How to get to the front of the line (includes Universal Express information)

[WebmasterBarry]

Are you scared off by 60- to 90-minute waits for the rides at Universal Orlando? You can bypass these long waits by using various techniques that the parks offer.


USE UNIVERSAL EXPRESS

Universal Express was first introduced in April 2000 and has gone through many changes since then. Currently, you can obtain a Universal Express pass with a return time on it. If you return to the attraction within that return time, you are directed to the special Universal Express queue.

Universal Express works like this. You go to the Universal Express distrubtion area. A Universal employee will scan your ticket and give you an option of two, one-hour return windows. You choose one window. You return within that window to enter the Universal Express queue. You need to show your Universal Express pass to gain entry.

All guests receive one Universal Express ticket at a time. You can obtain another Universal Express ticket when you have used your first pass, your return window has expired, or two hours have passed since you obtained your first pass.

Universal predicts an anticipated wait time of no more than 15 minutes in the Universal Express queue. You can also obtain a Universal Express pass for the shows, such as the Wild Wild West Stunt show at Universal Studios and The Eighth Voyage of Sinbad at Islands of Adventure. These tickets give you priority seating at the shows.

Universal Express is not available on Pteranodon Flyers, Mt. Crumpit’s slide (during Grinchmas), and the front rows of Dueling Dragons and the Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure. Universal Studios does not have Universal Express on Fivel’s Playland slide. Universal Express passes may run out before the park close if all the windows have been distributed.


BE AN ONSITE RESORT GUEST

Universal’s onsite hotels, Portifino Bay and Hard Rock Hotel, are great places to stay in their own right. However, being an onsite guest gives you special perks.

If you stay onsite, you get front of the line access all day, every day. Yes, you read that right! You just show your room key to the ride attendant and you can go through the special Universal Express queue. You can use this feature as many times as you want during the day. However, Universal does reserve the right to limit access during busy periods.

Front of the line access is not available on Pteranodon Flyers, Mt. Crumpit’s slide (during Grinchmas), and the front rows of Dueling Dragons and the Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure. Universal Studios does not have front of the line access on the slide in Fivel’s Playland.

You are eligible for this onsite guest perk during the length of your stay. You can even use them on the day of your checkout.


BECOME A SINGLE OR DOUBLE RIDER

If you don’t mind splitting your party into groups of one, you can get on the ride much quicker through the single or double rider line. You follow the signs to the special single or double rider queue. You will fill single or double seats as they come up.

Men in Black: Alien Attack at Universal Studios has a single rider line. At Islands of Adventure, you can find single rider lines at the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk Coaster, and Dr. Doom’s Fearfall. Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls at Islands of Adventure has the only double rider lines. You fill the ride logs as double seats come up.

Please note that single or double rider lines open and close depending on the queue time. Generally, they will not open until the queue is 30 minutes or greater. However, Men in Black: Alien Attack’s single rider line stays open until the ride is nearly a walk-on.


TAKE THE VIP TOUR

You can be escorted around the park by a VIP tour guide. You can get a VIP tour of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, or both parks. The VIP tour guide will escort you to the front of the line of attractions and give you special seating during the shows. You can go behind-the-scenes and see things other guests do not and you can hear interesting stories from your VIP tour guide.

The one-park VIP tour allows you to join a group of 14 other VIPs. The tour runs five hours. It gives you priority entrance and preferred seating at approximately eight attractions. The tour departs at 10:00 am and 12:00 pm daily. The cost is about $120 per person.

[rtp-resident]

A minor follow-up. We have never been refused FOTL access to Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster when staying as an onsite guest. You enter the ride from the exit side. The attendants will note your presence at the exit gate and hold however many seats you need on the next coaster ride loading. If the wait line is not too long -- they often let you stay in the car to ride again.

[Perdita101]

Ok got a question...Lets say your express pass window is from 1:00-2:00, Do I have to wait till 2:01 to get another express pass or is it like Disney's Fastpass where about 5 mins after the window opens I would be able to get a new express pass (1:05)?
Oh thought of another question... Are annual pass holders able to get more than one express pass at a time?
I hope this all makes sense! Thanks!

[WebmasterBarry]

You have to wait until your current Universal Express pass expires or you use your current one to get another.

All ticketholders get one Universal Express pass at a time, even AP holders.

It says all of this right in the post:

All guests receive one Universal Express ticket at a time. You can obtain another Universal Express ticket when you have used your first pass, your return window has expired, or two hours have passed since you used your first pass.

[betterlatethannever]

You can obtain another Universal Express ticket when you have used your first pass, your return window has expired, or two hours have passed since you used your first pass.

I guess I'm a little dense but this still confuses me.:o
If you can get another pass when you use your first pass, why would you (or need to) wait for two hours since you used your first pass?

Ed

[WebmasterBarry]

Sorry! I made the correction. If you have a Universal Express ticket and the window hasn't opened, you can get one two hours after you got the first one. Does that make sense?

[betterlatethannever]

Does that make sense?

