Credit: Inside The MagicAttention: As of 10:30 a.m. EST, the Universal website has paused indefinitely the sale of all Epic Universe Express Passes. Please continue to check the official Universal Orlando Resort website for details and updates
With Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe set to open in just a few months, many guests are wondering whether the hefty price tag of the Express Passes is actually worth it. We broke down the numbers, comparing ride counts with and without Express, estimated wait times, and the potential return on investment (ROI) for visitors looking to maximize their time in the park.
Universal Drops Epic Universe Express Passes: Is It Worth the Hefty Price Tag?
A typical theme park day sees wait times ranging anywhere from 30 minutes to over two hours for major attractions. Based on Universal’s existing parks, opening-day crowds at Epic Universe will likely push wait times to an average of 60–120 minutes per ride. Without Express, guests may be able to ride five to seven attractions in a full day. With Express, cutting wait times significantly means guests could experience 10–15 rides, doubling their overall experience.
At $260 per person for opening day, the cost per ride depends on how many attractions a guest can fit in. If you manage 12 rides with Express, you’re paying about $22 per ride. Without it, assuming you only hit six rides, the cost per ride jumps to around $44, making Express a potential value for those prioritizing efficiency over cost.
Less than two months stand between theme park fans and the grand opening of Universal Orlando Resort’s long-anticipated Epic Universe. Excitement is reaching a fever pitch as Universal begins rolling out key details about the park’s operations, including the highly coveted Universal Express Pass and VIP Tours. But with sky-high prices and limited availability, is this a game-changer or just another high-cost add-on?
Beyond the Express Pass: New Premium Add-Ons
According to WESH2, Click Orlando, and many other news sites, Universal Express passes for Epic Universe officially went on sale today, allowing guests to skip the regular lines for most attractions starting on opening day, May 22, 2025. However, not every ride is included in the program. Notably, Dragon Racer’s Rally, Mine-Cart Madness, and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry are all excluded. On opening day, the Express Pass is priced at a steep $260 per person, with prices likely fluctuating based on demand (which seems to be high at the moment as the official Universal site is experiencing delays and a queue for Express Passes).
For those looking for an even more exclusive experience, Universal is also offering VIP Tours. These begin on May 23 and include perks like complimentary valet parking and single-use Express access at participating attractions. The tours are available as a non-private 4-hour option for just Epic Universe, a 7-hour tour covering Epic Universe plus another Universal Orlando park, or a full private tour. Prices start at $389.99 per person.
In addition to Express and VIP options, Universal has introduced a thrilling new way to immerse yourself in the world of Dark Universe— the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. This exclusive transformation allows guests to become iconic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, or the Bride of Frankenstein through premium face paint and detailed accessories. The full transformation experience costs $169, while a more basic face paint package starts at $45 per person.
What This Means for Epic Universe Guests: Express Passes Now on Sale
Guests can also purchase My Universal Photos Packages for Epic Universe, beginning at $89.99. These packages ensure that every memorable moment is professionally captured throughout the day. The introduction of Express Passes, VIP Tours, and premium experiences signals Universal’s confidence in Epic Universe’s demand. However, the high price points raise questions about accessibility and value.
Will the average visitor find these add-ons worth the cost, or will standby lines become the go-to choice for budget-conscious guests? As Epic Universe inches closer to its grand opening, one thing is certain: demand will be through the roof. Whether you’re planning to splurge on Express or tough it out in standby lines, securing your place at Universal’s biggest theme park expansion yet is a priority for thrill-seekers worldwide.
Universal has yet to announce Annual Passholder previews or soft openings, but with Team Member previews already underway, more details could surface in the coming weeks. For now, May 22 is the official opening date—but as always, stay tuned for updates in case anything changes before the grand debut.
What are your thoughts on Universal dropping Epic Universe Express Passes? Are they worth the price? Do you think its cheaper than Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass? Let us know in the comments below!