2 days for universal: do I need to spring for Express pass

[ensyed]

we are going to universal for the first time next week. We are big fans of HP so got a 2 day ticket. I did not see a fast pass option.

1)Does this mean I have to spring for express pass? Can I just get it for one day?
How does it work? Do I skip all lines or is there a 3 FP limit like disney?

2) is the universal city boardwalk close enough to go there for dinner and back into the park or should I make reservations in the park? Any tips

Thx for any help.

 

[danielocha30]

you can buy the pass inside the park after you evaluate if you do need it, its a card that you show at the line at go your way no time frames you walk in and then to the next ride, yes citiwalk is close but I would eat at least at one of the HP restaurants or try Mythos in Island of Adventures, take into account that Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Escape from Gringgot and Hogwart Express DON'T have a express pass line

 

[ensyed]

Thanks. That makes sense.
Can u recommend places to eat for dinner? I could not make any reservations online inside the universal parks. Only lunch.

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

Did you get the 2 day park to park ticket? If not, you won't be able to ride the Hogwarts Express. Since you said you are a big HP fan wanted you to be aware. And if you are doing the Hogwarts Express be sure to do it in both directions, there are subtle differences! As far as lines, we had Express pass and loved it. Two of the lines that were long if you didn't have express were Minions and Kong. As said, the HP rides do not have express pass.

We enjoyed eating at Margaritaville in City Walk, go upstairs to the second floor patio and if you are lucky enough to snag one of the high top tables along the railing you will have an awesome view of City Walk below. And the food was good as were the margaritas!

 

[Metro West]

Can u recommend places to eat for dinner? I could not make any reservations online inside the universal parks. Only lunch.

What kind of meal are you looking for? Counter or table service?

 

[ensyed]

We did get the park hopper so we can take the train.
We like to have One nice sit down meal with some theme and one on the run counter service. It doesn't look like I cna book any dinners for next week.

 

[Metro West]

We like to have One nice sit down meal with some theme and one on the run counter service. It doesn't look like I cna book any dinners for next week.

For counter service...I would recommend Thunder Falls Terrace at IOA and Louies at the Studios. Both are excellent...IMHO. If you are looking for a nice sit down meal, stick with the places at CityWalk. Just about any restaurant at CityWalk would be very nice.

 

[macraven]

If you plan to eat at city walk in the evening, do so before the parks close

Many stop and eat at city walk once they leave the parks

If you stay ahead of the park crowd, much shorter wait at the eateries

 

[janicept]

Another tip for dinner if it's really busy is to get a snack then see or movie or play mini golf while waiting for the park close rush to calm down. You can stop at guest information booth in CityWalk (across from Cinnabon) when you get there in the morning to ask about reservations also. If you have a few choices for dinner it will be easier to get a good time but if you have one or two you absolutely want to try call the restaurant direct to see if they take reservations.

If you plan to leave the park to eat at CityWalk you may want to do this for lunch instead. Next week the parks close at 8 or 9 so say you try to leave and eat at CityWalk at 5. If you can't get a reservation there will likely be a wait, then it will be busy anyway and you have to wait for your food, then of course you have to eat. I would say minimum 1.5 hours possibly more. If you leave for CityWalk at 11 am when the parks are busy there will be shorter lines for lunch so you can get in fast then back to the park. Then just eat dinner in the park. They have plenty of snack places if you're super hungry and there's a long line. The HP restaurants can have long lines but they move pretty fast. I will be there starting the end of next week myself. Can't wait.