Express Pass Plus vs. VIP Tickets (vs. staying on site)

[lamb616]

just trying to figure out the differences. Is the only difference that with VIP you can go on unlimited times? So with both these passes you go in a separate line? Is this line (usually) significantly shorter than the regular line?

And so technically, the perk you get for staying on-site is equal to a VIP pass, correct?

And the prices for the Express Pass range from $26-$70 depending on date, yet the calendars only go up to December. How do I know which price my dates will be? (February)

Just want to make sure I understand everything before I make a decision. Thanks!

 

[rachdd]

I thought they have done away with the VIP tickets??

 

[Metro West]

just trying to figure out the differences. Is the only difference that with VIP you can go on unlimited times? So with both these passes you go in a separate line? Is this line (usually) significantly shorter than the regular line?

And so technically, the perk you get for staying on-site is equal to a VIP pass, correct?

And the prices for the Express Pass range from $26-$70 depending on date, yet the calendars only go up to December. How do I know which price my dates will be? (February)

Just want to make sure I understand everything before I make a decision. Thanks!

Basically...the VIP ticket is the same as staying onsite since you get unlimited Express access for the day or days of the ticket duration. It also includes park admission so you wouldn't have to purchase any additional park tickets. The price of a one day park-to-park VIP ticket ranges from $179.99 to $199.99 for adults. The tickets can be purchased for 1,2,3,4 and 7 days.

 

[lamb616]

the VIP tickets are available on the website -- thru December anyways.

We're going February. i guess now I need to know which price our dates would be in Feb. for the Express Pass as there's a big difference between paying $26 extra/pp vs. $70/pp!

 

[DCTooTall]

Keep in mind that the extra money may not be entirely worth it for you in February. Not every ride has an express line (FJ being a big one without the express line), and if the crowds aren't crazy then the extra money may not be worth the time saved.... especially if you are planning multiple days in the parks anyways. I know when I went in November of last year that I pretty much walked onto most rides w/o any express access, so MAYBE, out of the 2 lazy days I spent I may have saved 2hrs if i had FOTL access. (10min here, 5min there, etc).

Someone more familiar with the February crowds might be able to tell you if the lines are traditionally long enough during that time of year to give any significant time savings with express access.


A Couple other important things to consider. You can always buy an Express pass after you've gotten to the park. Since Universal uses a sliding pricing structure however, it may be more expensive, but you'll know that there is potential value in it for you. Also, for some rides with Express lines, you may bypass some of the theming in the queue.

There are also several rides with Single rider lines that can be as fast as the express pass line. If actually riding together is not that high a priority for your group, you can save the time and money by using the single rider lines. Your group will stay together in the line and only be split while riding.

 

[bubba's mom]

It also includes park admission so you wouldn't have to purchase any additional park tickets.

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure you have to purchase park admission seperately from VIP Tour. I don't think park admission is included.

 

[damo]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure you have to purchase park admission seperately from VIP Tour. I don't think park admission is included.

There is a VIP tour and VIP tickets (which is just unlimited express). VIP tickets include admission, VIP tour doesn't.

VIP tour: http://www.universalorlando.com/Tic...entId=1173&SourcePageId=8986?intsrch=vip tour

VIP tickets: http://www.universalorlando.com/Tic...s.aspx?ComponentId=14000&SourcePageId=10802#1

 

[lamb616]

Ok, after researching:


Regular 2-day adult pass is $135.

VIP 2 day pass is $263-$290 (non-peak or peak). That includes admission to the park.

Express Pass Plus is an additional $26-$70 (depending on date).

So a person staying on site gets in the same line as someone with the Express Pass?

If the only difference between the EPP & VIP is 1 ride vs. unlimited rides, then I will just go with the EPP. I thought maybe with VIP you didn't even have to wait in the Express line. (wishful thinking, lol).

 

[damo]

Ok, after researching:


Regular 2-day adult pass is $135.

VIP 2 day pass is $263-$290 (non-peak or peak). That includes admission to the park.

Express Pass Plus is an additional $26-$70 (depending on date).

If the only difference between the EPP & VIP is 1 ride vs. unlimited rides, then I will just go with the EPP. I thought maybe with VIP you didn't even have to wait in the Express line. (wishful thinking, lol).

That is the VIP tour that you get true front of the line access. http://www.universalorlando.com/Tic...entId=1173&SourcePageId=8986?intsrch=vip tour

 

[bubba's mom]

okay...so i was half right!