Is an Express Pass a must? (Early Nov. trip)

[Amy5000]

I've been thinking of checking out Universal when we do our Disney trip next Nov (2011). So I've been reading a little bit about Universal Express Pass and was wondering how important it was to get one? We are planning to go Sun Nov 6th and Mon Nov 7th. Wdwinfo said the cost was $40 to $50 per day depending on your ticket type, which frankly seems a little excessive.

On another note, I'm sure there have been many threads discussing the inequality of Universal's Express Pass policy in the past. Truthfully, just thinking about it makes me a little ill. (I'm reading an out of date Unofficial Guide right now, but it sounded like they took 10 Express Pass riders for each regular line rider). It makes me upset to think of a family that could have spent $100 per person and only been able to ride 2 or 3 rides. It kind of turns me off to the idea of doing Universal, but now that I mentioned Universal to my husband and son they both seemed really into the idea of going...

Anyway, all advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance. Amy

 

[Metro West]

I've been thinking of checking out Universal when we do our Disney trip next Nov (2011). So I've been reading a little bit about Universal Express Pass and was wondering how important it was to get one? We are planning to go Sun Nov 6th and Mon Nov 7th. Wdwinfo said the cost was $40 to $50 per day depending on your ticket type, which frankly seems a little excessive.

On another note, I'm sure there have been many threads discussing the inequality of Universal's Express Pass policy in the past. Truthfully, just thinking about it makes me a little ill. (I'm reading an out of date Unofficial Guide right now, but it sounded like they took 10 Express Pass riders for each regular line rider). It makes me upset to think of a family that could have spent $100 per person and only been able to ride 2 or 3 rides. It kind of turns me off to the idea of doing Universal, but now that I mentioned Universal to my husband and son they both seemed really into the idea of going...

Anyway, all advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance. Amy

Express Plus passes are available to anyone that wants to purchase them. EPs are priced from $19.95 per person and up...based on the anticipated crowd level for that day and whether it's a one park or two park pass. You would only need EPs during very busy times of the year but early November isn't one of them. You wouldn't need to spend the money on EPs for your trip. They are good for one trip through the Express line for each participating attraction...which is all but three attractions total in both parks. I'm not sure where this guidebook said two or three rides only and cost $100.00 per person.

I don't think there is anything unfair about the Express policy. Universal used to offer free EPs but the lines got too long to make it reasonable so they went with the pay passes. I've seen Disney's lines back up for FastPass and some attractions you have to wait all day to ride using a FP if you aren't there at the crack of dawn...TSM as an example...so there is no perfect solution except to do away with them completely. Again...the only time you'd really need to consider buying the passes is during very busy periods where the lines are going to be long regardless.

 

[RMulieri]

There are 2 express passes( well 3 if you count the VIP ) The resort guests get unlimited FOTL (except on certain rides) and it is included in their resort price/stay. Non resort guests have the option of purchasing the express pass, which entitles them to one FOTL per attraction (except on attractions that don't take it).They sell a limited amount of them and the price varies withthe crowd projection,so the higher the expected crowds , the higher the cost.I see nothing wrong with how universal does this.Even with Disney FP you might have to wait on standby longer as they accomodate returns in the FP lane.They are different parks and different resorts and do different things to attract buisness.Other themeparks all over the US have gone to a premium/pay for FOTL system.Disney is even piloting a next gen FP system soon( which looks like right now that its going to be a reserve your ride time, but that could change and they have the capability to do something similar to universal)

 

[Amy5000]

Thanks for the info on Express Passes. It seems like we will not need them. I do have some questions:

My guidebook (old and out of date) indicated that Express Passes, although they good for only one ride, could actually be used multiple times for the same ride b/c most cast members don't scrutinize them and there are no scanners for them. Is that correct or out of date?

They are good for one trip through the Express line for each participating attraction...which is all but three attractions total in both parks. I'm not sure where this guidebook said two or three rides only and cost $100.00 per person.

Sorry. It seems you misunderstood my concern. The guidebook also indicated that universal took 10 EP riders for 1 regular creating hugh bottle necks. (I could imagine at that rate the line would hardly move). My concern was for some person or family who only purchase regular admission (which I think is roughly $100) only to find they couldn't do much much other than stand in line.

I know that's a reality at Disney and many Parks. (My mistake to go to Sesame Place the last week in August. All we did was wait in line). But if EP riders were being loaded at a rate of 10 to 1 I imagine the line would not even move much so it would feel in worse to have the insane wa9t. I guess if you know what you are getting into its ok, but for families for who this is a one-shot deal, they really might realize how bad it is.

Since I'm asking...is this 10 to 1 ratio correct?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for the info on Express Passes. It seems like we will not need them. I do have some questions:

My guidebook (old and out of date) indicated that Express Passes, although they good for only one ride, could actually be used multiple times for the same ride b/c most cast members don't scrutinize them and there are no scanners for them. Is that correct or out of date?



Sorry. It seems you misunderstood my concern. The guidebook also indicated that universal took 10 EP riders for 1 regular creating hugh bottle necks. (I could imagine at that rate the line would hardly move). My concern was for some person or family who only purchase regular admission (which I think is roughly $100) only to find they couldn't do much much other than stand in line.

I know that's a reality at Disney and many Parks. (My mistake to go to Sesame Place the last week in August. All we did was wait in line). But if EP riders were being loaded at a rate of 10 to 1 I imagine the line would not even move much so it would feel in worse to have the insane wa9t. I guess if you know what you are getting into its ok, but for families for who this is a one-shot deal, they really might realize how bad it is.

Since I'm asking...is this 10 to 1 ratio correct?

Thanks in advance.

I'm not sure what the ratio Express to standby is...maybe one of the TMs will find this thread and answer your question.

Each Express Plus pass is scanned when you enter the queue so you can't use the pass multiple times...unless you have a TM who doesn't scan it. That would be exeception...not the rule.