Yes, thanks.

[kellympmo]

One of the guidebooks (WDW for Couples, 2002-2003) said that when staying onsite, you can only use FOTL once per ride per day. That did not seem to fit with what everyone else has said. So, if I want to go on the Hulk 5 times, will I only be allowed FOTL access the first time? Thanks for any information!! :D

[betterlatethannever]

One of the guidebooks (WDW for Couples, 2002-2003) said that when staying onsite, you can only use FOTL once per ride per day. That did not seem to fit with what everyone else has said. So, if I want to go on the Hulk 5 times, will I only be allowed FOTL access the first time? Thanks for any information!

That might have been a policy at one time:( , but we were there last month and you could do Hulk/duelling dragons etc. continuously through the express line.

Ed

[pokeysmom]

as an onsite guest you can use the fotl the entire day it is awesome and we will never wait in line again, we do univ/ioa at the end of our vacation after disney because fotl spoils you, have a great time.

[kathyclownfish]

Does anyone know how many nights you must stay on one of the IOA/US resorts in order to qualify for the FOTL? We were thinking about ending our WDW trip early to spend a couple of nights at US/IOU. Thanks

[gschmerl]

If you stay one night, you will get two days of the express access. It's good all day the day you check in and lasts until all day the day you check out.

[kathyclownfish]

Say you stay for 1 night. If check in isn't until 1:00 pm, you obviously won't have your key until 1:00. And checkout the following day is 11:00 am. I'm assuming you only have FOTL while you physically have your key? Did that make any sense to anyone? R the on site hotels like Disney? Can you store your luggage early and they will give you a key early to go into the parks before check in time? Thanks!:p

[gschmerl]

kathyclownfish,
YOu can check in as early as 7:00 AM. If your room isn't ready, they store your luggage and give you a room key to use for your express access. You DON'T have to turn your key in when you check out at 11:00 the next day. You can use the express access the ENTIRE day of your check in and your check out.

[kathyclownfish]

Gschmerl,
The FOTL deal seems hard to believe! Thanks for the info!

[Dznefreek]

Dr. Doom and Hulk have single rider lines as well.
Hulk: just go to Express and tell them you are a single rider.
Dr. Doom: If the sign is up, go through the Arcade and up the stairs that serve as the exit.

[MsDisney]

Single Rider Lane will give you no wait at all.

This is definitely not true all the time...it will greatly reduce your wait, but if you are there during a busy time, you can still have a pretty good wait, especially at MIB!

Just a heads up for people who may get there at Thanksgiving and expect NO wait at all for single riders lines. :)


Karen

[the Dark Marauder]

right now, single riders isnt really being advertised. some rides are still doing it, if you ask. if there's no sign of any kind, they're probably not doing it. i know right now Doctor Doom's single line is always empty.

[rangebob]

They don't use the single rider line. That is funny I used it 2 weeks ago on MIB and Hulk.

[MsDisney]

Since the system opened in May I have never and I mean never waited on line using single rider. Lately they don't even use them because the parks are not crowded enough to have them in place.

Well, single riders lines didn't first appear in May. I've been using MIB's single rider line since we moved here last August...

And there are times when the line is out the door and down the hall. It happened during one of our meets during Memorial day weekend. We spent quite a bit of time in the hallway. It has happened at Spiderman as well. Some busy days, there are waits no matter what.

I'm just trying to help people avoid being disappointed by arriving at MIB single riders line and expecting zero wait, it's just NOT always the case.

And MIB generally has single riders line at all times, slow or otherwise. We like it because we don't want to spend the time it takes to go through the preshow, etc.

Karen :smooth:

[WebmasterBarry]

On most rides, single rider lines open when the regular wait is at least 30-45 minutes long. MIB's single rider line tends to stay open until the ride is nearly a walk-on. I've personally never seen MIB's single rider line close, although it is possible that it will close sometimes too.

With September being a slow period, I would suspect most single rider lines are rarely open.

[MsDisney]

With September being a slow period, I would suspect most single rider lines are rarely open.

Oh that's for sure!!!

I've never seen the single riders line closed either, although, sometimes they take the sign down, and if you tell them you're a single rider, they just point you to the door when it's the Express entrance too. I've always gone at even the slowest times and have always used single rider at MIB...but it's not always "advertised" either, is what I'm saying. :)

The kids and I waited in Spider man's single rider line for 30 minutes...THAT was a busy day!!!!
What I don't understand is why that single rider line isn't open sometimes even when the wait time for the ride is in excess of 30 minutes.
Some of us are a little spoiled, after all! :rolleyes:

Karen

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by nWo_Thunder
Next you'll say they don't close down all the Express passes when the parks are not crowded.

Mike they dont close express, even when the parks arent crowded. they did last year, becuase of Sept. 11. They brought it back becuase they spent so much money on advertising it, that they opted to keep it, even during the slow seasons.

