Need express passes for August 21st-22nd??

[decembergirl71]

We'll be doing park to park Aug 21st & 22nd. Hotel already paid for offsite so staying onsite to get express passes isn't an option. I'm wondering if we'll need express passes? I've only been to Universal in June so not sure what the crowds will be like in late August. Thanks!

 

[RMulieri]

You might be ok.I would wait till you get there to decide in any event.. That said, it is still pretty busy that week ( we went last year expecting it to be low crowds since a lot of people here said it wasn't busy and we were a but surprised by how busy it was).Most local schools start back then, but most of the NE schools and a lot of others are out till after Labor day

 

[Minniesgal]

I wouldn't consider doing it without it is mad busy that time of year

 

[Darcy03231]

That used to be a pretty slow week, but over the last few years people have caught on and we've found it has gotten much busier.

We stay off-site and have found that if you get to the parks about half an hour before the posted opening (actually at the gate) they usually open a bit early. Sometimes as much as half an hour early. We found that the crowds and lines don't really start getting long until 11-12. By 1:00 most of the big draw attractions will have long lines.

We usually spend 4-7 days at US/IOA and haven't felt the need to get the express passes because we have lots of time to see/do everything. With only two days I would wait until you get there and see how much you can get done. You can always buy them when you get there. If anything, you might only need them for Saturday when the locals will be there.

 

[schumigirl]

Yep, few years ago it was much quieter then........but now I wouldn`t like to do that time without EP.

But definitely wait till you get there.......you may decide you don`t need them, but you`ll have the option.

 

[damo]

Remember, you can purchase express passes inside the parks at many locations. Listen to the above posters and wait and make that decision once you are there.

 

[HM]

Wait. Buy there if needed.
Depending on what you want to do and how long you plan to be in the parks, you may be able to do them in two days without EP and save yourself some money. Remember the two major rides in the Harry Potter areas don't use them.

 

[flateacher]

Local schools aren't in session yet - first day is the 24th or 25th. Some will be trying to get in one last day at Universal. Like a pp said - you can always wait to see the crowd levels and then decide.