Are Express Passes at Epic Universe Worth It?

If you’re planning a Universal Orlando vacation, you may be wondering, “Are Express Passes at Epic Universe worth it?” Now that we’ve been to Epic Universe several times, I’m ready to answer this common Epic Universe question. 

Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, a travel blogger, and a long-time Universal Annual Passholder. Contact me for more information. I’d love to help you book your Universal Orlando vacation!

Today, we’re talking about whether Express Pass is worth it at Epic Universe, which rides tend to have the longest waits, and how all of this fits with the Express Pass perks you may already know from Universal’s other hotels.

If you’re flying into Orlando for your vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the absolute best rates on rental cars; you don’t pay until you pick it up, and cancellation is free.

How Busy Is Epic Universe?

Epic Universe opened to lots of excitement, and that excitement hasn’t really faded. Even on days that don’t feel “crowded” by general theme park standards, the newest and most popular attractions can rack up wait times that catch families off guard.

If you’re hoping to do a lot in one day, especially with kids who don’t love standing in line, this is where Express Pass starts to make a lot of sense.

Which Rides Have the Longest Waits at Epic Universe?

Three attractions in particular tend to have the longest wait times in the park:

Ministry of Magic, Mine Cart Madness, and Bowser’s Challenge.

These are the headliner attractions that most guests want to experience, and the wait times reflect that. If these rides are high on your must-do list (and for most families, they are), Express Pass can save you from spending a huge chunk of your day in line for just these three rides alone.

It’s common for Ministry of Magic (full ride name: Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry) to have at least a 90-minute wait time. Since this is the ONLY Wizarding World of Harry Potter ride in Epic Universe, that makes sense. Our hope is that someday another ride will open in the Ministry of Magic area of the Wizarding World. For now, there’s just one, and the wait times are long.

Super Nintendo World is also extremely popular, so it makes sense that the rides there would also have the longest wait times.

Do the Free Express Passes from Universal’s Hotels Work at Epic Universe?

This is one of the most important things to know before you visit. If you’re staying at one of Universal’s Signature hotels that include Express Passes (Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, or Loews Royal Pacific Resort), that free Express Pass does not work at Epic Universe.

It’s still a great perk for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, so don’t discount it if your trip includes those parks too. But for Epic Universe specifically, you’ll need to purchase Express Pass separately if you want it.

If you’re looking into where to stay for your trip, I break down the new Epic Universe hotels and the rest of Universal’s hotel lineup in my Where to Stay for Epic Universe guide.

So, Are Express Passes at Epic Universe Worth It?

For most, the answer to “Are Express Passes at Epic Universe Worth It?” is yes. Skipping some of the line for even a few of the popular attractions can free up enough time to fit in more of the park, grab a meal without rushing, or just slow down a bit.

If your family is more flexible, doesn’t mind longer waits, or is planning multiple days in the park, you may be able to get by without it. But for a single-day visit to hit the big attractions, Express Pass can make a real difference.

It’s worth noting that while I love Single Rider lines and we often use them at the other parks, they don’t always work well at Epic Universe. My son and I tested this recently at Battle at the Ministry, and our Single Rider wait was exactly the same as the regular line.

Pricing for Express Pass varies by date and time of year, so I won’t list specific numbers here. If you’d like help figuring out whether it makes sense for your trip and what it might cost for your dates, contact me and I’m happy to help.

Are Express Passes at Epic Universe Worth it?

Epic Universe is an incredible park, but it’s also a popular one, and the wait times for rides like Ministry of Magic, Mine Cart Madness, and Bowser’s Challenge can add up quickly. Whether Express Pass is worth it depends on your family’s trip length, must-do list, and most importantly, budget.

If you’re ready to start planning your Universal Orlando and Epic Universe trip, contact me today! I’d love to help you figure out the right tickets, hotel, and extras for your family.

We have lots more Universal Orlando and Epic Universe tips on the blog. Check them out!

• The Visa Cardholder Lounge at Universal Studios
• What to Do on a Rainy Day at Universal Orlando
• How to get chosen for the Wand Experience at Ollivanders

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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