Need for express pass

[JAMES BRALEY]

we are making our first trip to universal in 4 days and i am wondering if we really have the need for express passes if we have 3 days between both parks?

 

[tweak89]

I assume you are not staying onsite, or if you are, not at one of the 3 preferred resorts that include Express Pass? You should be getting in just before the Spring Break crowds hit, so you may be okay. Some rides you'll have to target early or late (Despicable Me, all things Potter).

If you happen to be staying at the value resorts, take advantage of early admission to knock out the HP rides (then you can enjoy the areas at your leisure).

 

[tweak89]

Dang! Double post instead of edit!!

A little more detail about your trip will help us advise you better (where staying, how many, ages, likes/dislikes etc).

 

[JAMES BRALEY]

yes we are at Cabana Bay, i just feel that with three of us we can get two days of really seeing the parks and riding what we can, then 1 day where we just make it our mission to ride certain ride. and trust me my 9 year old will not let me miss early admission! LOL

 

[davper]

You can decide when you get there. If the lines are too long for your liking, go by the pass.

 

[tweak89]

yes we are at Cabana Bay, i just feel that with three of us we can get two days of really seeing the parks and riding what we can, then 1 day where we just make it our mission to ride certain ride. and trust me my 9 year old will not let me miss early admission! LOL

For rides that your youngster is not tall enough (or doesn't want to ride) use Child Swap (unlike Disney, most rides have a nice waiting area for the parent/child to wait) and Single Rider lines. Using that, and the fact that crowd levels are expected to be moderate, you should be fine without it.

 

[brave321]

I think you should be fine. Yes, some things will be a bit of a long wait (although that's all dependent on what you consider long). With 3 days you should definitely be able to get everything done, especially by being there early.

 

[georgina]

I just got home Wednesday night, and it was pretty low waits overall. The Forbidden Journey ride, for example, line was saying 10 minutes in the evening, but basically a walk-on. Even Spiderman was only 20 minutes during the morning. Minions seems to be the longest wait, go there early! The Kong ride can get long lines too, but I have seen it lower in the evening also.

 

[mrspurple]

July 2nd and/or 3rd.... do we need Express Pass?

 

[damo]

July 2nd and/or 3rd.... do we need Express Pass?

Sure would help!

 

[mrspurple]

Sure would help!

I am trying to figure out whether it would be worth the extra 1.2k for everyone in my group to have one! We are going either 1 or 2 days and would get at least 3 rooms in one of the hotels with EP.

 

[macraven]

If you stay st PBH, rpr, or hrh, the unlimited ep is included at no charge

 

[damo]

I am trying to figure out whether it would be worth the extra 1.2k for everyone in my group to have one! We are going either 1 or 2 days and would get at least 3 rooms in one of the hotels with EP.

In the peak of summer, lines for rides will be about 60 minutes compared to about 10-15 minutes with express pass. You are going to get a lot more done with the express pass. If you only have a certain number of rides that you want to do, then it probably doesn't matter.

 

[brave321]

I am trying to figure out whether it would be worth the extra 1.2k for everyone in my group to have one! We are going either 1 or 2 days and would get at least 3 rooms in one of the hotels with EP.

If you only go for 1 day, definitely get the express pass. For 2 days, you might not need it, but it would help loads. Around July 4 crowds are going to be larger than the rest of summer. That, combined with the heat, would make me so no thanks to waiting 60+ minutes for the Simpsons ride... or any ride. If you can afford it, go for it. If not, stay hydrated and get as much done as possible.

 

[FoodieFriend]

My question is when purchasing the unlimited pass on the day we wanted to use it (instead of in advance or staying at a Deluxe hotel), do they sell out in early March? There are 6 adults traveling, so we'll need two rooms for 2 nights, but only 4 adults ride. I did the math where staying Deluxe definitely would save IF all adults were riders, but it's much cheaper to buy EU for 4 ppl for just one day (or even 2 days) since we will actually have 3 park days to ride everything we want (2 riders will be first timers at USO/IOA).

 

[damo]

My question is when purchasing the unlimited pass on the day we wanted to use it (instead of in advance or staying at a Deluxe hotel), do they sell out in early March? There are 6 adults traveling, so we'll need two rooms for 2 nights, but only 4 adults ride. I did the math where staying Deluxe definitely would save IF all adults were riders, but it's much cheaper to buy EU for 4 ppl for just one day (or even 2 days) since we will actually have 3 park days to ride everything we want (2 riders will be first timers at USO/IOA).

Express passes don't run out other than on peak holidays like Christmas (and even then I have never heard of them running out).

The only thing that may happen is that the price may increase if they suddenly expect a larger than normal crowd.

Personally, I would wait until you are there to see if the express pass is even needed. Beginning of March can have very low crowds.

 

[FoodieFriend]

Express passes don't run out other than on peak holidays like Christmas (and even then I have never heard of them running out).

The only thing that may happen is that the price may increase if they suddenly expect a larger than normal crowd.

Personally, I would wait until you are there to see if the express pass is even needed. Beginning of March can have very low crowds.

thank you for your response, @damo ! these boards are such a great help!