1 Day Park Hopper or 2 Day Single Park?

[Kathy Chang]

Hi!

Our trip is in a couple weeks and I had planned for 1 day at Universal (both parks) and then the rest (4 days) at WDW with a free middle and last day. I went to purchase tickets and now have this dilemma:

1. 2 adults 2 kids: 1 day park hopper = $751. W/Express Pass = $1133.
I'm really concerned about trying to do 2 parks in 1 day. The Express Pass sounds ideal but it is so pricey. Plus I just read post about still having to wait an hour with an Express Pass for the Hulk ride.

2. 2 Adults 2 kids: 2 days Single Park $830. I could use the Free day in the middle for the 2nd day. Will I regret this? This free day would probably not be a full day at the park. We just went to Universal Studios Hollywood last year so we would probably use this partial day for Universal Studios to see the differences.

There is also that deal now for 2 days + 2 days free. Since we definitely have 2 days available, is there anyway we can use 2 tickets on the same day for different parks? Or are the tickets too smart for that?

Should we just One crazy packed day (would it be worth it to use the Express Pass?) or break it into 2 days but risk being burned out since it uses our free day.

Thank you!

 

[derekw]

We're going in a few weeks (first week of April) and using the 2+2 single park pass but we have four days to spread it out. Trying to hit all attractions in both parks one day even with Xpress is a tall order. If you have older kids you could attempt it. Remember some of the Potter rides don't accept Xpress Passes. I vote for using two days where you should be able to hit your favorite rides. Go early (or late that is our plan) to miss some of the spring break crowds. BTW you can't use the 2+2 to visit two parks in one day.

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

If you don't have the park to park, you will not be able to ride Hogwarts Express. Pending your level of Potter fandom, that may or may not influence the decision.

If you try for one day, 2 parks - the Express Pass is definitely a necessity.

Where are you staying? How solid our your WDW days? Any chance you can do 2 days at Universal back to back? If so, you can look into one night at Royal Pacific to get 2 days of Express Pass. Based on your post, you are looking at $380 for express, and one night at the hotel will most likely be less - and you get an extra day of Express, the unlimited Express! Just a thought.

If you can't do that, you really just need to figure out what you really want to see - you may be able to see EVERYTHING in one day, but you will get done more than you think. For me, one day, 2 parks + 4 days WDW and my feet scream at me!!!

 

[gotomu212]

Just to further spell it out in case you aren't familiar with onsite hotels. Three of the hotels-portofino bay, hard rock, and royal Pacific, come with complimentary express passes for your party that can be used both the days you checkin and checkout. These are unlimited express passes so she can ride a favorite ride several times. Occasionally something can get backed up but in general the longest we wait in express lines is 15 minutes and often we just walk on.

A lot of people get an onsite room for one night (even if they have a hotel somewhere else) for the benefits. It's usually a cheaper way to enjoy the parks and you get early entry!

 

[NYCANC]

Just to further spell it out in case you aren't familiar with onsite hotels. Three of the hotels-portofino bay, hard rock, and royal Pacific, come with complimentary express passes for your party that can be used both the days you checkin and checkout. These are unlimited express passes so she can ride a favorite ride several times. Occasionally something can get backed up but in general the longest we wait in express lines is 15 minutes and often we just walk on.

A lot of people get an onsite room for one night (even if they have a hotel somewhere else) for the benefits. It's usually a cheaper way to enjoy the parks and you get early entry!

That is what we did. We left WDW in the middle of our trip and checked into Royal Pacific early. We left our bag, printed out our passes and was in the park within 15 min.
We had the full day in the park, went back to Royal Pacific got our bag and went to our room.
Next morning- we left our 1 bag with the hotel, checked out and went to the park.
It worked out great!

We used uber back and forth from WDW and it was very reasonable.

 

[Kathy Chang]

Thank you all for the input! We have decided to do a 1 daY park hopper instead of 2 days (my husband is adamant about keeping that free day FREE!)

That being said, any recommendations on which park to hit up first?

 

[Owl X]

That being said, any recommendations on which park to hit up first?

One of the parks should have early entry to WWoHP. If you are staying at a hotel that grants early access, then start in that park. Otherwise start in the other park (as there will already be a crowd in the early entry park).
Note that some days have early entry to both parks.