Which Universal Orlando hotels offer Express Pass

Today, we will discuss the common question, “Which Universal Orlando hotels offer Express Pass?” Before we get started, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy, and I’m a Universal Travel Agent, a long-time Universal Annual Passholder, and a big Universal fan. I’ve also stayed at every Universal hotel multiple times!

I have firsthand experience with the parks, hotels, rides, dining options, and more, enabling me to offer tailored recommendations and insider tips to enhance your trip significantly. If you’d like to book your Universal vacation with an expert at no cost to you, contact me for more information.

By the way, did you know the Universal Signature Resorts offer club-level rooms? Check out “Is club level at Universal hotels worth it?”  to learn more!

Now, let’s get to the question: which Universal Hotels have free express passes?

Universal hotels with free express pass

The answer to the question “Which Universal Orlando hotels offer Express Pass?” used to be the Universal Premier Resorts, but that has changed!

The Universal hotels with free express passes are Universal’s former “Premier-level” resorts. Now, these three resorts are part of the “Signature” collection at Universal but still include Express Passes. Another benefit is that these three hotels are within walking distance from the park. You can also take the water taxis.

These resorts include:

• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Portofino Bay
• Loews Royal Pacific

Now, let’s review more details about these Universal hotels and some other frequently asked questions.

Please note that Helios Grand and Sapphire Falls are Signature Collection but do not include Express Passes. I know it’s confusing, I’m not sure why Universal did it this way, but they did!

Hard Rock Hotel:

Hard Rock Hotel offers a vibrant and immersive experience that combines the excitement of rock-n-roll with the luxury of a Signature resort. The hotel is decorated with an extensive collection of music memorabilia, creating a unique atmosphere where guests can feel like rock stars.

With one of the best pools on Universal property, Hard Rock offers a zero-entry pool with underwater music, games, and activities throughout the day. My son is a “pool snob,” and this is his favorite pool at Universal.

Other amenities include multiple dining options, an arcade, easy access to the parks via The Garden Walk or water taxi, early park admission, and of course, the Express Pass!

A premier king room at Hard Rock Hotel.

Loews Royal Pacific

Loews Royal Pacific offers guests a luxurious escape to a tropical island paradise reminiscent of the South Seas. Think Hawaii, but in Florida. There’s even a luau!

The hotel is designed with Polynesian décor, providing a tranquil yet exotic ambiance. Amenities such as a lagoon-style swimming pool, a white sand beach, plenty of dining options, an arcade, and even a luau! Of course, Royal Pacific also comes with easy access to Universal, early park admission, and the Express Pass.

Do you have a dinosaur fan in your family? I know we do! If so, you need to check out the Jurassic World suite at Royal Pacific. Is it Polynesian-themed? NO. But, it’s awesome!!

Loews Portofino Bay

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel transports guests to the Italian Riviera. The hotel features cobblestone streets and charming Italian architecture. While this is not my favorite Signature resort, the rooms are very spacious and great for families.

Portofino Bay even has a spa in addition to multiple swimming pools, an arcade, and plenty of restaurant options (including Starbucks.)

It is important to note that as of 2025, some work is being done at Portofino Bay. I will update this when it is finished. Of course, Portofino Bay is also close to the parks via Garden Walk or water taxi and has early park admission and an Express Pass for all guests. Don’t forget Express Passes are also good for the day you check in and out.

Now that we’ve detailed the three Signature resorts including Express Pass, let’s go over some Universal Orlando Express Pass FAQs.

How does the Express Pass work at Universal?

Each ride at Universal (with the current exception of Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure) has a separate queue for Expass Pass Holders. Express Pass lines typically have less than half the wait time of regular lines.

Each guest will have their own Express Pass attached to their room key, so each guest can use them individually. Even with an Express Pass, there may still be a wait, but it will be substantially shorter than the regular line.

If you use the single-rider lines, you’ll often miss the most fun parts of the queue. Don’t worry about that, the Express Pass queues are also part of the experience!

Think of it as similar to how Disney’s Fast Passes used to work. But don’t worry—Universal is not nearly as complicated as Disney!

Do you get a free Express Pass staying at Sapphire Falls?

This is a common question, and unfortunately, no. I love Sapphire Falls (one of my favorites), but it is a Universal Signature Resort that does NOT include Express Passes. What makes Sapphire Falls a Signature esort? It is nicer and has more amenities.

Sapphire Falls has more activities, nicer restaurants, and water taxi access than the value resorts. It’s also much easier to walk to CityWalk from Sapphire Falls than, say, from Cababa Bay.

Check out our Kid Suite video on YouTube. This is an older video, but I’ll upload a new one soon. The video quality is much better now!

How much do Signature Universal Hotels cost?

The cost of a Signature Universal Orlando hotel varies by the time of the year, how many days you stay, and other factors. Generally, the prices start at over $300 per night. That might sound like a lot, but considering Express Passes are over $100 per day per person, it can be a big savings!

Loews Portofino Bay Resort is often the least expensive and my least favorite of the three. Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific start at closer to $400/night. Still, for a family of 4, this is less than purchasing Express Passes alone!

You may want to splurge for the kid suites. These suites are themed and have separate sleeping areas for kids and parents.

A minion-themed kid suite at Loews Portofino Bay. 

Do Universal hotels include Express Passes?

Yes, as I mentioned above, these three Universal Signature resorts at Universal do come with free Express Passes. However, the two other Signature Resorts as well as Prime Value and Value Resorts do not.

Universal hotels that do not include Express Passes include Loews Sapphire Falls, Aventura Hotel, Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Endless Summer: Dockside and Surfside. Terra Luna and Stella Nova Resorts, along with Helios Grand at Epic Universe, will not include Express Passes. Helios Grand may eventually include them, but that will be quite some time from now.

Which Universal Orlando Hotels Offer Express Passes?

I hope this answers the question, “Which Universal Orlando hotels offer Express Passes.” If Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, or Royal Pacific are in your budget, you may find it well worth it to stay in a Universal Signature Resort that includes Express Passes.

More Universal Orlando Travel Tips:

If this post about which Universal Orlando hotels offer Express Pass helped you, check out our other Universal Orlando tips and tricks!

• 20 Universal Orlando Mistakes to avoid
• 15 Genius Volcano Bay Tips
• A complete list of rides at Universal Orlando
• Cabana Bay vs Aventura Resort
• The best food at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Things to do at Universal Orlando with toddlers and babies

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