Express Pass

[KEW]

Considering adding this on during a trip the week after Christmas. Will not be staying onsite. I've read that you can get this at either front gate. Is this just where I would enter with a regular ticket (which I will purchase ahead of time and planning to print at home) or is there a separate line to redeem/receive the express pass? (also what does it look like? A separate credit card-size card or something on a lanyard) I'm wondering how much extra time it will take us if there's a fingerprint or picture involved.

Or...will the express pass just be a print-out (similar to when purchasing a park ticket that I print at home)?

Reason I'm not staying onsite is that it will be in the middle of a Disney trip (already paid for) and not sure if I want to spend the time getting entire family over to a universal resort to check in to get a room key and then check out, etc. even if that'll give us early entry (not sure we will be up to it after rope dropping and staying late for night shows at Disney)...also another reason I'm considering express pass...not as big of a rush to get there extra, extra early if my family can't do it.

Also...anyone have any comments suggestions on getting Express Pass (1-time each attraction) versus unlimited express pass.

I've read on Universal's site that HP stuff has express pass privileges but have read (maybe older info) some sites where HP wasn't included. I'm going to assume that HP is included since it's listed as participating on Universal's site.

 

[chs27]

You can buy express pass at most shops inside Universal. Harry Potter is included.

You can wait to see how the crowds are to see which express pass works better for you.

 

[gotomu212]

For your 1-time use vs unlimited question I think it comes down to how you plan to see the parks.

If you want to try everything than I think the 1-time ride is fine. If you’re someone who wants to ride only some rides than I think unlimited is the way to go.

 

[bumbershoot]

Reason I'm not staying onsite is that it will be in the middle of a Disney trip (already paid for) and not sure if I want to spend the time getting entire family over to a universal resort to check in to get a room key and then check out, etc. even if that'll give us early entry (not sure we will be up to it after rope dropping and staying late for night shows at Disney)...also another reason I'm considering express pass...not as big of a rush to get there extra, extra early if my family can't do it.

Have you looked at the hours for that time to make sure it’s THAT early that they can’t do it?

You don’t need to check out btw. Just like at Disney that’s an unnecessary thing nowadays.

For me it would be a money thing. If the money made a room onsite worth it, and unlimited worked for us, my family would be getting up.

 

[bchbetha]

You could always shorten your Disney trip and do the last night or 2 at Universal. Sure, no Magic Express to the airport but an Uber or Lyft will run you about $15-20 (and you’re on your own schedule).

 

[KEW]

Have you looked at the hours for that time to make sure it’s THAT early that they can’t do it?

You don’t need to check out btw. Just like at Disney that’s an unnecessary thing nowadays.

For me it would be a money thing. If the money made a room onsite worth it, and unlimited worked for us, my family would be getting up.

Welp. I booked a room after calling Universal and verifying that I can check-in after 7 a.m. and get a temporary room key to use to get our Express Pass to use that day. It was actually cheaper to get a room then getting the one-time Universal Express passes for my entire family.

Thanks. I think it will help knowing that I don't need to physically check out.

I think with the unlimited express pass, I won't be in a rush to get here early (probably won't take advantage of early entry...unless family decides to skip Happily Ever After planned for the night before) and knowing that we'll still get to do everything. Our first stop, oddly, will be Pteranodon Flyers, because you can't use Express Pass on that.

If I change my mind...I do have until December 20 to cancel the room.

 

[KEW]

You could always shorten your Disney trip and do the last night or 2 at Universal. Sure, no Magic Express to the airport but an Uber or Lyft will run you about $15-20 (and you’re on your own schedule).

If I could do the planning all over again...I would try to fly out 2 or so days earlier! And do Universal first.

We have a Disney package booked. Right now, with it falling on Christmas week...I just don't have the energy to even try to cancel package, rebook for a shorter hotel stay at Disney (though still want the same amount of park days)...especially with all our FP+ booked.

 

[gotomu212]

Our first stop, oddly, will be Pteranodon Flyers, because you can't use Express Pass on that.

If I change my mind...I do have until December 20 to cancel the room.

Just a note on Pteranodon Flyers in case you didn’t know - it’s billed as a kids ride and if you’re over 56 inches you must have a kid with you, and it’s ONLY one adult per kid (so a family with 1 kid has to pick mom or dad to ride with them). I’ve seen them turn away older kids that exceed the 56 inches. So it kinda stinks if you have a family with younger and older kids and have to figure out who can and can’t go.

 

[KEW]

Just a note on Pteranodon Flyers in case you didn’t know - it’s billed as a kids ride and if you’re over 56 inches you must have a kid with you, and it’s ONLY one adult per kid (so a family with 1 kid has to pick mom or dad to ride with them). I’ve seen them turn away older kids that exceed the 56 inches. So it kinda stinks if you have a family with younger and older kids and have to figure out who can and can’t go.

Bummer! *I* wanted to do it lol.