Universal Hikes More Prices Amid Surge of New Rides, Lands, and Parks

Universal has increased prices again for guests visiting one of its theme parks.

When it comes to Universal’s theme parks, the last few years are best described as “hectic.” From Universal Studios Hollywood to Universal Studios Singapore, the company’s portfolio has added (or is in the process of adding) an array of new attractions and lands to its theme parks.

In Southern California, for example, Universal is currently building the park’s first-ever high-speed outdoor coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. Perched across the edge of a hill and soaring across the park’s iconic escalators, it promises to be a more intense Fast & Furious attraction compared to the mild (and, let’s be honest, boring) Fast & Furious: Supercharged.

Meanwhile, Universal Studios Florida is gearing up to add a mysterious new attraction – rumored to be inspired by Ghostbusters – in the spot currently occupied by Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. Earlier this year, Universal Orlando Resort even added an entire new theme park, Epic Universe, which fans are convinced is set to announce an expansion just months after its debut. (If the rumors are true, we’re rooting for Orlando’s very own Wicked-inspired land.)

Further afield, Universal Studios Singapore recently debuted its own Minions Land, while Universal Studios Japan added a replica of Florida’s Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast. The latter followed 2024’s addition of Donkey Kong Country, complete with Mine Cart Madness.

Universal Introduces Series of Price Increases

While Universal is definitely going all out with new additions lately, it has also introduced a string of price increases across its parks.

In March, it was reported that Universal Orlando Resort had quietly increased food costs at eateries such as Minion Cafe and The Three Broomsticks in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure. Guests have also theorized that the Universal Orlando Resort annual pass is set to soar in price in 2026 as it potentially introduces the extra perk of visiting Epic Universe without an extra ticket.

Universal Studios Japan also notched up the price of its annual pass in 2024. As of November 5, 2024, its Universal Prime Annual Pass Standard – which comes with a variety of blackout dresses – increased in price from ¥20,000 to ¥21,000.

Now, it’s set to introduce yet another price increase.

The Universal Prime Annual Pass Standard will jump from ¥21,000 ($143) to ¥22,000 ($150) from November 4, 2025. Meanwhile, the Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal will go from ¥48,800 ($332) to ¥50,800 ($346) per adult.

In the grand scheme of things, the price increase is relatively small. The price is also considerably cheaper than the annual pass offered by Universal Studios Hollywood, which starts at $299 and goes up to $599, despite the fact that Universal Studios Japan offers more rides. The latter has, however, developed a reputation for its dense crowds.

The resort also arguably still offers better value for money in terms of cost per visit than Tokyo Disney Resort, which has yet to restore its annual pass since COVID-19 (although this may change in the future).

Lands at the Osaka theme park include SUPER NINTENDO WORLD (including the new Donkey Kong Country area), Hollywood, New York City, San Francisco, Minion Park, Jurassic Park, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, WaterWorld, and, of course, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Have you visited Universal Studios Japan?