Express Pass info needed...my head is about to explode!

[Hannahsmom]

I have wandered over to the US boards in search of help. I am planning a trip June 16-20 taking advantage of the buy 3 get 4th free offer, but this does not include the Express Pass. It is an add on, but we have to pick which day/which park. Would it be better to hold off on the Express Pass until we get there? Can you add it on at the Guest Services at the Park? I am worried about adding it ahead of time, but then not needing it and being out $$$. Am I making any sense?

Please talk me through this...we haven't been to US/IOA for a long time, and the last time we were there we stayed onsite. I am so confused!

Thanks in advance!

 

[RMulieri]

DO NOT buy the Express pass till you are SURE you will need it.It is PARK AND DATE specific.So if you decided to switch parks or dates you are out of luck, they aren't refundable

 

[Metro West]

DO NOT buy the Express pass till you are SURE you will need it.It is PARK AND DATE specific.So if you decided to switch parks or dates you are out of luck, they aren't refundable

No truer words have ever been spoken...er...written.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

I guess u can get at the gate then? Also can you use it in Harry Potter? Thanks for info.

 

[macraven]

you can buy them at guest services and the main park stores.

parry hotter is not included in the express pass plus ticket.
neither is RRR at the studios.


never buy your epp tickets in advance for a mid June trip.
if it rains, the crowds thin out and ride lines will be short.

i always tell peeps to buy the epp when at the park if needed due to long lines.
why spend the money if you don't have to.

you don't get a 'front of the line' place but are allowed to use the express lines one time only per ride/show with the epp.

 

[pixeegrl]

Are you able to stay onsite one night? That way you can get Unlimited Express for the day you check in and check out

 

[Metro West]

I guess u can get at the gate then? Also can you use it in Harry Potter? Thanks for info.

If you have to purchase the EP, don't buy it at the gates. You can purchase the EP at several stores within either park...with no lines. You cannot use the EP for Forbidden Journey or Ollivanders but you can use it for Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff.

 

[d1gitman]

If you have to purchase the EP, don't buy it at the gates. You can purchase the EP at several stores within either park...with no lines. You cannot use the EP for Forbidden Journey or Ollivanders but you can use it for Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff.

what about EP that is included with resort stay? are we stuck choosing park days? nothing was mentioned when i booked the trip with US by phone.

 

[macraven]

what about EP that is included with resort stay? are we stuck choosing park days? nothing was mentioned when i booked the trip with US by phone.

guests at the 3 onsite hotel receive perks for staying there.
they are allowed unlimited usage of the express lines in the parks, priority seating at city walk restaurants and early entry for Spiderman ride and parry hotter section.

these are hotel perks that Loews has arranged with universal.
the hotels and universal are separate in their guests' amenities.

 

[Metro West]

guests at the 3 onsite hotel receive perks for staying there.
they are allowed unlimited usage of the express lines in the parks, priority seating at city walk restaurants and early entry for Spiderman ride and parry hotter section.

these are hotel perks that Loews has arranged with universal.
the hotels and universal are separate in their guests' amenities.

 

[cruisingkat]

If you are staying at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock or Royal Pacfic, your room key is your express pass. You just go to the express pass entrance and show your room key. There are just a couple of rides where there is no express pass entry as previously mentioned. But by staying at an on-site hotel and getting that hour early admission, you can ride Forbidden Journey in Harry Potter with minimal wait before the park opens to the general public - in fact when we went we actually could have walked right on except we stopped to see the displays in the different rooms in the queue.

 

[macraven]

If you are staying at Portofino Bay, Hard Rock or Royal Pacfic, your room key is your express pass. You just go to the express pass entrance and show your room key. There are just a couple of rides where there is no express pass entry as previously mentioned. But by staying at an on-site hotel and getting that hour early admission, you can ride Forbidden Journey in Harry Potter with minimal wait before the park opens to the general public.

that is only true if you book the Universal package for offsite hotels through universal vacations.

if you book the offsite hotel on your own, you do not recieve that perk of EE.