Last week I visited Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida and we were able to take advantage of the Universal Studios Express Plus Pass.

What is the Express Plus Pass?

The Express Plus Pass helps you to bypass the long lines of many rides at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Express Plus Pass holders enter their own line, the pass will be scanned and the passholder will move forward to your own line.  You must purchase the Express Plus Pass in addition to your park ticket.

Pros to Purchasing the Express Plus Pass

Bypassing the long lines at the majority of the rides was wonderful.  The wait for the Incredible Hulk ride was 45m and we walked right past everyone in the regular line and we were riding the ride in less than five minutes.  Some Express Pass lines are longer than others but it was still a considerably shorter wait in comparison to the regular lines.

Because of all the time we saved, we were able to hit both parks before dinner.  We weren’t traveling with children and skipped some rides but originally had planned on only visiting Islands of Adventure.  It was a bonus to be able to visit both parks.

If you are staying in one of their qualifying resort hotels, your room key will qualify as an Express Plus Pass and you will not have to pay extra.

Cons to Purchasing the Express Plus Pass

It is an additional unnecessary cost to what is probably already a very expensive vacation.  Express Plus Pass ticket prices range from $19.99 to $59.99 per person depending on what the date is (higher prices during busier seasons).

The Express Plus Pass is not good for all rides.  The list is lengthy but not all rides qualify.

You can use the pass all day but you can only use it one time for each attraction.

Would I purchase an Express Plus Pass on my next Universal Studios trip?

Would I pay $19.99 or $25.99 per person?  Most definitely!  It would be an additional $80 or so and would have to be put into my travel budget the next time I return to Universal Studios with my family but I think it would be worth it.  Would I pay $59.99 for it?  Probably not.  That would be an additional $239 for my family of four.  It was nice to bypass the lines and if I had been traveling with my kids it would have saved me from a lot of whining but that $239 can be spent on food, two nights hotel or another attraction.