and have very short waits before they are able to experience the attractions.

 WARNING: Attractions Without Express Access 2023

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – Islands of Adventure
• Pteranodon Flyers – Islands of Adventure

Another common question we receive is, which rides are not included in Universal Express Pass? And, as of February 2023 two Universal Express Pass exclusions 2023. Those rides are Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and Pteranodon Flyers at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. However it’s important to note that Hagrid’s ride is included with early park admission!

Related post: The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Rides

When to use Express Passes at Universal Orlando 2023

Now that you know the in’s and out’s of the Express Pass Universal Studios system, let’s go over when to actually use it. If you have visited another theme park that has a “skip the line” service, like Disney World’s Genie+ program, you’ll adapt easily to the Universal version. Like any iteration of this type of service, there are ways to manipulate the system to your benefit. We have done the work for you in learning how to do just that! Below we will go over some great topics on when to use Universal Express Pass, as well as some insider tips and tricks.

Do Express Passes have Return Times?

• No! Unlike Walt Disney World’s version of Express Pass, you do not have to select a return time to enter your favorite Express Pass rides Universal Orlando.

With not having to select a return time, like most things, this has its pros and cons. From a planning perspective, this is a great feature to have. You are able to freely plan your day around what you want to do or where you are in the parks stress free. Rather than having your day be dictated by a return time. A con of this can be that you are still rushing rides in the morning. Everyone, including Universal Orlando fast pass rides guests will be running to the most popular rides first. This is why we recommend going on the most popular rides a little later in the morning once the wait times calm down.

Do Express Passes Sell Out 2023?

• Absolutely. We can not impress enough that regardless of the price, Express Passes do sell out.

If you’re wondering, do Universal Express Passes sell out? – Yes. Unlike the Genie+ system at Disney World, this pay to skip the line program does and will sell out. Now this will depend on the time of year you decide to visit. If your trip is planned around the conventional “slow time” of the year (January-March), you will most likely not have a problem with passes selling out. But if you are visiting in the summer months, or the week before or after a major holiday, you do run that risk. Especially the longer you wait to commit to purchasing the pass.

While it is unknown how many Express Passes does Universal sell in a day, we would absolutely recommend purchasing the pass as soon as possible.

Can I Share my Express Pass with Another Guest?

• No, you can not share Express Passes with another person in your party.

With all of the differences between Universal and Disney, you might be wondering, can you share Universal Express Pass? And unfortunately this is a similarity the Universal skip the line pass systems share. No, your Express Pass may not be used for another ticket other than your own. Since the pass is linked to your specific ticket, it is simply impossible to use one pass for more than one ticket. In order for other guests in your party to experience the Express Pass with you, each guest must purchase their own pass.

Tips and Tricks for how to use Express Pass at Universal Studios 2023

• Pro Tip! – Do not use your Universal Express pass on a line queue that is 15 minutes or under. Most likely, the Stand-By line will be almost walk on, therefore you will be wasting your basic Express Pass ticket. If you have the Unlimited Express Pass, it won’t matter much when you go.
• You cannot use your Express Pass during Early Park Admission
• Express Passes have date-based pricing, the slower the time of year, the cheaper your theme park and Universal Orlando Express Passes will be.
• Express passes can sell out! If you’re going during a very busy time, like Christmastime, make sure to purchase your tickets in advance.
• Do not ride the most popular Express Pass rides first. Follow our rides list above to save the most time waiting in line for rides with your Express Pass.

Related Page: Discount Universal Orlando Express Passes

How to Upgrade/Buy Universal Express Pass 2023

All guests have the choice to purchase Express Pass at Universal Studios ahead of time, if they choose to. All express passes are sold as tickets, as an addition to your normal admission ticket. It is important to know that all Express Passes are only good for one day, so if you are going multiple days, you must purchase multiple tickets. If you are looking to purchase a Universal Orlando Express Pass day of, simply visit one of the ticket kiosks at the entry of either theme park entrance. If lines are too long there, head into the parks and see if one of the many other locations are any better.

