buying express pass vs staying onsite

[martymcflyy85]

Hello,

For 2 people in June buying your tickets with express pass included on the Universal website is cheaper than staying onsite for one night to get the express pass. My question is, if you buy the ticket/express pass combo do you still get your picture taken like you do if you stay at the hotel? And if so, where would you do it? How does that work?

 

[pcstang]

No idea, are you getting unlimited express or one time per ride express with your tickets?

 

[janicept]

I just checked the EP unlimited prices and they range from $90 to $115 per person per day. Regular EPs are $65 to $90 per people per day. You get unlimited EP when staying at one of the more expensive onsite hotels. The regular EPs you can only use once per ride so if you would only want to ride something once or twice you should be fine without the unlimited. There are a few things that don't take EPs: FJ, Gringotts, Hogwarts train. I've not had EPs in years so not sure how it works for purchase - they would have to give you something to scan since that's how they track it. My guess is a wrist band. I have heard if you stay onsite you get your pic at the hotel when you check in then you would show your hotel key for them to scan.

They don't have early admission posted yet for June and that would be another consideration. It's nice to get in an hour early. Also the onsite hotels are really nice. The transportation from CityWalk to and from the hotels is really easy.

 

[martymcflyy85]

I'm talking about the unlimited express that you can buy online when you buy your ticket. For my date in particular, its cheaper to buy it that way than to get a one night hotel stay. I do know that if you go the hotel stay route, you get your picture at a kiosk and that's what you use to go through the express line. But my question pertains to the unlimited express that you buy online. Do you get your picture made with those and if so, where?

 

[leiaorgana]

But my question pertains to the unlimited express that you buy online. Do you get your picture made with those and if so, where?

No, you don't need to get your picture taken if you're buying the Unlimited Express Pass online & not staying at one of the hotels. They just scan the barcode on the pass at the ride entrance like they do with the regular pass. It's only hotel guests that have to get their photo taken for ID purposes, I assume.

 

[pcstang]

No, you don't need to get your picture taken if you're buying the Unlimited Express Pass online & not staying at one of the hotels. They just scan the barcode on the pass at the ride entrance like they do with the regular pass. It's only hotel guests that have to get their photo taken for ID purposes, I assume.

Ah yes, I have seen the inpark express passes. Thanks for reminding me. Just completely forgot. I've been known to use props for my photo for the resort express...

 

[bumbershoot]

While pricing it, remember that the one night hotel stay gives you UEP for two days not just the one.