Is Express Pass worth it for Kid Rides?

[mythreegirls]

I am planning to visit Universal/Islands of Adventure on either Oct.11 and 12 or Oct. 18 and 19 2007--this will be our first trip there. We will have our three dds-ages 7, 4, and 6mos. I would say 98% of our time will be spent on rides and attractions geared to the 8 and under set. Would it be worth it to book one night at a Universal resort so we could use the express pass for our two days there? Are there usually long lines for kid rides in the first place? Also, if our girls fall in love with a partiular ride, they will want to ride it again and again, so I don't think buying the express pass at the gate would really help us. We are staying offsite for the Disney portion of our trip so we could possibly splurge for a night on site at Universal. Thanks for your help.

Kelly

 

[lorax123]

October, during the days, is usually pretty slow. I really don't think you would have much of an issue with crowds and lines on anything, including the kid rides.

We've been down in Oct., with FOTL and without. If you follow theme park protocol (get in early!!!!) you are OK without FOTL. If there's going to be a crowd, it's there by lunch time.

I'd do On-site for FOTL. It just takes care of all the guess work. And after a week at Disney, you will appreciate the vacation.

 

[fiveforall]

I've been in October and FOTL was needed. My kids rode The Cat in the Hat about 10 times in a row. It was great not having to wait 20-30 minutes each time. Also, my friend was in line for One Fish/Two Fish with her son. We rode it twice w/FOTL to her once. Your 7 year old will probably want to ride MIB about a 100 times. Besides, Mom or Dad may want to make a quick ride on Spiderman or ROTM.

I promise FOTL IS WONDERFUL AND WORTH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[robvia]

Once again, it's not only the FOTL you get with staying onsite, it's the entire experience, which includes the pools, short walks to/from the parks, and the "feeling" of being there.

For October, crowds are light in the morning, but build in the afternoon.

You have to think of staying onsite as a splurge, like going on a ski trip. If you stay one night, try to arrive the hotel at 7am and check in early. Even if the room is not ready, you'll get your keys and you can go to the parks. They'll call you on your cell phone when it's ready, usually around noon.

 

[mythreegirls]

Thanks everyone. I called and booked at Royal Pacific. I've shown our girls the pics from both parks and they are so excited. Both of them love Shrek and Dr. Seuss. I think we'll have a great time.

Kelly

 

[lorax123]

Great choice! You'll have a wonderful time. Your only regret will be wondering why you didn't stay one more night.

 

[tlinus]

Great choice! You'll have a wonderful time. Your only regret will be wondering why you didn't stay one more night.

I totally agree!!!!