Is it worth taking express ticket at universal studios

Worth it

Yes.

Single pass even better without paying extra fee

On a normal weekend it's usually fine. If you're going during holidays definitely take the pass.

Do not. Plan smartly. Last year we went during long weekend and were able to manage easily. Here are some tips 1. If you book tickets using universal studios website, you can get in early (8:30 or so). Cover Harry Potter ride, it starts early. Make sure you get in max by 9 am. 2. After Harry Potter you can go to simpsons 3. At sharp 10 stand near the gate to go downstairs, you can then finish terminators, Jurassic park and mummy ride in any order of your choice. No to minimum crowd at this time. 4. Then take a tour (refer point 5 for fast pass) or you have all the time to attend shows which are less crowded 5. The moment you enter look for someone who works at universal studios,take some survey (5 mins max) and the employees will help you get fast pass for bus tour 6. Evenings again it’s not crowdy so you can either repeat the ride of your choice or cover others. 7. You can get fast pass inside universal studios also. If you feel the need to get one after entering then you can always opt. I would highly recommend to try all 6 points, if not then you always have option 7.

70 dollar will save you so much headache

Life is too short to wait in lines. You’ll thank yourself after the first line. Just look at all those dejected faces as they wait 60-90 mins and you only wait 5-10. Believe me. Your time is worth way more than $70 for a day of fun.

Don't know about LA but in Singapore it was totally worth it. I traveled around holiday season and the place was really crowded. Went in with normal tickets but quickly upgraded to express at one of the stores on the inside. You may try same.

Unless you love queueing