Opinions on Express Pass

[Pearle1]

Hello all ~ We will be in Disney for a week at the end of August and have decided to spend a day or two at Universal. (yea! (leaning towards 2 days) We are planning universal for thurs 8/25 and sat 8/27 ~ If I buy the express pass ahead of time it is 31.99 (last time I checked.) I am not sure if I should buy them ahead of time and for which day?? (only can buy for one day) ~ or If I should wait and see how it is there (and does the price go up if you wait??) any suggestions/opinions would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks (oh, and I am aware that there are certain attractions that the express pass can't be used like FJ) Thanks!!

 

[Melanie230]

It is usually pretty busy during the summer. However I think it is best to wait til you get there. IF you are going to go for 2 days have you looked into booking an onsite room? If you pay for the room you will get unlimited FOTL passes for 2 days not one. The one that you purchase is only valid one time per ride. I just checked RPR for 1 night during your stay for 2 adults and 2 children and it is $246.38 for one night. If you can swing that..you will get unlimited FOTL for Thursday and Friday!

 

[mdsd8700]

I am not expert by any means and there are certainly are people who will chime in with more experience. However I figured since we were just there last month I would give my thoughts and hope they are in someway helpful.

We chose to stay on site for two nights at the beginning of our stay because we wanted the Front of the Line Access for our trip and early access to HP. FOTL is pretty much similar to FP except it can be used without any time constraints and on pretty much every ride (you seem aware of the exceptions). We were there in mid June and I don't think the crowds were that heavy yet so on some rides the FOTL wasn't even needed. However on the rides that it was it saved a huge amount of time and was invaluable. We did everything we wanted to do in two days at both parks. Including having time to spend at least 4 hours at the pool each day.

I agree with pp that if you can swing getting the room for one night that might be a good option. That way you can also have a place to take a break which may come in handy with the FL heat in August. However if that is not an option then I agree to wait and see when you get there to determine if you will need to purchase the pass.

As I say I am sure the experts will jump in to give the best advice. Good Luck and Enjoy your trip!

 

[macraven]

since you plan for two non consecutive days at uo, thursday and saturday, i assume you have motherland plans for that friday.

if that is so, a two night stay at the darkside wouldn't work with your plans.


when the prices are $31.99 that is an indicator of a lower crowd day.
at the end of august, the hours are changing for park closing and there are less crowds.

saturdays are always busy no matter what park you go to.
that's a given.

never buy your epp in advance, especially in an off time period. typically low attendance period)

go to the parks.
if the lines are over 20 minutes and you have limited time, buy the epp then.
you can only use them one time only per ride/attraction.

do as much as you can with the shorter lines when you arrive.
then buy the epp if lines are too long for you.
repeat the rides you did before w/ express..

if it rains, the park thins out.
if you have done about 3/4 of the park without many waits, epp is a waste.

the epp is date and park related.
there are no refunds, none..

it would be a waste to buy them in advance when you find out later you didn't need them.

only exception is the price of the epp can change.
they are cheap right now for your dates.


if universal changes the price up wards on the epp, it means they feel the crowds will be greater than previously expected.

epp's do not run out in your time period.

then can be bought in the park at the major merch store or at guest services anytime.

if you go thursday and decide to repeat the parks on saturday, that would be the day to 'consider' the purchase of epp.
but, again, wait until you are in the park and can judge the crowds and lines.


as others have posted, staying onsite is the best way to handle the parks, crowds and your time.

 

[mesaboy2]

I completely agree with macraven.

 

[macraven]

I completely agree with macraven.

check is in the mail...............

 

[Pearle1]

Wow, what great response ~ Thanks so much for such well thought out advice and ideas ~ also, thanks for checking price of a night stay ~ didn't even think of that option!! These forums are so helpful!!

 

[macraven]

many of us try to help.

most of us have been in your shoes and can share our experiences that you are now going through.

 

[mesaboy2]

check is in the mail...............

I can provide my financial institution's routing number if you support direct deposit.

 

[Pearle1]

Melanie230 ~ you have given me an idea!! something to really think about and consider ~ The only thing is ~ lets say I did do one night Thursday 8/25, but wanted to get to the park for opening ~ how would I get the FOTL passes if check in weren't until later in the day?? (or can you go early,get the passes, and leave your luggage there??) and then for Friday can you use it even after check out? (and will they
hold your luggage?) thanks everyone!

 

[Bluer101]

Melanie230 ~ you have given me an idea!! something to really think about and consider ~ The only thing is ~ lets say I did do one night Thursday 8/25, but wanted to get to the park for opening ~ how would I get the FOTL passes if check in weren't until later in the day?? (or can you go early,get the passes, and leave your luggage there??) and then for Friday can you use it even after check out? (and will they
hold your luggage?) thanks everyone!

You can arrive as early as you want. The room may or may not be ready. You still are issued you room keys which are also your early entry and unlimited express pass. Leave your luggage with bell hop and go to the parks. They will call you ( if you give them your cell#) when your room is ready with your room #. No need to stop at the front desk just go to the room and call to have luggage brought up.

On checkout day get up early to get ready and have your bags stored at bellhop again. Go to the parks as usual, return to the hotel anytime before midnight ( to avoid another nights parking charge), go to bellhop and they will load your car. Your room keys are for you to keep, no need to return them. They will have your names, dates, and ages on them. Have fun.



I forgot to add: Our normal checkin time is around 5:30am-7:30am without any problems.

 

[Melanie230]

Melanie230 ~ you have given me an idea!! something to really think about and consider ~ The only thing is ~ lets say I did do one night Thursday 8/25, but wanted to get to the park for opening ~ how would I get the FOTL passes if check in weren't until later in the day?? (or can you go early,get the passes, and leave your luggage there??) and then for Friday can you use it even after check out? (and will they
hold your luggage?) thanks everyone!

You can check in as early as you want. If your room isn't ready they will hold your luggage in a secure area and call your cell when it is ready. You can use it all day on Thursday and Friday. That is the best benefit to staying onsite with FOTL. One night=2 days of FOTL passes!

 

[cns01120]

We went last October and had express passes for our entire stay Thursday through Saturday. It was not considered a peak season. We did purchase them in advance. While we probably didn't "need" them for all the rides, it was nice to just walk on. Most of the rides had at a 15 minute or longer wait. When you add that up for each ride it was worth it to us. Plus, I had a badly broken foot so standing up in line for any length of time was difficult.

Universal does sell an unlimited express pass for offsite guests. You have to purchase it at the gate for an increased rate. I verified this directly with UO last year.

 

[Bluer101]

Universal does sell an unlimited express pass for offsite guests. You have to purchase it at the gate for an increased rate. I verified this directly with UO last year.

The for sale unlimited express pass is part of the VIP ticket. It's admission plus unlimited express.