No more free Express Passes?

[DiscussDisney]

Went to Universal on Monday 10/3. The park was very crowded with wait times of 30 minutes or longer for all attractions. To our amazement, the free express passes are not offered during "off peak" times. Our only option was to purchase the plus passes, which we "passed on". We went to guest services, asked for our money back and went on our way. Moral of the story, stay on-site and don't rely on the free express passes being available.

 

[Slacking]

30 minute "waits" aren't overly "long" and its sad we live in a "time" where we rely solely on "express passes."

Seriously though, the Express kiosks aren't needed during the slow periods. Show up early and ride rides with little waits, and if you hate lines, see the shows while the lines are long in the middle of the day. The reality is that 30 minute lines are not that big of deal and the fact that you got a refund because you didn't want to wait in line rather baffles me.

 

[DiscussDisney]

30 minute "waits" aren't overly "long" and its sad we live in a "time" where we rely solely on "express passes."

Seriously though, the Express kiosks aren't needed during the slow periods. Show up early and ride rides with little waits, and if you hate lines, see the shows while the lines are long in the middle of the day. The reality is that 30 minute lines are not that big of deal and the fact that you got a refund because you didn't want to wait in line rather baffles me.

Actually, a 30 minute wait for Jimmy Neutron and an hour wait for the mummy IS a long wait in my opinion, especially when traveling with children. Yes, we do live in a time of "express", that is why so many people on these boards are promoters of FOTL by staying at one of the 3 resorts. I am not sure why it baffles you that we didn't want to stay in the parks, having to wait 30 minutes to 1 hour per attraction, but the USO folks certainly understood and promptly gave us our money back.

 

[Slacking]

I'm glad to see that Universal was willing to oblige, they are great with customer service. But at the same time, I still don't see 30 minute waits as very long especially when I have seen wait times for over 100 minutes on such things as Jimmy Neutron, Mummy, etc. I'm not a big fan of waiting in lines either (but will do it, if I want to ride something), thats why I get to the park near opening when everything is pretty much a walk-on for the first couple hours (especially on weekdays) and then see shows such as Shrek, T2, Twister, and others during the afternoon.

 

['Canes Fan]

I very surprised Universal refunded your money due to the wait times. UO's service has been outstanding and getting better each year, but that really surprises me. waiting a half hour for something isn't bad at all. but the parks have done it to themselves with fast pass and express pass. no one wants to wait in line any longer, even as the queues become more and more part of the story to the attraction. I remember 2 hours waits at Six Flags in a cattle chute with TV's showing looney tunes cartoons, if you were lucky and the TV's worked.

 

[phamton]

30 minute "waits" aren't overly "long" and its sad we live in a "time" where we rely solely on "express passes."

Seriously though, the Express kiosks aren't needed during the slow periods. Show up early and ride rides with little waits, and if you hate lines, see the shows while the lines are long in the middle of the day. The reality is that 30 minute lines are not that big of deal and the fact that you got a refund because you didn't want to wait in line rather baffles me.

I totally agree. I've been there all week and the lines aren't long at all. I haven't seen one time when the Mummy was an hour wait this week.

the USO folks certainly understood and promptly gave us our money back.

All it takes is a little planning to avoid any waits especially at this time of year.

 

[DiscussDisney]

Yes Phamtom, I agree. We planned on using Express to "avoid any waits especially at this time of year." Since Express was not offered, our plan to avoid lines could not work.

I do think that USO should be a little more upfront about when the Express is available and when it is not.

I totally agree. I've been there all week and the lines aren't long at all. I haven't seen one time when the Mummy was an hour wait this week.





All it takes is a little planning to avoid any waits especially at this time of year.

 

[tbird89]

Universal hotel guests will still be able to use FOTL, right?

 

[DiscussDisney]

The day I was there, hotel guests were allowed FOTL. I think this is the only way to go when visiting USO. It certainly beats any kind of wait. Next visit to USO will include staying at one of the hotels for sure. Great perk!

 

[phamton]

Yes, hotel guests still get FOTL.

Yes Phamtom, I agree. We planned on using Express to "avoid any waits especially at this time of year." Since Express was not offered, our plan to avoid lines could not work.

With a little research you would know that the busiest time of the day is between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. You hit the most popular rides before 11:00 or closer to park closing. Mummy is the most popular ride at Universal studios park.

Every thread I have read on this board about planning always say to hit Shrek and Mummy right when you enter the park at 9:00 AM. To go at 11:00 AM just doesn't make sense. That's like trying to go on Splash Mountain in the middle of the afternoon on a hot summer day. I seldom ever use express even in the busiest time of year. It's quite easy to hit everything without express. When you see a long line at a ride, skip it and come back later.

