Universal Studios Express Pass

I’ve mentioned in many posts that I hate waiting in long lines. I know some people feel like that 90 minute wait is part of the theme park experience, but I’d rather wait 5-10 minutes and walk right on to the ride. The good news is that Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure offer plenty of ways to experience major rides and attractions without waiting in line, and you can do it without spending an extra dime.

Universal’s free line by-pass system is called “Express Pass.” To use it, all you have to do is visit the little machines next to each popular ride (they kind of resemble atm’s). Insert your theme park ticket into the machine and choose from the options presented as to when you’d like to ride. A receipt will print out showing the time you chose. At that time, simply head for the express entrance, hand your receipt to the attendant, and enjoy the ride with no wait!

Excellent right? So what’s the catch? Well, you can only get one express pass at a time, so if you’re holding one for the Incredible Hulk that’s good between 1 and 2 pm, you can’t get another express pass til after 1:00 pm. Also, the park only allows so many passes to be given out each day. By mid-afternoon, the machines are covered and no more passes are provided.

That being said, if you arrive as soon as the park opens on an average day and use express passes strategically, you can ride every ride in the park without wait.

Sound like a lot of planning? And what about heavy attendance periods like holidays and summer? Plus who wants to get up at the crack of dawn? For you, there are other options of skipping the lines. Universal offers a program called Express Pass Plus. For an extra $20 on top of the regular ticket price, you get an express pass for every major ride in the park. You don’t have to go collect them, and you can use them as frequently as you like!

FInally, guests at Universal hotels get free express plus access to all the major rides. Yes, these hotels are a bit more expensive, but it’s worth comparing the cost of the hotel to the cost of express plus passes for the entire family. This is especially true if you search for some of Universal’s web deals, which often offer free park tickets, with express included, when you stay at an on-site hotel.