Please explain Express Pass to me!

[Snoozan]

I am going to be buying 3 one day/one park passes for IOA for either 11/29 or 11/30/10 for son,neice and her BF. Being this is right after T-day weekend, do you think Express Pass will be needed for a Monday or Tuesday? Can the Express Pass be bought on the same day as when they go because they'll probably decide which day to go once we're in FL? Looks like the cost is $19.99 per ticket on the USF website, but it really doesn't let me pick either date at this point - does that mean it won't be available? Will Express Pass be allowed for rides in the WWOHP?

 

[Metro West]

I am going to be buying 3 one day/one park passes for IOA for either 11/29 or 11/30/10 for son,neice and her BF. Being this is right after T-day weekend, do you think Express Pass will be needed for a Monday or Tuesday? Can the Express Pass be bought on the same day as when they go because they'll probably decide which day to go once we're in FL? Looks like the cost is $19.99 per ticket on the USF website, but it really doesn't let me pick either date at this point - does that mean it won't be available? Will Express Pass be allowed for rides in the WWOHP?

Express Plus passes can be purchased at either park so there is no need to purchase ahead of time. Since you're coming the week after Thanksgiving, you probably won't need it except for the WWoHP...but it's still uncertain if they will be valid...we'll know soon enough. You can't purchase right now because the dates have not been loaded into the website but I doubt you will have an issue if you decide to purchase. But wait until you arrive to see what the lines are like. EP's are non-refundable and date specific.

 

[Snoozan]

Thanks for the info - now just another question or two: If one decides to purchase the Express Pass AFTER they've entered the park, do you have to go back to the main entrance to purchase? Are they good for only 1 time per "ride"?

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for the info - now just another question or two: If one decides to purchase the Express Pass AFTER they've entered the park, do you have to go back to the main entrance to purchase? Are they good for only 1 time per "ride"?

They are only good for once through the Express line. The EP's are sold throughout both parks so just look for the signs that are posted outside of the stores.

 

[yakadi]

I thought I read somewhere that they are $30 if you buy them at the park and cheaper to get online for $19.99 ahead of time ~ is that wrong??

 

[MAH4546]

The week after Thanksgiving is usually one of the emptiest of the year. Especially on that Tuesday, you probably will not need Express Pass.

 

[Metro West]

I thought I read somewhere that they are $30 if you buy them at the park and cheaper to get online for $19.99 ahead of time ~ is that wrong??

The price is set by the anticipated crowd level for that particular day...there is no discount for Express passes.

 

[bouncy54]

We're going to Universal on Tuesday, Nov. 16th and IOA on Thursday, Nov. 18th. We didn't need Express passes when we visited the parks during the same week in 2005, but we decided to purchase them this time because of the new Harry Potter Experience. We have no idea how that will impact the crowds. We paid $19.99 for each pass. Harry Potter isn't mentioned as one of the attractions on them, but that's probably because it hasn't even opened yet. Hopefully our passes will be honored for HP in November if it's been added to the list.

 

[Metro West]

Harry Potter isn't mentioned as one of the attractions on them, but that's probably because it hasn't even opened yet. Hopefully our passes will be honored for HP in November if it's been added to the list.

I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. I doubt any kind of Express line (except for onsite guests) will be available for the Forbidden Journey this year...the lines will be too long and since it will take an hour for the entire experience (queue and ride) it wouldn't make much sense. You could use the Express Plus passes for the other attractions but doubtful on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. But...that could change between now and then so who knows. I just wouldn't count on it.