2 days with express pass or 3 days without??

[mya1k9]

My husband is trying to crunch the numbers on the trip I am planning. Just wondering which would be better for 1st week of March? It is obviously cheaper to do 2 days with the express pass but I'm worried we will feel rushed. He really doesn't want to go but is grudgingly agreeing to my plan. What does everyone think? Express passes or no?

 

[agavegirl1]

If hubby is "grudgingly" agreeing to go, do the cheaper option and make a good touring plan. Include him in the plan by showing him menus, ride descriptions, YouTube videos etc. It can be done with two days and Express. Prioritize and plan. I, personally don't do US/IOA in less than four days but I love to repeat attractions, stay on site and travel at a more leisurely pace. Got to consider everyone and my hubby "tolerates" the WDW portions of our trip when I focus on what he likes best. Even if that is drinks at Dawa Bar.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

If your DH is anything like mine, then he is really not going to be happy if he spends a lot of money and then has to wait in long lines. I might go with the express passes if you think your husband will want to ride a lot of the rides. Your husband will like skipping the lines; it will make him feel special.

However, if your husband will not ride a lot of the motion simulators or the bigger coasters, then the passes may not be worth it. Does he have motion sickness issues? Back and neck issues?

Have you considered the cost of staying at RPR? It may not be much more than buying express passes with an off site hotel.

Another thing to consider might be staying at CB. You won't get express passes, but you will get early park entry. That was really special for us. DH loved being in the parks in the morning without crowds. First week of March, with three days of early park entry, you might be able to get a lot done even without the express pass.

 

[wookiebeck]

Everyone and every relationship is different so it is a tough call for us all. Here is my two cents.

If you stay off-site and he doesn't want to go to the parks, you are stuck at the hotel. If you want express passes, you will pay a lot as an add-on. Keep in mind, 3-day tickets are probably $20 more than a 2-day. You do not need to add express on that third day.

If you stay on-site and he doesn't want to go to the parks, he is left in a beautiful resort area where you can explore City Walk, entertainment and the other resorts without hassle. You could go to the parks alone and not be far from hubby. If you stay deluxe on-site, you get the express pass automatically, for every day. You can come and go from the parks to lounging around the resort. The third day ticket is still a barely noticeable up-charge.

I have planned trips for the reluctant and by going for the extra mile the recipient really enjoys the trip as a whole. Good luck.

 

[cemeb4dk]

Not sure what your accomodations plans are. But if you stay a night in one of the 3 Universal hotels that offer free express passes you get 2 days of express passes for each night, you get check in day and check out day. So if hes budget minded, stay 1 night in one of the deluxe hotels and get your express passes free. When we first did the math our first time doing this we saved tons by just getting a room verses buying everyone express passes

 

[mya1k9]

Thanks for the replies. He is warming to the idea of going so since we don't care about the lines (and Id like to see the queues anyways) I think we will go with 3 days no express pass. I think once he looks into it he will be more excited about it. I appreciate everyones thoughts!!