Epic Universe Express Pass Available Now- Prices, Available Rides Plus Surprising Limitations

Express Pass is Universal Orlando's skip the line system that is offered at both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida… and now Epic Universe! Epic Universe is the brand new Universal Orlando theme park opening on May 22, 2025.

This is similar to the Lightning Lane/FastPass option we see used at Walt Disney World. Express Pass at Universal Orlando is more simple to use but it comes with a far higher price tag.

Here's everything we know so far about Express Pass at Epic Universe, the details we've received from Universal Orlando including pricing, available rides, and more.

Can You Use Express Pass at Epic Universe?

Yes! Epic Universe is now available for purchase with the option to purchase it starting opening day on May 22, 2025. This is a big relief for guests wanting to visit in that timeline.

Universal Orlando has always stated on their websites that Express Pass would be available for Epic Universe so this was a given. We were just waiting on the fine print!

Will Express Pass Work the Same for Epic Universe?

READ MORE- “We Have a Slate of New Attractions” Universal Orlando Teases More New Rides at Epic and Beyond as Disney World Begins Next Development Phase

This is the million dollar question! How will Express Pass work for Epic Universe? Will it work the same as it does for Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida?

The biggest change we noticed right away is that premium Universal Orlando hotels will not include Express Pass for Epic Universe in their hotel stays. Currently, you get Express Pass included with your hotel stay if you stay at one of these three hotels: Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. But for now, that is only for use at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

Currently, only once per ride Express Pass is available. There is no option to purchase Unlimited Express Pass which allows you to ride attractions using Express Pass more than once.

So far, these are the two biggest differences to the Express Pass offering at Epic Universe.

Which Rides Will Offer Express Pass at Epic Universe?

We have the full list of available rides you can use Express Pass for at Epic Universe which notably excludes these three big attractions.

NOT Available for These Attractions

• Dragon Racer's Rally
• Mine-Cart Madness
• Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry of Magic

It's disappointing to see Mine-Cart Madness and Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry of Magic not available for Express Pass. It is likely that Universal thinks the demand for these two rides will create an ineffective queue for Express Pass, similar to what we see for Hagrid's at Universal Islands of Adventure and why it still doesn't offer Express Pass.

Epic Universe Express Pass Attractions

• Constellation Carousel
• Curse of the Werewolf
• Fyre Drill
• Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
• Le Cirque Arcanus
• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
• Stardust Racers
• The Untrainable Dragon
• Yoshi’s Adventure

I am surprised to see Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment available for Express Pass considering the hype for that ride. Honestly, despite the exclusion of those first three rides, this is a decent list of available rides for Express Pass.

How Much Is Express Pass for Epic Universe?

The Universal Orlando website says Express Pass starts at $129.99 per person yet most dates for the first months of opening averaged around $230 per person. For opening day, Express Pass costs $260 per person along with all other dates around opening week.

It is clear that Express Pass for Epic Universe will stay expensive until demand starts to wan. This is honestly a good thing because if everyone buys Express Pass, then the service becomes ineffective! We want those prices high to keep it working smoothly.

But at the end of the day, if you want an affordable trip to Epic Universe with Express Pass, you're better off waiting until later in the year.

Early Park Admission for Epic Universe

It has been confirmed that Universal Orlando hotel guests will be able to use Early Park Admission at Epic Universe starting May 23, 2025 which is one day after the official opening. Epic Universe will then open one hour earlier for hotel guests which includes access to these attractions:

Epic Universe Early Park Admission

• Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge
• Yoshi's Adventure
• Mine-Cart Madness
• Stardust Racers

So essentially, guests will be able to access Super Nintendo World and Celestial Park during Early Park Admission. This will be a big help for hotel guests especially if we discover Express Pass might be more limited.

Portion of first image via Universal Orlando.

Read More Disney Planning Advice

For the best resource and helpful information for planning your Disney trip, make sure to subscribe to our FREE Deals newsletter​. We’ll provide you with helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest-priced Disney tickets anywhere.