Universal has rolled out a new Universal Express option: Express Now, a capacity based limited time Express for single attractions. Find more about this new offering and how to use it below! (Note: Universal tested a Single Attraction Express in fall of 2025, this is a full roll out of that program.)

What is Universal Express Now?

Universal Express Now is a single use standby line bypass that grants you shorter access to attractions. Unlike Universal Express and Universal Express Unlimited, Express Now is only available on the Universal Orlando app while in the park and is only valid for one attraction at a time at a specific return window. Express Now is available while capacity is available at the attraction and attraction selections change frequently throughout the day.

What Are My Options for Express Now?

Universal Express Now is offered for all attractions that have Universal Express lines. This includes all rides at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe, minus Pteranodon Flyers and Dragon Racer Rally. Attractions offered on Express Now are determined by the attraction’s capacity and guest attendance.

How Much Does It Cost?

Universal Express Now options are offered between $19.99 and $24.99 per pass. Each pass is per person per attraction.

How Does it Compare to Disney’s Lightning Lane Single Pass?

Buying single quick access passes to attractions sounds a lot like Disney’s Lighting Lane Single Passes, after all both are purchased on the app for around $20 per pass. But there are several major differences in how they operate:

🎢 No Booking Ahead. Unlike Lightning Lane, Express Now can only be purchased the day of.

🎢 Random Selections. The lineup of attractions on Lightning Lane Single Pass is consistently the same, Express Now changes based on guest demand.

🎢 Limited Return Time Options. Lightning Lane return times have return times throughout the day when selecting, Express Now is limited to booking only a short time later.

🎢 Price. Lightning Lanes are priced around $13 to $25 per person plus tax while Express Now prices have been around $20 to $25 per pass.

How Do I Use Universal Express Now?

Download the Universal Orlando app and create a Universal Orlando account. Attach a credit card to your account for purchases. On the bottom navigation bar select “Buy” then in the middle of the page select “Express”. On the page that pops up select the Passes tab and then scroll down to Universal Express Now and select the icon. If you are in the park a list will come up with any attractions currently offering Express Now (if you are outside the park a notification will appear saying you must be in the park to use).

When Should I Use Universal Express Now?

Express Now is a really weird product. Which attractions are offered is entirely dependent on attraction capacity and the length of the Express line, so the popular attractions that guests would like to buy a pass for, like Hagrid or Ministry of Magic, are the least likely to offer such a pass. The opposite side of the coin becomes the attractions that are offered in Express Now are the major and minor attractions in the park, such as Yoshi Adventure. With a starting price of $20, we don’t think Yoshi Adventure is worth $20 a guest. Our suggestion is to hold off on purchasing Express Now unless  you can save at least half an hour on one of the headliner or super headliner attractions.

What are your thoughts on Universal Express Now? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!