Universal Orlando Resort has backtracked on a claim over its Express Pass.
While Walt Disney World Resort has cycled through multiple line-skipping services over the past decade (since Disney ditched its FastPass service in 2014, it’s offered FastPass+, Genie+, and Lightning Lanes), Universal Orlando Resort has remained loyal to its Express Pass system.
Universal’s Express Pass System in a Nutshell
Like Disney, this involves paying a premium to skip the lines of your favorite attractions, such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Revenge of the Mummy, and E.T. The Adventure.
Unlike Disney, however, there’s no way to purchase this pass for individual attractions. At the time of writing, there are two Express Pass options: Express Pass, which gets you quick access to each eligible attraction once per day, and Express Pass Unlimited, which provides unlimited access to that same list of attractions.
With the standard pass ranging from $119.99 to $329.99 and Express Pass Unlimited ranging from $149.99 to $349.99, the pass is significantly more expensive than Disney’s Lightning Lane Multi-Pass. However, it arguably works better for it, with Express Pass lines being notably quicker than Disney’s Lightning lane counterpart.
Universal Backtracks Over Pass Promises for Epic Universe
Universal also offers the added benefit of allowing its Premier Passholders to access the Express Pass lines after 4 p.m. at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
It was previously thought that this benefit would extend to Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe when it opens in May. In the Universal Annual Passholder Facebook group, Universal previously claimed that “Premier Passholders will be able to use their Universal Express After 4PM benefit from May 22, 2025 onward with valid theme park admission.”
Now, however, Universal has backtracked on that claim.
Universal Orlando Resort confirmed to journalist Ashley Carter that this information was “incorrectly posted.”
UPDATE: Universal Orlando has released information on the passholders perks that will be available at Epic Universe. Premier Passholder’s Express After 4 benefit WILL NOT be offered. I’m told that was incorrectly posted in the official passholder FB group.
https://twitter.com/AshleyLCarter1/status/1911894334871576579
The good news is that other perks for Annual Passholders – such as free parking and merchandise and dining discounts – are still applicable within Epic Universe, even if passes don’t avail free entry right now.
Of course, there’s every chance that this will change in the future. However, considering the huge crowds expected for Epic Universe over the next few weeks – if not months – we’re not totally surprised that this information ended up being false.
What To Expect at Epic Universe
With a steady stream of previews over the past few weeks, it feels like half of the theme park community has already visited Epic Universe at this point.
Judging by first reactions, the park is truly spectacular, with some theorizing that it may just tip Orlando’s theme park scene into Universal’s favor after decades of competition with Disney.
Once the park officially opens on May 22, guests can look forward to lands inspired by the likes of Universal Classic Monsters, Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, and, of course, Nintendo video games. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD features Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, just like the version of the land at Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as Mine-Cart Madness and Yoshi’s Adventure as found at Universal Studios Japan.
The park is also home to a unique land known as Celestial Park which doesn’t draw inspiration from IP (a rarity in this day and age) and instead features the park’s onsite hotel, Helios Grand Hotel, and attractions inspired by astrology. While it previously featured more live entertainment, recent reports suggest that Universal has already drastically reduced character interactions in the area.
Do you plan on visiting Epic Universe soon?
