Universal Orlando Express for Beginners

​Are you new to Universal and looking for a Universal Fast Pass? Well, we have a couple of options for you. Universal Express works as a great option to cruise through the lines. It's a paid service that allows you to skip the lines at a majority of the attractions at Universal Orlando Resort. There are several varieties of Universal Express passes. Join us as we break down some of the most asked questions about Universal Express. 

​ There are ten types of Express; no worries, though. We're gonna break them down here. Each park has Universal Express,  Universal Express Unlimited, and After 4pm Express. That's six ticket types; we told you it wasn't that hard. So let's break down each kind of Express. The first is Universal Express. The official Universal Orlando app or website calls it Universal Express: Islands of Adventure or Universal Express: Universal Studios Florida Express. With Universal Express, you can skip the regular lines at some of the most popular rides and attractions once per ride. 

​The official Universal Orlando app or website calls it Universal Express Unlimited: Islands of Adventure or Universal Express Unlimited: Universal Studios Florida Express. With Universal Express Unlimited, you can skip the regular lines at some of the most popular rides and attractions as many times as you want.

The after 4pm version was only sold at the park's front gate if available, but now you can find it on the Universal Orlando App. It is available for either Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios Florida, but not both parks. This option may not always be available but is usually cheaper than standard or unlimited. 

​So you are probably asking, what if I wanna visit both parks on the same day? Universal has the perfect option. Universal offers a 2-Park Express option which is 2-Park Express, and it's available in standard and unlimited. Pro tip: Make sure you have picked the correct date for your Express before buying your tickets.

​There are two final Express options available at Universal's Volcano Bay. These Express options go as follows. Universal Express PLUS Pass: Universal's Volcano Bay, where you can skip the Virtual Lines at all participating rides and attractions at Universal's Volcano Bay. The last option is Universal Express Pass: Universal's Volcano Bay, which allows you to skip the Virtual Lines at select participating rides and attractions at Universal's Volcano Bay. 

​So naturally, your next question is how much is Express? Universal Express starts at $79.99. Universal Express Unlimited starts at $109.99, and Volcano Bay Express starts at $19.99. As you see, I stated that the prices for Express start at a certain amount. That's because the fees for Express are dependent on crowd levels and times of the year.

As you'll see, the prices for Express can become quite expensive. Here are a couple of things you should keep in mind. First, the price point that you'll see does not include taxes added if you purchase Express. After you have chosen the type and amount of Express that you would like the purchase, be sure that you click "Select a Date to See Updated Pricing." This ensures that you have chosen the date you want to use the express passes. If you do not do this or miss it, the website will automatically select the first date Express is available. Please make sure you use the Universal Orlando website and not the Universal Hollywood website. If you are to purchase Express or tickets for the wrong coast, you will have to call the Universal call center to refund you your money, then buy the correct tickets from the front gate. You probably think Guest Services can switch them to Orlando. I am here to tell you that this is the one mistake they cannot fix, so don't miss this step. Universal Express Passes do not include your admission into the parks. You will also need to buy your ticket to enter the park. 

​One option is typically overlooked by some first-time visitors to Universal. Two words, premier hotels. You are probably wondering what does premier hotels have to do with Express. Well, a lot. Universal Orlando has three premier hotels; Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel®, Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Each hotel offers many benefits, but the most stand-out feature is the Universal Express Unlimited. Each Guest staying at a premier hotel can use their room key for Universal Express Unlimited during their length of stay at that hotel. This is a fantastic option for anyone planning on staying on property and looking into buying Express. 

We're about saving money to buy more food, so we have a unique option available for you. The Combo Tickets allow you to enjoy park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure, plus skip the regular lines. These park tickets/Express combo passes are priced based on availability, time of year, and crowd levels like ordinary Express passes.  ​If you are looking for assistance on booking your next Universal vacation, be sure to check out our friends over at TheParkProdigy.com. 

Frequent Asked Questions
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• How does the Universal Express pass work?

Present your pass at participating attractions at either Universal Studios Florida or Universal's Islands of Adventure to bypass the regular lines. Express ride access is a separate line with a shorter wait time at each valid attraction.

• How does Universal's Volcano Bay Express pass work?

Present this pass at participating attractions at Universal's Volcano Bay to bypass the Virtual Line and head right for the ride entrance. Express ride access lets you bypass the return time wait at each valid attraction.

• Can I purchase a Universal Express pass on the day of my visit?

The Universal Express passes are available for purchase in-park at the front gates of either theme park or at select merchandise locations throughout both parks. However, these products have a limited inventory and sell out, so advance purchase is recommended. Additionally, Universal Express Unlimited passes are included when you stay at select resort hotels.

• What attractions do not participate in Universal Express?

Universal Express access is not valid on Fievel's Playland, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure™, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, or Pteranodon Flyers.

• Is there an Express pass available for Halloween Horror Nights?

Yes, a Halloween Horror Nights Express pass product is available for Halloween Horror Nights. Unfortunately, the regular Universal Express passes are not valid at this separately ticketed event.

Xavier.H.

​I'm Xavier- a food enthusiast and full-time blogger, theme park lover(especially Universal), and Halloween Horror Nights fan. I do happen to also lead the Universal Food Blog team on our trek to find the best dishes around Universal Orlando Resort to report to you!