Epic Universe Tickets in High Demand—Universal Freezes Sales!
Express Passes Are Now Paused (Temporarily)
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 is on. In less than two months, Universal Orlando Resort will unveil its most ambitious theme park yet—Epic Universe. As opening day creeps closer, the excitement is palpable.
The promise of immersive lands, cutting-edge attractions, and all-new experiences is drawing theme park fans from around the world.
But with massive crowds expected, one question looms large: Is shelling out for Universal’s new Express Pass actually worth the investment?
Express Pass Breakdown: What You Get (and What You Don’t)
Universal quietly rolled out Express Pass sales for Epic Universe this morning, and the sticker shock was immediate. On opening day, May 22, 2025, a single-day, single-use Express Pass will set you back a staggering $260 per person—and that’s before factoring in park admission. But does this premium upgrade truly provide a significant advantage, or is it just another costly add-on? Let’s break down the numbers.
Universal’s Express Pass allows guests to skip the standby line once per participating attraction, drastically cutting down wait times. However, it’s important to note that not every ride at Epic Universe will be included. Three major attractions—Dragon Racer’s Rally, Mine-Cart Madness, and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry—are notably absent from the Express lineup.
Here’s where Express will be valid:
- 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™
For guests looking to elevate their experience even further, Universal is also offering VIP Tours beginning May 23, 2025. These premium experiences come in several formats, starting at $389.99 per person, and include perks like free valet parking, expedited ride access, and guided tours.
We Did the Math: Is Express a Good Deal?
On a typical theme park day, wait times for major attractions can range from 30 minutes to well over two hours. Given Epic Universe’s highly anticipated status, opening-day crowds could push wait times to 60-120 minutes per ride. (which seems to be high at the moment as the official Universal site is experiencing delays and a queue for Express Passes).
Without Express, most guests may realistically only ride five to seven attractions in a full day due to high wait times. With Express, that number could double, allowing guests to experience 10–15 rides.
Now, let’s talk about cost efficiency. At $260 per person:
- If you experience six rides without Express, you’re effectively paying $44 per ride (based on standard ticket pricing).
- With Express, if you manage 12 rides, the cost per ride drops to $22.
For guests prioritizing efficiency, Express could be a worthwhile investment. However, if your must-ride list includes the excluded attractions like Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, it may not be as valuable.
Other Premium Add-Ons at Epic Universe
Universal is also introducing a brand-new Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, where guests can transform into classic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, or The Bride of Frankenstein. Prices for this experience start at $45 for face paint or $169 for a full transformation (including accessories). This could be a fun, immersive add-on for horror fans exploring the Dark Universe land.
Additionally, Universal has launched My Universal Photos Packages for Epic Universe, starting at $89.99, allowing guests to capture their memories professionally throughout the park.
As of now, Epic Universe is in its Team Member preview phase, with no official announcement about Annual Passholder previews or general soft openings. Universal has remained tight-lipped about any potential sneak peeks for the public. However, with the park’s official opening still months away, there’s always a chance for early access opportunities to be revealed later.
The Verdict: Should You Buy Express for Epic Universe?
If you’re visiting during the grand opening period, expect long wait times and high demand for Express Passes. The pass makes sense if you want to maximize your time, experience as many attractions as possible, and avoid multi-hour queues. However, for guests who don’t mind waiting or plan to visit later in the year when crowds may be more manageable, saving that extra $260 per person could be a smarter move.
With excitement building and demand soaring, one thing is certain—Epic Universe is poised to be Universal’s biggest hit yet. Whether you splurge on Express or take your chances with standby lines, this park is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Will you be buying Express for Epic Universe, or will you brave the wait times? Let us know in the comments!
