Overview
- The product, rolled out Saturday, May 30, 2026, lets guests buy one-time skip-the-line access to individual Epic Universe attractions through a new Universal Express Now option.
- Most eligible rides are priced roughly $20 to $30 each, and buying multiple single-ride passes can add up to about $240 or more in extra charges in a single day.
- The list of headline attractions covered includes Stardust Racers, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, Monsters Unchained and several other major Epic Universe rides.
- Fans and industry observers say the move narrows the gap with Disney’s Lightning Lane single-ride purchases and may increase out-of-pocket costs for families who previously relied on standby lines or full-day Express Passes.
- Observers warn that wider use of per-ride priority access could slow regular standby queues and force Universal to adjust operations as Epic Universe continues its capacity ramp through 2026.