With just weeks to go before the debut of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort has made a key revision to its Annual Passholder offerings, confirming that a previously advertised Express Pass perk will not apply at the new park.
The reversal concerns the popular “Express After 4PM” benefit offered to Premier Annual Passholders, which has long provided complimentary Express access to most attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure.
Universal initially suggested this same perk would extend to Epic Universe when it opens May 22, but has since clarified to local journalist Ashley Carter that this information was posted in error.
UPDATE: Universal Orlando has released information on the passholders perks that will be available at Epic Universe. Premier Passholder's Express After 4 benefit WILL NOT be offered. I'm told that was incorrectly posted in the official passholder FB group.
UPDATE: Universal Orlando has released information on the passholders perks that will be available at Epic Universe. Premier Passholder's Express After 4 benefit WILL NOT be offered. I'm told that was incorrectly posted in the official passholder FB group. pic.twitter.com/i3SPLADS7M
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) April 14, 2025
Universal Orlando Resort's Express Pass Strategy
The Express Pass system has remained a consistent feature of Universal’s parks, operating as a paid upgrade that allows guests to bypass regular lines. There are two types: the standard Express Pass, which allows one-time access per ride, and the more expensive Express Unlimited, which removes that cap. Depending on demand, prices range from $119.99 to $349.99.
This approach stands in contrast to Walt Disney World’s more fragmented model, which has evolved from FastPass+ to the current Lightning Lane offerings. Disney’s system allows guests to pay for individual rides, while Universal opts for a bundled premium experience. Fans and industry analysts often compare the two, with Universal’s method generally seen as more straightforward—if less flexible.
For Premier Passholders, the Express After 4PM perk has been a cornerstone of the program’s value, especially for locals and frequent visitors. That’s part of why this reversal has caught attention: it breaks with precedent at a moment when Epic Universe is expected to reshape the competitive balance between Disney and Universal in Central Florida.
Epic Universe: The High-Stakes Expansion
Epic Universe marks Universal Orlando’s most ambitious expansion in decades. The park will introduce four immersive lands tied to major intellectual properties: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, How to Train Your Dragon, Universal Classic Monsters, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. The addition of Celestial Park, a non-IP original land centered around astrology and nature, brings an additional thematic layer rarely seen in recent park developments.
Despite glowing early impressions from influencers and insiders, Epic Universe is also launching under intense scrutiny. Its opening will draw huge crowds and high expectations, both from fans and from a business standpoint. The removal of the Express After 4PM benefit may be a reflection of this pressure, as Universal works to manage capacity and guest flow during the launch phase.
Annual Passholders will still receive access to standard benefits at Epic Universe, such as merchandise discounts and free parking. However, the exclusion of Express line access signals a shift in how Universal may treat its pass tiers going forward—at least for now.
Whether this change is temporary or permanent remains unclear. Universal has not commented on the possibility of reinstating the perk after the initial rush. Until then, even Premier Passholders will need to pay separately for Express access if they hope to skip the lines at Epic Universe.
How do you feel about Universal pulling the Express Pass benefit for Epic Universe?
