Universal Studios Hollywood welcomes nearly 10 million visitors every year. On peak days, more than 35,000 guests pack into the park, making it one of the most popular destinations in Los Angeles. But with that kind of popularity, there’s a catch—long wait times for rides, attractions, and shows. During busy weekends, public holidays, or school breaks, the wait can easily exceed an hour for the park’s most popular rides. So, how do you skip those long lines? One of the best solutions is the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass. Priced between $220 and $320, this pass gives you fast-track entry into the park, with one-time priority access to every ride, attraction, and show. For those looking for even more convenience, there’s also the option to upgrade to the Unlimited Express Pass, giving you unlimited priority access to the rides. This upgrade can be purchased on-site for an even more hassle-free experience. The Universal Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood is packed with amazing time-saving perks. Let’s break down what’s included. First, you get one-time Express access to 11 of the park’s 13 exciting rides. That means shorter wait times and more fun for you. You’ll also enjoy one-time Express access to the famous Universal Studio Tour, where Hollywood magic comes to life. And don’t miss WaterWorld, one of the park’s most popular live-action shows—your Express Pass gets you priority seating here too. Finally, the pass gives you one-time access per day to Super Nintendo World, the park’s newest and most exciting addition. With all these benefits, the Universal Express Pass makes it easy to maximize your time at the park and enjoy everything it has to offer. When you purchase an Express Ticket, it’s emailed directly to you. On the day of your visit, just show your e-pass on your smartphone to enter the park—quick and simple. With the Express Pass, you can also skip the long lines at the rides by using a special entrance reserved just for Express Pass holders. You’ll join the line close to the front—or even right at the front—significantly reducing your wait time. Keep in mind, the time saved may vary depending on the season. But remember, the Express Pass gives you priority access to each ride only once. If you want to ride again, you’ll need to use the regular line. The Universal Express Pass is one of the best ways to save time, skip the lines, and experience more of the park’s attractions without the wait. The Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass gives you one-time priority access to one of the park’s most popular shows—WaterWorld. With your Express Pass, you’ll be allowed into the venue before everyone else, ensuring you get the best seats in the house. Just make sure to join the Express queue at least 10 minutes before the general audience is let in. Once inside, Express Pass holders are seated first, with access to premium seating for the best view of the action. After Express Pass holders are seated, the rest of the audience will be allowed to enter. So, if you want a front-row seat to all the excitement, the Express Pass is your golden ticket. With the Universal Express Pass, you can enjoy the shows with less waiting and more comfort. It’s the perfect way to make your visit even more memorable. Now lets talk about the Universal Studios rides where the Express Pass gets you priority access. Fly through the magical world on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, brave the dinosaurs of Jurassic World, and experience the action of TRANSFORMERS: The Ride 3-D and Revenge of the Mummy. Join the fun with Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, take a spin on Flight of the Hippogriff, and embark on an adventure with The Secret Life of Pets. Don’t forget The Simpsons Ride, the swirling fun of Silly Swirly, the DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda, and the adrenaline-pumping Fast & Furious – Supercharged. Please note that the Express Pass grants access only for rides—it doesn’t cover restaurant lines or parking fees. However, a few attractions are not included. For example, the Ollivander wand-pairing demonstration at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not covered by the Express Pass. And at the newly opened Super Nintendo World, the highly anticipated Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge ride is also not included in the Express Pass. But here’s where your Express Pass still comes in handy: Super Nintendo World uses a virtual reservation system to control entry on busy days. With your Express Pass, you get non-reserved access, meaning you can enter Super Nintendo World anytime without needing a virtual reservation. At Universal Studios Hollywood, all visitors aged three and older must have a ticket to enter the park—and that includes the Universal Express Pass if you want to skip the long lines. However, younger children may not meet the height requirements for some of the park’s rides. This means they might not be able to take full advantage of the Express Pass. That’s why we recommend checking the ride height requirements before purchasing an Express Pass for your child. This ensures they can fully enjoy the attractions included in the pass. By planning ahead, you can make sure your child has the best experience possible at Universal Studios Hollywood—while saving time and avoiding long lines. Universal Studios Hollywood experiences its largest crowds during peak summer months, weekends, and special holidays. From May to mid-August, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break, the park is especially busy. On these crowded days, an Express Pass becomes invaluable. It lets you bypass long lines and make the most of your time at the park. However, if you’re visiting on a weekday outside of these peak periods, the park may be less crowded, and you might not need an Express Pass. One important thing to remember: Express Passes are limited and often sell out quickly, especially during busy times. Waiting until you arrive at the park to decide whether to purchase an Express Pass could backfire—what if they’re already sold out? To avoid that risk, we recommend purchasing your Express Pass online before your visit. That way, you’re prepared no matter how crowded the park is. By planning ahead and securing your Express Pass early, you’ll ensure a smoother, more enjoyable day at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal Studios Hollywood attracts nearly 10 million visitors yearly, with peak days seeing over 35,000 guests. This popularity often results in long wait times for rides, attractions, and shows.
