Does using an Express Pass for Forbidden Journey mean missing cool castle features

[kathy884]

I A was going to get EPs for two twenty somethings for Universal - IOA (one day park to park). One of the two has never been before and I think would really enjoy seeing the castle details. Does an express pass for Forbidden Journey kill this? Is there a way to see the castle and use the EP? Appreciate your advice.

 

[Makmak]

I am not sure if you have considered this (maybe you already did but wanted to throw the idea out just in case) sometimes it’s cheaper to get a higher tier hotel room for one night (you don’t need to use the room) to get express for two days (check in/check out) then they would also get early entry and be able to go through the regular que at that time without huge waits, then express the rest of the day. We have “checked in” at 5am to get the hotel key then went off to the parks for 7am early entry. based on the price of express it might be an option plus best of both worlds for the que.

 

[asuburbanman]

They used to have a castle walk through line. Did that become the express line?

 

[ClapYourHands]

There are a few features you miss with the EP line, but not too many. Our first time we used the standby line because we heard that there were all these cool features you’d miss in the EP line. When we went back through with EP, we found that the difference was really just a few moving pictures, and that most of them were duplicated in the EP line (albeit not always as well placed). My advice is to do the standby line if you’re there at a time the line is shortish, but don’t worry about it if the line is long because the difference is minimal.

 

[MomOTwins]

We did the express line and you still see a lot! We were pleasantly surprised. Mirror of Erised, Herbology greenhouse with mandrakes, Dumbledore, Harry/Ron/Hermione in the room with the dragon skeleton, talking portraits of founders, sorting hat. We really enjoyed it!

 

[glocon]

They could always ride twice also, once in the regular line then again with the ep. it’s a great ride and worth doing more than once.

 

[LauralF22]

I am not sure if you have considered this (maybe you already did but wanted to throw the idea out just in case) sometimes it’s cheaper to get a higher tier hotel room for one night (you don’t need to use the room) to get express for two days (check in/check out) then they would also get early entry and be able to go through the regular que at that time without huge waits, then express the rest of the day. We have “checked in” at 5am to get the hotel key then went off to the parks for 7am early entry. based on the price of express it might be an option plus best of both worlds for the que.

This. We are doing this with our family of 4. Getting a one night stay at RP in order to get express pass for 2 days. Cost of the room with tax is cheaper than getting 4 passes.

 

[Calidisneyfam]

You still see plenty! I’d definitely do EP given the option.

 

[jimmymc]

You see all the main rooms with express pass. The only issue is you end up walking through the rooms quickly and don't have time to look around!