Whether you are a long-time Walt Disney World guest looking to switch theme parks on your next trip or you are visiting Orlando for the first time, planning a visit to Universal Orlando Resort poses a lot of questions. This article will cover the ins-and-outs of Universal’s line-skipping program, Express Pass, and what to expect if you use it.
What is Universal Express Pass?
Express Pass is Universal’s skip-the-line offering for their theme park rides and shows. Universal’s marketing says Express will cut your wait in half but we have seen hour-long waits cut down to 10 minutes.
Express Pass vs FastPass
The biggest difference between Disney’s FastPass system and Express Pass is cost: FastPass is complimentary while Express Pass is an additional charge. Prices start at $59.99 per person plus tax per day with busier days, like holidays, costing more.
Unlike FastPass, Express Pass does not require reservations or feature return time windows to access the attraction. This makes Express a great option for guests who prefer or require more flexibility in their touring style. Express Pass also perfectly syncs up with our customizable Touring Plans.
Do I NEED Express Pass?
Short answer: no.
Long answer: If you arrive before opening, follow a touring plan, take a mid-day break, and stay till the park closes then you do not need an Express Pass. But the option is a nice feature to have for the added flexibility and peace of mind, or if you want to ride everything between the two parks in one day.
Which Attractions Accept Express Pass?
All major rides and shows accept Express Pass except for Ollivander’s Wand Experience and Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure (we expect Hagrid to be added in the future).
Types of Express Pass
Similar to park admission options, there are several types of Express Pass offered by Universal.
Express Pass is the standard level option and allows guests to skip the line one time per attraction. Passes start at $59.99 per adult plus tax per day for one park, an upgrade to two parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) starts at $69.99 per adult plus tax per day.
Express Pass Unlimted lets guests skip the standby line an unlimited amount of times. Prices start at $84.99 per adult plus tax per day for one park or $89.99 per adult plus tax per day for two parks.
Express Pass Plus is like the standard Express Pass but is only valid for Volcano Bay. Prices start at $39.99 per adult plus tax per day. No multi-park options are available.
Complimentary Express Pass
Two-park, Express Pass Unlimited passes are included with stays at Universal’s Premier hotels: Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific. These passes are good for each day of your stay, including check-in and check-out days. Complimentary Express Pass Unlimited is not valid for Volcano Bay.
We advise pricing out a stay on-site along with staying at another hotel and purchasing Express Passes – depending on the number of guests and time of year, you could save hundreds of dollars. Remember: passes are good check-in and check-out dates; if you plan on going to Universal for two days you will only have to pay for one night at a Premier hotel.
Acquiring Express Pass
Express Passes can be purchased at the following locations:
- Universal’s website
- Universal ticket windows
- Express Pass kiosks around the parks
- Specially marked stores
- Hotel vacation planning desks
We advise purchasing online prior to your visit and picking up at will call or printing at home. Print at home is the most convenient choice but keep in mind you will have several pieces of 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper now to carry around the parks – will call tickets are credit card sized.
Complimentary Express Pass Unlimited is tied to your resort room key received at check-in.
How to Use Express Pass
Attractions with Express will have a separate, specially marked entrance. A Universal Team Member will scan your Express Pass and a camera will verify your face to the ticket. No other verification is required in the queue.
Do you have questions about Universal Express Pass? Leave your questions and comments below!
The post Universal Orlando Resort for Newbies – Universal Express Pass appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.
From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Universal Orlando Resort, express pass
Frist off, here it is, the greatest Christmas ornament Disney has ever created. It’s an accurate recreation of the Country Bear Jamboree building in Magic Kingdom. It goes without saying Country Bear Jamboree is the best attraction ever, and each of the bears in the show are worldwide cultural icons, so I’m glad the bears finally have an ornament worthy of their greatness.
Flip the ornament around and the best gets even better. You can see the actual stage and many of the bears in the show. THE ONLY PROBLEM…. Trixie is on the wrong stage, she should be on the far right. But it’s ok, I can forgive them because otherwise it’s 95% perfect. This ornament is worth every penny of the $29.99 price tag.
Before we continue with the merchandise, I stopped by Marcelines Confectionery to see if they had any of the usual Christmas season treats. They did not, but they did have this outrageously priced Pecan Pie Crispy. Look at the photo and you’ll see this is not actually a pie. It’s a gigantic Rice Crispy Treat with some pecan sprinkled on top. I’m sure it tastes great but I’d rather use the money to buy a week’s worth of groceries. Also, am I crazy or does $5.49 for a single slice also seem like a lot of money.
Back to shopping. I stopped by the Disney Home Store, which usually has a long line thanks to its very limited capacity. Today it had no line so I walked right in.
Like World of Disney, Disney Home is also decorated for the holiday season.
Here’s a “it’s a small world” musical nutcracker, which was a new item from last year. I love how they made it look like it came directly from the ride.
Seasonal face masks. How 2020 is that?
This tree with various Disneyland icons is pretty cute. $39.99
Some fun Mickey and Minnie Christmas stockings. These can be yours for $29.99 each.
Another new Disneyland building ornament arrived, this time the Main Street Cinema. The details on this one are really great. You can see two classic Mickey Mouse cartoons playing on the screens inside.
Speaking of ornaments, here’s a Disney character gingerbread cookie ornament set.
Here’s a Mickey and Minnie bell ornament set for $19.99.
For $19.99 you can get this metal wall ornament.
There’s nothing like getting all nice and cozy with a soft blanket on a cold winter night. This fleece and cable knit throw is available for $74.99.
Your good doggies can also get festive with these collars in various sizes.
Moving on to World of Disney, here’s a adorable flannel dog shirt for $34.99.
This Christmas tree lights up and is available for $49.99.
For $95.00 you can have this figure of Mickey and Minnie on ice skates.
Moving on from Christmas items, the popular throwback Disneyland popcorn bucket is available again for $16.99.
Over at Stage 17, the light up Madame Leota sipper cup is also back in stock.
