Credit: UniversalGuests heading to Universal Orlando Resort quickly learn that lines can feel endless. Whether it’s the Florida heat or just the sheer popularity of the parks, some attractions are almost guaranteed to test your patience.
But here’s the twist: the trick savvy visitors are using to skip those long lines isn’t necessarily the one you’d expect. It doesn’t always require paying extra for Express Passes or running to the gates first thing in the morning. Instead, the strategy hinges on timing, location, and a few clever moves that make all the difference.
Let’s break it down across Universal’s three major parks—Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, and the brand-new Epic Universe—before diving into the strategies that can completely reshape your day.
Islands of Adventure: The Biggest Waits
Islands of Adventure is home to some of Universal’s most sought-after rides. As soon as you enter, the draw of Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is hard to resist.
This ride consistently experiences wait times exceeding two hours, particularly on weekends and holidays. Even rope drop can be tricky here, as thousands of guests head in the same direction at once.
Another line to watch out for is Jurassic World VelociCoaster. This high-speed launch coaster rarely dips below a 60–90 minute wait on a busy day. Fans come back again and again for the thrills, so the line builds steadily and never really disappears.
And then there’s The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and The Incredible Hulk Coaster. While these rides might not always have the longest waits, they often experience increased wait times in the afternoons when the park reaches its peak.
For Islands of Adventure, the “secret” isn’t to dash toward the headliners right away but to think carefully about when you choose to ride them.
Universal Studios Florida: Where the Crowds Gather
Hop across to Universal Studios Florida, and you’ll find a similar story. Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts dominates Diagon Alley. This indoor coaster is a must-do for most visitors, which means the line balloons almost as soon as the park opens.
Over in Springfield, The Simpsons Ride doesn’t always get the love of Harry Potter, but its wait time still surprises guests—especially in the afternoon.
And then there’s Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, a family favorite located right near the entrance. Because so many families stop here first, the queue often stretches longer than you’d expect. It’s not unusual to see waits of 60 minutes or more, especially on weekends.
It’s easy to assume the only solution is Express Pass, but timing and strategy often rival even the priciest upgrades.
Epic Universe: The Newest Challenge
Universal’s newest park, Epic Universe, is the one everyone is buzzing about in 2025. The dazzling lands, immersive details, and fresh attractions mean the entire park feels like one giant hot spot. Unlike older parks, where some attractions naturally thin out, Epic Universe maintains high wait times from opening to closing.
Three rides in particular stand out. Stardust Racers in Celestial Park has become one of the biggest draws, with its dueling coaster design pulling in thrill-seekers all day.
Over in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Donkey Kong: Mine Cart Madness and Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge are both headline attractions. Both pull some of the longest waits in the park thanks to the hype surrounding Nintendo’s first-ever Orlando presence.
With so much new to explore, guests find themselves in line almost everywhere, making strategy even more critical here than in the other parks.
The Real Secret to Skipping the Lines
Here’s where the real “best-kept” secret comes in. Forget about rope dropping or rushing first thing in the morning. At Universal, one of the smartest ways to skip lines is to wait until closing time.
As the night wears on, families with small children head out, and many guests are too tired to squeeze in another ride. That’s when queues for heavy hitters like VelociCoaster and Gringotts start to shrink.
Even if the posted wait time appears long right before closing, cast members almost always honor anyone who gets in line before the official park closing time. That means you could walk away with a much shorter actual wait than the sign suggests. It’s a strategy locals swear by, and it costs absolutely nothing.
Other Free Strategies That Work
Closing time isn’t the only trick in the book. Here are a few other ways to save time without paying extra:
Single Rider Lines: Attractions like VelociCoaster, Revenge of the Mummy, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey often have single rider queues that move much faster. You may not sit with your group, but you’ll save plenty of time.
Ride During Parades or Shows: When big entertainment events kick off, a portion of the crowd shifts away from the rides. That’s your chance to slip into a shorter line.
Eat Off-Peak: Plan meals for earlier or later than the typical lunch/dinner rush. Not only does this save you from long food lines, but it also frees you up to ride while others are eating.
These strategies combine nicely, especially if you’re flexible about when and where you ride.
The Express Pass Option
Of course, Universal does offer a more direct solution: the Express Pass. Available for both parks and now Epic Universe, Express Pass allows you to skip the regular lines at most attractions. Prices vary depending on the season, but they can climb into the hundreds of dollars per person per day.
For families with limited time or for those who want to guarantee multiple rides on the headliners, Express Pass can absolutely be worth it. But for guests looking to save money, the free strategies—especially the closing-time trick—often deliver a surprisingly similar payoff.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Universal Orlando Resort is built on unforgettable rides and immersive lands, but it’s also built on lines that test your patience. While Express Pass remains the most straightforward solution, it isn’t the only one. From timing your day around parades to taking advantage of single rider lines, there are plenty of ways to beat the crowds.
The best-kept secret, though? Staying late. As the crowds thin and the lights of the parks come on, you can walk into lines that seemed impossible earlier in the day. Whether you’re braving VelociCoaster, diving into Gringotts, or exploring the brand-new Epic Universe, clever timing makes all the difference.
So next time you visit, don’t just run toward the gates in the morning. Think about how the day ends. You might just discover that the best ride of all is skipping the line itself.