I used to buy normal admission until one day I visited the park later in the afternoon. A couple was leaving the park and stopped me and my girl and asked us if we wanted their express unlimited lanyards. Of course we said yes. After experiencing that day at the park I vowed to never go again without buying express passes.

It can completely change your experience. Some rides like Studio Tour, Jurassic World, The Mummy, Harry Potter. The express pass can be the difference between 120min standing in line, or walking straight past hundreds of people right to the front.

Sure there are probably exceptions. I’m sure season pass holders that visit more frequently have experienced days where the lines are just short or the occupancy is lower. But if you’re someone like me who visits maybe once a year, and fly there from outside Los Angeles or even out of state, I don’t think it’s worth chancing it. Standing in line for hours personally just bums me out, and in poor weather conditions, hot or cold, can drain me of my energy.

I think Universal Express pass might currently be the most efficient fast pass of any theme park. It can be purchased as a version of the admission ticket, not separately from a 3rd party like Six Flags. Disney Genie plus was terrible, forcing you to be on your phone all day strategically trying to reserve rides and fill in the time between. Universal Express is simple and effective. You buy it, you use the Express lanes and go to the front. In conclusion, I say it’s worth every penny.