Can you help a newbie with Express Pass options?

[laurajetter]

Sorry for the long length of this post, but I need some help understanding Universal's Express Pass options!

I'm not as familiar with Universal's Express Pass options as I am with WDW's. I haven't been there since the very early 90's and all I think our group did was go on BTTF once and E.T. three times. I don't remember doing anything else so it will pretty much be the first time for my husband and I to really see the park. We will be going to Universal on Saturday and IOA on Sunday of Labor Day weekend, and I am dreading the crowds...that is why I want to make sure I know what the heck I'm doing with the Express Passes.

So far, I understand that you can get Express Passes for certain rides, much like you can in WDW, but I have heard that they go much quicker because of the FOTL benefit of on-site guests. We thought this would probably be what we will end up doing, but are afraid they will be out of them in no time and we will not be able to see the rides we want to go on.

I am also aware of an option where for over $100/person (can't remember exact price) you can go around with a tour group and get to the FOTL on all rides. Although this would be nice, it is too pricey for us and my DH and I would rather not be forced to tour with other people; we like going at our own pace. So, this option is out.

Now, here is the option I especially need more info on. Recently, I saw a special on the Travel Channel about Universal/IOA (at least that's where I think I heard it). I believe they mentioned another option is to buy some kind of packet of Express Pass tickets for $15-$30/packet (price depends on crowds) and it includes one Express Pass for every ride. Is this description accurate? If not, please clear it up for me. If this is accurate, I think this sounds like a great option...we wouldn't have to worry about waiting to use an Express Pass before getting another one, no worries about them running out, etc. What do you all think? Have you used this option and did it work out for you? Is this option available for both parks and is it possible to get them in advance? I am leaving on Sept. 3 so I don't think there would be enough time for them to mail it to me, but do they have an option to prepay for it and then we pick them up when we get there?

Sorry this is so long, I just want to be prepared! Thanks for you help!

-Laura

 

[gschmerl]

The option you are considering is the express pass plus. It is a card that gives you ONE express entrance to each attraction that has express. It is NOT good on Shrek (only on-site guests get express on Shrek). Right now I think the express plus costs about $37 per person. They can be bought in advance or at guest services. These passes also run out though. If you get them, I would advise getting to the parks before opening time and seeing Shrek first and then doing as many attractions without your pass before the crowds arrive. Save the pass for later. You can also get the regular express (like WDW fast pass) and save your express plus for later.

 

[2BigKIdz]

You are correct about the express pass plus. We used it twice in July for IOA ($37.28/each ticket) and it was worth every penny. You can still get the free express tickets as well so that you can ride some things twice (these are the tickets dispensed out of machines next to the rides, such as they are at WDW). Depending on when you are going the tickets may be cheaper, I think the price we paid is the most expensive they get. I don't think I will ever not buy the express tickets, it was great not having to wait in those awful lines (when we were there most lines were 75 mins + and the longest we waited was 15 mins). We did not buy these the first day that we went to the studios and we missed out on a lot of rides due to hours spent waiting.

Many rides also offer single rider lines which can reduce your waiting time a great deal.

We bought them at IOA upon arrival, one day it was nearly noon and we didn't have any trouble purchasing them. Here is a link to univacations that have the tickets for sale on-line for $21.30. On the right side, go to "Tickets Only" click

The can be picked up at US according to the website.

Reservations made 15 or more days prior to arrival: Travel documents will be mailed to the billing address of your credit card 2 to 3 weeks prior to your selected departure date. Reservations made within 14 days of arrival: Travel documents will be delivered to your hotel. Ticket only purchases made 14 or less days prior to arrival (excluding Travel Agent tickets): Tickets will be available at the Universal Orlando or Universal Studios Hollywood Guest Services/Will Call. International Guests: All ticket only purchases will be available at the Universal Orlando or Universal Studios Hollywood Guest services/Will call and all vacation package documents will be available at the hotel upon arrival.

 

[RC Fan]

I bought the Express Pass Plus on my last trip and I was very glad to have it. I guess for me it was worth the price to know that I would be able to get on all the rides as I only had one day at IOA.