Express Pass & Days of the Week

[codygirl5150]

Hi! Just starting the planning for my and DD12's summer trip to Orlando!
We will be there the first week of August (I know...yikes!!), Friday through Thursday. We are staying at Cabana Bay for a week, but only doing 1 day at US and 1 day at IOA (a comic convention, Discovery Cove, Sea World, and Aquatica are also on the agenda). I know everything Disney, but nothing Universal!

First, is there a day of the week that would be better to go to US or IOA? Being the first week of August, I'm sure it'll be crazy everyday, but wondering if weekdays would be better at all versus the weekend.

I've decided to buy Express Passes for both IOA and US days since time is of the essence. Can I use the Express Pass/base tickets whatever day I choose during my stay, or do I have to tell them a certain day I'll be at each park when I book? I want to book this weekend, but still playing with the itinerary.

Many many more questions to come, but this is a start! Thanks

 

[damo]

Hi! Just starting the planning for my and DD12's summer trip to Orlando!
We will be there the first week of August (I know...yikes!!), Friday through Thursday. We are staying at Cabana Bay for a week, but only doing 1 day at US and 1 day at IOA (a comic convention, Discovery Cove, Sea World, and Aquatica are also on the agenda). I know everything Disney, but nothing Universal!

First, is there a day of the week that would be better to go to US or IOA? Being the first week of August, I'm sure it'll be crazy everyday, but wondering if weekdays would be better at all versus the weekend.

I've decided to buy Express Passes for both IOA and US days since time is of the essence. Can I use the Express Pass/base tickets whatever day I choose during my stay, or do I have to tell them a certain day I'll be at each park when I book? I want to book this weekend, but still playing with the itinerary.

Many many more questions to come, but this is a start! Thanks

Will you be going over the holiday weekend or will it be the following week? Sundays, surprisingly, seem to be a good day to go except on a holiday weekend.

Express passes are date specific. I'd hold off until you are absolutely sure or just purchase them once you get to the park instead.

 

[codygirl5150]

Will you be going over the holiday weekend or will it be the following week? Sundays, surprisingly, seem to be a good day to go except on a holiday weekend.

Express passes are date specific. I'd hold off until you are absolutely sure or just purchase them once you get to the park instead.

Thanks! Luckily avoiding the holiday.Are base tickets day specific too?

 

[mguilford1]

Why wouldnt you stay at one of the deluxe hotels where unlimited express pass is included? If you stay one night it is good for day of arrival and departure. The ones you buy are $89 per person per day and you only go to the front of the line once.

 

[damo]

Thanks! Luckily avoiding the holiday.Are base tickets day specific too?

No, admission tickets are not day specific.

 

[wookiebeck]

Will you be going over the holiday weekend or will it be the following week? Sundays, surprisingly, seem to be a good day to go except on a holiday weekend.

Express passes are date specific. I'd hold off until you are absolutely sure or just purchase them once you get to the park instead.

We are looking at August, as well!! But what holiday weekend are you referring to? Am I losing it??? LMK so that I can avoid it, too.

 

[damo]

We are looking at August, as well!! But what holiday weekend are you referring to? Am I losing it??? LMK so that I can avoid it, too.

Is there no holiday the first weekend of August or is that just for us Canadians?

 

[codygirl5150]

Is there no holiday the first weekend of August or is that just for us Canadians?

I think it's probably just for the Canadians. We have holidays at the beginning of July and beginning of September, but August is clear!

 

[codygirl5150]

Why wouldnt you stay at one of the deluxe hotels where unlimited express pass is included? If you stay one night it is good for day of arrival and departure. The ones you buy are $89 per person per day and you only go to the front of the line once.

Since we're only going to US/IOA for 2 days of our 7 day stay, the quote showed a savings of $500 by staying at Cabana Bay and buying 2 day base tickets/express passes instead of staying at at one of the deluxe hotels.

BUT i remember the express passes being much less than $89. Now I'm wondering if I screwed up...I'll have to run the trip quote again.

 

[mguilford1]

I would stay 1 night at deluxe to get your 2 days of express pass while you are visiting Universal..... then move over to the value resort for the rest of your stay.

I just went to the Universal website and for the first week in August to get Express pass for 2 tickets for 2 days is $279.96 (one use per ride). Plus $150 for one night stay at Cabana bay=$329.96. One night stay (which would give you 2 days unlimited Express pass for everyone in room) at Loews RP $284.

 

[codygirl5150]

I would stay 1 night at deluxe to get your 2 days of express pass while you are visiting Universal..... then move over to the value resort for the rest of your stay.

I just went to the Universal website and for the first week in August to get Express pass for 2 tickets for 2 days is $279.96 (one use per ride). Plus $150 for one night stay at Cabana bay=$329.96. One night stay (which would give you 2 days unlimited Express pass for everyone in room) at Loews RP $284.

If i did that, would the express passes have to be used on the check in date and the day after?

 

[damo]

If i did that, would the express passes have to be used on the check in date and the day after?

Yes. The express pass is good for the days on your hotel key.

 

[damo]

Since we're only going to US/IOA for 2 days of our 7 day stay, the quote showed a savings of $500 by staying at Cabana Bay and buying 2 day base tickets/express passes instead of staying at at one of the deluxe hotels.

BUT i remember the express passes being much less than $89. Now I'm wondering if I screwed up...I'll have to run the trip quote again.

The passes are $59.99 for a one day express pass first week in August at IOA and $64.99 at Universal.

 

[codygirl5150]

Yes. The express pass is good for the days on your hotel key.

I see, i don't think it'll work with my schedule. I want a full day at each park, and my flight times wouldn't allow for it. I could do it mid week i guess but that seems like a hassle with no car and switching hotels twice.

Great info though for future trips! Thanks so much for explaining it!

 

[codygirl5150]

The passes are $59.99 for a one day express pass first week in August at IOA and $64.99 at Universal.

That's what I was quoted. Phew!