New Express system

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by kellymonaghan
Another thing that hasn't been addressed yet: What happens to the Express Plus system after Jan 4, 2004? Perhaps Dark Marauder can enlighten us.

It may stay as is, which is most likely, or it may change. I dont know yet, but will find out. Check back with me at the start of next year.

 

[ksdave]

Personally, I don't stay at PBH solely for the FOTL access. That is definitely a good perk, but not the only reason (or even the #1 reason) we stay there. As mentioned by others, we love the ease of returning to the hotel whenever we want. Plus, we love the "feel" of staying on-site: The excitement, the relaxation, the exclusiveness. We also love everything about PBH: The rooms, the fabulous customer service, the pools, the restaurants... Plus, for the $170/night, it is truly a good value, even compared to the outside hotels. If we have to wait 15 minutes versus 5 or 10, that won't change my mind about staying at PBH. (Plus, I don't think it will be like that when we go 9/11-15 anyway).

 

[kuribo]

Originally posted by the Dark Marauder
It may stay as is, which is most likely, or it may change. I dont know yet, but will find out. Check back with me at the start of next year.

Once again, what does January 4th, 2004 have to do with anything? What happens on that date?

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Jan 4th is the last day of the peak season. It's also when these passes will stop, if they stop.

 

[kellymonaghan]

Some more observations:

On balance, everyone I talked to at the parks and in the hotels seems okay with the new system. The only negative comments I heard were from people who had stayed at the hotels before and remembered how things used to be.

In the early afternoon of July 4, the wait in the Express line at Shrek was (according to a ride attendant) over 40 minutes. Maybe we should start a "What's Your Date and Wait?" thread.

The best time for hotel guests to use their Express privilege is the first hour (or the first hour and 20 minutes when the parks open at 8:40 as they have been recently). OTOH, you probably don't need the passes then. The next best time is after 5 or 6 when the parks are open late, on the theory that most of the paid passes have been used up.

According to attendants, fewer Express passes are available at the kiosks since the introducion of the new paid system. During this very busy period, it seems like most of the kiosks have dispensed their quota by noon or 1 p.m.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by kellymonaghan
According to attendants, fewer Express passes are available at the kiosks since the introducion of the new paid system. During this very busy period, it seems like most of the kiosks have dispensed their quota by noon or 1 p.m.

This sounds about right. Only the less popular rides will have express after that time, like Storm Force.

 

[CJ]

When my DD & I are there August 25, we'll have prepaid one day passes. Where can we buy the express pass booklets??

 

[the Dark Marauder]

The express plus passes can be acquired in various locations in either park. There are little signs out front of the places that sell them.

 

[CJ]

A combo pass for both parks has been mentioned. Could you please tell me how much one costs and what attractions it includes (we'll be there during off season)? Thanks!

 

[CJ]

Just bumping up to see if anyone knows about the combo 2 park express pass mentioned: how much and what attractions does it include?

 

[cpl100]

I don't know the answer to your question but perhaps you could find out on the Universal website.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

I couldn't find it either, but the pricing on the Combo is more expensive (probably $25-$30) during the peak and will cost less during non-peak ($15-$20?). The combo passes include many of the major attractions, such as: BTTF, Spider-Man, ET, Jaws, Hulk, JP River Adventure, Dueling Dragons, Twister, and Jimmy Neutron. There are more than I just listed, but I dont remember all of them off-hand.

 

[tinkie]

I just ordered the combo express pass for March 12th....it was $21 each (same for adult and child) plus a $2 handling fee per/person....

they will be at the will call window