Yes, Universal Express has changed a great deal since last year.
For one, the 7am openings are a thing of the past. Unfortunately (and I am sure this one will spark some conversation on the board), it looks as if 7am openings will NOT be part of the 2001 operating schedule for Universal Orlando.
In addition, the "No Line No Wait for Multi-Day passholders first 2 hours parks are open" is also a thing of the past. All advertising for this was cut the evening of Wednesday, February 14th, 2001.
So how does this help the guests?
The "new" (and much more permanent) Universal Express features touch-screen electronic kiosks outside of all Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure attractions. It is very similar to Disney's Fastpass, although has some MUCH better features: The system is available at almost every single attraction in both parks, the kiosks allow you to choose between two times you would like to return to the attraction - depending on how your day is planned, and multi-day passholders can hold up to 3 Express passes at any one time.
(of course, I'm skipping any FOTL discussion involving the 2 on-site hotels)
Lots of construction is still going on in both theme parks as new Express queues are added and the kiosks at the last remaining rides are built. Still a lot of work to be done, but it will all be complete by the time you visit us!
Hope this helps
