Is the only way to get a expresspass to stay at the hotels?

[neonurse]

Is there any other way to get express pass (fast pass type ticket- not sure what it is called at universal)ticket besides staying at their hotels? Just wanted to know if there are other options.
tia

 

[damo]

The are two other options. One is called the Express Plus Pass which you purchase (prices change depending on season) and it gets you access to the express line once on each ride.

The other is the VIP pass. It gives you actual immediate access to the ride with a guide.

Here is the link to the page with info. You can purchase online or at the parks (outside the gates or inside after you see if it is needed)

http://www.universalorlando.com/tickets/express-pass-plus.html?intsrch=express pass

 

[inkkognito]

You can also buy an unlimited EP without doing the tour.

 

[neonurse]

Thanks!! This is our first trip to universal so I have some learning to do!

Do you think we will be fine with out it for the second week of Nov??

 

[Metro West]

Do you think we will be fine with out it for the second week of Nov??

Yes...you shouldn't need the EP then. If you decide the lines are too long, you can always purchase the EP at either park.

 

[neonurse]

Thanks! We have a week long ticket so if it starts to get too busy we could always leave and come back the next day. I guess the only thing would be to pay for parking again.

 

[alnmc]

We will be going to both the parks on Thanksgiving Day - we will be in Orlando for a soccer tournament, so we will only have this 1 day to see both parks. Will we definately need the Express Pass on this day, or would you recommend we wait and see before purchasing the passes? This is also our first trip to UO and IOA, so I want to try to hit all the highlights. Both of my girls love roller coasters, and will want to ride it all.

 

[Metro West]

We will be going to both the parks on Thanksgiving Day - we will be in Orlando for a soccer tournament, so we will only have this 1 day to see both parks. Will we definately need the Express Pass on this day, or would you recommend we wait and see before purchasing the passes? This is also our first trip to UO and IOA, so I want to try to hit all the highlights. Both of my girls love roller coasters, and will want to ride it all.

I would wait until you arrive before purchasing.

 

[alnmc]

I would wait until you arrive before purchasing.

Thanks for your advice. I have 1 more question regarding the express plus pass for you. Right now on the Universal site, the cost of the pass on Thanksgiving day is $25.99/ea. The next day the price jumps up to $42.99/ea. If I wait and purchase them after we arrive, is there a chance they will increase the price on that Thurs, or will it definately remain $25.99?

 

[Timmy Boy]

Since it's advertised as that, it will most likely stay at that price.

 

[pixeegrl]

It's all based on what they think crowd levels will be that day. if it's not so busy then they are cheaper. It looks like Thanksgiving day won't be too busy but the day after will. You should be fine

 

[alnmc]

Thanks. I just wanted to make sure that if a day had crowds unlike what they anticipated then they wouldn't up the price that day. If there is a chance that would happen, then I would consider prepurchasing. Tim responded that he didn't think that would happen.
P.S. Love the Dr. Suess quote

 

[phamton]

Thanksgiving Day is usually not very busy but the day after is one of the busiests days of the year.

 

[yaytezIOA]

Advice on Thanksgiving day. Early. If the park opens at 8, which it may, get there at 7. Be first in line. If there is a huge line, they generally open the parks early, at least 10 minutes. Small price to pay for being able to do all the rides as a walk on and not having to pay for express.

 

[alnmc]

Thanks for the advice. Do you know where I may could find a sample park tour for both parks/1 day? The park hours the day we will be there are only 9-6. We have been to WDW during extremely busy times, but I am spoiled with having Tour Guide Mike's sample tours.