Wait times at Universal’s rides can exceed an hour on busy weekends, public holidays, and school breaks.
There are two main ways to avoid these lines: purchasing a VIP Ticket, which ranges from $379 to $479 per person, or opting for the more affordable Express Pass, priced between $217 and $317.
The Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass offers fast-track entry into the park and one-time priority access to each ride, attraction, and show.
For those who want unlimited priority access, there’s an option to upgrade to an Unlimited Express Pass on-site.
This article provides all the essential information you need to know before purchasing the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass.
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# Universal Hollywood Express Pass
# General Universal Studios Admission TicketThese Universal Studio tickets don’t really sell out but securing your spot early ensures peace of mind.
What’s ahead
What is Universal Studios Express Pass
The Universal Express Pass offers special access, significantly reducing your wait times at various attractions.
With this pass, you can enter through the separate Express Pass lines, which are much shorter than the standard lines.
You’ll join the line close to the front (or at the front), significantly decreasing your waiting time, although the exact time saved can vary throughout the year.
Two types of passes are available: the Universal Express Pass, which grants one-time access to each ride, and the Universal Express Unlimited Pass, which allows unlimited priority access to the rides.
Love Trivia?
The Universal Express Pass was formerly called the Front of the Line ticket.
What is included in the Universal Express Pass
The Express Ticket at Universal Studios Hollywood is a multi-attraction pass that provides visitors with amazing time-saving benefits. It gets you –
One-time Express access to 11 of the 12 rides at the theme park
One-time Express access to the Universal Studio Tour
One-time Express access to Water World, a seated show
One-time per day access to Super Nintendo World
Rides included in the Express Pass
The rides included in the Universal Express Pass are:
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
TRANSFORMERS 3-D ride
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
The Secret Life of Pets
Silly Swirly
Fast and Furious
Jurassic World
Revenge of the Mummy
Flight of the Hippogriff
The Simpsons
DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda
Note: The Express Pass grants access for rides only; it doesn’t cover restaurant queues or parking fees.
Upper & Lower Lots
Universal Studios Hollywood has two sections, the Upper and Lower lots, connected by a series of escalators called the Starway. The upper lot is the largest and comprises the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Springfield U.S.A. (inspired by The Simpsons), the World-Famous Studio Tour, and live shows. The lower lot is home to Revenge of the Mummy Ride, the TRANSFORMERS Ride, Jurassic World, and several eateries and shops.
Ride NOT included in the Express Pass
The Ollivander wand-pairing demonstration at the Wizarding World is not included in the Express Pass.
The Universal Studios Express Pass also does not cover Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge at the newly inaugurated Super Nintendo World.
However, your Express Pass will be handy while accessing the Super Nintendo World, which uses a virtual reservation system to manage entry during crowded days.
You can also purchase an Early Access Ticket to Super Nintendo World, which begins an hour before the park opens. An Early Access ticket costs $20-30 per person but is needed in addition to the regular ticket.
Since it is a new and exciting attraction, there is a lot of demand, and the virtual reservation system gets activated daily.
If you hold the Universal Express Pass, you get non-reserved access to Super Nintendo World, which means you don’t need to secure a virtual reservation. The Pass helps you get into the attraction whenever you want.
One more tip to skip lines
The Virtual Reservation System can be used through the Universal Studios Hollywood app (Android, iOS). Guests can book times for rides using this system. Once you pick a time slot for an attraction, you can explore the park instead of waiting in long lines. When it’s your turn, you head to the designated Virtual Line entrance for a much shorter wait to enjoy the ride.
