Express Pass in May ?

[wendlle]

Hello
We usually do a split stay when at Universal so we can get the Unlimited EP, but budget is of a concern for our next trip in May 2025 so I'm thinking of doing a split stay at Dockside and Cabana Bay and not getting the EP's

Is this a mistake? I've never been to Universal in May before. We have two kids who aren't very adventurous so usually they stick to the smaller rides, we like the EP's so we adults can breeze on and off the rides with minimal wait while one is watching the kids, then swap.
I'm quite nervous about going without the EP but the saving is really significant (in the thousands of $)

What do you think?? Try to suck up the expense or it is doable without them?
For context, we haven't been back to Orlando since 2019 so haven't done Hagrids, Velocicoaster and the kids will really enjoy the new dreamworks area. So there's quite a lot of new things to do.
I have an AP (I got an extension due to covid) and the rest of the family will likely have 3 day passes (we may get the 14 day UK ones) so we will have several days at the parks.

 

[AJA]

EPIC Universe might be open by then. Thats a whole new ballgame.

For traveling May 1st-say May 20th I don’t think you need Express.
We usually travel the first week of May and no you don’t need Express as long as your group is willing to do early entry and/or single rider lines.

It also depends on the day of the week. Friday and Saturdays are “grad days” for local high school and middle schoolers. The parks start getting packed with kids around 3pm.

For travel dates that join up with Memorial Day the summer crowds start to pour in ad most Southern schools are out by May 20th.

BUT this year will be totally different if EPIC is open by May.

 

[wendlle]

Yes I guess that’s the big question isn’t it
I think I’ll just try to suck up the cost

We did have a Disney cruise booked and I’m thinking of cancelling it and spending more time at universal
Even with 3 nights at RP it’s less than half the cost for the week than the cruise combined with cabana bay