Express Pass option

[centurythree]

I was thinking of taking some guests down to US/IOA for one day of a ten day vacation in late September. The last time I visited two years ago, there were three express pass options: stay on site and get unlimited FOTL, pay and get unlimited FOTL, and get one at a time express passes like at Disney. Now I'm hearing that the third option is gone, and you can buy a packet of express passes (one per ride.)

Now I'm wondering how this new system impacts lines at UO. Are most people paying for the express passes? Has standby gotten longer if they aren't? Is it even worth getting the express add on for a weekday in late September?

(And no, I'm not willing to consider staying on site at Universal. I have access to a serious discount at an off-site villa, and if I were to stay on-site it would be at Disney.)

 

[tlinus]

I was thinking of taking some guests down to US/IOA for one day of a ten day vacation in late September. The last time I visited two years ago, there were three express pass options: stay on site and get unlimited FOTL, pay and get unlimited FOTL, and get one at a time express passes like at Disney. Now I'm hearing that the third option is gone, and you can buy a packet of express passes (one per ride.)

Now I'm wondering how this new system impacts lines at UO. Are most people paying for the express passes? Has standby gotten longer if they aren't? Is it even worth getting the express add on for a weekday in late September?

(And no, I'm not willing to consider staying on site at Universal. I have access to a serious discount at an off-site villa, and if I were to stay on-site it would be at Disney.)

IIRC late September would be a bit slower of a time during the week. I would wait to see how the parks are the day that you go and then decide to buy the passes......right now the month of September has the lowest price for the Express pass, which indicates low crowds to be expected.

Hope this information helps

 

[centurythree]

It does, tlinus. I'll hold off until we're in the parks.

 

[phamton]

I don't think you will need express at all. If Halloween Horror Nights has started, I'd avoid that day as crowds do pick up on HHN nights and the park closes a little earlier.

 

[Metro West]

I don't think you will need express at all. If Halloween Horror Nights has started, I'd avoid that day as crowds do pick up on HHN nights and the park closes a little earlier.

 

[centurythree]

I hope you guys are right. I'll be even happier if I can save that $75 on ticket upgrades.

 

[damo]

Someday you should try staying onsite, you might be surprised at how wonderful it is. It gives you a whole new perspective since you can walk everywhere. It enhances your vacation so much. We used to stay at Disney too and commute. So glad we don't do that anymore.