Universal Orlando’s three theme parks are rolling out a new option for its Express pass, allowing guests to buy one-time line-skipping access rather than buy an Express pass covering the entire park.
Called Universal Express Now, the pass can be only purchased in the Universal Orlando app once a guest is inside a park for $25 per ride. Unlike the other Express pass options, guests will be given a timed reservation, similar to Disney World’s Lightning Lane system, to use the shorter Express queue.
Universal had tested this system in the fall of 2025 at Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida and Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Islands of Adventure.
It’s not clear what attractions will be covered under the new program. Universal Orlando has only said it would be made available sporadically at “select attractions” across its theme parks, including Epic Universe.
While Universal has long offered its the all-inclusive Express pass to allow guests to pay more to reduce wait times, this is its largest foray yet into an a la carte option similar to what’s offered at other theme parks.
Disney World and Disneyland have so far limited the pay-per-ride model for its Lightning Lane Single Pass, reserved to a few top-tier (or brand new) rides in each park. Six Flags parks have something closer to what Universal is offering, having rolled out what it called “FlashPass One-Shots” before its 2024 merger to Cedar Fair. The chain is now adopting the Fast Lane branding for its line-skipping services that was previously used by Cedar Fair.