Wondering how the Universal Orlando Express Pass works? Here’s everything you need to know about this theme park ticket add-on.

Like Disney’s Genie+ system, the Universal Orlando Express Pass allows park guests to skip the line at many attractions. This can be extremely useful, shaving off hours of queuing during your visit.

But is it worth parting with even more cash just to save yourself some time? We think so – especially if you’re only spending a few days at Universal Orlando.

How Does the Universal Orlando Express Pass Work?

hollywood rip ride rockit
Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit is one of the best rides to use the Express Pass on.

The Universal Orlando Express Pass is available for both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. The pass is an add-on to a regular theme park ticket and can be purchased online or at the park gates. There are two types of passes:

Universal Express Pass - This pass is the cheaper of the two, allowing guests to ride each participating attraction at either park once.

Universal Express Unlimited Pass - Guests have the option to upgrade and enjoy unlimited access to participating rides and attractions throughout the day. 

These are the rides that the pass can be used on in 2024:

Universal Studios Florida Express Pass Rides

  • The Bourne Stuntacular
  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
  • E.T. Adventure Fast & Furious – Supercharged
  • Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™
  • Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
  • Hogwarts™ Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
  • Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
  • MEN IN BLACK™ Alien Attack™
  • Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon

Islands of Adventure Express Pass Rides

  • Revenge of the Mummy
  • The Simpsons Ride™
  • TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D
  • Illumination’s Villain-Con: Minion Blast
  • The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®
  • Caro-Seuss-el™
  • Doctor Doom’s Fearfall®
  • Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls®
  • Flight of the Hippogriff™
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
  • The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!™
  • Hogwarts™ Express (Park-to-Park admission ticket required)
  • The Incredible Hulk Coaster®
  • Jurassic Park River Adventure
  • Skull Island: Reign of Kong
  • Storm Force Accelatron®
  • Jurassic World VelociCoaster

How Much is the Universal Orlando Express Pass?

universal express pass pricing
Date-based pricing is in effect for the Universal Express Pass, image shows average prices for the one day in Universal Studios Florida.

The price of the Universal Express Pass changes daily due to date-based pricing. 

Generally, you can expect to pay from $89.99 (approx £70) per person per day to around $379.99 (£290). This will fluctuate depending on whether you want to purchase the Unlimited variation or not, and whether this is for one park or multiple.

Universal Hotel Perks

Fancy saving some cash? Each guest staying at one of Universal’s Premier Hotels will be given a Universal Unlimited Express Pass for every day of their stay, including on the day of check-in and check-out.

These hotels are Loews Royal Pacific Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Of the three, Loews Royal Pacific Resort is often the cheapest and the best value for those wanting to snag a free Unlimited Express Pass (theme park entry is separate.)

Guests staying at one of these resorts will also receive extra perks such as Early Park Admission. It can be worth paying extra to stay on-site for these benefits alone.

Does the Universal Express Pass Work at Volcano Bay?

taniwha tubes at volcano bay
The Taniwha Tubes are included in Volcano Bay's Express Pass.

Separate Express Passes are available to use at Volcano Bay. There are two types, regular and plus, and they can be purchased in advance as a ticket add-on or on the day of your visit.

These passes start at $19.99 per person per day (approx £16) and include the following attractions:

  • Krakatau Aqua Coaster
  • Ko’okiri Body Plunge – Plus only
  • Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides – Plus only
  • Punga Racers
  • Honu ika Moana
  • Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides – Plus only
  • Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
  • Tonga and Raki of Taniwha Tubes

Is the Universal Express Pass Worth It?

There are a couple of things to consider when deciding if the Express Pass is worth it for your trip. As a general rule, we recommend getting the Express Pass if you’re only going to be at the resort for a couple of days. For longer trips, when you can afford to spend more time queuing, it makes less sense to purchase the pass.

If you’re visiting in peak season – where there’s a chance the Express Pass may sell out – it’s worth purchasing in advance. Otherwise, you can wait until you get to the park to assess how busy it will be before committing to the extra charge.