Question about Express Pass and Touring

[missypie]

Disney Fast/Pass vet here, trying to figure out Universal. Although Universal is said to be more low key, I assume that next week (Spring Break) it will be packed. We are staying at RPH, so we will have Express Pass priveliges.

I've read that the Express Pass allows you to the front of the line ONCE a day. If so, doesn't it make sense to identify the popular rides that one may want to ride multiple times (e.g. Spiderman) and race around to them first when the park opens? Then, the Express Pass could be used later in the day for a second ride.

What time should I arrive to be there "at rope drop" (or the Universal equivalent)? Do they really sometimes open early?

Thanks!!! Leaving Sunday.

 

[Eeyore1925]

If you are staying onsite, you get FOTL as many times during the day as you like. Just show your room key and you are good to go.

 

[missypie]

If you are staying onsite, you get FOTL as many times during the day as you like. Just show your room key and you are good to go.

Fantastic! I looked all over the Universal Web site, and could only find a descripton of a pass that you can only use once.

 

[Metro West]

Disney Fast/Pass vet here, trying to figure out Universal. Although Universal is said to be more low key, I assume that next week (Spring Break) it will be packed. We are staying at RPH, so we will have Express Pass priveliges.

I've read that the Express Pass allows you to the front of the line ONCE a day. If so, doesn't it make sense to identify the popular rides that one may want to ride multiple times (e.g. Spiderman) and race around to them first when the park opens? Then, the Express Pass could be used later in the day for a second ride.

What time should I arrive to be there "at rope drop" (or the Universal equivalent)? Do they really sometimes open early?

Thanks!!! Leaving Sunday.

Even though you will have FOTL access, you should still try to arrive early...which shouldn't be a problem since you're staying onsite.

If you are staying onsite, you get FOTL as many times during the day as you like. Just show your room key and you are good to go.

 

[missypie]

But how early is early? for a 9 am opening, 8:15? 8:30?

 

[Metro West]

But how early is early? for a 9 am opening, 8:15? 8:30?

8:30 is usually the time they open during the busy season. Normally the crowds are fairly late coming...like around 11am but during a busy period, it's going to get busy earlier.

 

[missypie]

8:30 is usually the time they open during the busy season. Normally the crowds are fairly late coming...like around 11am but during a busy period, it's going to get busy earlier.

So maybe we should arrive a 8? Or is that too compulsive?

 

[Metro West]

So maybe we should arrive a 8? Or is that too compulsive?

That may be a little early but you could always go ahead and get in line. For whichever park you decide to do first, head for the attractions in the front of the park and then go from there. At IOA, do Spiderman and Hulk first thing and then head around. At the Studios, Shrek 4-D and Jimmy Neutron should be done first and then head for Twister or ROTM.

 

[missypie]

Thanks!