express passes or not

[Jim Gordon]

My family and I will be at Universal durring the Celebration of Harry Potter Jan 27-29. We are staying off property at a Disney hotel. Do you think we should spend the extra money for the express passes for those three days? The difference in cost is about $650 for the 3 of us for three days. Thanks to all for any insight.

 

[wookiebeck]

You can buy the EP as an add-on at any time by going to customer service. If you get there and lines are out of control, pull the trigger. And they will be date-specific so you do not have to buy one each day. Maybe save a day without for all the shows and rides that don't normally have long waits.

 

[AJ1983]

Is staying onsite at Universal for one night an option? Its typically about $279/night at RPR and all 3 of you would get express pass for 2 full days.

 

[bumbershoot]

Are you going *for* the Celebration? If so, much of your day might be spent doing the workshops etc involved, and you might not have much value from the EP.

 

[Catvondita]

I'm not sure about the celebration but on a normal summer trip to universal I've never waited more than 20-40 ins for a ride. I'm usually able to do both parks in one day if I go to park opening and leave around 5 or 6. Keep in mind we don't do everything just the things we think are the best. Usually skipping Despicable Me, The Simpsons, Poseidon's Fury, ET etc.

 

[Jim Gordon]

We have tried to grt a hotel , but according to the Universal website they are all sold out.

 

[Parker Clan]

That's a bummer, I always advise to stay on site for the EP benefits
I also only visit in summer and typically the waits aren't too long but who knows during the Celebration

 

[macraven]

This past week I booked at rpr for 2/3 at the rate of $209
It is the weekend rate/friday

Weekdays are less

Have you recently checked the UO hotel rates lately?

Stay the first few nights at Disney and the last night at rpr if the price is right

Free ep the day you check in and out at the deluxe hotels

Play with the numbers and see which is best economic for you

Would be sweet to stay all the nights at UO and not have to deal with daily transportation back to wdw each evening
It would also be a time saver for you

 

[macraven]

Never mind my suggestions
Must have skipped over the threads above here