Express pass...sometimes cheaper morning of?

[Sophie_2003]

hello again,

So we decided on a one day, no express pass for our universal first time in Orlando. When I look at my date, the cost to upgrade to an express pass is $100 per adult. Can someone tel me if these are sometimes sold for less at the turnstiles in the morning of your specific day?

And we have rented a house with friends, so getting a hotel is not worth it at this time.

Besides the cost, I am also worried about buying a specific day, and what if we need to change our minds...?

Tks in advance...I have a Disney phd but just starting my kindergarden year of Usf/IOA!

 

[HM]

It's more likely to cost the same or more.

I've never bought them when staying offsite. You'll stand in more lines but you should be able to do most of what you want. Get there early.

 

[macraven]

the prices of the express pass will vary and change.

if uo expects a large crowd in the park, they will adjust the ep price and increase it.
so if you see the price at $79 for one park on a specific day, and buy it then, you are set for your date in the park.

if that price you bought at is adjusted later to a higher price, no problems.
you saved some money by getting it ahead of any price increase.
you are all set to go and no increase of fees for you on that ep.

if you know you will be in a park on a specific date and you think the ep price is high, buy it then.
the prices do not come down.

one issue you will face is the weather.
if you have the ep and it pours rain the day you are there, crowds can thin out.
you might not need the ep after all then.
it's a gamble you have to take.

the ep are date and park related with no refunds.

be sure of the date and the park before you buy.

if you plan to do both parks, you can buy the 2 park ep for your day.
that would come out cheaper.

look at the website for the purchasing of the eps.
one park might have a cheaper price for the ep while the other is higher.
average it out to determine if you should go for the i day 2 park ep

 

[Sophie_2003]

Tks for the replies. I guess we will see...I know only having one day is the least financially viable option, but we will tough it out and stand in some lines. I am a bit skeptical of my touring plan that tells me even with a 7am early entry we should ride minions and rip ride at 8:00 with minimal waits, but they've never steered me wrong at Disney, so here's hoping they're right on at USF.

Or, I will win the lottery and spend $500 for a park to park day with unlimited express...lol

 

[johde]

I am a bit skeptical of my touring plan that tells me even with a 7am early entry we should ride minions and rip ride at 8:00 with minimal waits, but they've never steered me wrong at Disney, so here's hoping they're right on at USF.

Or, I will win the lottery and spend $500 for a park to park day with unlimited express...lol

On the one hand, first thing in the morning is the best time to ride DM and HRRR. So, in that respect, I think the touring plan is right. As far as having minimal wait, you're probably pretty good their also. The 7:00 Early Entry is only for onsite and package guests, and only Diagon Alley and DM are open during Early Entry. Most of the people use their EE for Diagon Alley because they have Express Passes. In early January, when I slept in and got to the parks at the end of EE (I was staying at Cabana Bay so I didn't have Express Passes), I only needed to wait for the next show of Despicable Me went up in the First preshow area (where you got your glasses and and got separated into rows), There is then a second preshow room before final boarding. This was also a 9:00 opening. I've not been to USF since the metal detectors were installed so I'm not sure how much they will slow thing down at HRRR. But, after Despicable Me, I waiting no more than 10 minutes for HRRR.