The rules changed in 2026 — Hagrid's is out, Epic Universe has its own product. Here's the honest breakdown.
For most families visiting during moderate to busy periods, Express Pass is worth it at Universal Orlando. But the rules changed significantly in 2026 — including a brand-new product called Universal Express Now, Hagrid's leaving the program, and different rules at Epic Universe — so it's worth understanding exactly what you're buying before you spend the money.
Starting July 1, 2026, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure will no longer accept Express Pass. Hagrid's consistently has some of the longest standby waits at the entire resort — often 90 minutes or more on busy days. If Hagrid's is a priority for your visit after July 1, plan your strategy around rope drop or Early Park Admission instead.
Universal has introduced a new product called Universal Express Now — a more flexible, on-demand version of Express Pass that can be purchased day-of from your phone inside the park. See the full breakdown below.
Express Pass gives you access to a separate, shorter queue at participating attractions. You're not skipping the line entirely — there's still a wait — but it's dramatically shorter than the standby queue on a busy day. Think 10–20 minutes versus 60–90.
It's a separate purchase from your park ticket. Unlike Disney's Lightning Lane, there's no ride-by-ride purchase option at the traditional tier — you buy Express Pass for the whole day. (The new Universal Express Now product changes this somewhat — see below.)
Universal has launched Universal Express Now, a newer, more flexible Express product you can purchase directly from the Universal app or in-park kiosks — including on the day of your visit. Here's how it differs from traditional Express Pass:
Universal Express Now
Traditional Express Pass
Mark's Take:
Universal Express Now is a smart addition for guests who don't want to pre-commit but still need flexibility on busy days. If you're visiting during peak season and didn't pre-purchase Express Pass, Express Now is a solid fallback. That said, traditional Express Pass purchased in advance is typically better value if you know you'll use it all day. I'll look at your specific dates and tell you which makes more sense — just ask.
Epic Universe has its own Express Pass product and it works differently from the original parks. Key things to know:
⚠️ Important for Annual Passholders:
As of July 1, 2026, no Universal Orlando annual pass includes admission to Epic Universe. Annual passholders can purchase a discounted single-day ticket to Epic Universe, but the park is not included in any annual pass tier as of this date. This is a significant change if you were planning to use an annual pass for Epic Universe access — verify directly with Universal when booking, as this policy has been evolving.
✓ Buy Express Pass if:
✗ You might skip it if:
Guests staying at Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel receive Unlimited Express Pass included for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. If you're planning multiple days at those parks, the math often works out where the hotel upgrade pays for itself.
Important:
This hotel perk does NOT cover Epic Universe. For Epic Universe, separate Express Pass is still generally the only option regardless of where you stay — verify current inclusions when booking, as this has been evolving.
Express Pass is a real value-add at Universal Orlando — more so than comparable products at Disney, in my opinion, because the rides here are long-form, high-demand, and waits get brutal fast. Buy it if your schedule is tight or your visit falls during busy season. Skip it if you're a strategic rope-drop person visiting in shoulder season. When in doubt, ask me — I'll look at your specific dates and tell you exactly what I'd do.
I'll look at your dates, hotel, and must-do list and tell you exactly what I'd recommend — no charge for the conversation.
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Written & Researched By
Award-Winning Travel Advisor • Rockwall, TX • Magical Vacation Planner
Mark is a professional travel advisor with 25+ years of experience specializing in Disney, Universal, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. He has personally visited Universal Orlando multiple times and books these trips regularly for clients across the DFW area.
Free Planning — Rockwall, TX
Tell me your family, dates, and must-do list — I'll build the right itinerary at no charge to you.