On site resort question

[steves1019]

I'm going with a group of 6 mid-Jan. I've decided to stay at a Universal Resort to get the Unlimited Express pass (for 5since that's max occupancy, we'll just have someone sit out a ride).
I was looking at the Hard Rock as its only $10 more and looks like it'll have easier/shorter access to the parks. Dies anyone have an opinion on which hotel would be best for access?

 

[steves1019]

Does anyone know if I can "check in" first thing in the morning the first day of my reservation to get the express pass? To take advantage of the extra hour of WWoHP both days of a one night stay?

 

[macraven]

check in as early as you wish.
get the room key, have the express pass made then hit the entrance line for IOA.

 

[Metro West]

This belongs on the Resorts board.

 

[steves1019]

This belongs on the Resorts board.

Isn't this the resorts board? That's what the header says

 

[Metro West]

Isn't this the resorts board? That's what the header says

Yes but you posted on the main attractions board so I moved it here.

 

[steves1019]

Yes but you posted on the main attractions board so I moved it here.

Thanks!

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Forgive my confusion, as I am still in the planning stages of a first visit. But I thought I was told that you need to have your photo taken for an express pass. How will the 6th person get to go on any rides with the rest of you if they don't get their photo taken?

 

[snoopboop]

Forgive my confusion, as I am still in the planning stages of a first visit. But I thought I was told that you need to have your photo taken for an express pass. How will the 6th person get to go on any rides with the rest of you if they don't get their photo taken?

You're right - each person has their photo taken at the kiosk at the hotel, so each person has their own express pass with their photo on it. You obviously won't be able to get 6 express passes for a room with an occupancy of 5 (you already mentioned that you knew you'd only have 5). Anyway, you wouldn't be able to just pass the express passes around among your group at will.

I will hold my tongue on bending the rules for one's monetary benefit.... But IIRC, threads have been locked/pulled in the past when people have asked how to get around the rules. (Don't get me started on why in the world the max occupancy of a hotel room would be 5... LOL!)

 

[damo]

Forgive my confusion, as I am still in the planning stages of a first visit. But I thought I was told that you need to have your photo taken for an express pass. How will the 6th person get to go on any rides with the rest of you if they don't get their photo taken?

You are totally correct. One of those 6 people will not get an express access because they now have photos on them. Not only that but one of those people also will not get in for early admission. And it will be the same person.

By staying in a two queen bed suite at the Portofino, you can have 6 people in the room but other than that, two rooms are needed for more than 5 people.

I believe that the occupancy rules are made by the Orlando Fire Department.


It used to be the case that there were no photos on the express passes. Reports have it that people were booking the hotels for 5 occupants and then selling the extra express passes outside the park gates.

 

[macraven]

Forgive my confusion, as I am still in the planning stages of a first visit. But I thought I was told that you need to have your photo taken for an express pass. How will the 6th person get to go on any rides with the rest of you if they don't get their photo taken?

if you have 6 in the group, you will need to book 2 rooms if you are staying onsite.

 

[steves1019]

Wow, I was unaware of the picture aspect, that's why I love these boards, great information. Thanks all!
I realized we couldn't get all six in early, that was ok, but I didn't realize we couldn't "share" our express pass. I'll have to see what is cheaper, the suite or adding unlimited express pass to one ticket. We'd still have the early entry issue but at least we could do the rides.