Our family loved our year as annual pass holders at Universal Studios Hollywood. Looking forward to our trips and planning every detail was so fun. I was always thankful we had passes and our trips weren’t limited to just one day. Although not a big park, Universal Studios can fill up during busy seasons. Figuring out how to make the most of your time is crucial. As a family of seven, we generally don’t have the travel funds to spend on front of line passes. However, that doesn’t mean Universal Studio’s Universal Express Pass isn’t worth the cost! With theme park prices rising every year, it’s important to make sure you’re spending your hard-earned vacation dollars wisely. So, is skipping the lines worth the splurge? Let’s break it down and see if the Universal Express Pass is a good fit for your family. As a Get Away Today partner I can help you get the best deal on your theme park tickets! Some links contain affiliates, all opinions are my own.
what is the Universal Express Pass?
Universal Express is Universal Studios Hollywood’s line-skipping pass. It allows you to bypass the regular standby lines once per participating attraction. This includes many of the park’s biggest rides, like Jurassic World: The Ride, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. It also offers priority seating for select shows, which can be a lifesaver on busy days.
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The Universal Express Pass gives instant access to the Express queue for most rides at any time. This means that it’s simpler than some other theme park line passes. This system is a much simpler option for families who don’t want to stress over reservations.
how much does the Universal Express Pass cost?
The price of Universal Express varies by day and season. On average, it costs an additional $199 or more per person on top of regular park admission. During peak times, such as holidays and summer weekends, prices can climb even higher. However, if you visit on a slower day, the price tends to be lower, making it a more affordable splurge. And if you book your Universal Express Pass through Get Away Today you can save BIG!
Universal also offers another ticket upgrade known as the VIP Experience. This includes unlimited Express access, a guided tour, and exclusive perks like a gourmet meal and behind-the-scenes access. While this is a next-level experience, it’s significantly more expensive and best suited for major theme park enthusiasts.
is Universal Express worth it for families?
Now comes the big question—should your family invest in Universal Express? Here’s a breakdown of scenarios where it does and doesn’t make sense.
When Universal Express is Worth It
✅ You’re Visiting on a Busy Day – If your trip falls on a holiday weekend, summer vacation, or spring break, wait times can exceed 60–120 minutes for major rides. Universal Express can help you fit in way more attractions without spending half your day in line.
✅ You Have Young Kids with Short Attention Spans – Let’s be real—little ones don’t love waiting in long lines. If you’re traveling with younger kids who struggle with patience, Universal Express can help prevent meltdowns and make the day more enjoyable.
✅ You’re Doing a One-Day Visit – If you only have one day to explore Universal Studios Hollywood, Express Pass can help maximize your time. Without it, you may have to skip certain attractions just to fit everything in.
✅ You Want a More Relaxed Experience – Some families prefer to take a slower pace, stopping for more shows, character meet-and-greets, and dining experiences. Universal Express lets you enjoy these things without feeling rushed to cram in every ride.
| Read: Tips for Visiting Super Nintendo World |
When Universal Express Might Not Be Worth It
❌ You’re Visiting on a Slow Day – If you’re going mid-week in the off-season, standby lines may be short enough that Universal Express isn’t necessary. Checking the Universal Studios app before your trip can help you gauge expected wait times.
❌ Your Family Prefers Shows & Attractions Over Rides – If your main goal is to watch live shows, meet characters, and soak in the movie magic, you may not get full value out of Universal Express since many shows already offer ample seating.
❌ You’re Traveling with Teens Who Love the Park Closing Rush – If your family is full of night owls, keep in mind that many lines shrink significantly in the evening. If your teens are fine with waiting until the last hour or two of the day to hit major rides, Express might not be needed. Likewise, if your family is good about getting to a them park at opening you can cross a lot off your list before lunch.
Pro Tips for Making the Most of Universal Express
- Arrive Early – Even with Express access, it’s best to arrive at rope drop to experience Hogsmeade or Super Nintendo World before the crowds pick up.
- Use Express on High-Wait Attractions First – Prioritize using Express for rides like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Jurassic World, and Transformers before moving on to lower-wait attractions.
- Mobile Order Food to Save Even More Time – If you’re already paying for Express, don’t waste extra time waiting for food! Use mobile ordering through the app to grab meals quickly at Three Broomsticks or Jurassic Cafe.
At the end of the day, whether it’s worth it or not comes down to your family’s travel style and how much you value time versus cost. Have you used the Universal Express Pass before? Was it worth it for your family?
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