New to Universal: Difference between FOTL and Express Pass?

[dimimi]

I have been trying to figure this out. We have gone to Disney several times but have never visited Universal. We will stay one night at one of the Universal resorts to get the FOTL access. BUT...

What is the difference between FOTL and an Express Pass?

I understand the Express Pass is for one ride, but is it a different line or do the FOTL people and the Express people use the same line and wait the same amount of time?

If so, then we wouldn't switch from our first hotel and we would just purchase the Express Pass.

Are the FOTL passes and Express Passes good on all rides?

We will probably visit sometime in June.... I know, along with the rest of the country!

Thanks! I've loved all of the info so far!

 

[Darcy03231]

I have been trying to figure this out. We have gone to Disney several times but have never visited Universal. We will stay one night at one of the Universal resorts to get the FOTL access. BUT...

What is the difference between FOTL and an Express Pass?

I understand the Express Pass is for one ride, but is it a different line or do the FOTL people and the Express people use the same line and wait the same amount of time?

If so, then we wouldn't switch from our first hotel and we would just purchase the Express Pass.

Are the FOTL passes and Express Passes good on all rides?

We will probably visit sometime in June.... I know, along with the rest of the country!

Thanks! I've loved all of the info so far!

The Express Pass allows you to go each ride once using the Express Lane.

Your room key allows you to use the Express Lane on an unlimited basis for all the rides.

 

[jel0511]

I have been trying to figure this out. We have gone to Disney several times but have never visited Universal. We will stay one night at one of the Universal resorts to get the FOTL access. BUT...

What is the difference between FOTL and an Express Pass?Really nothing other than express pass is good only for a ride once.

I understand the Express Pass is for one ride, but is it a different line or do the FOTL people and the Express people use the same line and wait the same amount of time?It's the same line

If so, then we wouldn't switch from our first hotel and we would just purchase the Express Pass.

Are the FOTL passes and Express Passes good on all rides?I know Pteranodon Flyers doesn't offer it.

We will probably visit sometime in June.... I know, along with the rest of the country!Just remember during high crowd times, the express passes can be as high as 45, so if you have a large party, a room could be beneficial to crash. AND you get 2 days of FOTL.

Thanks! I've loved all of the info so far!

Answers above in red

 

[Darcy03231]

Also, I forgot to add that if you stay on-site for one night your key card is good for two days - they day you check in and the day you check out.

 

[damo]

The only difference is that with the hotel express key, your express is unlimited and it is good for two days.

So, in June, most days the price is $30-$40. For four people for two days, you are looking at $240-$320 extra. Add in the cost of your hotel room plus transportation and parking, the added inconvenience of wasted time travelling to the parks and not being able to slip back to your room for a quick swim in the middle of the hot June day. Make sure all of that is worth the money you would save by staying offsite.

 

[dimimi]

Are there any other "front of the line" passes you can buy? Are there rides that just don't have this option? Are they popular rides?

It sounds like it is worth it to get the hotel for one night and spend 2 days at Universal/Islands of Adventure.
Thanks!

 

[damo]

Are there any other "front of the line" passes you can buy? Are there rides that just don't have this option? Are they popular rides?

It sounds like it is worth it to get the hotel for one night and spend 2 days at Universal/Islands of Adventure.
Thanks!

You are aware that there are no free express passes like fast passes at Disney.


The only express passes are the ones you buy that give you one ride per ride and the hotel passes that give you unlimited access. The only ride that doesn't use the passes is Pteranadon flyers.

However, there is the VIP tour that gives you direct front of the line access with guide. It is really the only "front of the line". The two other options just get you into the express lane.

 

[dimimi]

Thank you! I think I've got it! It sure sounds like a great plan.

 

[dragonfly32837]

There is an unlimited Express pass for sale that is good for both parks in one day and it costs $70.99 plus tax. You can buy that at the ticket windows or merchandise stores in the park.

 

[Metro West]

There is an unlimited Express pass for sale that is good for both parks in one day and it costs $70.99 plus tax. You can buy that at the ticket windows or merchandise stores in the park.

Is this a new ticket? I've seen the 2-park 1-day Express VIP Pass online and it sells for $159.99/$149.99 including admission but not the one you're talking about. The VIP pass is only available online not at the gates.

 

[dragonfly32837]

It has been out for a couple of months now. But it is not sold online. It started being sold only at Guest Services and the ticket windows. The merchandise stores recently started to sell them.

 

[Metro West]

It has been out for a couple of months now. But it is not sold online. It started being sold only at Guest Services and the ticket windows. The merchandise stores recently started to sell them.

Ah OK...I'll have to check into those the next time I've over. Could come in handy this summer when friends visit.

 

[inkkognito]

Actually the terminology seems a bit mixed up there. FOTL is not what you get as a hotel guest. You get Express, but it's unlimited Express...still means you will wait in the Express line rather than going FOTL. You do get FOTL with the VIP tour but not with any of the passes or your hotel key card.

 

[Metro West]

Actually the terminology seems a bit mixed up there. FOTL is not what you get as a hotel guest. You get Express, but it's unlimited Express...still means you will wait in the Express line rather than going FOTL. You do get FOTL with the VIP tour but not with any of the passes or your hotel key card.

FOTL is what the DISers call the unlimited Express Plus access...it's confusing but there you have it.

 

[inkkognito]

FOTL is what the DISers call the unlimited Express Plus access...it's confusing but there you have it.

They can call it FOTL as long as they don't try to cut in front of my premier pass-wielding self to actually get to the front!

 

[Metro West]

They can call it FOTL as long as they don't try to cut in front of my premier pass-wielding self to actually get to the front!

 

[Orlando313]

They can call it FOTL as long as they don't try to cut in front of my premier pass-wielding self to actually get to the front!

Amen! The Premier Pass is the best thing since sliced bread!

 

[damo]

FOTL is what the DISers call the unlimited Express Plus access...it's confusing but there you have it.

I try to stay away from it because it really is misleading.