Universal is Testing A Big Change for Express Pass

Universal is testing a major change for Universal Express and Universal Express Unlimited. See what this means for you!

Universal Express Pass

If you want a way to bypass the long waits in the standby queue during your visit to Universal Orlando, you will want to investigate Universal Express or Universal Express Unlimited. Everything you need to know about the services can be found HERE.

Essentially, Universal Express Pass is a way to pay to skip the main line at most Universal rides. Pricing fluctuates, and often Express Passes can cost more than your park tickets! See if it is worth it right HERE.

Now, Universal is testing some big improvements to the Express Pass system. Here are the details.

Express Pass Changes

Universal is currently in technical rehearsal for using facial recognition technology to improve the Universal Express Pass experience. Typically, Guests must show and scan their Express Pass at every single attraction. This leaves many visitors digging around in their bags all day. Other more Universal-savvy guests wear lanyards to keep their theme park admission and Express Passes easy to access.

However, the new facial recognition system will eliminate the need for Guests to scan their Express Passes at every attraction. There will be no digging around in bags, and there will be limited need of a lanyard!

The technical rehearsal is happening at select attractions Universal Orlando. It is important to note that you will still need your valid park admission and your Express Pass on your person for the foreseeable future. You just won’t need to scan it at every attraction if you are part of the technical rehearsal and the eventual program.

This is not the first time Universal has tested out facial recognition. Perhaps this time it will lead to something.

Opting In or Out of Facial Recognition

This update will have some visitors wondering whether they HAVE to use the facial recognition technology. The answer is no. Guests can opt out of this system.

However, if you like the ease of facial recognition and would like to opt in, be sure to link your theme park admission and Your Universal Express Pass or Universal Express Unlimited to your Universal account. If you have opted out in the past, you can opt back in at the gate or at Guest Relations.

Remember, you still need your Express Pass and Park ticket while you are in the park just in case.

This could be a game changer for ease of use for the Express Pass! Although many people are content to use lanyards to make scanning the Express Pass a little less cumbersome, it would be even easier to just scan your face and go. Of course, this could also cut down on potential misuse of Express Pass as well since the Express Pass will be linked to the user’s actual face and can’t be passed around.

Have you been part of the technical rehearsal for facial recognition for Universal Express Pass or Universal Express Unlimited? Let us know! And be sure to pass the information along to you friends and family who are planning a trip.