I personally would be thrilled if express pass and fast pass at Disney were discontinued. Believe it or not it makes the wait time longer for everyone. When you hold an express pass, it is like you are in line for 3-4 rides at a time. You get the express, then ride 2 or 3 more rides, taking up space in those lines and then go use your express pass and take up a space in another ride. Whereas if no one had express, while you are in line at one ride, you are not taking space in another line. Essesntially, the lines will be shorter for everyone.

I do think that USO should be a little more upfront about when the Express is available and when it is not.

How? Are you saying they should announce it on their website? It is in a trial basis during the non-peak times. Themeparks seldom announce when they are just trying something out. Even Disney is considering eliminating fast pass. Disney is trying it at Disneyland right now and have not made the information available to the public. The public is seldom informed when any business is trying out something. Until a decision is made, I doubt that there will be any announcement either by Universal or Disney.

edited to add: After re-reading this post, it sounded a little harsh. Honestly, I'm not trying to be rude. I'm just hoping that I can help others see that the parks can be done without express. We survived both Universal and WDW before express/fast pass and actually had a great time. We never knew what we were missing. Now we're all used to express/fastpass and we've forgotten how we used to get around the parks without it. As far as I know, Universal isn't planning to permanently remove express but if they and Disney do eliminate them, we will just plan our days accordingly.

 

[DiscussDisney]

Phamton,

Unfortunately, I am not as versed in USO as you are. I suppose, from reading these boards, I expected the crowds on a Monday in early October to be minimal (e.g. 10 minute waits). We only had one day to do the "major" attractions and, IMO, it would have not been feasible with 30-60 minute waits and 2 young children without using Express. Not everyone can get to the park at opening, so our planning included using express pass to minimize our waits.

As far as making the information available to the public? I think it would have been "nice" to see a sign at the gate that said "express passes are not operational today", similar to what they say about attractions not operating today. You can then make an informed decision as to whether or not to enter the park. As an example, if someone entered the park without knowing that the Mummy, Jaws and Back to the Future were not operational, I am sure they would be a little disappointed that they weren't advised beforehand.

I think communication is important. Can you imagine if Universal decided to completely stop FOTL for on-site guests as a trial AND you only found out after check-in? I am sure there would be many upset guests.

Honestly, if I knew in advance that Express was not available, we would have skipped USO this trip. It is a perk we enjoy and utilize in our planning. All my research, for both Disney and USO, say to utilize Express/FastPass as much as possible, so thats how we planned.

If Disney/Universal decide to eliminate Fastpass/Express entirely, so be it. I will have to live with that. But for the time being, they have not so I plan on using it to maximize my enjoyment of the park.

Next visit to USO will include an on-site stay (only if FOTL is still a perk)

With a little research you would know that the busiest time of the day is betwwen 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. You hit the most popular rides before 11:00 or closer to park closing. Mummy is the most popular ride at Universal studios park.

Every thread I have read on this board about planning always say to hit Shrek and Mummy right when you enter the park at 9:00 AM. To go at 11:00 AM just doesn't make sense. That's like trying to go on Splash Mountain in the middle of the afternoon on a hot summer day. I seldom ever use express even in the busiest time of year. It's quite easy to hit everything without express. When you see a long line at a ride, skip it and come back later.

I personally would be thrilled if express pass and fast pass at Disney were discontinued. Believe it or not it makes the wait time longer for everyone. When you hold an express pass, it is like you are in line for 3-4 rides at a time. You get the express, then ride 2 or 3 more rides, taking up space in those lines and then go use your express pass and take up a space in another ride. Whereas if no one had express, while you are in line at one ride, you are not taking space in another line. Essesntially, the lines will be shorter for everyone.



How? Are you saying they should announce it on their website? It is in a trial basis during the non-peak times. Themeparks seldom announce when they are just trying something out. Even Disney is considering eliminating fast pass. Disney is trying it at Disneyland right now and have not made the information available to the public. The public is seldom informed when any business is trying out something. Until a decision is made, I doubt that there will be any announcement either by Universal or Disney.

 

[DIS~n~JAN]

Hi everyone,
We are staying at HRH Jan 15-18, the same weekend as a builders conference I just found out. Apparently 100 000+ OMG so much for FOTL passes that weekend, wonder what the lines will be like.

 

[phamton]

Most conference goers don't get to the parks until after 3:00 PM. I think you will be fine. Even in the busiest summer months, if you have FOTL the wait isn't very long.

Besides, Orlando is always having big conferences in town.

 

[Frances999]

Phamton,

Unfortunately, I am not as versed in USO as you are. I suppose, from reading these boards, I expected the crowds on a Monday in early October to be minimal (e.g. 10 minute waits). We only had one day to do the "major" attractions and, IMO, it would have not been feasible with 30-60 minute waits and 2 young children without using Express. Not everyone can get to the park at opening, so our planning included using express pass to minimize our waits.

As far as making the information available to the public? I think it would have been "nice" to see a sign at the gate that said "express passes are not operational today", similar to what they say about attractions not operating today. You can then make an informed decision as to whether or not to enter the park. As an example, if someone entered the park without knowing that the Mummy, Jaws and Back to the Future were not operational, I am sure they would be a little disappointed that they weren't advised beforehand.

