Go Informed Podcast, Theme Park Touring, Universal Orlando

All About Universal Orlando Express Pass

August 6, 2018
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Episode 33: All About Universal Orlando Express Pass

On today’s episode you’ll learn how Express Pass works at Universal Orlando, and why an Express Pass can completely change your experience in the parks. I discuss ways to save money when you get an Express Pass, how to use the pass, and how to get one. This is your Universal Orlando Express Pass primer.

These are the show notes for Go Informed Podcast episode 33. Click the Play button to listen to the episode for lots more detail about this topic.

Express Pass at Universal Orlando

Express Pass is an extra ticket that allows you to skip the regular line on almost every ride at Universal Orlando.

There is a separate Express Pass entrance on every participating attraction. This entrance sends you through a special queue that bypasses the usual wait.

An Express Pass can allow you to tour with total efficiency. You can expect to get on every ride about 3-4 times faster than just waiting in the standby line.

Be sure to read my post here all about Universal Orlando park tickets before you make your final decision.

Want a quick look at how Express Pass compares to Disney’s Genie+ system, including cost/benefit analysis? Be sure to check out this issue of the Go Informed newsletter.

No Ride Reservation Needed to Use Universal Express Pass

You can use your Express Pass to get on a ride at any time during the day. No need to come back at a certain time or make reservations in advance like with Disney’s FastPass system.

Want to learn more about how Universal Orlando compares to Disney World? Don’t miss this post and podcast episode featuring a Disney World pro on his first-ever trip to Universal Orlando.

Limited Express Pass vs. Unlimited Express Pass

There are two kinds of Express Pass at Universal Orlando. Limited Express Pass allows you to use the Express Pass entrance once per day on every ride. Unlimited Express Pass allows you to use the Express Pass Entrance as many times as you want on every ride during the same day.

An Unlimited Express Pass at Universal Orlando is basically a golden ticket that gives you express-lane entry as many times as you want at all the Express Pass rides.

Booking.com

How to Get an Express Pass

You can buy an Express Pass or you can get an Express Pass included with your hotel stay at certain on-site hotels at Universal Orlando.

Universal Orlando Express Pass Hotels

At Universal Orlando the hotels that include unlimited Express Pass with every stay are: Hard Rock Hotel, Portofino Bay Hotel, and Royal Pacific Hotel.

When you stay in one of these hotels, every person in your room (up to 4 people per room) gets an unlimited Express Pass for every day of your stay. This includes the day you check-in and the day you check-out. So if you stay one night you’ll get two days of Express Passes for every person in your room.

Here’s an example of the value of the Express Passes you receive compared to the cost of your hotel room.

Hit the play button at the top of this page to listen to my explanation about how this all works.

Here are Booking.com links for the three Universal Express Pass hotels:

Hard Rock Hotel

Portofino Bay Hotel

Royal Pacific Hotel

These are affiliate links, which means if you book when you use these links you support Go Informed, with no added cost to you. Thank you!

If you are planning to buy Universal Orlando Express Passes, definitely consider spending at least one night in one of these Express Pass hotels. In most cases, your hotel room rate will be cheaper than the value of the Express Passes!

Universal offers big hotel discounts to annual passholders. Episode 40 is all about how you can use an annual pass to save on your Universal Orlando vacation – even if you live far from Florida!

And be sure to check out my guide to all the Universal Orlando hotels right here.

Using Express Pass at Universal Orlando

Express Pass is a physical pass that you show when you enter the Express Pass line at the attractions. When you stay in an Express Pass hotel, your room key will be your unlimited Express Pass.

When entering the line at a ride, an attendant will check your pass to make sure it’s valid. They will scan your card with a bar code scanner, and they use a facial-recognition camera to make sure your Express Pass belongs to you.

Get a lanyard with a clear pocket when you arrive at the park so you can keep your park ticket and your Express Pass handy. You can wear this even onto the rides that require you to walk through a metal detector.

Express Pass works even during early admission. The Express Pass queues open as soon as the park opens.

Halloween Horror Nights Express Pass

Halloween Horror Nights is a special event held every fall at Universal Orlando. If you’re considering a visit to Halloween Horror Nights, be sure to check out this post and episode for tips about the special HHN Express Passes.