Is there fastpass-like feature at Universal?

[Kelly Grannell]

If there is, would you kindly list them here (Fastpass-like feature for both IoA and USO... especially USO)

TIA
Kelly

 

[phamton]

They do have them normally, but as of right now the free express pass machines are not operating.

They also offer an all day express (express pass plus) that lets you ride one time on each ride and show. Right now it costs $15 for one park or $25 for both parks. The price varies depending on the time of the year.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I assume that's the price for each person? Should I use the express-pass plus. Would I be able to try every single ride on both parks within 2 days? I'm also assuming that paying $25 for both parks doesn't mean I have to use all tickets within one day... or am I wrong?

 

[phamton]

The price is per person per day. So if you buy the two park combo, it would have to be used in the same day.

You can do everything in two days with the express plus but you might not need it. When are you going?

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I'll be there first thing Monday morning, Tuesday and half of Wednesday this upcoming week.

 

[phamton]

You won't need it if next week has been anything like this week. It has been empty in the parks. All of the ride queues were 10 minutes or less. except for Shrek and Terminator. Those were a little longer because the show itself is 20 minutes long. If you get there right after a show had started, you would have to wait the entire 20 minutes. If you get there right before a show starts it would be a walk-on.

 

[funcinderella]

Next week is Jersey week though; crowd level prediction for the Disney parks is pretty high, so I imagine Universal will be the same. (I'll be doing the Universal parks on Thursday and Friday.) I hope they open the express pass!!

 

[phamton]

In previous year, Universal hasn't been near as busy as Disney during Jersey week. Who knows what this year will bring.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Next week is Jersey week though; crowd level prediction for the Disney parks is pretty high, so I imagine Universal will be the same. (I'll be doing the Universal parks on Thursday and Friday.) I hope they open the express pass!!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Next week is Jersey week though; crowd level prediction for the Disney parks is pretty high.

How about the following week at WDW after SuperSoaps Weekend? Will it be crazy crowded too?

 

[funcinderella]

How about the following week at WDW after SuperSoaps Weekend? Will it be crazy crowded too?

I'm no expert, but I think that week is slower than jersey week or Thanksgiving, kind of a lull in the middle.

Phantom, I hope you're right. The only thing that made me think my fellow Jerseyans are spreading out to Universal is that someone else posted that all of the Universal hotels are booked the weekend of Nov 11-12.

Maybe I'll try to just plan for crowds, and if it's not crowded I'll be that much happier.

 

[scp277]

I've heard a couple mentions of Express not working or being off -- is this just during quiet, uncrowded seasons? And if so, during such times do Universal resort guests still enjoy the privilege of entering the Express line or do we end up in the regular line?

We will be there Friday 1/6 - Sunday 1/8 and have been really looking forward to this perk!

 

[phamton]

Hotel guests always have FOTL (front of the line express) even when the express machines are turned off. Your room key is you express pass.

This is the first time that express kiosks have been turned off. It is because they are not really needed right now. When it gets busy again, they are expected to be up again.

 

[scp277]

Thanks for clearing that up . . . I appreciate the info.