[WebmasterBarry]

MsDisney and MIB999999 seem to ride it very often and they talk about the MIB single rider lines a lot. Rocketman23 and Robert Walker frequent the park very often as well. As a matter of fact, they are locals.

So to these people who ride MIB a lot, how many times have you seen the single rider line open?

My guess would be that the MIB single rider line is open quite often. Now I am not denying that the single rider line can close, it seems more often than not that it is open.

Why can the single rider line close?

1.) The ride breaks down (the regular line can close too)
2.) The single rider line is way too long
3.) ?Other reasons?

[WebmasterBarry]

Originally posted by nWo_Thunder
When the parks are not crowded they don't use express pass distribution systems. They shut them off and cover them up.

You are guranteed a 15 minute max wait time using Express Pass. If the ride has a 5 minute wait there is no need to get an express pass and the system shuts down.

If you don't believe that either Barry can explain it to you.

Mike

Universal Express generally stays open until all the tickets are distributed. I've seen 0-5 minute waits on the Car-O-Seuss-sel and there are still Express tickets available for it. Same goes for Triceratops Encounter, Dueling Dragons, etc. I've never seen the Express pass areas shut down because the park wasn't busy, but it may be possible.

At WDW, the wait for TOT was 0 minutes and the Fast Pass booths were still open. I didn't see one person get a pass, though.

[MsDisney]

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5429

Here is a trip report from Barry from Nov. 19, 2000. He talks about both Express and the single rider line at Fearfall.

I know I moved here over a year ago, and the only way I've EVER gone into MIB was through the single riders line. As I said, there are times when they take the sign down, but if you tell them you're a single rider, they just point you to the hallway where the express line is, usually.

I think the confusion on Express is that the machines ARE often closed, but the Express for hotel guests doesn't close, or at least I haven't seen it close. But yet, there ARE times when there is no wait and they are open too. That definitely varies. Express itself doesn't close to hotel guests though. I don't think.

And while Universal advertises waits of 15 minutes or less, it's definitely not a guarantee, there were people who posted here this summer that they had waits in excess of 30 minutes and they were hotel guests. They try, but there is a limit to how much control they have over rides breaking down, etc. It's still a great perk!

Karen :smooth:

[WebmasterBarry]

Within the realm of possibility, it is possible that the Universal Express machines will shut down when the park is empty. Have I seen this before? No, I haven't. It does seem reasonable that the Express machines will close when the park is empty, though. Like I said, the machines will close when all times have passed or tickets have been distributed.

I wasn't disputing your observations, nWo_Thunder. I was only saying that I've never seen that occur.

As this is turning into a fight, I am going to ask that these facts in dispute are now off-limits to futher discussion. I also ask that everyone please do not use words like "crap" in further posts.

Thank you very much.

[rangebob]

I stopped by Universal on the way home from work tonight. As I was walking over to MIB I stopped and started talking to the greeter at BTTTF and he did tell me that they had the Express pass machines open today. From what I saw at 4:30 the park wasn't that crowded. I know that the person wasn't blowing smoke due to the guest that came up with the express pass in their hand.

On the fact that they close down the single rider line. They don't When I first got there they had a posted time on MIB at 15 min. I went through the Single rider line and saw that the actual line was about 5-10 min. I went through a second time and saw that there was no wait so I went outside to see if they shut down the single line and they still had it open. They had a 5 min wait posted but nobody was there for the ride.

I've never seen the UE machines covered up and not being used either. I know that in certain locations they don't open them up until later. I've seen them open the machines at DD before at 11am and I think they close about 2 hours before the parks close.

[the Dark Marauder]

during the slow times, the express machines are open for very limited hours. like 10-3 or 10-4 or so. very short distrubition hours. even then, distribution is low. there's really no need for them. and the express line doesnt close becuase hotel guests can come around at any time. that's how it is at IOA. USF should be the same. should be...

[rangebob]

System closed down at 2:30 and the park closes at around 6 that sounds about normal, by that time all the passes have been distributed for the day that is why they will shut them down.

[MsDisney]

There is a difference between closing Express and closing the express ticket distribution machines...isn't there?

Karen :smooth:

[MsDisney]

Originally posted by nWo_Thunder
There one in the same, if there is no express pass there is no express lane. At MIB the only line open was the regular line. Single Rider & Express were roped off.

Mike

Interesting....thanks.

Karen :smooth:

[Aisling]

When we were there, there was a time when we saw the Express Pass machines covered, indicating that you could not get an EP. But the actual Express lines were open, I guess for us onsite guests, because we went right on through.

[Fan2CSkr]

I think that Robert Walker makes an excellent point! Anyway...I had the same experience that Aisling had, machines were covered and lines were open. I know this to be true since we used the express lines as hotel guests.

[rodkenrich]

As a word of caution, early entry at Universal Orlando has been suspended indefinitely.:mad: [/U]

[klc]

What keeps people from reusing old hotel key cards for front of the line access. I have seen them barely glance at the hotel cards people have and I just wonder if some people are using old cards. Just a wondering thought...