• Online on the Universal Orlando website
• In the Universal Orlando app
• In person at the ticket kiosks
• Over the phone

Universal Express passes can also be purchased over the phone at (407-224-7840), at the theme-park entrance, and at various locations throughout the parks, including Guest Services.

Can You Buy Universal Express Pass Inside the Parks 2023?

• Absolutely! Passes may be purchased at the ticket kiosks or at the ticketing booths.

So, you’ve booked your trips and gotten down to Universal Orlando Resort and realized it’s much more crowded than you thought. That is okay! Universal Orlando Resort allows guests to purchase Express Passes the day of your theme park trip.

Can I buy the Universal Express Pass from the Park Prodigy 2023?

Universal Orlando express passes can be purchased through The Park Prodigy, and even better, through discounted ticket bundles! The Park Prodigy offers discount Universal Express Pass Combo tickets which you can find right here on our website. Not only can you receive discounted tickets and Universal express passes, but all of The Park Prodigy tickets come with Early Park Admission too! 

We have travel experts ready to help you with all of your Universal Orlando needs and we offer free Universal touring plans and advice. If you’re looking to purchase any Universal Orlando tickets or discounted express pass bundles, make sure to reach out today or visit our Universal Orlando ticket page.

Universal Orlando Express Passes FAQ 2023

Q: Do Universal Orlando Express Passes have Return Times?

A. No! The Universal Orlando express pass does not have return times. Once you receive your Universal express pass ticket, you can start heading into the parks and having fun! Just remember that there are rides that do not participate in express pass.

Q: Do Universal Express Passes Sell Out?

A. Yes! Universal express passes have been known to sell out, especially at peak times like Christmas and Thanksgiving weeks. If you are worried about express passes selling out, make sure to buy your Universal Orlando ticket and express pass bundle in advance!

Q: If I Use the Express Pass Queue, will I Miss Out on the Storyline or Theming?

A. For most of the experiences, yes. There is a completely separate queue for express pass which most of the time excludes the stand-by line. You may have to sacrifice seeing the incredible Universal theming in the express pass line, but you won’t have to wait! There are some rides that you might not want to miss out on the queue experience that are offered with Express Pass – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Revenge of the Mummy, and Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. If wait times are low and you’ve already used your Express Pass, maybe try going through again to see the immersive experience.

Q: If I Use the Express Pass Queue, will I Miss Out on the In-Queue Photo Ops?

A: Unfortunately yes, this falls in line with the theming and storyline of the queue. There is a completely separate queue for guests with passes, which most of the time excludes the stand-by line. You may have to sacrifice seeing the incredible Universal theming in the express pass line, but you won’t have to wait!

Q: Can you share Universal Express Pass?

A. Unfortunately, you cannot share Express Passes at Universal Studios and each guest using one must have their own pass. Guests caught sharing Universal express passes could be removed from the theme parks or even be banned from the resort. We do not think it is worth getting a ban for life trying to share an express pass. All Universal Orlando tickets are non-transferrable, meaning you cannot give or sell your Universal ticket to anyone else. You can avoid this by always purchasing your tickets and passes through reputable travel agencies, like The Park Prodigy.

Q: What is the Average Wait Time with Universal Express Pass?

A: Universal Orlando wait times with Express Pass are significantly less than standby. Usually only about 5-10 minutes with average crowd levels. Let’s say you visit on a weekend and most Universal Thrill Rides are over an hour wait. With the passes, you are only going to be waiting a fraction of that, like 10-12 minutes, on participating attractions.

Q: How much is Universal Fast Pass?

A: Universal Studios Express Passes start at $89.99, for a one day, one park basic pass. Prices can be much higher depending on what tier you are looking for, like multi-park or Unlimited Express Pass pricing.

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 breakdown the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

Beat the crowds with our discount Universal Orlando tickets! All guests who purchase their tickets from The Park Prodigy will get EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter absolutely FREE! This could save you a ton of time in the parks and avoid buying express passes!

Make sure to check out our friends at Theme Park Today for great tips on how to have the best Universal vacation!