Universal Studios’ Best Kept Secret – Free Fast Passes at Hotels

What is a FastPass?

FastPass is Universal Studios’ skip-the-line service for attractions and shows. Universal promises that the Express Pass will cut wait times in half — the 90-minute wait for the Jurassic World VelociCoaster will be reduced to 45 minutes or less.

There are two versions of Fast Passes: Standard Fast Pass, which is valid only once per attraction, and Fast Unlimited Pass, which provides unlimited entry to each attraction. The pass comes with one or two theme park options. Fast Passes are valid for one day only and are limited to one person – each team member must have a Fast Pass. Valid theme park admission is still required upon entry.

Unlike Disney’s Lightning Alley, there are no reservations or return times required.

How much does unlimited Fast Pass cost?

Fast Passes start at $89.99 per person (including tax), with basic single-park Fast Passes starting at $119.99 per person and single-park Fast Unlimited Passes starting at $119.99 per person. During the holidays and weekends, those prices can jump to astronomical amounts – during the Christmas season, unlimited fast passes to both parks jump to $360 per person!

Vacation Hacks – Stay at Signature Select Hotels

Three Universal Studios signature hotels (Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Hotel, and hard rock hotel) Includes Free Fast Unlimited Pass. You heard that right, this is not an ordinary Express, but the highest level, two-parking, unlimited Express that costs $120 to $330 per person per day. Free Express Passes are valid for everyone in the room every day of their stay, including check-in and check-out days.

do math problems

Let’s look at an example long weekend trip from April 15-17 and April 22-24, 2025. We assume you will spend three days and two nights in the park for two guests. Royal Pacific’s Signature Collection hotels have historically had the lowest rates, so we chose that resort to compare between the two dates.

Compare that to the price of the Express Pass itself. use Universal Studios ticket sales website I found the same price for unlimited fast passes for both parks.

Express Unlimited for two people for one day (including tax) is $638.98, which makes sense. Multiply that by three and you get $1,916.94. Compared to a total of $1977 including a hotel room, you can save money by staying onsite and getting unlimited Fast Passes. Now let’s compare April 23rd and 24th:

Buying the Express costs $600 more per day than staying at the Roayl Pacific and having it charged to the room rate. Even if you only have two days in the park, staying at the Royal Pacific Hotel will get you ahead of the curve. If you visit the park on check-in and check-out days, it’s cheaper to book a room at a Signature Collection hotel than to purchase an Express separately, even if you don’t pay for a stay while in Orlando. There are exceptions: if you take time off from the park, don’t go to the park on your check-in and check-out dates, or if you don’t want to use a FastPass.

If you have an annual pass or are a Florida resident, the savings may be even greater. Annual Pass Holders and Florida residents Although stock is limited, save up to 30% off spot prices.

am i real Need a FastPass?

No.

Express is a wonderful luxury that creates a more relaxing, stress-free vacation. Express doesn’t make or break your vacation. Show up thirty to sixty minutes before the park opens, bring Travel plan in handalso allows you to experience the park at a low cost.

Are you staying at a Signature Collection resort to save money on Express? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

(Originally published on December 19, 2020)