[WebmasterBarry]

They look at the dates. Trust me. Besides, if they catch you using expired keys, they will take them away. You also risk being ejected from the park. You have been warned! :)

[Chropistopy]

We were told by US that resort guests can only use FOTL once an hour. How can they enforce this if you're only flashing your room key to the line attendent?

[kellympmo]

Sometimes they only require you to show your keys, but at most of the rides/attractions, they have a handheld scanner that they swipe your card through, thus checking whether you have used FOTL at that ride more than once per hour. Unless things have changed since September, you can use FOTL as many times as you want in an hour at differenct rides, just not at the same ride more than once an hour. If you wanted to ride more than once in an hour, you could use your room key once and also get a Universal Express pass (like Fastpass at WDW). Hope this helps.
:D

[Chropistopy]

Thanks, Maura!! That answered my question.:D :)

[paulakim]

? for any onsite guest that has been recently. Did you have to wait an hour to ride the same ride with your key? How long are the regular lines?

thanks!

[phamton]

We were there on Nov.1-3 and used the FOTL with our room card several times in an hour on MIB. We rode MIB and then got off and then walked back on through the FOTL right after we got off. We were never told that we couldn't and didn't know that we weren't supposed to. In fact the person looking at our cards was joking with us about being addicted. Also the guy loading the cars was teasing my son by stealing his Hard Rock Cafe cap everytime we went through the line. They knew my son by name.

The next day when we went back and hit MIB several times in a row, they still remembered by son and kidded him about changing his shirt and they wanted one like it. (He had on a shirt with a picture of a can on Spam on it.)

Bev

[lisabetty]

Does each member of your party get a room key? Lets say you have people stating in your room, all different ages, how does that work?
Thanks, Lynn

[Aisling]

When we stayed at Hard Rock in 2000, there was me, DH, DS15 and DS9 and we all had our own room key cards. But at that time, we only had to show one key card to get Expressed. Now I hear everyone in the party has to have and show a key card in order to be Expressed. If you have people staying in your room that are not listed on the ressie, they will not get a key card and will not have Express access. Even the kids get a key card if they're on the ressie.

[FBZ]

sounds like the way to go:bounce:

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Since the beginning of this thread goes back to the dawning of Universal Express, and I know that it has changed over the course of it's short life, Could you please detail the attractions that have the Universal Express option. Is it used similarly to Fast Pass at WDW? If not, how does it differ.
Thank you

[prncess674]

Originally posted by iNTeNSeBLue98
Since the beginning of this thread goes back to the dawning of Universal Express, and I know that it has changed over the course of it's short life, Could you please detail the attractions that have the Universal Express option. Is it used similarly to Fast Pass at WDW? If not, how does it differ.
Thank you

I think the info is still accurate that is listed here. We were there Memorial Day and worked like a charm. We stayed onsite at the HRH. Every ride we went on had Universal Express. Most rides were a walkon for us. The longest we waited in the UE line was maybe 15 minutes on Sunday for the Hulk around 1 in the afternoon.

My biggest issue I thought was US is selling ticket booklets for I believe $15 non onsite guest that has a single UE ticket for each ride that has UE priviliges. The biggest issue I had with this is most of the UE machines were out of tickets very early in the morning because they couldn't make the line very "express" if they had resort guest, ticket book purchasers, and machine ticket holders all in the line. The free ones from the machine seemed to be very low.

Staying on site is the way to go. I am not sure about whether you can ride the same ride more than once an hour with UE resort keys because we just switched between rides. We rode MIB 4 times one day but not in a row.

They definitely scan your room key at each ride so you can't use an expired room key.

The UE machines work like WDW Fast Pass. The best option though is the resort key option because you don't have to come back at a specific time. You just flash your resort ID at the UE line right then and there and you are on. No coming back 2 or 3 hours later.

[dsanner106]

Does anyone know the details on the kodak offer in the Max underwater one time use cameras? You get a Universal Express Pass with 3d image of hulk/spiderman, good for express access to rides in both parks? Is it a one time, one ride pass, or good all day, and wouldn't that be the same as the resort passes?

[prncess674]

Originally posted by dsanner106
Does anyone know the details on the kodak offer in the Max underwater one time use cameras? You get a Universal Express Pass with 3d image of hulk/spiderman, good for express access to rides in both parks? Is it a one time, one ride pass, or good all day, and wouldn't that be the same as the resort passes?

It is a one time, one ride pass for one person

[ddoll]

Hi dsanner,

You trade that 3D card in at Guest Relations when you get to the parks for a book of Express Passes. In Orlando, the Kodak pass book contains ten Express Passes: one pass for the five top rides in each park.

You can read all the details of the offer on their website: http://www.kodak.com/US/en/consumer/promotions/Universal/ws_faq.jhtml

[Kaufmann]

What if we have purchased passes in advance? Are we still eligble to get the passes?:confused:

[ddoll]

Do you mean that you purchased your park tickets in advance?

If that's what you're asking, then yes, you can still get the Kodak Express Pass booklet.

