Can Anyone Confirm?

[ericafny]

I just read on another board that Universal has gotten rid of their 'free' fastpass system and that they are only offering fastpasses to people staying in one of their 'onsite' hotels and to people who pay for the extra booklet of fastpasses. I would really like to know whether this is true or not as this will mean the difference between us going to Universal or not. Thanks!

 

[js]

While I am by no means a Universal expert or even know too much about it but I thought that they have not had "free" fastpass either ever or at least for quite a long time. I do plan on going to US and IOA during our October trip and will pay for the booklet since we are staying at our timeshare at OLCC and not staying on Universal property. I am sure though someone here knows much more information and will be able to help you. Have fun with your planning.

 

[kty1]

Hi we just got back from a very long drive to Fl , we're also on LI, we were at Universal during spring break and yes they do charge ,if you don't stay onsite. Normally they charge $15 per person but during peak spring break dates they were $40-per person! Also they sell out of passes at times, they did while we were there. The passes can only be used once at each ride. The waits were 2 hours + without the pass. The meal deal we also bought, which also had very long waits and was only availabe at certain places. I thought that it was a great deal on the internet-universal apx. $300 for a family of 5 for a week, but honestly, we waited forever to go on a ride and we had a much better time at Cypress Gardens, they had an awesome water park for the kids it was brand new- nicer than Splish Splash, beautiful gardens , tons of rides (non- water and water) and NO WAITING for rides! We really enjoyed it there it was 2 days for $36 for adults they had coupons in all of the Orlando visitor guides. Have a great time!

 

[ericafny]

Hi we just got back from a very long drive to Fl , we're also on LI, we were at Universal during spring break and yes they do charge ,if you don't stay onsite. Normally they charge $15 per person but during peak spring break dates they were $40-per person! Also they sell out of passes at times, they did while we were there. The passes can only be used once at each ride. The waits were 2 hours + without the pass. The meal deal we also bought, which also had very long waits and was only availabe at certain places. I thought that it was a great deal on the internet-universal apx. $300 for a family of 5 for a week, but honestly, we waited forever to go on a ride and we had a much better time at Cypress Gardens, they had an awesome water park for the kids it was brand new- nicer than Splish Splash, beautiful gardens , tons of rides (non- water and water) and NO WAITING for rides! We really enjoyed it there it was 2 days for $36 for adults they had coupons in all of the Orlando visitor guides. Have a great time!

Hello fellow Long Islander and welcome to the DIS!

When I was in US last July they had free fastpasses, but I guess they changed their system now...Thanks for giving me the update. Maybe I will check out Cypress Gardens as DBF really enjoys water parks...he tries to get me to go to Splish Splash all the time!!!

Glad to hear you had a nice trip

 

[A Mickeyfan]

They started to do away with the free express pass last fall, by Christmas, the machines were all covered up. Now the machines are gone (I think). The Epress Pass you buy is for one FOTL for each ride. You cannot ride that same ride twice with FOLT. The only way to do that is to stay onsite.

 

[ericafny]

They started to do away with the free express pass last fall, by Christmas, the machines were all covered up. Now the machines are gone (I think). The Epress Pass you buy is for one FOTL for each ride. You cannot ride that same ride twice with FOLT. The only way to do that is to stay onsite.

Thank you! That is the exact info I was looking for. I think we may forgo Universal this trip then because we are going in July and I have a feeling it will be supercrowded (just like it was last year) and there is no way we could fit paying extra for the Express Pass into our budget...maybe we will try Cypress Gardens or Seaworld...

Anyone know how far away Bush Gardens in Tampa is from Orlando??? (That's a possibility too!)

 

[wayneg]

We have had annual passes for Uni/IOA for past few years and really appreciated the fastpass system. I found out on our last trip they finished with it. I emailed customer service and told them what I thought of them and doubt if I would renew our passes in July, They have given me fastpasses for 4 rides each next time we visit.
Still don't know if to renew or not. I have a 20min max wait for a ride. I don't think any ride in the world is worth more than 20mins

 

[wayneg]

Busch is about 1hr 15 mins from Disney maingate area

 

[diz_prncez]

Oh well that's upsetting. That may change our plans too
Although I really wanted to go because most of my family has never been and I really think the would like it. I checked their website and express passes are $50.00 for our date! That is just too much. Thanks for the info.

 

[vellamint]

I was planning a day there also but now I think we may just have a "rest" day instead.....we needed one anyway.

I am not going to stand in line with four children for hours on end. That is crazy.....