In what may be an effort to compete directly with Disney’s “Individual Lightning Lane” offerings, Universal Orlando Resort is currently testing individual Express Pass options on two attractions: Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida.
A standee sign spotted at Universal Studios Orlando advertised the new option, including a QR code that guests can scan in the park for more details.
@AliciaStella is Universal Lighting Lane new(ish)? pic.twitter.com/WlknjYW11c
— D (@dscott214) October 15, 2025
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The sign reads: “Limited Time Offering: Universal Express Single Attraction Access. Skip the regular line one time for this attraction now. Valid theme park admission required. Only for same-day, single use at the selected attraction. Limited inventory. Benefits subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. Restrictions apply.”
We called Universal Orlando to inquire about the offer and spoke with a team member who confirmed this is indeed a limited-time test available only for the two attractions mentioned above.
Hogwarts Castle at Universal Orlando decorated for Christmas – NBC Universal
The Universal team member we spoke with did not have further information, but details suggest this is a pilot program—potentially the start of a broader rollout.
Disney’s Lightning Lane: A Quick Comparison
For years, Walt Disney World offered a free “skip-the-line” service known as FastPass+, which was discontinued in 2021 and replaced with the paid Genie+ system. That service was later reworked, and in July 2024, Disney introduced the revamped Lightning Lane system with two pass types: Individual Lightning Lane and Multi-Pass.
A few months later, in October 2024, Disney added a premium Premier Pass, which provides unlimited Lightning Lane access to all attractions in a given park—essentially mirroring Universal’s Express Pass model.
People walk through The Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure – YouTube, CityPedia
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At a much higher price point (reportedly up to $449 per day at Magic Kingdom), Disney’s Premier Pass allows guests to skip lines at every attraction without using the app to make timed reservations. Universal’s Express Pass works similarly: for one set price (which varies by day and season), guests can use the Express queue at nearly all participating attractions.
Until now, Disney had taken the lead with the à la carte “Individual Lightning Lane” option, but Universal’s test of single-attraction Express Passes marks the first time the company has directly responded in kind.
What This Could Mean for the Future
If these new individual Express Pass offerings prove successful, Universal may expand the program resort-wide—potentially even including Volcano Bay and Epic Universe.
The iconic Universal Globe and entrance to Universal Studios in Orlando – Photo Credit: That Park Place
Such an expansion could be a game-changer, giving guests a lower-cost alternative to skip the lines on their most anticipated rides without having to purchase a full Express Pass. It would also create stronger competition with Disney, especially for high-demand attractions like “Battle at the Ministry,” the flagship ride of the Harry Potter land at Epic Universe which typically sees wait times in excess of three hours.
As the Orlando theme park wars continue to intensify, Universal’s move to test individual Express Passes could signal a major shift in how both companies approach line-skipping convenience—and guest spending.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on this development as it unfolds.
How do you feel about Universal essentially copying Disney’s controversial Lightning Lane single attraction pass? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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