You're supposed to show your admission ticket when you turn in the 3D card to obtain the booklet, but reports from recent park-goers say they don't even ask to see your ticket. They just take the Kodak card and give you the booklet.

[Kaufmann]

Yes, I meant we purchased tickets in advance, but it may not matter as I can't seem to locate a Kodak camera with the pass in it in my area! Thanks!

[ddoll]

Several people, me included, found the camera at CVS, which is a pharmacy store.

Target and WalMart also carry the camera. You can try WalGreens too if they have one of those near you.

You can ask at the stores near you when they'll be getting the new cameras in. Some have been told to expect shipments of new cameras this month.

[dsanner106]

Target has these cameras on sale this week for 8.24, a really great deal, so try to pick them up during the sale.

Drew

[Kaufmann]

Thanks for the info~~still no luck locating the specially marked cameras..have been most places at least twice..everyone at the stores are clueless..oh well, I still have 2 weeks to find them!

[obnurse2003]

Can you purchase more than one camera and get more than one express pass?

[ninac.]

i purchased a kodak water and sport camera about a month and a half ago and put it aside without even looking at it. I purchased it because after our 3 days at universal/IOA we're going on a 5 day cruise to the cayman islands and Cozumel. Well tonight after reading this post, I decided just for the hell of it to go and look at my camera and lo and behold, it contained a "universal express ride access pass" inside. I couldn't believe it! That just about made my night. What a coincidence that turned out to be. Good luck to all in your search!! nina

[MCazer]

I got three of these cameras at Target on Sunday!

[Disneydenise]

Are these pass in all the disposible camera or just the ones that are marked?

[MCazer]

They are only in the marked camera's.

The sunday paper has Eckard with them on sale. whether or not they have the card is another story though.

[obnurse2003]

We don't even have an Eckard close by!!! I am telling you, I live in the middle of no-where! We have a WalMArt and a Walgreens and an Osco Drug.

If anyone would get an extra, let me know I would be happy to buy it from them!!!!!

[patrickpiteo]

Look carefully.. just the ones that are marked...

[apoerio]

I stayed on site at the Royal Pacific Hotel and we got to the Hotel at 7:00 am and they gave us a temp FOTL key to use for the 1st day and then we got our room key later in the day and when we checked out the next day you keep the FOTL key and it expires at midnight. It is the greatest thing ever and the Hotel was awesome. Next time we will try the Hard Rock.

[kaygela]

The FOTL perk is fantastic. It truly is as good as it sounds. We were there last Feb and there were no hitches....just walk right up and ride. We, too, are going at the end of out next disney vacation because the system spoils you.

[Motherfletcher]

I love FOTL and I think I have figured out how best to use it. I stay off-site at a cheap suite for a few days and get an on-site hotel like RPR for 1 night (2nd night of stay)and with that get 2 days of FOTL.

[silverspark]

i cant wait to try out this fotl thing!! im so excited :hyper: :bounce:

[affle]

I just want to say thanks for providing all this wonderful information on the FOTL perk if you stay on-site. We're going to Disney in a month, and most likely stopping at Universal, and were trying to figure out the whole Express Pass thing (since, against our better judgement, we're going over spring break). We originally were planning to stay at a on-site Universal hotel for the first night of the trip for FOTL, but then thought we wouldn't be able to use FOTL if we went to Universal on the day of check-out, past check-out time, defeating the purpose of staying there. You're information has told me otherwise, and we all thank you very much.

Also-quick question. On other sites, I've seen mention of such a thing called Express Plus. According to some of the sites, you would purchase this, and it gave you better privileges than the typical Express pass. Is this information legit?

[gschmerl]

"Also-quick question. On other sites, I've seen mention of such a thing called Express Plus. According to some of the sites, you would purchase this, and it gave you better privileges than the typical Express pass. Is this information legit? "

Express plus can be purchased at the parks. It is certainly NOT as good as staying on site. If you stay on site you get unlimited FOTL on the attractions. Buying the express plus will get you ONE ride FOTL on each of the included attractions. It is better than the passes from the express machines, because you don't have to return at a particular time. Staying on site is the absolute BEST.

[mar915]

Okay we may stay after a cruise at the Hard Rock on July 3-5th. That would mean we would go to the park on July 4th a very crowed day.

How often can you go on a ride with the onsite express line. Is it once and hour or unlimited. My mom usually takes the kids in Dr Seuss land while I go on coasters with my husband so she rides them over and over.

Also anyone use it on a busy day like the 4th of July any restrictions that we would expect on that day.

Thanks

Mary

[gschmerl]

We've stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel through two July 4th holidays. Our room key got us WONDERFUL unilimited express access ALL DAY! It can't be beat.

[TSTEWARTFAN]

Are the Express Lines ever somewhat long?:sunny:

[kns0720]

How do you get one of those express tickets? Last time it was already on my admission ticket. Is it still like that? I'm Staying for a long weekend. Other then The parks what is there exciting to do?How do I get my box to do my count down? It is BLANK!!

