Express Pass Universal Studios question

[Nanceliz319]

How far in advance can you and should you buy the express passes to Universal? Any tips regarding these? Also, can you get one of the single use per attraction pass for a park to park?
Thank you!

 

[nkereina]

Save for maybe Christmas week and Spring Break, you don't really need to purchase EPs in advance. Many people here would even recommend waiting until you're there to purchase them to see if you even need them first - take a look at how wait times are, and only buy if you feel you need it.

To use at both parks, you need to purchase the two park EP. The prices vary depending on the date, but its roughly $10-$15 more per EP (per person) I believe. Volcano Bay EP is also separate.

Have you considered booking a room at one of the three onsite resorts that offers the unlimited EP? Its worth doing a price compare. You receive unlimited EP for both parks on your check in day and check out day, and all the days in between (if any). Often, people will stay just one night to take advantage of this. Or they will book a "throwaway" room where they book the room just for the EPs and do not stay there, because its cheaper than buying EPs.

 

[Chickinvic]

I would only buy one if I got there and it was extremely busy (long lines) and interfering with my enjoyment. I wouldn't purchase ahead since other people who have done this have kicked themselves for spending the money when it wasn't necessary once they got there.

 

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Yes, if I wasn't staying at one of the 3 deluxe hotels, I would go check out the standby/single rider lines in the parks first. You can always purchase express passes in the parks when you're there.

 

[Disxuni]

Yes, if I wasn't staying at one of the 3 deluxe hotels, I would go check out the standby/single rider lines in the parks first. You can always purchase express passes in the parks when you're there.

Yeah, the only other way of knowing would be depending on what time of the year it would be, because I would imagine buying ahead might help in the fact that you do not have to wait in order to get those EPs. However, there are very few times at the parks in which an EP is absolutely necessary.

That being said, being usually an APH when I go to the parks I often get there early, I just do the single rider thing / regular queues and it's fine. It may depend on what ride you're attempting to go on, but things usually do not get busier until a couple hours after opening. For one example, on average, starting at USF, without EE (but inside the park and waiting in the Hollywood area with a TM making sure we do not go further), I can do 5-6 attractions (occasional re-rides) by 12-1pm, if I stay between 1-2 I add on the Horror Make Up Show / a quick bite at QS place.

 

[ELSA711]

We are going in February and have stayed at all 3 deluxe resorts during the summer as we like EP that comes at those resorts. My question is staying 2/7/20-2/15/20 does experience and past visits show an EP is needed? I would love to stay @ Sapphire Falls and not in the budget for EP per day for family of 5

 

[Disxuni]

We are going in February and have stayed at all 3 deluxe resorts during the summer as we like EP that comes at those resorts. My question is staying 2/7/20-2/15/20 does experience and past visits show an EP is needed? I would love to stay @ Sapphire Falls and not in the budget for EP per day for family of 5

I would say EP is unnecessary, especially considering the amount of time you'll be staying at the resort. February is part of the slower season, no major holidays that typically bring crowds, and the dates are nowhere near spring break. The only time during the whole week I can see a difference in days is the weekend / Valentine's day (since it's on a Friday), but other than a usual slight difference since people have Sat/Sun off (due to work/school) and Valentine's would be date night, nothing that screams you'll need an EP.

If anything, if there is a day in which it is bizarrely busy and the wait times seem high to you, you can always get an EP for that day. I don't know if that is within the budget, but it's just something you're aware of that you do not have to purchase the EPs for all five days. However, once again, I do not think it will be necessary, especially if you take advantage of EE.

 

[ELSA711]

I would say EP is unnecessary, especially considering the amount of time you'll be staying at the resort. February is part of the slower season, no major holidays that typically bring crowds, and the dates are nowhere near spring break. The only time during the whole week I can see a difference in days is the weekend / Valentine's day (since it's on a Friday), but other than a usual slight difference since people have Sat/Sun off (due to work/school) and Valentine's would be date night, nothing that screams you'll need an EP.

