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When Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure debuted at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando Resort on June 13, 2019, guests faced lengthy waits—some reported up to 14 hours—for a chance to ride the enchanted motorbike or hop in the sidecar.
By 2020, when I finally got the chance to try Hagrid’s for myself, the wait times had thankfully decreased, but I still spent nearly two hours in line for this spectacular coaster. The wait felt especially long since I normally bypass most Universal attractions with a Universal Express pass.
Typically, Universal launches new rides without Universal Express access, adding it later once the initial crowds disperse. However, Hagrid’s has remained unique; nearly six years post-launch, the sole way to experience the ride was by queuing up or opting for a VIP tour.
Good news: Guests can now skip the standby line at Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure using Universal Express.
Guests can choose to wait in line or buy a Universal Express pass for quicker access. There are two versions available: the standard Universal Express pass allows one-time use per attraction, while the Universal Express Unlimited pass provides unlimited access to the Express line.
There are various ways to acquire Universal Express. My Universal Orlando annual pass grants free access after 4 p.m., but you can also purchase it before or during your visit.
Moreover, some on-site hotels offer guests Universal Express Unlimited for the duration of their stay, including:
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This benefit is now even more advantageous now that you can use Universal Express for Hagrid’s as well. Let’s evaluate how much this perk could save you.
Pricing for standard Universal Express access ranges from $119.99 to $319.99 per person, per day (plus tax). The Unlimited version starts at $149.99 and can go up to $349.99.
Note that these rates apply for one park each day. If you have park-to-park tickets for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, prices start at $129.99 for standard Express and $159.99 for Unlimited (excluding the Universal Epic Universe, which has separate ticketing).
A one-night mid-August stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort costs $546 (plus tax), which is $391 more than Universal’s budget hotel, Endless Summer Resort — Dockside Inn and Suites, where rates start at $155 (plus tax). If you opt for Universal Express Unlimited for two adults and two children at Endless Summer, the total comes to around $780.
Thus, you’re looking at nearly $800 on top of your night rate to skip the lines, not counting ticket costs. Conversely, staying at Royal Pacific, despite a higher nightly rate, can ultimately save you money since Universal Express passes are complimentary. So, opting for a pricier hotel could actually lead to savings on your trip.
The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel ranks as one of our preferred choices for utilizing this strategy. Additionally, it participates in the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, offering further perks for Platinum Card® and Business Platinum Card® holders who book via Amex Travel.
During my latest visit, I not only enjoyed free Universal Express passes but also received an upgrade to a bay-view room, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, early check-in, late checkout, daily breakfast for two, and a $100 food-and-beverage credit. A delightful welcome package greeted us in our room, complete with a fruit and cheese platter, water, and chocolates.
If you have enough guests in your room and plan to purchase Universal Express anyway, staying at a hotel that includes these skip-the-line passes can save you money. The time saved in line can significantly enhance your Universal Orlando experience—an invaluable advantage.
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