Express pass Aug 23?!

[CanadianDIStraveller]

Hello,
Our DISNEY plans are only allowing us 1 day at USF/US - would love more, but we're going to make the best of it. Our day in the parks is Sun Aug 23.
How are the parks then crowd level wise? Are American students back in school around that time?

We have early entry, should we still get express passes? (64.99)
If we do decide on EP's, should we buy them online for 64.99, or will they be cheaper at the park on the day of?

 

[Lynne G]

Most American kids are not back to school, mostly in the north eastern part of the US, but on week-ends, expect regulars if the power pass blackout date is not that date. Since express passes are date specific, with no refund, I'd wait and see what the crowds are. The express pass is sold all over the parks. The express pass can change in price, but I would think that price is what is would remain for now. I'd say somewhat crowded. We went during that time last year, and have been going for several years at that time too, but we thought last year was much more crowded than prior years. The new potter area may and other updates may have played into that.

Either way, have a great time!

 

[Darcy03231]

That's a popular week for us northern folks - - it's just before the kids go back to school. In fact, we'll be there that day.

We've gone this week before and during the week it's not too bad, but the weekends get pretty busy. As a PP pointed out you'll get the locals on the weekends.

 

[HM]

My DD and I just returned from a stay at CBBR without EP.

We did have more days that you so it might feel a bit different to you, but we thought EP were not necessary.

EE meant getting DM and Gringotts, Hogmeade Express, and FJ all done in the first hour-ish. We spend about 3 hours at the park in the morning and found that the lines were very short each day. The crowds arrived around 10:30-11 each day (We left for the pool at that point). At that point, you'd want to be doing some of the fast-load or show type things. By dinnertime, crowds thin out and you'll be back to doing the more major rides that had big waits earlier. We didn't wait more than 30 minutes for anything (if I remember right) and mostly had very shorter waits than that in the am and evening.

I think you'll have no problem without EP. (Plus at $64.99, that's a low cost and means they don't expect large crowds...they were $99.00 and above while we were there).

While we were there, there were a TON of South American tour groups and lots and lots of Brits, but the tour groups were never a problem for us.

 

[schumigirl]

Doubt EP price will go lower.

Since you have one day and it will be busy, I would buy EP when you get there.......if you feel you need it of course. Will make for a much more pleasant day.

Last two weeks in August used to be much quieter than it is now.

 

[RMulieri]

Express pass prices rarely ( if ever) go lower .They do go UP though. That said , most American kids are NOT back in school yet, and though it is not insane as it is earlier in the month, it is not dead or low crowds. we were very surprised at how busy it was the last 2 summers during that week.Wait and see if the crowds are too much for you and if they are, then buy them

 

[macraven]

i have never seen express passes drop in price.
their pricing begins far out from the dates and is based on crowd predictions.

low prices, low crowds
high prices, high crowds.

the powers that be set those prices with the flexibility to raise them when ticket sales begins.
it's a gamble to buy them in advance if past history shows certain dates with low prices.

can be a hit or miss on buying them during a usual slow period.
if you are going only one day and find line waits longer, buy them then at the parks.
you will be paying more for them but you have a time limit for the park to hit everything you want to do.

check the park hours for the dates you will be there starting aug 23rd.
parks start to close earlier if UO does not feel there will be large crowds.
but, hours can be extended after the park hours have been established.

you never know what you are facing until you are in the parks late august.

bad thing about buying ep in advance is if it would rain.
parks tend to thin out during that time and line waits are almost non existant.

 

[CanadianDIStraveller]

Thanks everyone for your helpful input !