Another Express Pass Question

[chelleb1974]

We are going to be in Disney 11/30/19-12/8/19. We are planning two, non-consecutive days at Universal. We are planning to get 2 day Park-to-Park tickets for each of us (2). Our planned days at Universal are Wed 12/4 and Fri 12/6. I am considering getting Express passes for both of us for each day, but was wondering if we'll need them. On 12/4, both parks are rated 'green' by UT, and 12/6 one is rated 'green' and one is rated 'yellow'. We are not staying onsite at Universal, but will be taking uber/lyft from our Disney hotel. I was looking for opinions and/or experiences with the first week of December. I know it gets much busier after this week.

Thanks in Advance!!!!
~Chelle

 

[damo]

Those are empty days. I wouldn't get them in advance. If you get there and find it crowded, buy them then.

 

[GoofyDad_4427]

If you did your Universal days consecutive, you could get a throw away hotel room (or even use it) for the one night at one of the 3 hotels that would include the Express Pass for both days. This would be much cheaper than buying the Express Pass separately for two different days.

 

[chelleb1974]

If you did your Universal days consecutive, you could get a throw away hotel room (or even use it) for the one night at one of the 3 hotels that would include the Express Pass for both days. This would be much cheaper than buying the Express Pass separately for two different days.

Thanks! I'll take a look and see how the pricing works out!

 

[chelleb1974]

Those are empty days. I wouldn't get them in advance. If you get there and find it crowded, buy them then.

Thanks! This is what I suspected.

 

[chelleb1974]

Hah....so I did the math....

Staying one night at Universal (12/3) w/ 2-day, 2 Park-to-Park tickets for both of us, early park admission and free Unlimited Express pass is $20 more that staying at Disney, using Uber/Lyft (I've never used either, and BF has only used one, so factoring in 3 'free' trips, pay full price for 4th), the same tickets, and just the Express Pass (not unlimited). Plus we would end up buying breakfast the second day at Universal rather than using QS at Disney hotel. The price difference isn't make-or-brake, so we'll think about it and see if we decide it's worth it.

Thank you both for your opinions!!!! Would still love to hear more opinions on crowd level/need for Express Pass that first week of December (12/3&4 specifically). Express pass cost goes up on the 5th or 6th, so that might be some indication too.

~Chelle

 

[skylock]

Hah....so I did the math....

Staying one night at Universal (12/3) w/ 2-day, 2 Park-to-Park tickets for both of us, early park admission and free Unlimited Express pass is $20 more that staying at Disney, using Uber/Lyft (I've never used either, and BF has only used one, so factoring in 3 'free' trips, pay full price for 4th), the same tickets, and just the Express Pass (not unlimited). Plus we would end up buying breakfast the second day at Universal rather than using QS at Disney hotel. The price difference isn't make-or-brake, so we'll think about it and see if we decide it's worth it.

Thank you both for your opinions!!!! Would still love to hear more opinions on crowd level/need for Express Pass that first week of December (12/3&4 specifically). Express pass cost goes up on the 5th or 6th, so that might be some indication too.

~Chelle

The truth is on crowds is....No Body Knows.

It is all a guess. These touring companies are beginning to tick me off. I almost wonder if they have their own agenda. I like to think they have the best of intentions, but when you consider the fact if they are wrong, in either direction, oh well.

But I will say this. I am an absolute believer in the power of the express pass. I don't care what the crowds are expected to be, I will have it. Think unlimited fast passes at your beloved disney. That wouldn't be worth something to you?

If you like a ride, with unlimited, ride it again. We did Kong 5 times in a row because when that ape jumps over the truck and jumps on that dinosaur, it tickles my funny bone.

When I leave the parks, I fill completely fulfilled. I haven't had to miss anything I wanted to do. I was in and out of every ride and still had plenty of time to appreciate the areas close up instead of rushing by to get in the next line.

I guess I just feel like I get to see so much at a leisurely pace.

 

[schumigirl]

Hah....so I did the math....

Staying one night at Universal (12/3) w/ 2-day, 2 Park-to-Park tickets for both of us, early park admission and free Unlimited Express pass is $20 more that staying at Disney, using Uber/Lyft (I've never used either, and BF has only used one, so factoring in 3 'free' trips, pay full price for 4th), the same tickets, and just the Express Pass (not unlimited). Plus we would end up buying breakfast the second day at Universal rather than using QS at Disney hotel. The price difference isn't make-or-brake, so we'll think about it and see if we decide it's worth it.

Thank you both for your opinions!!!! Would still love to hear more opinions on crowd level/need for Express Pass that first week of December (12/3&4 specifically). Express pass cost goes up on the 5th or 6th, so that might be some indication too.

~Chelle

We were there first 7 days in December last year.

It was quieter than we thought some days, but other days were much busier. We were surprised some days how busy the parks were. The usual rides had long lines as expected.

We are quite spoiled and detest lines so we always have EP...it’s a godsend even on so called quiet days.

But, I would say if you’re not going to stay at one of the hotels that includes EP don’t buy them ahead of time....the lines could be manageable for you if you don’t mind them. And you may not need them at all. It really is a question of wait and see.....none of us can predict crowds.

The extra $20 or so you speak of to stay onsite with EP, would be so worth it to me as Unlimited EP really is worth its weight in gold.

The new Potter ride opens this year too, so no telling how that’ll affect crowds then.

 

[Melissa.B.08]

We'll be at Universal next month and ended up booking a room to use the EP for 2 days. I've read we can check in at the hotel to get our EPs as early as 6am. We're buying our tickets through Tickets at Work, and I think we redeem those at will call/ somewhere near the entrance. Will we need the actual tickets in order to get the EPs at Royal Pacific? Or can we check in for the EPs and then just pick up tickets when we reach the gates? Thanks for any info- this board has been incredibly helpful!

 

[schumigirl]

We'll be at Universal next month and ended up booking a room to use the EP for 2 days. I've read we can check in at the hotel to get our EPs as early as 6am. We're buying our tickets through Tickets at Work, and I think we redeem those at will call/ somewhere near the entrance. Will we need the actual tickets in order to get the EPs at Royal Pacific? Or can we check in for the EPs and then just pick up tickets when we reach the gates? Thanks for any info- this board has been incredibly helpful!

You can check in as early as 6am......your tickets have nothing to do with hotel check in.

You will still get room keys that act as your EP.....you show them and they are scanned at each ride. Each person registered to the room will get one and their name will be on it and the length of your stay.

You can then head off for EE.

 

[bchbetha]

Are you sure that’s the ride share promo? I’ve only ever gotten $5 or 10 off when I was a new user with a code (just joined Lyft last month so fresh in my brain). No free rides. Since you’re counting dollars, I thought I’d throw that out there.
There’s something to be said for your time being worth something too. No need to commute, just roll out of bed and stroll into the parks in under 10 minutes. Go back mid-day to charge your phones, grab a sweater... it’s just nice to be right there.