Universal Orlando Testing $25 Express Pass for Single Rides — Here’s What It Means for You
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Universal Orlando is testing a brand-new way to skip the lines — and it could shake up how you plan your next park day. Starting this fall, guests can purchase one-time Express Pass access to individual rides for $25 per attraction, with the pilot test running now for Revenge of the Mummy and Skull Island: Reign of Kong.
So how does this new a la carte Express Pass work? Is it worth it? And what does this tell us about the future of Express Pass at Universal (especially with Epic Universe opening soon)? Let’s dive into the details.
🎢 What Is Express Single Attraction Access?
This limited-time offering allows guests to skip the regular standby line for one specific ride, without purchasing the full-day Express Pass.
🌀 Currently available at:
Revenge of the Mummy (Universal Studios Florida)
Skull Island: Reign of Kong (Islands of Adventure)
💵 Cost: $25 + tax = $26.62 per attraction
📱 Where to Buy:
Inside the Universal Orlando app under “Special Offers”
By scanning a QR code at the attraction entrance
👉 Note: You can only purchase one ride at a time, and availability may vary based on crowd levels.
💡 Why Is Universal Testing This Now?
This test is rolling out during fall break — one of the busiest crowd periods of the year. As both Universal and Walt Disney World hit peak attendance, it’s no surprise Universal is testing new ways to monetize guest demand for shorter waits.
This mirrors Disney’s Lightning Lane Single Pass system, where individual high-demand rides like Rise of the Resistance or TRON can cost up to $25 for one skip-the-line use.
But unlike Disney, Universal Express has never been free and is traditionally only offered:
As an add-on to your park ticket
Included with select Premier Hotel stays (Hard Rock, Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay)
This new single-use option could provide a more affordable entry point for guests priced out of full Express Pass ($150–$300+ per day).
🚨 The Catch: It’s Only for Mid-Tier Rides… For Now
Let’s be real — Revenge of the Mummy is a fan-favorite, but it has a single rider line and isn’t typically overwhelming in wait time. And Skull Island: Reign of Kong? Probably not worth a $25 skip, unless the line is 90+ minutes (which is rare).
That’s why many theme park experts are saying this test may not yield meaningful data — the rides selected aren’t the true stress points like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, VelociCoaster, or The Incredible Hulk Coaster.
Still, this test shows Universal is actively exploring new models to generate revenue without cannibalizing the high-priced Express Pass bundles.
🔮 What Could This Mean for the Future?
If this test expands, we may see:
Dynamic pricing per ride, based on demand (just like Disney does)
A broader rollout across more popular attractions like Hagrid’s and Spider-Man
Integration with new parks, such as Epic Universe, once operations stabilize
Potential reduction in the value of Unlimited Express Pass included with Premier Hotels
And while some may view it as “nickel-and-diming,” the $25 price point is a tempting alternative for guests who don’t want to commit $200+ for a full Express Pass day.
🎬 Final Thoughts
Universal is trying to walk the line between giving budget-conscious guests more options and protecting the value of their premium products.
Whether this becomes a permanent offering remains to be seen — but one thing’s clear: Express Pass is evolving, and your strategy for navigating Universal’s parks might need to change with it.
We’ll keep tracking this test and let you know if it expands. In the meantime, if you’re visiting during peak season… a little Express access might go a long way.
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