Express Passes for 2025

[ShugrGrl55]

Apologies if this has been asked and answered already, but I could not find it when searching. Does anyone know how far in advance Universal releases their Express Passes? We are looking to visit in April 2025, but the passes are currently only offered online through December 2024.
I even tried chatting with a customer service rep from Universal, and all they could tell me was "Universal has not released Universal Express products for the 2025 booking year at this time. If you would like to ensure Universal Express access during your stay, I would recommend booking a stay at one of our 3 Premier Resorts." Which was far from helpful. haha

 

[wendlle]

I'm not sure when they release them for 2025 but you should look at staying at one of the 3 premier hotels if you're purchasing EP's
It is almost always cheaper to book a night or two at the hotel rather than pay for the passes, especially if there are more than 2 of you in your group.
You get two days of Unlimited EP for each night you stay.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

You get two days of Unlimited EP for each night you stay.

You get EP from checkin day to checkout day. If you stay 3 nights, that would be 4 days of EP.

 

[ShugrGrl55]

Thanks all for your replies. We were planning to stay off property for the 3 nights that we will be there. Arriving late on Day 1, visiting parks on Days 2 &3, and departing early morning Day 4.
So although it is technically cheaper to book our first and last night off property, plus a Universal package that includes 1 night at the Loews Royal Pacific. I felt like that might be more hassle than it's worth for such a short visit? Since we'd be wasting time the first morning of a park day switching hotels, and might be exhausted and late the 2nd day, needing to move again, and having a very early morning the next day. Unless there is something I am not considering?
Booking any more than one night at a Premium resort would be way more than we're looking to spend.

 

[wendlle]

We usually get an Annual Pass, even though we are only there for a few days the pass pays for itself and I get AP discounts on the premium resorts. This saves hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars.
You've just got to do the math to see what works best for you.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Depending on how many in your party, you might come out cheaper to book the middle night (night of Day 2) solely for the EP - you would then get EP for day 2&3. Frequently the one night is cheaper than individually buying EP for everyone for 2 days. If you are just 2 in the room, the EP is probably cheaper. You do not have to even set foot in the room - just send someone over to check in & pickup the room keys (which are your EP).

I would be inclined to book the cheapest room now, and you can compare the price to EP when those prices are released. The room is fully refundable. Room rates are likely to increase as the hotels get booked.

 

[wendlle]

Depending on how many in your party, you might come out cheaper to book the middle night (night of Day 2) solely for the EP - you would then get EP for day 2&3. Frequently the one night is cheaper than individually buying EP for everyone for 2 days. If you are just 2 in the room, the EP is probably cheaper. You do not have to even set foot in the room - just send someone over to check in & pickup the room keys (which are your EP).

I would be inclined to book the cheapest room now, and you can compare the price to EP when those prices are released. The room is fully refundable. Room rates are likely to increase as the hotels get booked.

Agree it’s almost always cheaper to pay for the room for the included EP than to purchase them

 

[ShugrGrl55]

I hadn't even considered the possibility of NOT staying at the Premier resort if we paid for it, but I guess that could be an option. It looks like it could STILL be cheaper to pay 3 nights off property AND 1 night at a Premier resort. Rather than buying the express passes separately. So I'll definitely consider it!

If we wanted to consider the Annual Pass, how do we see what premier resorts would cost with an AP discount?

We are a party of 3 btw, 2 Adults & 1 child.

 

[wendlle]

I hadn't even considered the possibility of NOT staying at the Premier resort if we paid for it, but I guess that could be an option. It looks like it could STILL be cheaper to pay 3 nights off property AND 1 night at a Premier resort. Rather than buying the express passes separately. So I'll definitely consider it!

If we wanted to consider the Annual Pass, how do we see what premier resorts would cost with an AP discount?

We are a party of 3 btw, 2 Adults & 1 child.

I use this link, they haven't released for april yet. https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/tickets-packages/annual-passes/hotel-guide
Keep in mind that if your dates are before April 10th you can get an Universal Food Gift Card with a package stay. Up to $1000 if staying onsite at Universal.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Keep in mind that if your dates are before April 10th you can get a Universal Food Gift Card with a package stay. Up to $1000 if staying onsite at Universal.

But only on 4+ night stays.

 

[wendlle]

But only on 4+ night stays.

Yes true, could work out better to stay longer in some people’s cases

 

[BorderTenny]

Circling back to your original question, I have a feeling Express Pass info for 2025 may not come out until we have more/firmer info on the opening of Epic and Helios Grand. Most importantly, confirming whether or not it will be available when Epic opens, and if so, if just Helios or all the Premieres get it included. If they start selling Express passes for the beginning of 2025 now, any potential "latest available" date would be thrown around the internet for Epic opening date rumor predictions.