How Express Pass works at the rides
The Express Pass, also known as the Universal Express Pass or Universal Express Ticket, is an upgrade to the General Admission Ticket, the most affordable and popular way to enter Universal Studios.
The Express Pass includes access to the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour, a 60-minute tram tour around the backlots.
When you purchase an Express Ticket, it will be emailed to you. On the day of your visit, simply show the e-pass on your smartphone to enter the theme park.
With the Express Pass, you can skip the long ride queues and use the special entrance for Express Pass holders. Just scan your Express Pass and enjoy the ride without waiting.
Remember, the Priority Pass allows you to skip the line for each attraction only once. You must wait in the regular line if you want to ride again.
The Universal Studios Express Pass eliminates waiting times, making it a fantastic way to save time and experience more of the park.
Express Pass or Regular ticket?
Choosing between a Regular Admission ticket and an Express Pass depends on your budget and how you prefer to experience the park. If minimizing wait times and maximizing your time on rides and attractions is a priority, the Express Pass is a worthwhile investment. However, if you are more budget-conscious and don’t mind waiting, the Regular Admission ticket offers full access to all of Universal Studios’ features.
A little pro tip: If the line is short, consider waiting in the regular queue. This will help you save your Express Pass for later use. You can use this pass for the same ride when it is packed.
How to use Express Pass at the shows
The Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass grants you one-time priority access to WaterWorld.
Express Pass holders are allowed into the venue before everyone else and receive priority seating, provided they join the Express queue at least 10 minutes before the general audience enters the theater.
After seating Express Pass holders in premium seats, Universal Studios staff will allow regular ticket holders inside.
Till early 2023, Express Pass was accepted at the Animal Actors show as well. Besides getting you premium access, the Pass also got you exclusive meet-and-greets with the animals. However, on 8 January 2023, Universal Studios permanently closed the Animal Actors show and replaced it with a Fast and Furious-themed rollercoaster ride.
Cost of Universal Express Pass
The Universal Hollywood Express Pass ranges from $217 to $317, depending on the day and season, with prices significantly higher during peak times compared to the off-season.
When you purchase the Express Pass at the gate, you pay an extra US$10 per person.
Express Pass for kids
All visitors aged three years and older must have a ticket to enter Universal Studios Hollywood and consequently need a Universal Express Pass to skip the long queues and enter the Express line.
However, younger children may only meet the height requirements for some rides and, therefore, may be unable to take full advantage of the pass.
That’s why we suggest you check out the ride height requirements before buying the Express ticket for your child.
Even though you can buy the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass at the theme park, it is wiser to get it online. When you get them in advance, you pay less and start reaping the benefits immediately.
Buy Express PassIs the Express Pass worth it?
Although Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass is priced higher than regular admission, the value and time savings it offers are substantial.
Ensure you secure your Express Pass by purchasing online ahead of time, as they are available in limited quantities daily and sell out fast.
The Express Pass is a game-changer, helping you bypass the queues at all rides, shows, and attractions.
The Pass will help you save 60 to 90 minutes, even during off-peak times. On busier days, this can go up to as much as three hours, making it an invaluable asset for those looking to make the most of their visit.
For those not restricted by a tight budget and who value their time, the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass is an investment in maximizing your fun and efficiency.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your park experience—get the Express Pass and enjoy a day filled with more rides, shows, and attractions.
Related Reading: Popular rides at Universal Studios Hollywood
When should you buy Express Pass
Universal Studios experiences its highest visitor volumes during peak summer months, weekends, school holidays, and special occasions.
The park is especially bustling from May to mid-August, around Thanksgiving, Christmas through to the second week of the New Year, as well as during Spring break and Easter.
On these crowded days, an Express Pass becomes invaluable. It allows you to bypass the long lines and enjoy more of the park’s offerings in less time.
However, if you plan to visit on a weekday outside these peak periods, you might find the park less crowded and won’t need the Express Pass.
It’s important to consider that Express Passes are limited in quantity and often sell out quickly, especially during busy times.
Don’t leave the purchase to the last moment
Universal Studios limits the number of Express Passes sold daily to maintain their benefits. As a result, these passes often sell out in advance.
