When booking a Universal Orlando vacation, staying at certain hotels comes with the major perk of free Universal Express Passes. But which hotels offer Express Passes, and how do you maximize the benefits?
No, none of the Universal Hollywood hotels include free Express Passes. The Universal hotels that provide complimentary Express Passes are located at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, specifically:
The Universal Hollywood hotels such as Loews Hollywood Hotel, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, and partner hotels in the Hollywood area do not offer free Express Passes. Guests staying at these hotels would need to purchase Express Passes separately for Universal Studios Hollywood.
In summary – No Universal Hollywood hotels automatically include free Express Passes for guests. The passes are only included with Premier hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort.
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about Universal Express Passes, which Orlando hotels include them for free, and how to get the most out of Express Pass access.
Overview of Universal Express Passes
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, you may have heard about the Universal Express Pass. This pass is a fantastic way to maximize your time in the parks and enjoy more of the attractions, without having to spend hours waiting in line. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to Universal Express Passes, including what they do, the different types available, and where you can get them.
What an Express Pass Does
The Universal Express Pass is a special ticket that allows you to skip the regular lines at most of the popular attractions in Universal Orlando Resort. With the Express Pass, you’ll be able to enjoy shorter wait times and spend more time experiencing the rides, shows, and other entertainment options. It’s like having a VIP pass that grants you access to a more streamlined and efficient park experience.
Types of Express Passes
Universal Orlando Resort offers two types of Express Passes: the Universal Express Pass and the Universal Express Unlimited Pass. The Universal Express Pass allows you to skip the regular lines once per participating attraction, while the Universal Express Unlimited Pass allows you to skip the lines an unlimited number of times. Both passes are valid for use on most rides, attractions, and shows throughout Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
It’s important to note that the Express Pass does not grant you access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. However, there is a separate pass called the “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” Express Pass that provides access to the attractions in these areas.
Where to Get Express Passes
You can purchase Universal Express Passes online at the official Universal Orlando Resort website or at the resort itself. It’s highly recommended to purchase your Express Passes in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as availability may be limited. The prices for the Express Passes vary depending on the time of year and the type of pass you choose. Keep in mind that the Express Passes are separate from the regular park admission tickets, so you’ll need to purchase both if you want to take advantage of this time-saving option.
Now that you have a better understanding of Universal Express Passes, you can plan your visit to Universal Orlando Resort with confidence. Don’t forget to check the official website for the most up-to-date information and prices, and get ready for an amazing and efficient adventure in the parks!
Which Hotels Include Express Passes?
If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort and want to make the most of your time, having an Express Pass can be a game-changer. With an Express Pass, you can skip the regular lines and enjoy shorter wait times for many popular attractions. But which hotels at Universal Orlando offer this coveted perk? Let’s take a closer look at three premier hotels that include Express Passes for their guests.
Hard Rock Hotel
At the Hard Rock Hotel, you can rock out and skip the lines with a complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Pass for each member of your party. This pass allows you to bypass the regular lines at most attractions in both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. As a guest of the Hard Rock Hotel, you’ll also enjoy exclusive benefits such as early park admission, priority seating at select restaurants, and complimentary transportation to the parks and CityWalk.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
If you’re looking for a taste of Italy during your stay, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is the perfect choice. This luxurious hotel offers its guests a complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Pass, giving you access to shorter wait times at participating attractions. In addition to the Express Pass, you’ll also enjoy other perks like early park admission, priority seating at select restaurants, and complimentary water taxis to the parks and CityWalk.
Loews Royal Pacific Hotel
The Loews Royal Pacific Hotel is another fantastic option for guests looking to maximize their time at Universal Orlando. As a guest of this tropical-themed hotel, you’ll receive a complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Pass for each member of your party. This pass allows you to skip the regular lines at most attractions and enjoy shorter wait times. The hotel also offers perks like early park admission, priority seating at select restaurants, and complimentary water taxis to the parks and CityWalk.
So, whether you prefer the rock ‘n’ roll vibes of the Hard Rock Hotel, the Italian charm of the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, or the tropical paradise of the Loews Royal Pacific Hotel, you can’t go wrong with any of these premier hotels at Universal Orlando. With their included Express Passes, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in the parks and experience more of the incredible attractions Universal has to offer.
Maximizing Express Pass Benefits
When staying at one of the Universal Orlando Premier Hotels, you have the option to include Express Pass access with your stay. The Express Pass allows you to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions, providing you with a significant time-saving advantage. To make the most of your Express Pass benefits, here are some strategies to consider:
Strategizing Ride Priorities
Before heading to the park, take some time to research the different rides and attractions and determine which ones are the most popular. By creating a list of your top priorities, you can plan your day accordingly and strategically use your Express Pass for the rides with the longest wait times. This way, you can make the most of your time and experience as many attractions as possible.
Considering Peak vs Off-Peak Times
Peak times at Universal Orlando tend to be during holidays, weekends, and school breaks when the parks are busier. On the other hand, off-peak times, such as weekdays during non-holiday periods, are generally less crowded. To maximize your Express Pass benefits, consider visiting the parks during off-peak times when wait times are typically shorter. This will allow you to enjoy more rides and attractions without the need to rush.
Combining with Front-of-Line Access
In addition to the Express Pass, some Premier Hotels offer front-of-line access to certain attractions. This means that you can enjoy priority access to select rides, further enhancing your overall experience. By combining the Express Pass with front-of-line access, you can significantly reduce your wait times and enjoy a seamless and efficient visit to Universal Orlando.
Remember, the availability of Express Pass benefits may vary depending on the specific Premier Hotel you choose, so be sure to check the details and options available when making your reservation. By strategizing your ride priorities, considering peak vs off-peak times, and taking advantage of any additional front-of-line access, you can make the most of your Universal Orlando Premier Hotel stay and maximize your Express Pass benefits.
Other Premier Hotel Perks
Early Park Admission
One of the perks of staying at a Universal Orlando Premier Hotel is the Early Park Admission. This means that you and your family can enter the theme parks one hour before they open to the general public. This is a great opportunity to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times and make the most of your time at Universal Orlando. So, don’t forget to set your alarm clocks and take advantage of this amazing perk!
Prime Location
Another advantage of staying at a Premier Hotel is their prime location. These hotels are conveniently located within walking distance or a short shuttle ride away from the theme parks. This means that you can easily access the parks, take breaks in your hotel room, and return to the parks whenever you please. Being close to the action allows you to maximize your fun and minimize travel time, making your Universal Orlando vacation even more enjoyable.
Resort-Wide Charging Privileges
Universal Orlando Premier Hotels offer resort-wide charging privileges. This means that you can charge purchases made throughout the resort to your hotel room. Whether you’re buying souvenirs, enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants, or even booking an experience at the Universal Orlando Resort, you can conveniently charge it to your room. This eliminates the need to carry cash or credit cards around the park and provides a seamless and hassle-free experience for guests.
