Questions about Universal's express ride policy

[vald1977]

Hi,
Could someone further explain the Universal Express Plus? It sounds like you get fotl access like on-site guests but only once for each attraction? Is this right? Also, does anyone have info on the cost?

My dh loves coaster but the rest of our party doesn't (me, ds5yr. and mother in law). I am trying to figure the best way to limit having to wait around for dh at IOA. Are the regular Express passes pretty effective (we'll be going during the first week of December)?

One last question. If I understand correctly, on-site guests get fotl privledges at all rides without having to wait for a time window. This would be the way to go except I can't find anywhere where it will tell me if there will be an extra charge for a third adult or how much if there is one. Does anyone know?


Thanks for any help.

 

[AlexandNessa]

I think that the on-site hotels charge $25/night extra for a 3rd adult. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Nan]

Oops!

 

[BarryHom]

Universal Express Plus is the paid Universal Express option. You pay about $15 to $25 (depending on the time of year) and you get a ticket. Each ticket will allow you to enter the Express line once per ride. You don't have to wait for a time or get extra tickets. The room key for onsite guests is like an all day Universal Express pass.

Onsite hotels do charge $25 for each extra adult after 2.

 

[wdwphanatic]

I have a friend who's going Easter week and may be interested in purchasing these, so I figured I'd ask... Are they only available at the gate? Do you have to get to the parks early to buy them (i.e. are there only a limited number available each day?)??? Any info would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Sarah

 

[curlyjbs]

I'd like to know too.

thanks,

curly

 

[SpideyHulk24]

They are limited. You can buy them at some of the gift shops. When you get to the park, there will be signs directing you to them.

 

[curlyjbs]

are these only good for that day? or do you use them until they are gone.

curly

 

[the Dark Marauder]

They are park and date specific. You get one express access per attraction on the date specified on the pass. Each person must have their own pass, and I recommend not using the express entrance if the posted wait time is 15 minutes or less...

 

[curlyjbs]

Thanks for the info! This pass will definetely come in handy. I really wish we could stay onsite and take advantage of express all day but too much $$$


This is our 1st trip to us/ioa and we are big coaster fans!!! Can't wait!

curly

 

[RescueRanger]

Curlyjbs, be sure to call 1-800- BEASTAR and ask about discounts for the time that you are going. Sometimes you can get some really good deals. The entertainment rate is a good example. You can buy an entertainment card for around $25 and that would allow you to get the rate if it was available. When were you planning on going?

 

[MinniMama]

I am confused is there an express pass you don't pay for amd does that work ok in late Feb? Will the crowds be bad enough to pay for a pass?

 

[the Dark Marauder]

There are three kinds of express, and everybody needs their own pass:

Onsite hotel room key-unlimited express access during the length of your stay. You obviously pay for this.

Express Plus-this one you pay for. You get one express access per attraction on the date specified and in the park specified on the pass, unless it's combo express, which can be used at both parks.

regular Express-this is the free express. You go to any of the machines you see nearby many attraction entrances and scan either the magstripe or barcode in the respective reader. You then follow the onscreen instructions (choose an attraction if more than one is available, then choose either the early or later return time). You will get a printed ticket and just come back anytime between the window you were given (Ex 1115-1215). You can get one free express pass every 1-2 hrs. It will tell you onscreen when you can get your next one.

 

[MrsMud]

I see that the OP is going the first week in Dec. I know this is one of the slowest weeks of the year at WDW, is it the same for US? If so, would it even be necessary to purchase the Express Plus for this time of year?
Just wondering, as we are looking at going around the same time.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

The fist week of December is SLOW. You'll probbaly only need express for Mummy and Shrek, if anything. The free express will more than suffice during that period.