Headed to Universal mid September crowds and express pass questions.

[neverenoughtime]

We are headed to Universal Studios Florida and are staying at the Hard Rock mid September for 3 nights before our Disney trip. We have not been to Universal in over 12 years. How are the crowds at universal during September? Also, how do we receive the express passes for staying at the Hard Rock? Any tips and pointers would be helpful.
thank you.

 

[CPanther95]

Your Hard Rock room key is your Express Pass.

 

[neverenoughtime]

Your Hard Rock room key is your Express Pass.

Thank you, so no express pass until room is ready? Also when they scan the room key it shows how many are in your party?

 

[CPanther95]

You get the room keys even if the room isn't ready yet. All members in your party get their own key.

... which is why many people opt for lanyards.

 

[skylock]

Every person booked into the room will get their own room key which will act as the express pass and the early entry ticket. I suggest a cheap lanyard to carry them in.

Whatever the crowds are, it will not really matter with the express pass.

 

[skylock]

My only tip would be to try to switch around and do universal last on your visit. It is hard to get into fast passes after having the freedom of express pass. Universal with express pass is so much more relaxing that doing disney. Good way to end your vacation.

 

[bedientes]

I was at Universal last year the weekend after Labor Day. It was deader than I've ever seen Universal over my 2-3 trips a year for the last 3 years. I think the crowds will be low for you. I had Express from staying at Portofino, but there were times we got in the Express line and it truly was not any shorter than standby, especially if there was an early merge point. The lower crowds are just nice for getting through the park, especially in the Wizarding World where it can be quite crowded usually.

You can check in as early in the day as you want (7 am even!) in order to get your room key/express pass. They will text you when your room is ready. And yes, a lanyard with a card holder is very handy for express passes. I think Universal sells them for $10-15.