Express Pass Question

[mydogpeanut]

Do you think it's worth buying the express pass ahead of time or do the kiosk's usually have plenty of passes available in the park? We're going in July and my DH, DD and DS do not like to wait in lines so I figure this will help out a bit. I've already warned them that there will be line waiting involved but thinking maybe this will at least cut down on it. Just wondering if it's worth it to purchase in advance??

Thnx

 

[phamton]

It's pretty crowded in July. Many of the more popular rides (Spider, Hulk, MIB, and Mummy) will probably run out of express by 11:00 AM. On the other hand the express pass plus will be rather expensive in July, probably around $35 per person.

 

[goofy!]

As Phamton said, the express + passes will be pretty pricey. If you have 4 people, that is going to be $140.00 - and that is just for one park (adding the second park is additional). Have you checked into getting a room at the RPR for the night? It might be more cost efficient. Even if you never move into it with suitcases and such - you have a place to go to relax and can take an afternoon swim break. And the bonus is you get unlimited FOTL for the entire day** you check in to park closing of the day you check out. And you can use your room key at both parks anytime. Much better than spending all that money for only 1 time per ride as the Express Plus Pass limits you to.

Just checked online - an express + pass for either IOA or US is $37.28 in July. Don't know how much the 2 park pass is, but I believe I read somewhere that it is an additional $10 - $20 depending on the date.

Rack rate for the RPR is $234 for a standard view / 2 queen (you can probably do better if you have AAA or find a discount).

So, if we do the math...
4x37.28 = 149.12. Say the second park is $15.00 per person - that is another 60.00 - total $209.12. For only $25.00 more you get unlimited FOTL for 2 days rather than 1 time per ride per park for one day.

And as Phamton said, July is very busy, so if you decide you want to ride something a second time, that 60 minute wait is going to seem much longer after you just stood in a 15 minute line

Just another option you can explore, especially if your family hates lines.

** If they implement the FOTL restrictions from last year - you will get 1x per ride before 3pm and unlimited for the 7 hours (3-10pm) after 3pm. Another great reason to have a room - during the hottest and most crowded part of the day - you can take a pool break!

 

[mydogpeanut]

wow great information. Thank you so much. I'll look into getting a room I think... just one question... sorry... what is RPR??? thx so much!!!!

 

[goofy!]

RPR is the Royal Pacific Resort - gorgeous resort, but the least expensive of the three that give you FOTL privileges.

Also, you will see people shorten the other two hotels that give you FOTL privs - so HRH would be the Hard Rock and PBH would be the Portofino.

 

[Bruce in PA]

We will be staying at Disney in August, but will be visiting USF/IOA for two days in August. There are six of us -- two adult couples and two teen boys.

We are thinking of getting a room at Universal for one night, strictly to take advantage of FOTL privileges on the two days we visit.

My question is this: is there anything that will restrict our ability to trade off the four room keys for FOTL among the six of us? I understand that usage is one person, one room key. But is there anything -- biometric or photo ID or anything else you can think of -- that would prevent us from trading off the room keys among ourselves?

 

[phamton]

You won't have any problem trading off. In fact, some years, all of the room keys have had just my nmame on them. There's no biometrics or photos. they just scan the card. you might get a funny look when Johnny uses Mary's card but I doubt it. Most never even look at the name nor would they care.

 

[mbcp]

bruce in PA - just an FYI about getting keys for your group. You actually are able to have 5 people in a room I believe so you would have 5 keys for FOTL not 4. All the standard rooms allow 5 people. Don't know if this helps at all with your planning.

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

My son was the key master for our trip. He put a lanyard around his neck that held all of the room keys. he pulled them out when it was necessary and put them away when they were not. Universal had no idea which room key belonged to whom. It was so nice not having to dig for them every time we needed them.

Just an extra thing to put out there. Customer service at both parks offers lanyard for only 3 dollars each/ nothing fancy put were great to have. We bought 2 one for passes and one for room keys.

Kimberly

 

[3Mousketeers]

Obvious newbie question here - do you just flash the room key to get into the FOTL line or do you run it through some kind of machine? how big are the keys? Was it cumbersome for your son to keep all of them? My kids would fight over who got to be the keeper so I'm thinking we spring for a lanyard for each kid to keep track of his key. It seems like such a better idea than having to constantly dig them out of your pocket or purse.

 

[rangebob]

It really depends on the ride. Some of them they scan your room key (about the size of a CC) others you just show them your key and they will let you into the Express line.