It’s not every day that Universal makes a move that immediately has Disney fans doing a double-take. But that’s exactly what’s happening right now. A new line-skipping option has quietly made its debut in the parks, and let’s just say—it looks awfully familiar.
Over the years, Universal Express Pass has been one of the company’s biggest bragging rights. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it’s premium. But this fall, something new popped up, and it’s already creating a stir.
A Small Sign, a Big Change
Guests walking into Universal Studios Florida found something unexpected near the entrance of Revenge of the Mummy—a sleek sign advertising “Single Attraction Access.” At first glance, it might look like just another offer, but regular visitors know this is something entirely different.
With a quick scan of a QR code in the Universal app, guests can now pay to skip the line for that ride alone. No hotel upgrade. No full-day Express Pass. Just one ride. It’s fast, flexible, and very clearly inspired by Disney’s approach.
Fans Recognize the Lightning Lane Blueprint
The moment fans saw it, comparisons to Disney’s Lightning Lane started flying online. After all, Disney made headlines when it switched to Lightning Lane.
Universal hasn’t gone that far yet, but the bones of the system are the same. It’s simple right now—one ride, one purchase—but it’s hard to imagine this not expanding if it proves popular.
Why Fans Are Divided
Some fans see this as a win. Not everyone wants or can afford a full-day Express Pass, and this gives more people the chance to skip the line for a favorite ride. For families with just one or two priorities, that’s a huge plus.
Others, however, worry that this could be the first step toward a more complicated and expensive future. Lightning Lane at Disney has been divisive since its rollout, and many fear Universal might be headed down a similar path.
What This Could Mean Long-Term
Right now, Single Attraction Access is only at Revenge of the Mummy and Skull Island: Reign of Kong. But it’s easy to picture it spreading to other big-name rides like Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure or VelociCoaster. If it catches on, this could completely reshape how guests plan their days in the park.
Instead of choosing between “no Express” or “full Express,” guests could build their own experience ride by ride. That flexibility might end up being a major selling point—especially for day guests or last-minute planners.
A Shift Guests Will Feel
Whether fans love it or hate it, this move feels like a turning point. Universal isn’t just tweaking its system—it’s borrowing a proven idea from Disney and making it its own. And that’s why so many longtime fans are paying attention.
If this pilot works, Single Attraction Access might just become a permanent part of the Universal experience. And just like Lightning Lane at Disney, it could change the way guests move through the parks for years to come.