[gschmerl]

You can still get free express passes by using you park pass in one of the express machines. It will give you a choice of two times to return to the attraction and go in the express entrance. OR...You can buy an express pass card which will allow you ONE express access per attraction that has express. With the purchased pass you can just walk in the express entrance at any time,,,but only once. You can also stay in an on site hotel and all day express access by showing your room key.

[kns0720]

Thank you very much!!

[bengalfreak]

We will be staying at the royal pacific on June 5th. We're going to get the one day two park pass. I know this is a busy time of year. We want to see everything at US, plus just Suess Landing and Spider Man at IOA. With the front of line priviledges, should we be able to see all that? What kind of a wait should I expect even with the FOTL?

Thanks

[MRS AR]

We went a couple of years ago around the 4th of July. A horrible time for Disney standards and also for Universal for lines. With the FOTL access (we were at the Royal Pacific) we had no problems seeing it all. We rode the dueling dragons so fast I had to slow my DD down to keep from geting dizzy (at least 8 times in a row to my best recollection). I wrote Disney once and asked them to review their policy to reflect more of the Universal style, and they were offended. I love Universal for the short lines (FOTL) and the Royal Pacific (great rooms)

[TSTEWARTFAN]

:jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1:
Boy am I glad to hear that the express pass lines are quick even during the busiest times of the year. I will be there with the family the middle/end of August, and I was concerned that even the express lines would be busy.

A thought on Disney revamping their Fast Pass. I don't think they could ever do it like Universal. Universal only has 3 hotels, where Disney has quite substantially more. With the number of on-site guests that Disney has, and the availibility of fast pass to everyone else
in the "world", I think even the fast pass lines would have quite a wait at times. Just my
thinking though. It's been my experience that the fastpass line at the KS in AK often has
more of a wait than I would expect. How cool would it be if FastPass was as good at Disney as the Express pass is at Universal. My DS would never get off Rockn' Rollercoaster!

[jeankeri]

How much is an express pass card and how do you know what attractions are included?

[thirdtrip]

I'm looking at booking at the HRH. My assumption is that in order for everyone in your room to get a hotel key for express access that you must reserve the room for 4 people, bringing 2 teenagers along (17 & 16 yrs old). When I punch in the extra 2 people on the reservation it increased the room $30.

Is this the case? For 4 passes we must book the room for 4 people?

[gschmerl]

Yes, you will need a room key for each person to get FOTL. You pay extra for more than two adults in a room. It's well worth the $30!!

[TinkKel]

Since there are four of you, and two are teenagers under 18, you shouldn't be charged any extra. Under 18 is free, and you are already paying for the two adults.

[thirdtrip]

TinkKel:

I agree the 2 teens should be free, but the question is whether they are entitled to a room key for FOTL? From what I have read it appears they must be listed on the reservation to get the key. When making the ressie online, it had no option for listing under 18, it was listed as "How many adults" . If I put 2 it was one price, 4 was $30 more. I agree it is well worth it, but just want to know if I understand this right.

[pluto826]

Just call the hotel and tell them you made the reservation on-line. The folks at the hotel know that the teens won't be listed on that reservation and they will add them to it, no problem. I just did this last night.

[thirdtrip]

Thanks to those who helped out with my question. I just called HRH and they added the teens to the ressie which entitles them to their own key for FOTL and the $$ I saved on the room I put toward a room with a better view and still saved $60.

Thanks again

[GONETODISNEY]

This will be our 1st visit to Universal in 11 years. We arrive early on Friday and check out on Sunday. Staying at royal pacific. Does fotl truly mean no wait go straight to the front and ride? seems too good to be true! Any suggestions on tickets I should purchase? Thanks for the help.:Pinkbounc

[gschmerl]

Originally posted by GONETODISNEY
This will be our 1st visit to Universal in 11 years. We arrive early on Friday and check out on Sunday. Staying at royal pacific. Does fotl truly mean no wait go straight to the front and ride? seems too good to be true! Any suggestions on tickets I should purchase? Thanks for the help.:Pinkbounc

It means go right into the express entrance. During busy times you might have a 15 minute wait, but most of the time it's a walk on or just a few minute wait.

[debsnyder32]

FOTL is an awesome perk of being a Universal resort guest! We were only able to spend one day at each park and with FOTL we were able to go on everything we wanted and still have time left to appear on Slime Time Live (the highlight of my kid's Florida vacation). The kids thought they were so grown up to have their very own room keys too--they made great souvieners!

[PatriciaH]

Originally posted by jeankeri
How much is an express pass card and how do you know what attractions are included?

On the Universal web site it is around $15 for one park and $20 for both. I would also like to know what attractions the pass is good for. Is it good for all the rides and shows that offer Express? How does it work-is it a card or a ticket booklet like someone else said? Do they offer Express rides for Halloweeen Horror Nights or is it wait in line only?

