Universal Orlando Resort can be a bit confusing for those familiar with Walt Disney World, because it does offer many options that appear similar to Walt Disney World on the surface, but are actually quite different. One of those is Express Pass. Here’s a quick guide to figuring out Express Pass at Universal Orlando.
Unlike FastPass+ at Walt Disney World – which is complimentary – Universal Orlando’s Express Pass is a paid pass. It will come as a ticket that is separate from your regular admission ticket. Express Pass is also not time-specific during the day – you can use it at any time you want during regular park hours. When you actually visit an attraction to use Express Pass, though, it’s fairly similar to using Disney’s FastPass+. You’ll enter a separate queue just for Express Pass that will have a shorter wait than the stand-by line, or no wait at all.
The one important thing to note about most Express Passes is that, while they are not time-specific, they are date-specific. Individual Express Passes can only be purchased for a single day, and you must use that Express Pass on that day. In addition, regular Express Passes can only be used at each eligible attraction once per day.
Regular Express Pass isn’t the only option, though. If you want even more ride access, then check out Unlimited Express Pass. This pass, as the name implies, allows unlimited use at eligible attractions while the pass is valid. And one of the best values at Universal Orlando Resort is staying at one of their Premier resorts, Hard Rock Hotel and Portofino Bay Hotel, or their Preferred resort, Royal Pacific Resort. All three of these resorts offer complimentary Unlimited Express Pass for the length of your stay at the hotel! This is often a much better value than buying Express Passes separately, even when staying at a lower-tier hotel.
While Express Pass is not free, it is a great way to make the most of your time at the Universal parks!
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I’m Elizabeth, and I’m a planner, a vacation enthusiast, and quite the nerd. Even better, I’m dedicated to helping you plan an unforgettable vacation without all the stress. I like to say that I specialize in nerd travel – to me, being a nerd has always meant being unashamedly passionate about the stories I love. This is why I love planning for my favorite destinations – these are places that can take you right into the world of your imagination and make it real. If you’re just a grown-up kid like me, you’ll love these destinations, too. Whether you’re imagining fairytale castles or adventures with wizards and dragons, I can help you make it happen! I’m putting all that I’ve learned about vacation planning and my nerdy love of fantasy to work for you, so that you can write your amazing vacation story. Visit my blog NerdTravelPro.com to learn more about how you can get help planning your next adventure, and come visit me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for even more vacation fun and tips. Contact me at elizabeth@theaffordablemouse.com to start planning.
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