Potentially stupid questions...

[wdwrookie]

Hi there,

My husband and I are doing our first WDW/Universal trip and I have a couple of questions:

1. Tickets: I see on the Universal web site that they have a 5-day pay for 2 type pass. This is what we would like. However, when I go to buy online, it gives the electronic will-call option, and two express mail options. So my question is, can I pay for them now through the will-call option even though we aren't going until April, or should I just wait to order them until the day before we go? Ideally, I would like to have the tickets before we go, but there is no need to pay $20 for FedEx if we don't need it.

2. Taxis: We are staying in Disney and think we'll cab it to Universal so we don't have to rely on a specific time. Are taxis easy to get at Universal back to the resorts at WDW? Has anyone else done this, and if so, do you remember the cost?

3. Is the fast pass-like system at WDW the same (or similar) as Universal? I realize it's not the same as WDW, but are they comparable systems?

Thanks so much for all of your help!

 

[damo]

1. Yes, you can do the will-call thing now. You will then use the kiosks at the front of the gates to pick up your tickets. You will need to use the same credit card to pick up with as you paid.

2. There are lots of cabs.

3. Yes the fast-pass system is very similar to express at Universal.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Is it feasible for you to switch over to a Universal Hotel for the Universal part of your trip? This will save you multiple cab trips to and from Universal (it sounds as though you will be going to Universal for more than one day, and I have heard that the cab ride from the Diney hotels is a bit expensive).

I have not used either the fast pass at WDW or the express pass at Universal. I have only had the FOTL (front of the line) access that is a benefit of staying on site at Universal. All you need is your room key and you are permitted into the express line for 99% of the rides and attractions at both US and IOA. Many times the longest thing about the express line is walking from the ride entrance to the ride itself; other times you may wait for five minutes. You can do this all day, as many times as you like for each of the rides and attractions. This is why I ask if it is feasible for you to switch over to a Universal Hotel when you are done with Disney. I know it is a hassle to change hotels mid vacation, but the savings in cab fare and wait times for rides will likely balance that out. The fact that you will have unlimited express while you are at Universal outweighs the time involved in making the move. Good luck.

 

[essmom]

There is a link for $8 off 5 day pass. it is www.visituniversal.com/kraft..

 

[wdwrookie]

Thank you all for the information. I considered switching hotels, but decided against it. We plan to do Universal 2 days (not sure which 2 yet and wanted to have the flexibility to go when we wanted, rather than check out and move on a certain day), and the difference in cost for the hotel outweighs the cost of a taxi.

I just wanted to make sure that all people were entitled to the express option as they are at WDW (not just hotel guests). It seems as if that's true. I know it's not as great as hopping to the front of the line, but at least it's something.

Again, thanks a million for the info.

 

[robvia]

Rent a car if you can. Not sure where you are from. But if you're going to USF twice, the rental car will be less. On average, it's $60 (plus tip) for 3 people to go from Disney to USF and back. Some have used Happy Limo, Mears is a little bit more because they're in with Disney.

You can beat the crowd by arriving to USF at 8am each morning. You will get 1 express pass at a time with your ticket. For example, at IOA, you'd run to Hulk and get front seat rides, get an express pass for 11am, take a lap around the park, come back to the front, and ride Hulk with a short wait using your pass. Or you do the same thing for Spiderman if coasters are not your thing. By noon most express pass machines will be sold out. So in most cases, you get 1 express pass, 2 at the most for major rides. And the time to ride will be an hour or two from when you get the pass. One time I got a pass for Hulk that was 6 hours from the current time.
At USF, you'd get an express pass for Neutron, ride Shrek, ride Neutron, get another pass for ET on the way to MIB, and by this time, they'll be sold out.

 

[Slacking]

In my opinion, Express Passes are overrated. I have a foolproof touring plan which ensures you can experience all attractions with very little to no wait. Of course, it'll be null and void once Mummy opens.

 

[wdwrookie]

Originally posted by essmom
There is a link for $8 off 5 day pass. it is www.visituniversal.com/kraft..

Thank you! I bought them today using this.