Alright, listen up—Universal Orlando just dropped something big. If you’ve been counting down to the May 22nd grand opening of Epic Universe, this one’s for you. Universal just launched sales for the Epic Universe Express Pass and VIP Tours. That means faster lines, behind-the-scenes perks, and a chance to skip some of the chaos when the gates open. Let’s break it down!
What Is the Epic Universe Express Pass?
The Epic Universe Express Pass is your fast lane to the biggest new attractions coming to Universal. It gives you one-time express access to each participating ride—skip the regular line once per ride.
What’s Included:
You’ll get express access to rides like:
- Constellation Carousel
- Curse of the Werewolf
- Fyre Drill
- Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
- Le Cirque Arcanus™
- Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
- Stardust Racers
- The Untrainable Dragon
- Yoshi’s Adventure™
What’s Not Included:
You won’t get express access for:
- Dragon Racer’s Rally
- Mine-Cart Madness™
- Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry™
These could be among the busiest rides in the park—so plan for longer waits here.
Price Range:
Starts at $130 per person, but expect $230 to $260 on most summer dates and can be purchased on the Universal website.
Important Notes:
- This is a 1-day pass only, non-refundable and non-transferable.
- It doesn’t include park admission. You need to buy that separately.
- Valid only during regular park hours.
- Biometric scan required for entry.
- Parking, food, merch discounts—not included.
What About Epic Universe VIP Tours?
If you want to go next level, the Epic Universe VIP Tour gives you a guided experience with perks that go beyond skipping the line.
What You Get:
- A 4-hour pre-scheduled tour of Epic Universe.
- Priority entrance at select rides during your tour.
- 1-time Express access to all participating rides (usable after the tour ends).
- A VIP souvenir lanyard.
- Behind-the-scenes experience in the park.
- Discounts on select merch (valid only the day of your tour).
- Complimentary valet parking (1 car, advance purchase required).
When It Starts:
VIP Tours begin May 23, the day after Epic Universe opens and can be purchased through the Universal Orlando website.
Price Range:
Starts at $380 per person, with most dates landing around $570 to $650.
What to Know:
- You need to buy a separate park ticket for the same day.
- Tours are date and time-specific, so don’t be late.
- You must cancel at least 48 hours in advance for a refund.
- Tour begins approximately 30 minutes after check-in, so arrive early.
Should You Get the Epic Universe Express Pass or VIP Tour?
Here’s the deal:
- Go with Express Pass if you want to skip lines and explore at your own pace.
- Pick the VIP Tour if you want someone guiding you through the highlights with special perks—plus express access later in the day.
Pro tip: If you’re going during peak summer dates, these passes could be the difference between riding 4 rides or 10. It’s not cheap, but time is money when the park is packed.
Final Thoughts
Epic Universe is going to be insane when it opens. Whether you’re trying to crush every attraction in one day or just avoid the worst lines, the Epic Universe Express Pass and VIP Tours are tools to help you do it smarter.
Just make sure you’re booking both your park admission and either the Express Pass or VIP Tour—they’re sold separately.
Want to avoid wasting your first trip to Epic Universe standing in line? This is how you do it.
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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop
I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!
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