Express Pass

[Shay212]

Hi there I found a great package deal but they don't offer Royal Pacific in the package - only Sapphire Falls. I am planning on traveling from July 23-27 do you think I will need the express pass at that time? And would someone know if I could add on express passes to my tickets if I get there and its busy and we decide we want to add on? Anyone know the price of EP if I already have park to park tickets? Thanks so much in advance!

 

[skylock]

Yes, you can add in after you are at the parks. They have signs up everywhere. I don't know if you would need it for those dates but EP is Around $100 a day per person depending on the going rate for the day.

 

[bchbetha]

It can be as high as $140 per person per day. Royal Pacific or other deluxe will likely come in cheaper because you get Express Passes from check in to check out day with 1 night.

 

[pattyw]

Sapphire Falls is beautiful! We just returned from a stay there.

If you have 3 or 4 park days, you may be fine without EP. I would go with no EP the first day and see how the crowds are and what you can accomplish. Get there early, check out the wait times either at the park where they have signs or on the phone app. A couple of rides have virtual lines that you can reserve- Fast & Furious, Jimmy Fallon. They have single rider lines at some rides- that will reduce your wait time significantly if those work for your party. The waits diminish the couple of hours before closing as well.

Then, you can always add on EP for a day to experience those attractions that you couldn't the other days.

 

[Shay212]

Thanks so much everyone for your advice and info. Really appreciate it

 

[ClapYourHands]

If you go early in the morning (make use of the early entry for Harry Potter), and plan your big rides for first thing in the morning or later in the evening, you should be fine. Universal isn't THAT big, so over a period of 4 days you should be able to see and do everything you want, if you're a bit strategic in your planning.

Maybe catch a performance or two when ride lines get really long. There are always areas with manageable crowds, if you move away from the headliners. We happened up on the Jurassic Park playground, not planning to stay long, but my kids had a blast with the water guns mounted there, and got completely soaked (which might be fantastic in late July). Also, we found the wand ceremony lines were always really long at Olivander's early in the day, as people wanted to get their wands and start working the magic windows. However, there was no wait by mid afternoon, so it's a great attraction to visit when ride lines get excessive. Since you have multiple days, you wouldn't need to get your wands immediately.

Also, Universal is so compact that it's really easy to go back to the hotel midday for a swim or some downtime when the crowds are at peak. Disney transportation can make going back a hassle, but it's very simple at Universal. Universal also allows pool hopping, so you could try a different one each day.

 

[bumbershoot]

Hi there I found a great package deal but they don't offer Royal Pacific in the package

Check prices for room-only (and buying tickets separately) to be sure it’s as great a deal as you feel it is.

 

[DrummerBoy523]

I almost bought a "package" but actually got a better deal buying a room at the Royal Pacific (which includes EP) and then getting my tix through Undercover Tourist. Ended up saving $100 for a 3 night package over the "package" deal that was offered to me.

 

[obbut]

I personally don't ever want to go to Univeral without Express Pass-it is just too awesome. I'd sacrifice the package and stay at Royal Pacific or whatever of the three hotels that offer express is cheapest.

 

[Shay212]

Thanks everyone for the advice - its really helpful!!

 

[pattyw]

Thanks everyone for the advice - its really helpful!!

Please come back and share the details of your vacation!! Enjoy!!

 

[Liljo22]

Hi there I found a great package deal but they don't offer Royal Pacific in the package - only Sapphire Falls. I am planning on traveling from July 23-27 do you think I will need the express pass at that time? And would someone know if I could add on express passes to my tickets if I get there and its busy and we decide we want to add on? Anyone know the price of EP if I already have park to park tickets? Thanks so much in advance!

You can buy them at the park but I would look into not going with the package and staying in RP. The unlimited EP while you are there is $159 per day per person while the limited on is $138 per day per person. Its outrageous and can add a lot to your trip.

 

[macraven]

Shay if you plan on going in July, book your room now

Prices for hotels can increase if the demand is high