Confused about express pass?

[TinkB278]

Also, totally off topic but how can universal make APs and express pass work but Disney can’t figure out APs and fast pass?

 

[TreeFalls]

Can you explain what you mean by this? I’m not super informed on the express pass.

Express pass was amazing, we just went for the first time and it is making me hope Disney will do something like it. Most rides have two lines- a regular line, and one for those with express passes. They limit the number of express passes sold on a given day (by making them crazy expensive on crowded days), so the express pass line is shorter. Typical for us when there was a wait was 15-30 minutes on a recent trip, many were walk-on.

We are planning to do Disney in September, and I am dreading having to use the normal lines. Even if fastpass were back, I hate having to schedule what time I'm going on rides 2 months in advance.

 

[yaya74]

Can you explain what you mean by this? I’m not super informed on the express pass.

This is how express pass works
- you go to the attraction that you want to ride at anytime, no need to reserve your ride time.
- scan your express pass at the entrance,
- by pass all the standby line
- enjoy your ride

I went in the summer of July 2017. The longest that I waited in the express pass line was 15 minutes at Kong while standby was 75 minutes.

Express pass is freedom....

 

[yaya74]

Also, totally off topic but how can universal make APs and express pass work but Disney can’t figure out APs and fast pass?

I wonder that too...

 

[barb969]

X

Can you explain what you mean by this? I’m not super informed on the express pass.

Expres pass unlimited is awesome compared to FP. You do not need to make plans ahead. Just go to ride. There are special Ex pass lines. You are loaded much faster than with FP, seldom more the 5 - 10 minute wait. You ride as many times as you want. It is good on almost every attraction. Hagrids and the Hogwarts express are excluded.

The limited Express pass lets you ride each attraction once, but you still have the short wait.

 

[EveDallas]

X

Expres pass unlimited is awesome compared to FP. You do not need to make plans ahead. Just go to ride. There are special Ex pass lines. You are loaded much faster than with FP, seldom more the 5 - 10 minute wait. You ride as many times as you want. It is good on almost every attraction. Hagrids and the Hogwarts express are excluded.

The limited Express pass lets you ride each attraction once, but you still have the short wait.

When did they change the Hogwarts Express? It's had Express our last 4 trips (so at least since April 2019).

 

[abnihon]

When did they change the Hogwarts Express? It's had Express our last 4 troops (so at least since April 2019).

I did a double take on the that too. I’m pretty sure it’s still on there! It better be!

 

[bchbetha]

Also, totally off topic but how can universal make APs and express pass work but Disney can’t figure out APs and fast pass?

I've heard no fast passes now because the standby lines have spread out into the the FP lines to allow distancing.

 

[WIll C]

I got a 1 day limited EP when I was there last week. Already had an AP so that was my only cost (and it wasn't cheap). It was well worth it though since I got to do all the rides I wanted with little wait (I think F&F was the longest). It made my 1 day there in both parks well worth it. I got so much done. I wish Disney would do something like it (along with the free pass for certain resort guests).

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

We booked a trip to Universal May 28 - June 4. Staying at Hard Rock. Total for all 4 of us, 2 adults, a 10 and 7 year old, which still pay adult price cost us $3785 and that includes Unlimited Express Pass and 15 month annual passes for all of us. I think its a good deal for 6 park days, 7 if we go on arrival day. Our last Universal trip hooked us. Express pass makes it so easy and we all really like Hard Rock Hotel.

 

[Magical2017]

Express Passes are not included in Volcano Bay, so if you stay at a premiere resort you will have to decide if you want to pay for them. It's $39.99 to skip all lines and $19.99 to skip select lines, one time per attraction.

I am not sure what we plan to do yet. If we go to VB on our arrival day for a half day, we will be arriving at the most crowded time. I do not know if they run out of Volcano Bay express passes but don't know what day we are going yet.

 

[Calee]

I did a double take on the that too. I’m pretty sure it’s still on there! It better be!

I was there last week and used express passes for the train both directions.

 

[debbieny10]

How do annual passes with the express passes work. Do we have to show our ID when we get on the rides? It seems like that would make the lines take longer to get through. Are the lines long? Since the passes don't work til after 4pm I want to make sure it's worth buying it.

 

[Gentry2004]

I believe anyone with EP (resort guests, AP after 4, purchased EP’s) all have to scan on every ride. But I haven’t been yet - this is just my understanding.

 

[disneyseniors]

I have to second getting EP's. BUT, if you are going during a "slow" time, then I don't think they are needed.
Our first trip to Universal side only, we bought tickets and EP's, one ride only on each. The only attractions that had long lines, at that time, were Minions and Shrek. It was a while ago, LOL. We really didn't need them for any other attractions.
Now, we stay at RPR and get unlimited EP"s. The resort is great and a big part of our stays. The boat ride to the parks is beautiful and relaxing. You go through security at the boatdock, and that's it.
The main thing I like about EP's is that you can do what you want, when you want, and multiple times in a row if you want. No fp times and limits. It really is a great system. I wouldn't go without EP"s now. We are going to buy AP's next trip too.
You can buy EP's in the park at any time, too,, but they have a limited supply of EP's, so it's a gamble. We have never bought them in the park, but you can.

 

[shawthorne44]

Best way as a Disney person to understand Express Passes. They are an infinite number of reserved fast passes for every ride and for every time period.

Try to imagine what Disney would charge for that.

 

[Shellyred8]

We’re planning on using our DVC points to stay at Disney but won’t be entering the parks due to the AP not being available so we decided to try universal for the day! Since we will only be there for one day (is 1 day enough time?) I want the express pass.

I went to universals site to buy tickets but I’m so confused. Do I need to add my theme park ticket to the cart AND the express pass? Or does the express pass include park admission? It seems to be SUPER EXPENSIVE to buy a one day ticket with express pass. Their website is not the most user friendly, I have no idea what I’m doing.

Trying to do just one day at Universal is crazy expensive. It's when you do the multi-day tickets where you start to see savings over what you would pay at Disney.

 

[JakeAZ]

Best way as a Disney person to understand Express Passes. They are an infinite number of reserved fast passes for every ride and for every time period.

Try to imagine what Disney would charge for that.

I believe we're going to find out the answer to that.....soon

 

[shawthorne44]

I believe we're going to find out the answer to that.....soon

I almost hit the like button. But then I hate the idea, so ... Then I think you are right, so I want to like your comment. But then I hate the idea more

 

[abnihon]

I almost hit the like button. But then I hate the idea, so ... Then I think you are right, so I want to like your comment. But then I hate the idea more

I don’t care if I have to pay for them I just want fastpasses!!
But it would make sense if they did something similar to Universal - free for resorts or just deluxe resorts and everyone else pays.