Universal’s Epic Universe Overwhelmed by Demand—Ticket Sales Temporarily Halted
What Could This Mean?
Attention: As of 10:30 a.m. EST, the Universal website has paused indefinitely the sale of all Epic Universe Express Passes. Please continue to check the official Universal Orlando Resort website for details and updates
The countdown to Universal Orlando Resort’s most ambitious project yet—Epic Universe—is officially on. With less than two months until its grand opening on May 22, 2025, excitement is at an all-time high.
But as the park gears up for its debut, Universal has started rolling out key details that could make or break a guest’s experience. Among them?
The much-anticipated Universal Express Pass, which promises to slash wait times—but at a price that’s raising eyebrows.
How Much Time Will the Universal Epic Universe Express Save You?
For those looking to maximize their time at the park, Universal Express can be a tempting add-on. But at $260 per person for opening day, does it actually offer a good return on investment? Let’s break it down.
Theme park veterans know that wait times can be brutal, especially at a brand-new park. Based on historical data from Universal’s other parks, opening-day crowds at Epic Universe could mean wait times ranging from 60 to 120 minutes per attraction.
Without Express, guests might realistically manage to ride five to seven attractions in a full day, given the demand. (which seems to be high at the moment as the official Universal site is experiencing delays and a queue for Express Passes).
With Express, however, those long queues shrink dramatically. While exact wait reductions can vary, Express Pass users often cut their wait times by 50–75%. That means instead of waiting an hour for an attraction like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, guests could be boarding in just 15–30 minutes. This efficiency boost could allow guests to experience 10–15 rides in one day, essentially doubling the number of attractions they can enjoy compared to those without Express.
The Price Breakdown: Cost Per Ride
For opening day, the standard single-day, single-use Universal Express Pass costs $260 per person. If you manage to ride 12 attractions using Express, that breaks down to roughly $22 per ride. Without Express, assuming you only hit six rides, your cost per ride jumps to $44—meaning Express could be a solid value if your goal is to ride as much as possible in a limited time.
However, there’s a catch—three of Epic Universe’s biggest attractions are not included in Express access:
- Dragon Racer’s Rally
- Mine-Cart Madness
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
For guests hoping to skip the lines on these rides, Express won’t provide relief. That means even with an Express Pass, some waiting will be inevitable.
VIP Tours: The Ultimate Skip-the-Line Option
For those willing to splurge, Universal’s VIP Tours offer an even faster way to experience Epic Universe. VIP Tours include single-use Express access to all participating attractions, plus perks like complimentary valet parking.
VIP Tours start on May 23, with pricing beginning at $389.99 per person. Guests can choose between:
- A 4-hour non-private VIP Tour, which covers only Epic Universe.
- A 7-hour VIP Tour, which includes Epic Universe plus another Universal park.
- A Private VIP Tour, offering personalized access and an exclusive guide.
If cost is no object and you’re looking for a stress-free, line-free day, VIP Tours may be the ultimate way to experience the new park.
Other Add-Ons: More Ways to Enhance Your Visit
Beyond Express and VIP Tours, Universal is also rolling out additional premium experiences for Epic Universe:
- Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience: Get transformed into Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, or other classic creatures. Full transformations start at $169, while simpler face-painting options start at $45.
- My Universal Photos Packages: Capture your memories with professional photo services, starting at $89.99.
Should You Buy an Express Pass for Epic Universe?
Ultimately, whether Express is worth it depends on your priorities. If you’re visiting during peak season or only have one day at the park, the time saved could justify the steep price tag. However, for those willing to wait in line or planning multiple visits, the standard ticket may be the better deal.
Universal has yet to announce any annual passholder previews or soft openings, but with Epic Universe’s debut on the horizon, more updates are expected soon. One thing is certain—whether you opt for Express or not, the race to experience Universal’s most ambitious theme park is officially on.
What are your thoughts on Universal dropping Epic Universe Express Passes? Are they worth the price? Do you think it’s cheaper than Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass? Let us know in the comments below!
