How long after a ride opens is FOTL access available?

[jfranklyn]

We're newbies to Universal - going end of August to see the new WWHP. Will front of the line access be available by then? Is there a set schedule of when it is available, or just as the ride demand dwindles? Would the additional cost of the on-site hotel be worth it otherwise?

 

[Purseval]

The people who know about FOTL access for Harry Potter aren't talking, the rest of us will have to wait and see. Keep checking back, we will have a better idea once the area opens. Luckily for you there's plenty of time. As for whether or not it is worth the cost, well imagine if you could just stroll to the front of any ride at any time. That's something you can get used to very quickly. You can also stretch a one-day hotel stay into 2 days of FOTL access so many people factor that into their trips and make their visit even more cost effective.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

With the exception of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, all new attractions have had an Express Line available upon Grand Opening. Simpsons had it, Jimmy Neutron had it, ROTM had it, etc. The only thing to consider is that if the Harry Potter ride does have Express, it will be a LONG wait for Express and an even LONGER wait for non-Express.

 

[Coach81]

How much longer before RRR will have express line up and running?

 

[Rip]

I was just informed that Express passes would not be available for Harry Potter when it opens, and that it was expected to be open by the end of March.

 

[Coach81]

Still no word on R3 express pass?

 

[Rip]

Still no word on R3 express pass?

No idea, but I imagine it won't happen until they get whatever keeps causing it to shut down fixed.

 

[pixeegrl]

I was just informed that Express passes would not be available for Harry Potter when it opens, and that it was expected to be open by the end of March.

What about the end of August?

 

[Rip]

What about the end of August?

No idea, I just switched a reservation for the end of March and the reservationist said that I would not be able to use Express for Harry Potter at that time. I was surprised that they are expecting it open that quick.

 

[Metro West]

No idea, I just switched a reservation for the end of March and the reservationist said that I would not be able to use Express for Harry Potter at that time. I was surprised that they are expecting it open that quick.

Me too...I sure hope she knows what she's talking about.

 

[KEW80]

Getting married at the RPH in June. Have rooms blocked in all hotels for my guests. Was told that FOTL and Express would not be available for HP, but for the onsite guests, it will open 1hr. earlier for them.

 

[Rip]

Me too...I sure hope she knows what she's talking about.

Lance on Screamscape actually heard March 1st, but even he didn't believe that. I do know that all AP and AAA discounts stop the day we check in, and I had just this morning called to confirm my previous dates of only a few days earlier and nothing was mentioned regarding it. Wife wasn't very thrilled about the price difference.....

Supposedly the ride is in place and functional, just needs all the bells and whistles.

 

[Rip]

Getting married at the RPH in June. Have rooms blocked in all hotels for my guests. Was told that FOTL and Express would not be available for HP, but for the onsite guests, it will open 1hr. earlier for them.

Yep, and just last week I booked a kid's suite for July and they didn't mention anything. Apparently they were given the go ahead to start telling people that within the past few days.

 

[Metro West]

Lance on Screamscape actually heard March 1st, but even he didn't believe that. I do know that all AP and AAA discounts stop the day we check in, and I had just this morning called to confirm my previous dates of only a few days earlier and nothing was mentioned regarding it. Wife wasn't very thrilled about the price difference.....

Supposedly the ride is in place and functional, just needs all the bells and whistles.

As long as Universal has a kick-butt Passholder Preview, I don't care when it opens...preferably something after hours.

 

[Rip]

As long as Universal has a kick-butt Passholder Preview, I don't care when it opens...preferably something after hours.

If that's the case then I hope they do it the weekend I'm there!

 

[Pink Flamingo]

Was told that FOTL and Express would not be available for HP, but for the onsite guests, it will open 1hr. earlier for them.

That would work for me!

 

[Coach81]

No idea, but I imagine it won't happen until they get whatever keeps causing it to shut down fixed.

That's cool.. hope they get all the kinks worked out before Mardi Gras.. and I hope the express line is available by then as well!

 

[Metro West]

That's cool.. hope they get all the kinks worked out before Mardi Gras.. and I hope the express line is available by then as well!

The last thing I heard about the Express line is...

Universal would not offer Express access for the HR3 until the moving platform was operational...I don't know why they are waiting for the moving platform to work but apparently that's the key to the whole thing.

So...I wouldn't hold my breath for the moving platform to be operational anytime soon. I hope I'm wrong but....

 

[Coach81]

Well they have about 5 weeks to get it werkin'!!!

 

[Rip]

Makes me wonder why they are not going to have Express for Harry Potter anytime soon.

Actually, now that I think of it, she didn't specifically say it wouldn't be available, just that we wouldn't be able to take advantage of it by staying onsite. Could be that they are going to have it available for purchase with a once per day limit, or either that the expect it to be so overwhelmed that Express would be too much of a hindrance.

Wonder if you'll get it with a VIP tour?