[juliebro]

We stayed at RPR on 7th April. We believed we were getting FOTL - but it turned out that we had wait time of 15-20 on almost all the rides at both parks. Not what we were expecting. The parks were very busy though. I saw a wait-time of 135 mins for Shrek!

Julie

[gschmerl]

Originally posted by juliebro
We stayed at RPR on 7th April. We believed we were getting FOTL - but it turned out that we had wait time of 15-20 on almost all the rides at both parks. Not what we were expecting. The parks were very busy though. I saw a wait-time of 135 mins for Shrek!

Julie
The only true FOTL is a VIP tour. By staying on site you get automatic express access all day. They state that you should expect up to 15 minute waits. Nothing really to complain about when the regular wait times are over two hours! Try going to any other park during a busy time and only waiting 15-20 minutes--Not going to happen!

[badnitrus]

Hum, can you help me?

We're going in a few weeks (flying from Montreal, Canada), and we're going to stay at Portofino. The room was booked for 4 adults.
Now, there is a friend we know in Florida who is going to join us. We were thinking of visiting the parks together for 2 days, but the thing is he will not stay at the hotel with us. He'll just drive from his home to Universal on both days. So only 4 of us will have the FOTL access, but we don't know what to do for our friend. He will get a 2days-2parks ticket, but we don't want him to be stuck using the regular express line unless there's no other choice.

So here are my questions... first, is the Universal Express PLUS card still available for purchase?
If it is, do you think he should get it, considering we're going in the first two weeks of May...? Is it worth it? We have no idea how crowded the parks might be. We know he'll only be able to get in the express line once per ride, but at least we won't have to worry about time slots and expirations, and we won't be using FOTL more than once per ride during these 2 days anyway. We'll have that kind of fun when he's not there. :rolleyes:

And finally, I heard these cards are limited in quantity, and they can only be purchased on-site, like, 1 hour after opening?
Can he get a PLUS card on the day of his visit if he buys his admission ticket in advance on the website, or does he have to get everything on-site?

I don't know if my message was completely clear... English is not my 1st language!
Thanks for any help, I really appreciate it, and this is a great forum!
Can't wait for my 1st trip to Orlando. :hyper:

[gschmerl]

You may want to see if you can add him to your registration for your room. I think it's $25 extra per night for an extra adult. That would be cheaper than the express plus pass amd he would have unlimited express access.

[juliebro]

Please all be aware. It is not FOTL access you get. It is access to the Universal Express queue - which can involve wait times if 15-20 minutes at busy periods.

We were there at Easter and had to spend 20 mins in line for several rides - not what we were expecting.

Julie

Sorry - just realised I already said this - above!!!

[TN Traveler]

Ok, now I have a question. If you're not staying on site and you're only doing one day at US, can you still get Express pass? I was under the impression you could only get Express passes if you (1) stayed onsite (2) bought a 2 park pass or (3) paid extra for the Express pass. I was told this by one of the agents when I called Universal Vacations --- of course this was also after I was told that since I was a travel agent I could get 1 free ticket for me as a TA w/my IATAN card and 50% off for everyone else in my party. GO FIGURE!! Sure would have been nice not to have to stand in line at Shrek 4D for 40 mins or ET for 30 or miss Revenge of the Mummy b/c lines were 90 mins long!!
Thanks for any information ya'll can give.
Karen

[WDWmaniac125]

Originally posted by juliebro
Please all be aware. It is not FOTL access you get. It is access to the Universal Express queue - which can involve wait times if 15-20 minutes at busy periods.

We were there at Easter and had to spend 20 mins in line for several rides - not what we were expecting.

Julie

Sorry - just realised I already said this - above!!!

I'm going in the summer, and staying onsite. I'm still happy because although I might have to wait 15 minutes, other people will be waiting for over an hour.

So happy day for me!! :bounce:

[gschmerl]

Originally posted by TN Traveler
Ok, now I have a question. If you're not staying on site and you're only doing one day at US, can you still get Express pass? I was under the impression you could only get Express passes if you (1) stayed onsite (2) bought a 2 park pass or (3) paid extra for the Express pass. I was told this by one of the agents when I called Universal Vacations --- of course this was also after I was told that since I was a travel agent I could get 1 free ticket for me as a TA w/my IATAN card and 50% off for everyone else in my party. GO FIGURE!! Sure would have been nice not to have to stand in line at Shrek 4D for 40 mins or ET for 30 or miss Revenge of the Mummy b/c lines were 90 mins long!!
Thanks for any information ya'll can give.
Karen
You can get an express pass from the machine with any park ticket. It works like fast pass at Disney. The problem is, the passes run out for the popular attractions. You can also buy the Express Pass Plus which will get you in the express line ONCE for each attraction that has express.

[BoboThePenguin]

Could you please inform me where and how to go obtaining an express pass plus?

[Tink03477]

Bobo, I found this explanation on undercovertourist.com for Express Pass Plus:
Express Plus Extra (purchase this ticket upgrade from the park directly approx $14.95):
No need to make a reservation to bypass the lines (as above). Just turn up when you want to and skip the lines at the attraction* (note: you can only do this ONCE per attraction).
To purchase, or for more information, visit Guest Services at the park. We DO NOT sell this upgrade, only Universal does in their parks.

