Universal Orlando Resort has expanded its Express Pass offering at Epic Universe to include two major attractions that had previously been excluded. As of August 22, 2025, Mine‑Cart Madness in Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are now eligible for Express Pass use.
A screenshot from Nintendo Direct where Shigeru Miyamoto poses with Donkey Kong
The Express Pass allows guests to bypass regular standby queues for a one-time ride on participating attractions. This update brings the total number of eligible rides at Epic Universe to 14. The only remaining high-profile attraction not included is Dragon Racer’s Rally in the How to Train Your Dragon-themed land.
Initial Exclusions and Update
When Epic Universe opened to the public on May 22, 2025, both Mine‑Cart Madness and Battle at the Ministry were not included in the Express Pass lineup. Their absence drew criticism from guests and park analysts alike, as these rides often posted the longest wait times in the park—sometimes exceeding five hours during peak periods.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
The initial exclusion was likely due to operational constraints and concerns about ride throughput. Mine‑Cart Madness, a Donkey Kong-themed coaster, features a complex “mine cart jump” ride system. Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is a large-scale indoor dark ride with high technical demands.
The update was confirmed by Universal Orlando Resort on its official platforms and later reported by tourism-focused outlets.
Pricing and Limitations
The Express Pass at Epic Universe is not included with general admission and must be purchased separately. As of late August 2025, prices range from $190 to over $340 per person depending on the date and season. This is an increase from the original $130 starting price tag.
A screenshot of the Cranky Kong audio animatronic figure in Donkey Kong Land at Universal Studios – YouTube, Nintendo
Guests should be aware that the pass allows only one-time entry per eligible ride. The “Express Unlimited” pass, which exists for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, is not offered for Epic Universe. Universal has not indicated whether an unlimited version will be introduced later.
Eligible Attractions
As of this update, the rides included in Epic Universe’s Express Pass are:
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Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
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Mine‑Cart Madness
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Stardust Racers
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Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
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Yoshi’s Adventure
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Curse of the Werewolf
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Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
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The Enchanted Forest Theater
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Fyre Drill
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Dragon Racer’s Soar
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Le Cirque Arcanus
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Celestial Carousel
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Astronomica
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Starfall Racers
The portal into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
Dragon Racer’s Rally remains the only headline attraction not covered. Its exclusion may relate to throughput or ride mechanics, though Universal has not confirmed this.
Impact on Visitor Experience
For many visitors, the addition of Mine‑Cart Madness and Battle at the Ministry improves the overall value of the Express Pass. Both attractions are widely considered among the most ambitious in the park. Their availability through Express reduces overall wait time stress and improves itinerary flexibility.
The Chronos Gate entrance to Universal’s Epic Universe theme park – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
However, due to the one-time use policy, guests who wish to re-ride either attraction must join the regular standby queue. Some guests may also opt to use virtual queue options where available, although availability is limited and varies throughout the day.
Theme park analysts suggest that future updates to Express Pass eligibility may depend on demand trends and operational stability. Universal has not announced plans to include Dragon Racer’s Rally or to implement an unlimited version of the pass at Epic Universe.
Will you be purchasing Epic’s Express Pass? Let us know in the comments!
