Going Next Week - Couple of Questions

[roma1625]

Going to Orlando next week and I have a few questions about Universal:

1. Do I understand correctly that there are no free Express Passes at all? If you want them, you have to buy them? And the ones you buy are only good for one ride on each attraction per day?

2. Are there any websites with crowd calendars for Universal like they have for Disney? If not, what is a good way of determining the best days (least crowded) to go? Just trying to figure out our Disney days vs Universal days.

3. Any other advice is much appreciated.

 

[Metro West]

Going to Orlando next week and I have a few questions about Universal:

1. Do I understand correctly that there are no free Express Passes at all? If you want them, you have to buy them? And the ones you buy are only good for one ride on each attraction per day?

2. Are there any websites with crowd calendars for Universal like they have for Disney? If not, what is a good way of determining the best days (least crowded) to go? Just trying to figure out our Disney days vs Universal days.

3. Any other advice is much appreciated.

1.) You are correct on your understanding of Express Plus passes. Since you're going before Potter, you probably won't even need them next week. They can be purchased at either park should you get concerned about the wait times.

2.) Usually you can look at the hours to determine which times are best for the shortest crowds. It's usually pretty slow until Memorial Day weekend so you should be good for crowds and if you go during the week...even better.

3.) Get there at opening at due what you can before the crowds start arriving around 11am or so. You can always purchase the EP if you think the lines are getting too long.

 

[Jonny_Duck]

http://secure.universalstudios.com/MobileWeb/ParkMenu.aspx

You can check out that site during the day and see what the ride lengths are like and it may help you decide which day.

Also the EP goes up by how they expect the crowds to be so if EP prices are low then they expect lines to not be too bad. You can check prices of those on Universal site.

Have a nice trip.

 

[yakadi]

Hi! We are going next week also!!!

The Pass price on the US website for next week is $19.99. According to everyone's trip reports...and a girl I've been following on Twitter that is there this week...and the US website, next week is supposed to be a sloooow week ~ so no need for the pass so far! We are planning to wait and see ~ if the line gets long then you can purchase them in the stores.

My tip would be to buy the souvenir drink glass for $7 and then refills are only 79 cents!

 

[christophfam]

If you stay onsite (at one of the Universal hotels), you'll have unlimited access to the express lines. Stay one night and you'll get two days of express with your room stay. Check in day and check out day - all day.

 

[roma1625]

Thanks for all of the advice. If we go at a busy period next time we will probably stay on site for at least one night.

I'm not too worried because I think it's going to be a slow week also.