Help for those who stay off-site

[CtryCome2Twn]

Are there many of you that stay off-site when visiting US/IOA? Most of the trip reports are from those who stay on-site. Due to the cost we are renting a home for the week of our visit in early November. Is there any advice for those of us who will not have a FOTL pass? We will also NOT be buying the other "pass" to get on rides faster.

Just wanted to hear about getting around the park without any front of the line passes.

We will also be buying the five day two park tickets. Traveling with two kids ages 7 and 5.

Thanks to anyone who cares to respond. Your advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[tinaluis]

We've never stayed on-site and usually visit the parks at non-peak times, e.g., October, November, late-January, February, May. As with any other park, weekends are usually more crowded than weekdays, but the parks are definitely doable in early November without FOTL or special passes, even on the weekends. Express passes are still available to you for free with your park tickets, just not a booklet of them or a room key-type deal. Have fun!

 

[PattiPB]

Beginning of Nov you should be just fine!!! Get there when they open and stay until closing (which will be early at that time!), and you'll have a great time!

I understand how it seems like EVERYBODY is onsite---I feel that way when reading the WDW boards! LOL!!! We rented a house in June, 2001 and did WDW without early entry, and it was just fine! In 2001 my kids were 7, 5 and 3, and having the house was wonderful!!! The extra space, kitchen and washer/dryer were very helpful!

Use the FREE Express Pass to do the "biggies" and enjoy!

Patti

 

[highlander447]

Last year we went late sept and used the free express tickest u get from machine we had a great time no, problems

 

[robvia]

I drive up from Plantation FL many times during the year and stay off site in the cheap www.hojo.com hotel. In fact, I'm going tomorrow (Thursday - Saturday) July 31 - August 1st. Look for my TR next week, I'll be sure to put (offiste) in the heading. My TR from March already scrolled off the board.

My tricks. I arrive to the parking garage at 8am. That means I wake up at 2am and drive the 3.5 hours from Plantation thru the night.
For this visit, I'll hit Shrek first (haven't done it yet), then Neutron, then single rider line of MIB.
At IOA, it's front seat of Hulk, Dr. Doom, Spiderman, go back to Hulk and get an express pass for noon, Rip Saw Falls, Popeye, JPRA, Deuling Dragons, Hulk (using express pass), Dr. Doom using single rider line. Spiderman also has a single rider line, but I hit that first thing in the morning.
In the afternoon (1pm - 5pm), I leave, go to the hotel, take a nap, then come back at night. The afternoon is chrunch time at the parks, plus it's hot. Night time still has lines, but at least it's not hot.

The biggest piece of advice I have is to be at the gate by 08:15am, get in line at the gate, and be first into the park.
And use single rider lines. So what if you're split up for the ride itself. You'll be together in the line, and most of the time, you end up in the same train or car.

 

[MrsMud]

I have been wondering the same thing. We are going the first week of Oct., staying offsite, and I am really getting nervous about the reduction of free Express passes. I don't want to spend an extra $50 a day (5 of us), if I did I would be going to WDW (LOL)! I'm just hoping that the parks won't be too crowded and the Express passes won't run out too early.

 

[dturner]

Originally posted by MrsMud
I have been wondering the same thing. We are going the first week of Oct., staying offsite, and I am really getting nervous about the reduction of free Express passes. I don't want to spend an extra $50 a day (5 of us), if I did I would be going to WDW (LOL)! I'm just hoping that the parks won't be too crowded and the Express passes won't run out too early.

I'm wondering also - I'll be there from Sept. 28 - Oct. 2, will we be able to do everything without FOTL passes which we won't have for staying offsite?

In other words, how crowded is US/IOA this time of year? Sorry, but I haven't been since it opened in the 80's and I need to be prepared.

 

[highlander447]

Last year it was a great time to visit we hardly had a wait at all its not quiet but certainly no where near big crowds

 

[Robinrs]

Despite our "titles" and our signatures.. ... Barry Hom and I stay offsite MOST of the time.

I have been to USF 10 times in the past year and only stayed onsite twice!

The trip reports give very valuable information for those who want to know more about the three Loews resorts. BUT the trip reports board existed before the first onsite hotel was built!

I was at Universal last week and stayed offsite at the Embassy Grand Beach. I happen to love suites and canNOT afford the suites offsite! I got the $20 express passes because it was JULY and I'd be a fool not to!

I've also stayed at vacation homes and took the drive to USF everyday. Early November is a great time of year to go down. You will probably not even need the free Universal express passes!

Have a great trip!