Can u ride w/out FOTL?

[teachingmyown]

How does FOTL work for those w/out it?

We're going on the budget plan, which means off-site and no extra $$ for the express pass. I'm beginning to have cold feet imagining standing in line forever while the FOTL folks continue to get in/on. Will this happen? Or do they somehow alternate lines, letting some folks in the <<llllooonnnggg>> line go and then some folks in the <short> line go?

Mind you, I don't begrudge the FOTL people their perk. They paid for it, so fine. But if I'm paying to get in the park also, I would like a bit of reassurance that we won't spend our entire visit waiting while a never-ending stream of FOTL's go first.

If it makes any difference, we'll be there in September.

Thanks!!

 

[2BigKIdz]

I think they take equal numbers from each line, there's just a lot more in the regular line than the express. Someone who works there might know but that is what it looked like they were doing. We had express passes and there were 11 of us, looked like they let an equal number of regular line people go after us before the next group of express people.

 

[Jiffy]

Unless you are going Labor Day week-end, crowds should be small, making FOTL unnecessary. We like going in September for this reason.

We go, it seems, just about every week-end, so we cannot afford to always stay onsite. To get the most out of our day, we arrive early to the parks (at least a half hour before they open) and hit the attractions that we most want to do. Upon arrival we get express passes to one attraction that we can do later in the day. We also utilize the Single Riders line whenever possible. During the busiest part of the day (I would say between 11 am and 5 pm), we watch the shows, have lunch, and use the Single Riders line if it isn't too long. But, really, in September, you should not find the lines too long, even in the afternoon.

Jenn

 

[highlander447]

We went offsite in sept and never waited more than 20 mins it was great most where a walkon but do make use of single riders as previously posted we did this at MIB and most of time at least from our party where on same car

 

[robvia]

For those without FOTL, your park ticket allows you to get an express pass. There are machines located near each ride. You scan or swipe your ticket, and choose between 2 times to return.
You can't get another express pass until your current pass has expired.
There are usually lines at the machines, and they "sell out" of tickets by noon.

At IOA, the best bet is to enter the park early, ride Hulk, then get an express pass for noon, and continue your lap.
At USF, the best bet is to enter the park, do Shrek, get an express pass for the Mummy, ride it, and come back later for a 2nd ride using the pass.

In September, you have nothing to worry about, lines will be short, just arrive early, park opens at 9am.

 

[teachingmyown]

Thanks for the info. It's been several years since we visited Universal. IoA wasn't even started yet! We're excited and looking forward to our trip.

Imagine this...I had originally thought we would actually go to Orlando for a week-- with three boys -- and not even go to a theme park! How silly was that?