If you’ve visited Epic Universe in Universal Orlando, you’ve probably seen some pretty long standby lines, especially for the more popular rides.

Mine-Cart Madness

We’re talking HOURS-long waits for Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. The lines for Donkey Kong: Mine-Cart Madness in Super Nintendo World can get pretty long, too. And, well, there’s no way to skip those two long standby lines…except now, there is. That’s because Universal has just added both rides to its Express Pass option.

Universal’s Express Pass is an additional ticket add-on that you can purchase to skip the long standby lines at rides throughout Universal Orlando, including Epic Universe. Until now, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry and Donkey Kong: Mine-Cart Madness have not been included as part of the service. Now, though, both rides are available on the pass, meaning those with it can skip the long standby lines and use a shorter line instead. This means that the only ride not currently available with Express Pass is Dragon Racer’s Rally in How To Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk.

Queue for standby line at Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry

There are several ways to get the Universal Express Pass. A one-day pass for Epic Universe runs from $179.99 to $359.99, depending on the day you visit. You can also get an overall Universal Orlando Express Pass covering all three parks for three days from $269.99 to $864.99. You can also get passes that just cover Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, as well as Volcano Bay.

Hogwarts Express Line

However, guests staying at select Universal Orlando hotels can get the Express Pass for free. The following hotels qualify for that offer:

• Loews Portofino Bay
• Hard Rock Hotel
• Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Note the Epic Universe’s Express Pass is NOT included at this time.

Hard Rock Hotel

Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Epic Universe trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.

Stay tuned to DFB for more.

NEW Epic Universe Permit Could Hint at Future Park Expansion

What do you think of these additions to the Express Pass? Let us know in the comments!