Are you planning a family vacation to California and trying to decide if the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass is worth it? My family and I are firm believers in the express pass, especially if you’re traveling with younger children and only have one day to see everything. From minimal waiting to priority access to most rides, listed below is a breakdown of why the Express Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood is worth it!
Keep reading to find out why I think the express pass at Universal Studios Hollywood is worth it!
Disclosures: My family and I received express passes to Universal Studios Hollywood. All opinions, however, are my own. In addition, this post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and buy, The Cactus Chronicles will receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping support The Cactus Chronicles.
Is the Universal Studios Hollywood Express Pass Worth It?
First, you might be asking, what IS the express pass at Universal Studios Hollywood? The express pass basically operates as a front of the line pass for rides and attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood. While it costs more than a general admission ticket, it includes not only general admission but also one-time express access to each ride and attraction, except for the new Mario Kart ride in Super Nintendo World. You can find out more information regarding the express pass by clicking here but it’s important to know that while you can purchase the express pass at Universal Studios Hollywood during the time of your visit, it can be cheaper to purchase it online than by purchasing it at the gate. Express passes can also sell out prior to your scheduled visit if you decide to wait to purchase your ticket. Below are the reasons why I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase the express pass.
Should you buy the express pass? There are several factors to take into consideration when making a decision.
Minimal Waiting, Especially For Popular and Newer Rides
There’s a separate line at each ride and attraction for those who have express passes. My family and I have traveled to Universal Studios Hollywood over a major holiday weekend and we didn’t have to wait more than 5 minutes for each ride using our express passes. For example, we didn’t have to wait to ride the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Ride, which is known for its long lines, especially as the day progresses. We also didn’t have to wait in a long line to ride one of the newer attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash. For example, The Secret Life of Pets ride had a posted wait time of 45 minutes for those standing in the general admission line. But, my family and I were able to get on the ride in a matter of minutes with our express passes.
The estimated wait time to ride The Secret Life of Pets was 45 minutes. But with our express passes, we were able to get on the ride in a matter of minutes.
No Ride Restrictions Except for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Some theme parks have ride restrictions for their version of express passes. Most of the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood are eligible for the express pass, including popular rides and attractions like the Studio Tour and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. In my opinion, this makes the purchase of the express pass well worth it. However, as I noted above, the Universal Studios Hollywood express pass does not currently include an express pass for Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.
It does, however, include a one-time (per day) reservation-free entry into Super Nintendo World when reservations are required to enter the land. This sounds a bit complicated but guests can also purchase (for an additional cost), the Super Nintendo World Early Access Ticket. The Early Access Ticket allows guests to enter Super Nintendo World one hour before the theme park opens. To read more Super Nintendo World tips, click here.
The express pass includes most rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
Priority Seating for Entertainment
Express Pass holders are also able to get priority seating for entertainment, like WaterWorld. This meant that we were able to to get great views of the performance. We were also seated quickly, which is nice, especially since we were on our feet most of the day.
Experience Everything in One Day
One of the reasons that I love Universal Studios Hollywood is because my family and I can experience everything in one day, in large part due to the express pass. Because of the express pass, we aren’t crunched for time, and we don’t need to spend more money on a hotel to extend our stay. If you have multi-day tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood, then you might want to skip purchasing the express pass.
In any case, you’ll definitely want to check the crowd calendar for your scheduled visit before you decide to buy the express pass. If the crowd level looks minimal, then you might consider foregoing the express pass.
Want to learn more about Universal Studios Hollywood? If so, click here for Universal Studios Hollywood tips for first time visitors!
BOOK A TRIP TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD AND/OR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AT A DISCOUNT!
If you’re thinking of booking a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood or Southern California, then please consider booking through Get Away Today by clicking on this link. Not only does Get Away Today offer the best deals on hotels, including free night specials and exclusive offers like free breakfast, free parking and waived resort fees at select hotels, but tickets are also available at a discount. Layaway plans are also available for Southern California vacation packages, with the first payment beginning as low as $125. Additionally, you can receive an extra $10 off any 2-night or longer Southern California package by using the promo code CACTUS.
Are you planning a family vacation to Universal Studios Hollywood? From minimal waiting to priority access to most rides, here are several reasons why the Universal Studios Hollywood express pass is worth it!
Love the article . Very helpful.