hotel express pass

[disneyleslie]

Hi All:

We just got back from a weekend at Portofino Bay - we are actually DVC members but decided to stay at Portofino due to the access to FOL. It was awesome - I can't imagine not staying on site - lines were literally 60-90 min. long and we were on in 10-15 min. - sometimes shorter - we were so spoiled - it is an incredible system. There were also people who bought the express pass and they also offer the free express passes as well similar to disney fastpass. The advantage to staying at the hotel though is you can keep riding the same ride over and over if you want. We rode the hulk three times within 15 min. last night. We actually stayed in the regular line the first time at the end of the night to get front row which was really cool and then jumped back on twice - the last time we just squeaked back on at 9:58 - it was so much fun.

If you want to ride the front of dueling dragons it is really simple if you head over there first thing in the morning - I don't believe they open it til 11:00.

The other advantage is not having to get up early to get a heads up on rides as you have no waits. With teenagers it was awesome - it was just my girlfriend and our two 15 year old boys - up late and sleep in - remember those days???

Leslie

 

[bubba's mom]

advantage is not having to get up early to get a heads up on rides as you have no waits.

FOTL & that is exactly why we will be staying onsite. DH said whatever we pay per night for the room is worth it to NOT stand in line! Glad to hear you had a fun time!! Just hoping DS is tall enuf next year for your 2 mentioned coasters!

 

[Disneycatlady]

We were at PB July 13-15 and also loved the Express- We are also DVC members but really missed our studio/one bedroom compared to the king/club level room we had at PB.

 

[Prince Eric1]

This is definately the big selling point for me on Universal. I would never go there without the FOTL and wait in those lines, but I feel truly on vacation staying at the nice resorts and jumping to the front.

 

[georgina]

I have heard that express privileges are limited to once per ride before 3 PM during busy times, then unlimited express after 3. Was that in effect while you were there in July?

 

[goofy!]

I have heard that express privileges are limited to once per ride before 3 PM during busy times, then unlimited express after 3. Was that in effect while you were there in July?

We just got home last night after 10 days at PBH. Not once did they limit FOTL during that time and it was quite crowded. And we usually rode a ride several times in a row before moving on to the next one. We were there last August when they were limiting FOTL, but didn't experience this trip.

I agree - the best part of FOTL is being able to meander over to the parks whenever you feel like it and just hop on any ride you feel like. No planning, no running for fast passes, no lines. Go on what you want when you want.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

I have heard that express privileges are limited to once per ride before 3 PM during busy times, then unlimited express after 3. Was that in effect while you were there in July?

That was last year and is no longer in effect.

 

[Amyrlin]

I am really looking forward to this. I last went in 2003, when we bought a book of tickets as we did not stay on site, and that was good, but you could only do each ride once. I am really looking forward to this.