Universal Orlando: 3-Park or All Parks?
Epic Universe changed the maths. Whether Volcano Bay is worth the upgrade and how Express Pass fits in.
Universal Orlando is now four parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, the new Epic Universe, and the Volcano Bay water park. UK tickets give 14 days of park-to-park access, which is far more generous than anything sold in the US.
3-Park Adventure Ticket
Covers the three theme parks for 14 days with park-to-park access, meaning you can ride the Hogwarts Express between Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. For most UK families this is the right ticket. Epic Universe is a full day on its own and the two original parks need at least a day each.
All Parks Ticket
Adds Volcano Bay. The upgrade is usually around £50. Volcano Bay is a genuinely excellent water park with a virtual queue system, so on a two-week trip in summer it earns its keep. In a one-week trip you will struggle to fit it in.
Do I need Express Pass?
Express Pass lets you skip the regular queue once per ride. It is sold per day and is expensive, often over £100 per person per day, but on peak days it can halve your queue time. Guests at Universal's premier hotels get it free, which is worth knowing when comparing hotel prices. Note that Express is not valid for Epic Universe's headline rides at launch.
Halloween Horror Nights
A separately ticketed evening event on select nights from late August to early November. Not included in any day ticket, and not for younger children.
Combining with other parks
If SeaWorld is on your list, the Orlando FlexiTicket bundles Universal 3-Park with SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens for 14 days. If Disney is too, the Ultimate Florida Combo covers everything. See the combo guide.
