Are you wondering if Universal Express Pass is worth it in 2025? Picture this: A mom clutching her kid’s hand as they face down a 75-minute wait for Spider-Man. A couple quietly bickering in the Escape from Gringotts queue, silently wondering if this is how they’ll spend their anniversary.
Meanwhile, in the Express line, guests are breezing past the chaos—no meltdowns, no back sweat (well, maybe just a little). One quick scan, and they’re in.
That’s the power of Universal Express Pass. But in 2025, with the debut of Epic Universe, the game has changed. Express Passes now come in more flavors than a Florian Fortescue sundae, and the fine print really matters.
Here’s everything you need to know to skip the standby and step into your best Universal day.
What Is Universal Express Pass?
At its core, Universal Express Pass is a line-skipping upgrade that gives you access to a shorter wait line at most attractions across Universal Orlando’s parks:
There are two types:
- Express Pass – One-time Express access per ride
- Express Unlimited – Use Express access on the same ride as many times as you want
Important: Express Pass is always an add-on to your theme park ticket. It doesn’t include admission.
Also worth noting: Volcano Bay’s Express Pass is its own thing. It’s never bundled with the dry park Express options.
Epic Universe Changes the Game in 2025
When Epic Universe opened, it brought along its own standalone Express Pass option. Here’s the twist:
- You can buy a 1-Park, 1-day Epic Universe Express Pass just like for the other parks.
- But hotel perks don’t apply here.
For years, guests staying at Universal’s three select Signature Collection hotels—Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort—have received Unlimited Express as a complimentary perk.
That perk still applies at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure…
…but not at Epic Universe in 2025. Will it ever? That remains to be seen, and we cannot assume it will.
You do still get Early Park Admission at Epic, but if you want Express, you’ll need the right ticket combo.
The Best Option for Express Access to All Three Dry Parks: The New 3- Park, Multi-Day Express Pass
If you want Express access across Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe, look at the Multi-Day Universal Express Pass.
- Covers 2–5 days
- One-time Express access per ride each day
- Works across all three dry parks (not Volcano Bay)
- Discounted compared to buying separate single-day passes
Important: In 2025, you can’t park hop between Epic Universe and the other two dry parks. That’s changing in 2026, but for now, you’ll want to dedicate full days to Epic Universe.
Annual Passholders: What You Get (and Don’t Get)
Premier Annual Passholders get:
- One-time Express after 4 PM at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure
You don’t get Express at Epic Universe yet, since Annual Passes haven’t launched for that park.
Volcano Bay Express Explained
Part thrilling water park, part oasis in paradise. Universal’s Volcano Bay offers two single-use Express Pass options:
Option 1 – Volcano Bay Express Pass (8 Attractions)
- Krakatau Aqua Coaster
- Punga Racers
- Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Honu of Honu ika Moana
- ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
- Tonga of Taniwha Tubes
- Raki of Taniwha Tubes
Option 2 – Volcano Bay Express Plus Pass (12 Attractions)
Includes everything above, plus:
- Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge
- Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
What Rides and Attractions Are Included with Universal Express Pass?
Here’s a breakdown of which attractions offer Express access across all four Universal Orlando parks in 2025. Keep in mind that availability can change, so always check the official Universal app or website before your visit.
Universal Studios Florida – 18 Attractions
All Eighteen are Included with Express:
- Animal Actors on Location!
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- DreamWorks Imagination Celebration
- E.T. Adventure
- Fast & Furious – Supercharged
- Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
- Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park ticket required)
- Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (closing permanently in September 2025)
- Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
- Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl
- MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack
- Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Revenge of the Mummy
- The Bourne Stuntacular
- The Simpsons Ride
- Transformers: The Ride-3D
- Trolls Trollercoaster
- Universal Horror Make-Up Show
Islands of Adventure – 18 Attractions
Seventeen are Included with Express:
- Caro-Seuss-el
- Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
- Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park ticket required)
- Jurassic Park River Adventure
- Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Storm Force Accelatron
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
- The Cat in the Hat
- The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
- The Incredible Hulk Coaster
- Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
One Not Included:
- Pteranodon Flyers
Epic Universe – 13 Attractions (and growing!)
Ten are Included with Express:
- Constellation Carousel
- Curse of the Werewolf
- Fyre Drill
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
- Le Cirque Arcanus
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
- Stardust Racers
- The Untrainable Dragon
- Yoshi’s Adventure
Not Included:
- Dragon Racer’s Rally
- Mine-Cart Madness
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Reminder: Battle at the Ministry draws huge crowds—plan accordingly if it’s a top priority.
Is Universal Express Pass Worth It?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, unfortunately. The variables we need to consider include time and budget allocation, along with determining what our priorities, wants and needs are for our vacation. Then we can determine which version of Express Pass fits, if any. Hint: Your Universal Specialist Travel Advisor can be a huge help with this!
Can you have a fabulous time without Express? ABSOLUTELY! With a clear idea of what’s most important, a good touring plan and well-managed expectations, you can have a great experience using standby queues!
On the flip side, Universal Express Pass can be a wonderful addition, not only for the shorter wait times, but also for what you get because of those shorter waits… more time for everything else. Whether that’s chilling at your beautiful resort’s pool, being able to repeat your favorite rides and attractions, or the ability to take it all a bit slower so you can take it all in.
Bottom line:
- Universal Express Pass should, at least, be considered. Don’t automatically assume it’s out of reach. You may be pleasantly surprised!
- Your decision should be based on what fits your family/travel group’s unique needs best.
That’s why strategy matters—and why one of our favorite hacks is booking one night at a select Signature hotel that offers Express Unlimited Passes as a complimentary perk for their guests. Often, it’s cheaper than buying Express outright.
4 Tips for Using Universal Express Like a Pro
So, you’re going with Express? Smart move. Here’s how to maximize the magic:
- Get to the parks early
- Even with Express, mornings = shorter lines. Early Park Admission is your best friend.
- Use the Universal Orlando app
- Monitor live wait times and even set alerts for your favorite rides.
- Know what’s not included
- Some popular attractions—like Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry—do not offer Express. Prioritize those early!
- Manage your expectations
- Express cuts wait times dramatically, but it’s not always a walk-on. Still, saving 50-75%+ in line time gives you more room for spontaneous fun.
Final Thoughts
Universal Express Pass can be a game changer—but only if you understand which one is right for you and how to make the most of it.
Whether you’re zipping past the line for VelociCoaster, time traveling through the Ministry of Magic, or catching waves at Volcano Bay, there’s a version of Express Pass that fits your plans.
And if you’re ever unsure, your travel planner is just a message away. We’re here to help you build the smartest, smoothest Universal vacation possible—so you can focus on the fun, not the fine print.
Click here for your free, no obligation quote. No owls necessary!
