Universal Express is a paid add-on that lets you use a shorter line on many rides. It can save a lot of time on busy days. The good news: a few Universal Orlando hotels include Universal Express Unlimited with your stay.
At Universal Orlando, only three Premier (Signature Collection) hotels include free Universal Express Unlimited for registered guests: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Your room key works as the pass at many rides in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. You still need park tickets.
Key takeaways
- Only three hotels include free Express Unlimited: Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, and Royal Pacific.
- Your room key is your Express pass from check-in until the parks close on check-out day.
- The hotel benefit works in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, not Volcano Bay or Epic Universe.
- On peak dates, one night at a Premier hotel can cost less than buying Express for a group.
What is Universal Express (and Express Unlimited)?
Universal Express lets you enter a shorter Express line at many rides and shows. Standard Express is usually one use per ride, per day. Express Unlimited lets you use the Express line again and again on the same day.
Which Universal hotels include Express Pass?
If you mean “Express included in the room rate,” there are only three choices. Other on-site hotels (like Sapphire Falls, Helios Grand, Cabana Bay, Aventura, and Endless Summer) do not include Express Unlimited.
| Hotel | Express Unlimited included? |
|---|---|
| Loews Portofino Bay Hotel | Yes. |
| Hard Rock Hotel | Yes. |
| Loews Royal Pacific Resort | Yes. |
| Loews Sapphire Falls Resort | No. |
| Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort | No. |
| Universal’s Aventura Hotel | No. |
For official details, see Universal Orlando’s Premier hotel page.
How the hotel Express benefit works
- Your room key is your pass. Each registered guest uses their own key card at the Express entrance.
- It is Unlimited. You can use Express Unlimited more than once on the same ride (where Express is offered).
- It covers two parks. It works in Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure (select rides).
- It runs through your departure day. Once issued, the key is valid until the parks close on check-out day.
- You still need park tickets. Express does not replace admission.
Note: Ride lists can change. Check the Universal Orlando app for the latest “participating attractions” list.
How to book a Universal hotel with Express included
- Pick one of the Premier hotels: Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, or Royal Pacific.
- Book your room for the night(s) you want Express coverage.
- Check in and get your room keys. Use them at Express entrances in the parks.
Hotel Express vs buying Express separately
Express prices change by date and demand. On peak days, it can cost hundreds of dollars per person. For many groups, one night at a Premier hotel costs less than buying Express Unlimited for everyone.
If crowds are light, you may not need Express. Or you can buy it for just one day.
Tips to use Express well
- Ride without Express early, then use Express when lines get long.
- Re-ride favorites later with Express Unlimited.
- Use the Universal Orlando app to watch wait times.
FAQs
Do all guests in the room get Express Unlimited?
Registered guests can use the Express Unlimited benefit with their room key, up to the room’s allowed occupancy. Everyone still needs valid theme park admission.
Is the hotel perk the same as Express Unlimited?
Yes. The Premier-hotel perk is Universal Express Unlimited, so you can use the Express line multiple times at participating attractions while your key is valid.
Can I use Express on both check-in and check-out days?
Yes. Your key is usually valid from when it is issued until the parks close on your check-out day, so a one-night stay can cover two park days.
Does the free hotel Express work at Volcano Bay or Epic Universe?
No. The complimentary hotel Express Unlimited benefit applies to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, not Volcano Bay or Epic Universe.
Do I need to reserve Express if it comes with my hotel?
No. There is nothing extra to book. Once you have a qualifying hotel stay, your room key acts as your Express Unlimited pass.