Universal’s Top Annual Pass Is Back, But With BIG Changes

in Universal Studios Hollywood

transformers

Credit: Universal

When Universal Studios Hollywood finally opened its gates on April 15 after being closed for more than a year, it welcomed Annual Pass Members with special appreciation days. Less than two months later, it released its Platinum Annual Pass and California Neighbor Pass as a way to entice even more locals to visit its exciting theme park. However, those two passes did not stick around for long and were unavailable for purchase just one month later.

universal-studios-hollywood
Credit: Universal

Well, Universal decided to bring back the California Neighbor Pass on August 5, and now they have once again decided to bring back the Platinum Pass. The Platinum Pass is Universal Hollywood’s top-tier Annual Pass that has the highest price tag because it has the most perks — including no blackout dates and a complimentary ticket to the incredibly popular Halloween Horror Nights.

Universal Halloween Horror Nights
Credit: Universal

While it is exciting to see the popular pass make a return, there are some big changes that were made to the pass that could have a major effect on people’s decision to purchase one. Let’s take a look at what has changed with the Platinum Pass.

Price

The new Universal Hollywood Platinum Pass comes with a new, higher, price tag. The Platinum Pass comes in at $529, more than $80 higher than it was when it was first available for purchase in June. For Guests who plan to visit the theme park frequently, that price is still incredibly reasonable considering they could go 365 times a year if they wanted to.

Universal Hollywood Annual Passes
Credit: Screenshot Universal Hollywood Website

Monthly payments are also available for all Universal Annual Passes, including the Platinum Pass — which can be very helpful for those Guests who cannot pay all the money upfront. When Platinum Passes were first available the monthly payments were $19 per month, but because of the pass price increase, the monthly payments are now $26 per month after the down payment.

Krusty Burger USH
Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Express Pass

One huge perk that comes along with the Universal Studios Hollywood Platinum Pass is that each pass includes the Universal Express Pass. The Universal Express Pass allows Guests to access the front of the line once per day, per attraction. Guests with the Express Pass also get preferred seating at one sit-down show per day.

WaterWorld
Credit: Universal

When Platinum Passes became available for purchase in June, Guests were able to use the Universal Express Pass from the time they entered the theme park until they either used all of their front-of-the-line access or until they left for the day. However, Guests purchasing the Platinum Pass now, will not be able to take advantage of the Express Pass until 3 p.m.

Compare USH Passes
Credit: Screenshot Universal Hollywood Website

Since Universal Studios Hollywood is a small theme park, it is possible to be able to go on all of the rides with your Express Pass, even though you can’t use it until 3 p.m. However, it does seem off-putting that the price of the Pass has increased, but so have the restrictions.

It is exciting to see Universal Studios bring back its Platinum Pass, but in the same turn, it is disappointing to see that Guests will be getting less for more money. Since these passes come and go, Guests wishing to purchase the Universal Studios Hollywood Platinum Pass should do so ASAP.

Will you be purchasing the Universal Hollywood Platinum Pass? What do you think of the changes to the pass? Let us know in the comments!

CLICK HERE to book your Universal Studios vacation today with our friends at Academy Travel!

in Universal Studios Hollywood

View Comments (4)