Hi............
FOTL is a PERK for onsite guest. It gives them front of the line access to ALL rides at both parks. EXCLUDING Nickelodeon, Slimetime, etc. in that area. FOTL guest get to go into the "express" line, and in a lot of cases have to wait also, however the wait is considerably less, some times NO wait at all. It is FANTASTIC, especially when the park is crowded, and I for one LOVED it, and will never go again without staying onsite.
With that said, anyone else can get into the regular lines and still ride......... OR get an express book which allows you to use fotl once for each ride in the book............ others would have to help you out with this, as we didn't do that. OR you can use your ticket to get 1 fotl express pass, for 1 particular ride, and your pass must be used at the time listed on it. i.e. say you get E.T. and the time printed on the pass is 1:00, you need to be at the express ride line at 1:00 to show the attendant your ticket, then you get to go on. Usually very very little wait...... it is express after all.
It really does pay to familiarize yourself with all the options avail. because it can and does get confusing. BUT, if you can stay onsite, that is the BEST way to go, you get fotl all day everyday of your stay, and you can use it as many times as you want...... over and over and over again............ it is fantastic!!!!!
Have a wonderful trip no matter which way you do it...... you'll have a blast!!!!