Universal Studios Launches $999 Diamond Annual Pass with All-Day Line Skipping

Theme park fans looking for all-day perks in Southern California just got a major new option to weigh. Universal Studios Hollywood has officially introduced the Diamond Annual Pass, a top-tier ticket designed to offer the most comprehensive set of benefits the movie-studio park has ever assembled.

First reported by theme park tracking site AllEars, the new Diamond tier costs $999.95 upfront, with a monthly financing option of $50 per month over 12 months following a $449.95 down payment at 0% APR.

While a four-figure annual pass naturally raises eyebrows, the built-in perks represent a significant strategic shift for Universal, positioning it as an aggressive competitor to Disneyland’s Magic Key program.

Related: Universal Studios Hollywood Reveals 2026 Event Lineup

The biggest upgrade for regular parkgoers is line skipping. Universal’s highest tier used to restrict Express access to after 3:00 PM, but the Diamond pass gives you line skipping starting right at park open. If you’re trying to hit popular rides early—like the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster—that morning head start makes a huge difference.

The pass also bundles several high-value, separately ticketed experiences that quickly offset the $400 jump over the Platinum tier. Diamond passholders receive one complimentary ticket to a VIP Experience, an upscale guided offering that grants backstage access, private trolley tours of historical film sets, and reserved seating, which normally starts well north of $350 on its own.

In addition to guided VIP access, members receive free admission to two of the park’s marquee after-hours events: one general admission ticket to the perennially sold-out Halloween Horror Nights and one ticket to Universal Fan Fest Nights, alongside free general parking and a calendar with zero blockout dates.

Related: Universal Studios Hollywood Just Revealed Its Holiday Lineup With Grinchmas and Harry Potter

For budget-minded locals who don’t need morning line skipping or guided tours, the launch brings a welcome side benefit: Universal has lowered the price of its Platinum Annual Pass down to $599.95, which retains afternoon Express access, no blockout dates, and one complimentary Halloween Horror Nights admission.

Writing for AllEars, theme park reporter David Goodkind notes that “This new ticket offering could very well end up being a big hit!”—especially for locals and thrill-seekers looking to bypass standby lines on marquee headliners like Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift without having to wait until mid-afternoon for access to kick in.

By packing VIP tours, seasonal festival tickets, and all-day line skipping into a single barcode, Universal’s new top-tier pass makes a compelling case for travelers who prioritize fast and furious days of their own rather than standing in line.

This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.