EP for two of three days?

[LaurenT]

I'm going to take DD for three days (probably tues - thurs) at the end of April.
Staying offsite. So I was thinking of getting the unlimited express pass for two of those days and then dedicating the third day to getting the Harry Potter things done that don't accept the pass.
This will be just my second time in Universal (countless Disney trips) - looking forward to DD being tall enough to ride all the things she couldn't last time!
Any thoughts or suggestions from the UO veterans regarding lines, EP usage, time of year, etc are greatly appreciated ....

 

[snoopboop]

I'd maybe switch the order around - do the HP stuff on the first day, so that if you don't get something done (because of lines that are too long, a ride breakdown, etc...) then you still have the two remaining days to try to accomplish it!

 

[kohlby]

I'd wait and only buy the EP when you get to the park - IF you find you need it. I wouldn't be surprised if you don't need it that time of year on weekdays.

 

[johde]

I agree about waiting until your there before getting the express passes. Since you're looking at the unlimited Express Passes, if you decide you need Express Passes you should look at upgrading your tickets to Multiday tickets with Unlimited Express Passes Included. Buying all 3 days of Express this way is usually cheaper (unless your first day is the last day of a high crowd period). 2 days is $330 (admission and express) and 3 days is $370 + tax for the end of April. Just remember prices can change based on expected crowds and the tickets are nonrefundable. So, that's why most of us recommend waiting.

 

[keishashadow]

I'm going to take DD for three days (probably tues - thurs) at the end of April.
Staying offsite. So I was thinking of getting the unlimited express pass for two of those days and then dedicating the third day to getting the Harry Potter things done that don't accept the pass.
This will be just my second time in Universal (countless Disney trips) - looking forward to DD being tall enough to ride all the things she couldn't last time!
Any thoughts or suggestions from the UO veterans regarding lines, EP usage, time of year, etc are greatly appreciated ....

was going to suggest doing a split trip (stay onsite for 'free' FOTL) but then noticed in your siggie line a stay @ AKL, which is indeed a lovely resort, one of our DVC homes.

Still, have to say it lol, did you run the numbers as to the cost difference of being a day guest and all that entails vs staying onsite at universal via lopping 2 nights off your disney stay?

 

[LaurenT]

was going to suggest doing a split trip (stay onsite for 'free' FOTL) but then noticed in your siggie line a stay @ AKL, which is indeed a lovely resort, one of our DVC homes.

Still, have to say it lol, did you run the numbers as to the cost difference of being a day guest and all that entails vs staying onsite at universal via lopping 2 nights off your disney stay?

Yeah .... It's not part of the AKL trip - we're DVC and that was actually this past August. We'd be using an off site timeshare that is already paid for, which is why I'm thinking of doing this. If we just drive down and stay there, the only real expense will be the hotel on the drive down and back and the park admission.