*Limit one time only per attraction using the Universal Express line/queue. Anticipated maximum wait time 15 minutes. Additional restrictions may apply and benefits are subject to change without notice.

I think it's worth the $15.00! Well, depending on the time of year you are going anyway. I'm going at the end of August and I'm not really sure what the crowds will be like. Most of the country except the Northeast will be going back to school by then. NE goes back in Sept.
Hope the info helps you out!
::yes::

[BoboThePenguin]

Thank you! I'll have to talk my parents into getting one for each of us. I'm going in 6 days, so I'm pretty sure it will be well worth $15.

[GODreigns]

You can buy the express passes in advance at www.universalorlando.com (you might want to do this)

O and in june its not $15 its $37

[Tink03477]

Godreigns - Thanks, but I don't see the pass you are referring to. We are looking for the Express Pass Plus Extra. Is the same one that you are referring to? We are not staying on site at US/IOA. I checked out your link, but it's not there at the site??
Did you see it there?
Thanks!

[BoboThePenguin]

Originally posted by GODreigns

O and in june its not $15 its $37
:eek:
I don't hink I can talk my parents into getting 4 of those... Looks like it's long lines ahoy for me :(

[GODreigns]

I was talking about the Express pass plus

Sorry about the link, I know theres another website that sells it in advance mmabey mousesavers.com

In CHRIST,

Gavin

[tolhousema]

With the vip guide are you only allowed one ride or unlimited rides,and are you only allowed on certain rides, not all??

[ScotLady]

Is the express pass plus or extra (I've heard it called both) that lets you get one express line admission to each attraction still available? We are going in October.

[TINK61]

BUMP!:bounce:

I'd like to know as well. Can't seem to figure out if these can be bought ahead of time, or at the gate, or what. How do you obtain the Express Pass booklets?

Thanks:wave2:

[ScotLady]

I called US - they said will still be available in October, but is $37, and must be purchased at various locations within the park. Guess this would be worth doing if it is very busy. The good thing is you can go to the park & then upgrade if it looks really crowded.

[ES0412]

Well now I'm really confused because I JUST got off the phone with US and they told me the only way to get FOTL is to stay on property. I think I"ll call back and see what they tell me this time...

Sure makes you appreciate FastPass!

[ES0412]

Alright, I just got off the phone with the ticket center and this is what I believe to be true...

You CAN buy the Express Pass Plus ($35 for Nov) and you can actually buy it in advance, which she recommended or you can get it at the parks.

[mka]

Hello,

There are a number of discounts available through the universal ticket store, mastercard promotions and AAA. I am pretty confused and any help would be highly appreciated and helpful.

The first thing is the 1 day 2 day or 5 day passes.
The second is universal express to help us have shorter times in line.

Universal Ticket Store
Bonus pass 5 consecutive days - 94.95
2 day 2 park - 99.95

AAA site
Bonus Pass - 94.95
---- Says Universal Express applicable
AAA 3rd day free - 93.45
---- Says Universal Express - Express Attraction Access

Now I have also read that we have to buy the Universal Express. However I cant find that anywhere on the universal site. Also I am confused as to what the AAA offer means. Does it mean I am eligible to buy the universal express or does it mean that that is part of the deal and I can get the exprss every 2 hours or when used...etc..

I have also read somewhere that there are a few tickets which have parking included.

Any help would be great. Thanks!!!

Thanks
- MKA

[1Robins]

I remember during the summer last year (July 2003) that Universal sold another FOTL pass called Express Plus. It cost an additonal $25/person and you can utilize it only one time per ride at anytime. Do they still offer this?

[1Robins]

Disregard my post. I just read ESO412 reply about Unviersal Express plus.

[Polly Juice]

Are the entrances for the express lines clearly marked? Our last trip was 4 years ago :charac2: and it was difficult to find the entrance on occasion.

[gschmerl]

Are the entrances for the express lines clearly marked? Our last trip was 4 years ago :charac2: and it was difficult to find the entrance on occasion.
Just look for the signs that say "Express Entrance. If you can't find it, just ask someone working there. Shrek does not have a marked express entrance, but is you're staying on site, but show your room key and they will send you to a special entrance.

[wenpop]

We are going to Universal in Feb. There are 5 in our party.. Plus our nephew who lives in Fl wants to go with us a few days.. Do you think our room key would allow him to ride with us or would we have to buy him a pass for those 2 days? thanks!
wendy in marietta, ga

[d4est]

It is my understanding that your name or age or gender or all are on your room key. Atleast one is. He could possibly use someone else's card, if you have another male, or male his age to "share" it with??

[PamQ]

Does the cost of the Express pass vary depending on the date? How do I find out the cost for a certain day?

:wizard:

[gschmerl]

The cost differs depending on the time of the year. Try looking on the Universal website.