Waiting until you arrive at the park to gauge the crowd and decide to purchase an Express Pass might not be a good idea—what if they are all sold out?
To avoid this risk, it’s wise to purchase your Express Pass online before your visit. This ensures you’re prepared regardless of the crowd level.
How many Universal Express Passes to buy?
You may not need to buy an Express Pass for everyone in your group.
If you have a family member who doesn’t meet the minimum height requirements for the rides or is scared, the Express Ticket will be useless for them.
You can buy the General Admission Ticket for them, instead.
Since your Express Pass will get you on the ride without any waiting time, you will quickly reunite with the family members who decided to stay back in the Child Switch Room.
The Child Switch room at Universal Studios Hollywood is where adults can wait with children who are too young or unable to ride a specific attraction. This feature allows adults to take turns riding while ensuring the child is safely supervised without waiting in line again.
FAQS on Express Pass
This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about this priority pass.
Does the Universal Express pass include admission to the theme park?
Yes, a Universal Express Ticket includes general admission to the park along with the Express Pass, allowing you to bypass regular queues for rides and shows.
What is a Universal Express ticket?
The Universal Express ticket is just another name for the Universal Express Pass. It provides admission to the theme park and the benefit of skipping lines at all rides and shows.
Is it possible to purchase a Universal Express Pass on-site at the park?
Yes, visitors can purchase Universal Express passes directly at the park. They are available at the counters at the front gates and inside the theme park. However, it is better to buy them ahead of time. These passes are in high demand and have a limited supply, especially on busy days when they sell out quickly.
Why is the Universal Express Pass so expensive?
The Universal Express Pass is costly because it allows you to skip the regular lines and save precious time. This exclusivity is maintained through its pricing strategy – if the passes were more affordable, many visitors might purchase them, leading to longer queues even for Express Pass holders. The high cost ensures a faster, more efficient experience for the buyers.
How long are the lines with Universal Express Pass?
With an Express Pass, more often than not, you will skip the ride’s queue and be the next person to board the ride.
Does Universal Express Pass sell out?
Only a limited number of Universal Studio Hollywood’s Express Passes are available daily. During the peak summer months, school vacations, long weekends, etc., they are in high demand and sell out early in the day. That’s why you should buy your Express Passes in advance if you visit during a busy season.
What is the difference between Universal Express Pass and Unlimited Pass?
The Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass allows you to skip the lines for rides and shows once, whereas the Unlimited Pass lets you bypass the lines as many times as you like.
Does Universal Studios Hollywood have a Fast Pass?
Universal Express Pass and the Universal Express Unlimited Pass are Universal Studios’ equivalent of Fast Pass. They help you skip the long lines at the rides and attractions and save time.
Unlimited Universal Express Pass
Universal Studios Hollywood offers an Unlimited Express Pass, which lets you skip the lines at all rides and shows as many times as you want.
With this pass, you can enjoy each ride multiple times without waiting in line.
This upgrade is great if you’re visiting with kids who love going on rides repeatedly.
The Unlimited Express Pass can be bought at the theme park and added to any ticket, including General Admission, Express Ticket, and Season Pass.
Upgrading a General Admission Ticket to Unlimited Express costs $100 to $170.
If you already have an Express Ticket, upgrading to Unlimited Express costs $35 to $45 per person.
Universal Hollywood ticket prices can vary depending on the day and the crowd.
Universal Studios Hollywood VIP ticket
If cost is not an issue and you want something better than the Express Pass, opt for the Universal Studios Hollywood VIP tour.
On a VIP Tour, you get unlimited priority access to all rides, attractions, and shows, a continental breakfast, a gourmet lunch in the VIP dining room, and valet parking.
The VIP tour tickets also get you a closer look behind the scenes and exclusive access to the Universal Studios Backlot.
When purchased online in advance, these tickets are priced lower than at the gate. Depending on the day, the online price ranges from $379 to $489, offering substantial savings per person.
When you buy a VIP Ticket, a guide is with you throughout the day, facilitating your experience at the park.
Hardcore theme-park fans visit both Universal and Disneyland. Find out how to go from Universal Hollywood to Disneyland Park and vice versa.
