Do I want Express Pass in mid August?

[Gentry2004]

Looking at our first trip after years at Disney. Comparing prices at Royal Pacific and Sapphire Falls and trying to decide if I need express pass or not. Dates will be mid August, probably 11-15 or something like that. Thoughts?

I'm also considering going in late December instead, but I'm thinking we'd prefer heat to massive crowds. I'd definitely do RP in December and of course its more expensive then.

TIA.

 

[schumigirl]

You`d still be in the 2nd week of August which is busy...…

I`d always opt for EP, but I do think you`d benefit from it then, especially if you haven't been before.....EP is fabulous!!!

 

[escapeartist]

We were there last summer. Our Uni park days were Aug 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th. (Weekdays) We had express passes and felt is was needed. We stayed offsite and booked a room at Royal Pacific Aug14-15 and enjoyed the ep for both days and we booked Hard Rock Aug 16-17 and had ep both of those days. We also swam and liunched at either RPR or HR each afternoon. So we got 4 continuous days of ep via 2 seperate nights at Universal Premium room bookings. We did not sleep in those rooms as our offsite rooms were bigger and had free breakfast. We did shower and change and use luggage hold in lobby. We did not rent a car and ubered everywhere, even airports, hope this helps

 

[Gentry2004]

We were there last summer. Our Uni park days were Aug 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th. (Weekdays) We had express passes and felt is was needed. We stayed offsite and booked a room at Royal Pacific Aug14-15 and enjoyed the ep for both days and we booked Hard Rock Aug 16-17 and had ep both of those days. We also swam and liunched at either RPR or HR each afternoon. So we got 4 continuous days of ep via 2 seperate nights at Universal Premium room bookings. We did not sleep in those rooms as our offsite rooms were bigger and had free breakfast. We did shower and change and use luggage hold in lobby. We did not rent a car and ubered everywhere, even airports, hope this helps

That does help! Thank you! Did you have fun and would you recommend?

 

[escapeartist]

I would definately recomend! Even if u stay at Saphire or Cabana Bay and just book one night in the middle as a dual booking. This way you can leave all your stuff at saphire but get 2 consecutive days of express pass for up to 5 people.. It's pricey but so worth it. Way cheaper than buying express pass for just one day. The days you dont have express pass you can take advantage of 1 hour early admission, then do shows, cast spells and do rides with lower waits etc. Have a great trip! Wish I was going back this summer.

 

[bumbershoot]

Yes I would use EP in the height of summer vacation. (some areas see schools go back in August, but not all by a long shot)