I think communication is important. Can you imagine if Universal decided to completely stop FOTL for on-site guests as a trial AND you only found out after check-in? I am sure there would be many upset guests.

Honestly, if I knew in advance that Express was not available, we would have skipped USO this trip. It is a perk we enjoy and utilize in our planning. All my research, for both Disney and USO, say to utilize Express/FastPass as much as possible, so thats how we planned.

If Disney/Universal decide to eliminate Fastpass/Express entirely, so be it. I will have to live with that. But for the time being, they have not so I plan on using it to maximize my enjoyment of the park.

Next visit to USO will include an on-site stay (only if FOTL is still a perk)

I totally agree with you and I think that some of the responses to your comment have been a little rude. I too would have been very annoyed if the Express line was not operational when lines were exceeding 30 minutes long. I'm glad to hear Universal offered you a refund Onsite is defintiely the way to go!!

 

[phamton]

I totally agree with you and I think that some of the responses to your comment have been a little rude. I too would have been very annoyed if the Express line was not operational when lines were exceeding 30 minutes long. I'm glad to hear Universal offered you a refund

There is a difference between being annoyed and requesting or even accepting a refund. If the OP had not been able to ride even one thing, then a refund might be in order. But just because, someone has to wait in line, to me, doesn't warrant a refund. I'm sorry if I disagree with that. There have been many times at Disney that I have waited in long lines but I still felt I got my monies worth. If the themeparks refunded admission charges for everyone who had to wait in line, they would be out of business.

Lines for the most part can be avoided with a little planning. These boards have numerous threads on how to beat the lines. Just a little research would have saved a lot of problems. I am not trying to be rude just stating the facts. Do your homework before planning any trip, be it to Universal or Disneyworld.

The OP sounds like she has a great idea for the next trip by staying onsite. With FOTL, you really don't have to plan much. Hopefully, her next trip will be fantastic!

 

[phamton]

Oh, I wanted to add that those that read the DisBoard were informed about Universal not having the express right now. It is the 12th post on this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=912356

 

[jencav5]

I've just read thru this whole thread and I wanted to add, just for info, that I've been at DL many times during the off-time where they were not running fastpass because it was not busy enough. I've also never noticed any signs at DL or WDW telling what rides were not operating (outside the park before you enter). I usually know ahead of time because I check online, before we leave, for what's closed. I do think the fastpass is good and makes shorter waits for the people that use it-but it probably does make longer waits for the people that don't use it. We will be going to the URO in November for the first time and already booked onsite at HRH. I've heard such great things about the FOTL while staying onsite and that's the main reason I booked there.

 

[DiscussDisney]

I am not trying to back and forth on this thread, but I do want to point out that I did a lot of planning for both Disney and Universal. My Disney planning worked out perfectly, as the fastpass system was not down "on a trial basis" like Universal's Express. I must have missed that 1 post within that 1 thread about free Express Passes not available.

There is a difference between being annoyed and requesting or even accepting a refund. If the OP had not been able to ride even one thing, then a refund might be in order. But just because, someone has to wait in line, to me, doesn't warrant a refund.

I respectfully disagree with this statement. Again, had I known that the free Express Passes were not available and the wait times were 30-60 minutes or more, I would have never entered the park. I have to say that the Guest Relations people were wonderful and very understanding. They had no problems with providing the refund and they were very apologetic about not disclosing that the Free Express Passes were not available (they even refunded our parking). I do find one thing funny, the employee at the Mummy ride said the Express Pass system was down because of a computer error, but she didn't know when they would be back up and running. It wasn't until we got to Guest Relations that we found out they were down now for about a month.

IMO, I think USO is headed down a similar path as Six Flags. If you want FOTL, you must pay for it by either staying on-site or buying an express plus pass. Again, just my opinion.

 

[Slacking]

I remember the days where there was no such thing as Fastpass or Express. Ah..... The good ole days!

 

[phamton]

I have to say that the Guest Relations people were wonderful and very understanding.

Yes, I have always found them great as well.

I do find one thing funny, the employee at the Mummy ride said the Express Pass system was down because of a computer error, but she didn't know when they would be back up and running.

The mummy employee probably didn't know as they have been replacing many of the express pass machines since some of the annual passholders passes weren't being read correctly and some of them weren't able to get express pass with their APs.

IMO, I think USO is headed down a similar path as Six Flags. If you want FOTL, you must pay for it by either staying on-site or buying an express plus pass. Again, just my opinion.

Who knows? MiceAge posted some information that Disney was considering either eliminating fastpass or charging for it. Who knows what the future may hold in regards to express/fast passes.

I'm glad everything worked out for you and you were treated well. That speaks volumes for me. You can judge a company by how it treats the guests.