Express Pass Is Gonna Get Complicated at Universal Orlando in 2026

Universal fans are in for a confusing year ahead.

Universal Orlando’s Express Pass system has always been pricey but fairly straightforward — pay extra, skip the lines, enjoy your day. However, with some major changes hitting the parks in 2026, things are about to get complicated. Between key ride closures, inconsistent value across the two parks, and still-sky-high prices, Express Pass may not deliver the same experience guests have come to expect. Let’s break down what’s changing and why you’ll need to think carefully before adding Express Pass to your trip next year.

The Express Pass Lineup Is Getting Thinner

The first issue is simple: the list of participating rides is shrinking, but the prices aren’t. Universal recently closed Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit permanently on August 18th, 2025, removing one of the biggest attractions from the Express Pass lineup at Universal Studios Florida.

Then, beginning January 5th, 2026, Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure will close for a lengthy refurbishment that’s set to last through November 19th, 2026.

That means both parks will lose major headliner attractions for most of the year. These are rides that often anchor the value of an Express Pass — the ones that can easily hit 60–90 minute standby waits on a busy day. With fewer heavy-hitters available, the balance between what you’re paying and what you’re getting is going to reduce.

The Prices Are Still Sky-High

Even with those closures, Universal hasn’t indicated any plans to discount Express Pass in 2026. In fact, prices continue to reflect peak-season demand rather than what’s actually available to experience.

For the standard Express Pass, which lets you skip the regular line once per ride, February 2026 pricing at Universal Studios Florida runs between $110 and $230 per day per guest, while Islands of Adventure ranges from $120 to $240 per day per guest.

If you prefer the Express Unlimited Pass — the version that allows you to skip the regular lines as many times as you want — the prices jump to $140–$250 per day per guest at Universal Studios and $150–$260 per day per guest at Islands of Adventure.

That’s a huge investment for a product that will include fewer major attractions for much of the year. And keep in mind, these prices are in addition to your park admission.

The Perception of Value Will Get Murky

Universal’s Express Pass is often seen as the simpler alternative to Disney’s more complicated systems of the past. You buy it, you use it — no need to plan your day around reservations or time slots. But in 2026, that simplicity is going to feel a bit deceptive when guests realize that some of the biggest rides aren’t even available with the pass.

For example, with Rip Ride Rockit gone, Universal Studios Florida’s lineup loses one of its only large-scale thrill coasters that accepted Express. And while Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers: The Ride 3-D still offer great value, the overall list will feel lighter.

Over at Islands of Adventure, Jurassic Park River Adventure being unavailable for most of the year means one less classic, high-demand attraction to use your pass on. Guests will still be able to use Express on rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (when available), but the loss of such an iconic ride will definitely sting.

Why This Matters for Planning

If you’re visiting in 2026, the question isn’t just whether Express Pass is worth it — it’s whether it fits your priorities. Families who plan to focus on rides that accept Express might still find it worthwhile. But thrill seekers looking for the biggest, most popular experiences could feel shortchanged, especially given the overlapping downtime of major attractions.

It’s also worth remembering that Express Pass pricing is dynamic. Prices change based on demand, so visiting during off-peak times might help lower the cost. However, those off-peak dates also tend to coincide with ride refurbishments, which can limit options even further.

Essentially, 2026 is shaping up to be a tricky year for maximizing value at Universal Orlando. You might find yourself paying premium prices for what feels like a half-strength lineup.

What We’re Watching

As we head toward 2026, we’ll be keeping an eye on how Universal handles this transition period. Will new attractions be added to the Express lineup to help balance things out? Will pricing adjust to reflect the reduced number of rides? So far, the answer seems to be no, but guest feedback could change that.

For now, though, guests heading to Universal Orlando in 2026 should do their homework before hitting “purchase.” Express Pass can still save you hours in line, but this coming year, it’s not as simple as it used to be, and that’s where things can get complicated.

Speaking of planning a trip, if you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!

As always, so stay tuned to AllEars for the latest Universal news.

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Would you still buy an Express Pass in 2026, or would you rather take your chances in the regular lines? Tell us in the comments!

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