Premium lightning passes

Question

Ouch, we are heavily considering getting these passes for 2 days but wow it’s pricey. My husband is all for it and says it’s no use spending your day standing in long line ups. Does this pass work well for avoiding the line ups?

Answer

The Universal Orlando “Express Pass” (sometimes referred to as Premium or Unlimited Express Pass) is designed to help guests skip the regular lines on most rides at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. It can be a significant expense, but for many visitors, especially those wanting to maximize a short visit, it can be worth it.

Here’s what you should know about how the pass works and its effectiveness:

The Express Pass allows you to enter a separate, much shorter line for participating attractions. In most cases, you’ll wait only a few minutes instead of potentially 45–90 minutes in the regular queue.
It works for both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure if you purchase a park-to-park ticket. Standard Express passes may have one use per ride, while the Unlimited Express pass allows you to ride multiple times without waiting in the regular line.
Not all rides participate in the Express line; most major rides do, but check the official park map or app for confirmation. Usually, only a handful of small attractions are excluded.

Additional considerations:

During peak season, weekends, and holidays, the Express Pass can save a significant amount of time, sometimes several hours over the course of the day.
Even with the pass, you may experience a small wait if multiple Express Pass holders arrive at the same time, but it’s generally much faster than the regular line.
Using the Universal Orlando app to check ride wait times and plan your route can further optimize your day in combination with the pass.

In summary, if your priority is avoiding long lines and experiencing as many rides as possible during a limited visit, the Express Pass is highly effective. The Premium or Unlimited version adds flexibility and repeated use, which can be particularly valuable for 2-day park visits. It’s an upfront investment, but for short trips or busy dates, it often pays off in time saved and stress reduced.

Premium lightning passes

More Orlando Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions