First trip to Universal!

[peanut12392]

We are going to Unviversal for the first time in early June. We will only be able to spend one day. Is it worth it to buy the express option for our tickets? (We will not be staying at a Universal resort). It will be very expensive for the 4 of us (kids are 13, and 11), but since we can only go for one day I don't want to miss anything!
Thanks for any help!

 

[sha_lyn]

I wouldn't bother with it. They have Universal Express machines that are like the FP machines at WDW. Arrive early and hit the popular attractions first. Are you doing IOA, US or both?

 

[peanut12392]

We are only going to have time to do US. We are all very excited about this trip, and since I have never been there I didn't know what to expect. We have always gone to WDW at this time of year and never had problems riding everything we wanted to see, especially using the FP system. I didn't know Universal had something similar that anyone could use!!
Thanks for the help!

 

[the kabuki]

Arrive early, arrive early, arrive early. Did I say arrive early? Like right when park opens. We were able to hit all the big attractions by 11 or so. Didn't need any express passes at all. Just went 2 weeks ago, noticed the park gets really busy about 11/12pm. Then you can get to everything you missed. BTW, I know your kids are older, but you should really go visit the Grinch in his lair over in the kids' area. He's a riot, spends lots of time with you, makes all sorts of funny remarks, especially with the older kids. I mention it because most would pass this up, but it was one of the things my kids still talk about.

 

[phamton]

BTW, I know your kids are older, but you should really go visit the Grinch in his lair over in the kids' area.

I may be mistaken but I believe he is only there seasonally before, during, and shortly after the Christmas season.

 

[the kabuki]

Oh, I didn't realize it was a seasonal thing-yea, I guess the Grinch/Christmas ,it probably would be. He was good though, best character interaction anywhere.

 

[Immelman]

the Grinch's lair went away after Jan 8th, but that's IOA, a different park. the main theme of the thread continues to be to have your family in line at 8:30 AM, tickets in hand, and ready to beat the crowd.

 

[peanut12392]

Thank-you all for your help. They are telling me it would cost 37.50 each to add the express option to our tickets! I think I'll skip it. We are going on a Thursday, and getting there early will not be a problem!