How to Ride EVERY Ride at Epic Universe Without Express Pass
The EXACT rope drop strategy you need to beat the lines.
If you’re planning a trip to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando and don’t want to spend extra on Express Pass, THIS is the strategy you need. With the right plan, you can ride every major ride in the park before the crowds even hit.
This is exactly how to do Epic Universe rope drop the right way:
Where to Stay for Early Park Entry
If you want the biggest advantage possible, stay at one of Universal Orlando’s premier on-site hotels. These hotels give you Early Park Admission, meaning you can enter the park one hour before the general public.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: This is where we stayed and loved it. It’s a luxury, Italian-inspired resort with spacious rooms and easy and free transportation to the parks.
Hard Rock Hotel: A super convenient option located closest to the parks, making it one of the fastest commutes for rope drop.
Loews Royal Pacific Resort: A tropical-themed resort that’s slightly more affordable but still gives you the same early entry perks.
Early entry is the key to this entire strategy, so do not skip this step.
Before You Go: Timing Matters
Check park hours in advance: On our visit, the park opened at 9 AM to the public, which meant Early Entry started at 8 AM.
Arrive VERY early: Plan to get to Epic Universe by 6:15 AM so you’re at the front of the line when they begin letting guests into the park.
7:30 AM entry: Around 7:30 AM, they will open the front gates to beggin letting guests into the park and holding everyone at rope drop points.
Step-by-Step Rope Drop Strategy
Step 1: Go Straight to Super Nintendo World
Once you’re inside the park, head immediately to the left to the Super Nintendo World portal.
Position yourself as far left as possible at the rope drop area as possible
This puts you closest to where they unhook the rope at 8 AM
As soon as they release the rope at 8 AM, move quickly. You’ll likely be told to walk, so speed walk with purpose but stay at thr front.
Step 2: Ride Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge First
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge: This should be your first ride of the day, no exceptions. You will likely be one of, if not, the first riders if you followed the timing correctly.
Most people make the mistake of going to Mine-Cart Madness first, but that ride doesn’t always open on time right at 8 AM, which can completely ruin your early advantage.
Step 3: Head to Donkey Kong Country
Mine-Cart Madness: Go here immediately after Mario Kart. If you want to save time, use Single Rider. We did this and still ended up riding together because the park was still empty.
Step 4: Cross the Park to Harry Potter
Next, head straight across the park to the Wizarding World.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry: This is the most in-demand ride in Epic Universe. The reason you ride it third is because most people at Early Entry run here first, so by the time you arrive, that initial rush has already cleared.
If needed, use Single Rider here as well. We did this and still ended up riding together because the park was still empty. We were off this ride before 8:30 AM with very minimal wait.
At this point, you’ve already completed the three most popular rides in the park 30 minutes before general admission even starts!!!
Step 5: Ride Stardust Racers
Stardust Racers: Head here next as it’s right outside of the Wizarding World. This is one of the best rides in the entire park and easily one of the most thrilling. Lines will still be manageable at this point.
Step 6: Move to Isle of Berk
By now, it’s getting close to 9 AM and general admission crowds are about to enter. But you’re ahead of them.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: Ride this first in Isle of Berk
Dragon Racer’s Rally: Then head right next door and ride this immediately after
Step 7: Finish in Dark Universe
Now head to the final portal.
Monsters Unchained: Ride this first as it’s the headliner attraction in this land
Curse of the Werewolf: Finish with this ride to complete the major attractions
What You’ve Accomplished
If you follow this exact strategy, you will have ridden every major ride in Epic Universe by around 11 AM, without using Express Pass. That means the rest of your day is completely open!!
What to Do After You Finish Everything
Now that the pressure is off, take your time and enjoy the park.
Ride smaller attractions like Yoshi’s Adventure
Explore Super Nintendo World in more detail
Take photos throughout the lands
Try unique snacks and themed food. One must-try is the DK Crush float in Donkey Kong Country. It’s one of the best snacks in the park.
Enjoy a show! We loved The Untrainable Dragon (even though we’re not fans of How to Train Your Dragon). We did not enjoy Arcanus (even though we ARE huge fans of Harry Potter).
Epic Universe is one of the most in-demand theme parks right now, but with the right plan, you don’t need Express Pass to experience everything. This rope drop strategy gives you a huge advantage and lets you enjoy the rest of your day stress-free.
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