Help with US/IOA

[lisatx04]

We will be going to Disney this June. Have our trip booked, including hotel and flights. Will be taking DD17, DS 15 and DD best friend, 18. Now they say they want to go to Universal. I am not opposed,however I know nothing about US or IOA. What I can say is that the girls are ride lovers! Staying on property is not an option since I already have my nights booked at Disney.

Should I go to US or IOA? Since we have never been to either, I can be at the park when it opens and stay until it closes. Would it be better to go to both parks over a 2 day period? I will have a rental car so transportation is not a problem. We are not Harry Potter fans, so I do not expect that this will be a major draw to us if this makes a difference.

Thanks for your help!

 

[fcole12369]

If you can do both, I would. My kids are teens and ride lovers as well and they now prefer Universal to Disney for rides. And even if you aren't Potter fans, the rides there are definitely worth the time.

 

[RMulieri]

Both parks are worth it , but you will need more than one day.I dont recommend trying to cram both into one day unless you plan on skipping alot and have express passes.Keep in mind...One day tickets are not going to be cheap ( just like disney they just got a price increase), so it will be costly for one day.Much like Disney, the prices get cheaper the more days you stay..June is going to be busy.The further you go into June the busier it gets.I know you said Harry Potter is not a draw for your family, but for many it is, and with that said,The expansion is set to open this summer at the studios, possibly Mid-June.This will PACK the parks and make it busier than normal busy summers .It is doable as long as you 1) get to the parks well before rope drop with tickets in hand.People that stay onsite and at partner hotels get early entry to Harry Potter, so when the parks open to the public , there will be PLENTY of people already in the park and moving into other sections of the park by then.2) know what you want to see and be prepared to head there 3) DO NOT discount Harry Potter.The current Potter attraction is one of the best rides out there and MANY people love it ,even those who are not Potter fans and have never seen a movie or read a book. 4) there is no Free version of express pass .All rides and shows at Universal have express pass except 3 ( Harry potter Forbidden Journey,Ollivanders wands, and Pteranodon flyers).Express pass is kind of like fastpass in that it gives you access to a shorter wait, but Unlike Disney, there is no set return times .Unlimited express is what onsite guests get and it can be used over and over .You can purchase it, but it is costly and the cost goes up with the projected crowd levels ( onsite resort guests get the unlimited version free).The pruchased pass is good for ONE ride per attraction.The price would be in addition to the ticket cost.If you are interested in purchasing, wait till you get to the parks to see if it is needed.They are non-refunable , PARK AND DATE SPECIFIC.Without express, expect wait times during the day to be 60 mins and up ( express pass is not immediate, but less than 15 mins and often less to none).We were there in August and wait times in standby were 60-90 mins almost all day( except for a short time after opening ) for most of the most popular attractions.

 

[nfceagles]

You could also book one night in their cheapest room that accommodates your party of 5 and get free unlimited express pass for everybody for the day of check-in and check-out even if you don't actually stay there.

 

[RMulieri]

You could also book one night in their cheapest room that accommodates your party of 5 and get free unlimited express pass for everybody for the day of check-in and check-out even if you don't actually stay there.

EXCEPT at the new Moderate/Value , Cabana BAy.They will NOT offer the Express pass for resort guests, but will have early entry

 

[glocon]

If you do go the route of getting a room for one night for the express passes, even if you don't stay there, in June it will be a nice place to have some down time. All three of the resorts are between a 10-15 minute walk, or a quick boat ride away. If you are one of those families who like to do the parks in the morning, take an afternoon swim break, then go back to the parks in the evening, you will really enjoy one of the resorts that offer the express pass. All three are very deluxe according to WDW standards, close to parks, have great pools and places to eat and shop, and can make your visit much more pleasant. One night booked at a UO resort gives you two days of express passes. And you can use the pool for both days also.

It is not cheap, but can make your park experience sooo much better.

 

[lisatx04]

Thanks for your replies. Being a Disney family, we know nothing about US/IOA. Express pass I have absolutely no knowledge of so thank you for your description.

Here is what I am thinking now...I am now thinking of staying onsite at one of the US hotels midweek for one night. That will get me 2 day use of express pass, correct? We should be able to do all the major rides plus other attractions in 2 days I would think. My daughter now says she wants to ride the HP ride.

So, now I need hotel suggestions. We are 4 people. Should I buy my tickets before arriving at the resort or wait until I get there? Any help is greatly appreciated! Going the end of June.

 

[damo]

Thanks for your replies. Being a Disney family, we know nothing about US/IOA. Express pass I have absolutely no knowledge of so thank you for your description.

Here is what I am thinking now...I am now thinking of staying onsite at one of the US hotels midweek for one night. That will get me 2 day use of express pass, correct? We should be able to do all the major rides plus other attractions in 2 days I would think. My daughter now says she wants to ride the HP ride.

So, now I need hotel suggestions. We are 4 people. Should I buy my tickets before arriving at the resort or wait until I get there? Any help is greatly appreciated! Going the end of June.

Buy your tickets before you go. Multi-day tickets are $20 cheaper online at www.universalorlando.com than at the gate. I think Undercover TOurist still has the old prices. I'd suggest Hard Rock in a deluxe 2 queen room since it comes with a pullout couch.

 

[lisatx04]

What exactly is an express pass? Is it paper or is it added to the ticket?
So if I buy my ticket online, do I have to check into my hotel before heading to the park so I can get the express pass?

Sorry for all the questions but you guys are so helpful!!

 

[Hug the Mouse]

What exactly is an express pass? it is a separate line for guests of Loews hotels, and those that pay for ExperssIs it paper or is it added to the ticket?when you check int your hotel, you then take your room key and insert it into a kiosk across the lobby, then take a selfie...then the kiosk prints out a paper express pass which s scanned at the entry of Express line at each eligible ride
So if I buy my ticket online, do I have to check into my hotel before heading to the park so I can get the express pass?you need to check into the hotel first to get room key and be able to obtain your express pass

Sorry for all the questions but you guys are so helpful!!

Here right now and having a great time.

 

[Metro West]

What exactly is an express pass? Is it paper or is it added to the ticket?
So if I buy my ticket online, do I have to check into my hotel before heading to the park so I can get the express pass?

Sorry for all the questions but you guys are so helpful!!

Express Passes are like FastPasses except much easier to use. There is no planning or reserving times. The EP you purchase is good for one time through the line at all participating attractions but the unlimited EP comes with your room when you stay onsite (except for the Cabana Bay Beach Hotel). You can also purchase an unlimited Express that works like the hotel EP but it's only for the day. An EP is a separate ticket purchased or unlimited (onsite perk) so they are not added to your theme park ticket. The EP you purchase will look like a regular ticket but the hotel unlimited EP is a pass with your photo on it. You will need to check in before getting the hotel EP.

 

[lisatx04]

Thanks for all the replies! I have decided to leave Disney midweek for a night and check in to a US onsite resort, so I can take advantage of the express pass. I know it will be June, and the parks will be crowded, but I am hoping that we will be able to do everything in 2 days by using the express pass. Also, by staying onsite, we will get early entry into something, but I am not sure what it is. Any ideas?

Since we will be spending most of our time in the parks, I am thinking of staying in the Royal Pacific. Any opinions?

I am trying to do my research but it just seems so overwhelming and it's only 2 days!!

Thanks!!