If anything, if there is a day in which it is bizarrely busy and the wait times seem high to you, you can always get an EP for that day. I don't know if that is within the budget, but it's just something you're aware of that you do not have to purchase the EPs for all five days. However, once again, I do not think it will be necessary, especially if you take advantage of EE.

Thank you! The only concerns I really had were that is Mardi Gras (never been during that time) and the weekend of 2/14-2/17 is Presidents Day. Not sure how busy the weekend days will be

 

[Disxuni]

Forgot about Mardi Gras, however I've been to the parks plenty of times on those days and they haven't been absolutely insane. Although, the performer of that day might make a difference. The concerts are only on the weekend, which goes along what I said about the weekends anyway. As for President's Day that weekend is at the end of your trip, so I have to admit you'll have an increase then, but I do not particular remember an experience of going on that weekend so I can't speak from experience, because If I went, I probably didn't realize.

Once again, it'd just do your thing, utilize EE, and even if not, typically the first few hours the majority of the park is relatively calm (WWoHP will be busier than other sections of the parks). You can always purchase the EP if it seems too busy in your opinion that day.

 

[nkereina]

We are going in February and have stayed at all 3 deluxe resorts during the summer as we like EP that comes at those resorts. My question is staying 2/7/20-2/15/20 does experience and past visits show an EP is needed? I would love to stay @ Sapphire Falls and not in the budget for EP per day for family of 5

I think the wait times will be manageable without EP, but I would still advise taking advantage of early entry and making a plan to do the headliner attractions first. Particularly towards the end of the week as you approach President's Day, and on any days there are Mardi Gras concerts or special events.

IMO, Express Pass enhances the overall experience of the trip. Not only does it allow you to not wait in the longer standby lines, but it allows you to sleep in, tour the parks at your leisure, and tour the parks in any order you wish. No need to have a strategy. When I think of it this way, it adds to the value for me. We always stay at a deluxe resort for this reason, even though we think we'd love Sapphire Falls.

 

[gramma4]

Save for maybe Christmas week and Spring Break, you don't really need to purchase EPs in advance. Many people here would even recommend waiting until you're there to purchase them to see if you even need them first - take a look at how wait times are, and only buy if you feel you need it.

To use at both parks, you need to purchase the two park EP. The prices vary depending on the date, but its roughly $10-$15 more per EP (per person) I believe. Volcano Bay EP is also separate.

Have you considered booking a room at one of the three onsite resorts that offers the unlimited EP? Its worth doing a price compare. You receive unlimited EP for both parks on your check in day and check out day, and all the days in between (if any). Often, people will stay just one night to take advantage of this. Or they will book a "throwaway" room where they book the room just for the EPs and do not stay there, because its cheaper than buying EPs.

May I ask about hotels unlimited EP’s? Are these specials that are limited ?

 

[CAPSLOCK]

May I ask about hotels unlimited EP’s? Are these specials that are limited ?

The top 3 hotels (Hard Rock, Royal Pacific, and Portofino Bay) include unlimited EPs for the length of your stay - including check-in and check-out days - for everyone in the room. It is a perk that comes with the room no matter how you book, for anyone staying at the hotel.

 

[schumigirl]

May I ask about hotels unlimited EP’s? Are these specials that are limited ?

If you have a reservation for either Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific or Hard Rock, regardless of who you book it through, you will have unlimited Express Pass........

You also get Early Entry which all hotels get.

It is worth it, for a one night stay you receive 2 full days with EP. Check in as early as 6am so your EP is valid from park opening until park close the second day.

 

[nkereina]

May I ask about hotels unlimited EP’s? Are these specials that are limited ?

PPs have it all covered. It can really make financial sense to either stay at one of those three resorts, or at least book a night there just for the EP perks if you have other lodging. Its often cheaper than purchasing EP separately for everyone in the party, since having a room for one night gives you two full days of EP (check in day and check out day).