Something big just changed at Universal Orlando Resort — and if you’re a regular guest, you might feel it on your very next visit. A perk that’s quietly shaped park days for years has suddenly disappeared, and Universal isn’t bringing it back. For guests who relied on it, this will make trips a little more complicated.
A Resort Known for Guest-Friendly Extras
Universal has built its reputation on giving guests tools that make their vacations easier. It has long been seen as a strong alternative to Walt Disney World Resort, partly due to its approach to convenience.
Guests who book stays at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort get complimentary Express Passes — one of the best perks offered by any theme park resort. This system allows visitors to bypass standard queues, adding tremendous value for those who don’t want to spend their day waiting in line.
A Perk That Set the Park Apart
While the hotel Express Pass is widely known, another Universal perk has flown under the radar for years. Since 2017, it’s quietly made hot, crowded park days a lot easier. Guests didn’t have to be glued to a line, they didn’t have to plan every move around one attraction, and they could actually relax between experiences.
It wasn’t just about convenience — it genuinely changed the rhythm of a theme park day. Families who used it once often swore they’d never visit without it again.
The Quiet Removal
That era is officially over. Earlier this month, Universal confirmed that the system, powered by TapuTapu, has been permanently discontinued after eight years. Guests can no longer reserve their place virtually. Instead, they’ll need to rely on traditional standby lines, no matter when they visit.
The move didn’t come with much fanfare, but fans who loved the perk immediately noticed its absence.
Why It Was Created in the First Place
The idea behind this perk was a smart one. Universal wanted to reduce crowding, offer guests more flexibility, and minimize the most frustrating aspect of any park experience: long lines. It even helped visitors with disabilities enjoy the park more comfortably, creating a more accessible experience overall.
For a while, it worked well. But over time, cracks began to show.
Why Universal Likely Ended It
TapuTapu wasn’t without problems. Guests complained about long virtual waits that felt just as frustrating as standing in line. The wearables often slipped off or failed to alert guests properly. And despite its goal of improving flow, major attractions continued to experience crowding.
Eventually, Universal appears to have decided that maintaining the system wasn’t worth it. So, after eight years, they pulled the plug.
How This Affects Future Visits
With the perk gone, guests should expect more traditional, line-heavy days. Arriving early will be more critical, especially during peak seasons. Families may need to adjust their expectations and prioritize the must-see attractions first.
Accessibility accommodations will still be available, but the seamlessness TapuTapu offered is no longer part of the experience.
Refurbishment on the Horizon
Interestingly, the perk’s removal comes ahead of a long-planned refresh. Universal will temporarily close the affected park from October 26, 2026, to March 24, 2027, for a significant refurbishment.
No new attractions are expected; however, slide upgrades and general improvements are anticipated to be part of the project. It’s a chance for Universal to clean up, modernize, and possibly rethink how it handles operations moving forward.
A Shift for Universal
For eight years, this perk was part of what made Universal feel distinct. Now, the resort is entering a new chapter — one that leans on more traditional operations.
Fans who loved the convenience will miss it, but a refreshed park and new upgrades may soften the blow. Sometimes, change comes quietly, and this one is going to ripple through guest experiences for years to come.
Author
