Can Someone Explain?

[asa'smom]

Can someone explain the Express pass? What rides is it for? How much are they? Does each park have one. Any info will help!
Thinking about doing both parks in one day at Christmas. And I'm trying to figure out if this might be the way to go. Or if both park in one day is do able.
TIA

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

There are a couple of different ways to go about the Express Pass...let me explain...

Express Pass: These are free passes you can get at a machine for a certain attraction...much like Disney's Fast Pass system. You get to decide between 2 times to return. Downside is: especially during the busy seasons, they run out early...usually around noon or 1:00PM, so going for park opening is key. In addition, you are limited to the number of passes you can get. You can only get one pass at a time, and not get another one (even for a different attraction) until a certain time (will be said after you print out your current express pass), or you use your current pass.

Express Pass Plus: A booklet with one Express Pass per ride. It's good for one person to enter the Express line for each attraction once...with no set time reservations. The downside to this one? The booklet is park-specific. Express Plus for Universal Studios isn't any good for IOA. So say you are a family of 3 who are going to both parks. You'd in the end buy 6 Express Pass Plus booklets. Those can REALLY add up in a hurry.

FOTL: By staying on-site, your room key enables you to enter the Express line. You are not limited to the number of times you use it in the day (however every-so-often they supposedly enforce a limited number for a certain time of day only). The resorts are nice, and allow you to sleep in if you wish....you figure, you don't HAVE to go for park opening if you don't have to 'fight' for the passes or booklets. Even if you stay only one night, you have 2 *full* days of FOTL...even the same day as you check-out.

VIP Tours - VIP Tours are supposedly great, and the best for the "REAL FOTL." However, tours are expensive and may be too time consuming for your schedule...but I can't say this from experience...I've only heard about it.

I hope this helps!

 

[msmouse]

How much is the express pass plus?

 

[gschmerl]

How much is the express pass plus?

The price changes depending on the time of year you are going. They range from about $15 to $35.

 

[asa'smom]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Barb]

This is good information. Thanks! Is there any where I can find out how much the booklet will cost next month? We'll be there April 22. Also, where do we buy these?

 

[phamton]

They won't announce the price until one month in advance, which will be March 22.

 

[LoraJ]

They won't announce the price until one month in advance, which will be March 22.

Where can I find out the price for April 11th?

 

[phamton]

Where can I find out the price for April 11th?

You can only purchase them a month in advance as they only set the price based on the anticipated crowds.

If your date is further than one month in the future, it won't show the express pass plus option when you purchase the tickets.



Go to: http://www.univacations.com/
Click on "tickets only" then enter your dates and number in party. Then click search.

When it takes you to the next page. scroll down to where it says:

Departure Date: Nights:
Use the GO button to Book Your Tickets Now!

Enter the date and number of nights and click "Go." It should then take you to a page that has the Universal and Islands of Adventure Express plus pass along with tickets. That says: Option Price Guide
Universal Express Plus-Islands of Adventure 37.28
Universal Express Plus-Universal Studios Florida 37.28


Included features and/or taxes:
Handling Fee 2.00



Do NOT purchase express unless you know the exact date you need them as they are dated and only good for the date on the pass.

 

[Barb]

Can you only get the Express pass booklet through mail order?

 

[phamton]

No, you can buy them at the gates or inside the parks. My suggestion is to wait until you get there and see if you need them.

 

[ThePhantomsGirlfrien]

Hey...

They can be purchased at the park - and as stated above the price changes. For example they are more expensive during peak times ... such as right now during Spring Break. There are a couple of rides they don't go for (such as Shrek).

The regular express passes can be sold out very quickly in peak times. Still if you get there early you can get them and they are great. You can get a pass or two for a very popular ride and then go do other ones until your time slot.

Holly

 

[phamton]

Shrek now is available for both express pass plus and the regular (free) express passes.

 

[Barb]

Great news! Thanks!!