New to Express Pass system

[disneygal55]

I've never used the express pass system before but my family and I are going to Universal mid June and figure we'll have to due to the Harry Potter area's opening. If we wait till we get to the parks (we get there at opening) are the lines to purchase them usually long?Can you buy them outside of the gates so that we don't waste "precious time" waiting in a line inside the gates. What time do the express ticket windows open? Thanks in advance.

 

[NashvilleTrio]

If we wait till we get to the parks (we get there at opening) are the lines to purchase them usually long?Can you buy them outside of the gates so that we don't waste "precious time" waiting in a line inside the gates. What time do the express ticket windows open?

You can buy them at the ticket counters, but also at most any gift shop in either park. Their shouldn't be long lines to buy the Express Passes.

You may want to check into staying at one of the on-site hotels during your visit. If you stay for a single night, you get Express for the day of check-in and check-out. Just a thought.

 

[disneygal55]

We thought about staying on site but we have DVC so couldn't justify spending over $600 for one night (there are 6 of us so need 2 rooms) plus we already have one day-2 park passes and don't want to pay extra to upgrade to 2 days. Thanks for your help.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

They even sell them at merchandise carts. There's plenty of places to buy Express once inside the park so no need to wait in line really.

 

[damo]

Check to make sure that the Harry Potter attractions will give you express pass access. They may not.

 

[disneygal55]

I didn't know that you could buy express passes anywhere other than ticket counters. Thanks. I'm hoping that they will allow express pass access to Harry Potter as they are allowing FOTL for on-site guests. Let's hope so anyway.

 

[dgr1973]

Can't you buy them online? I thought when I was looking into it you were able to.

 

[Metro West]

Can't you buy them online? I thought when I was looking into it you were able to.

Yes but you shouldn't purchase Express passes ahead of time as they are non-refundable and date specific. There are plenty of places at both parks to purchase once you arrive.