Seeing the parks without Express Pass

[abooch]

I will be staying offsite (budget reason) September 12-15 and am planning on going to Universal Friday morning, probably most of the day Saturday and all day Sunday until we leave for the airport at around 6pm. Is this enough time to do pretty much everything without having the "rush" and without express pass?

 

[snoopboop]

With a few days in the parks, I think you certainly CAN do it.... but I'm of the mindset that I just don't understand why someone would pay for tickets to the parks and then spend 1/3 of their time (or more!!) standing in line. If you can in any way swing it, I'd seriously consider staying on-site for the Unlimited Express benefit, along with the other perks like proximity to the parks.

 

[DCTooTall]

Mid September? You should be fine. Besides having multiple days to see everything, Mid-September is not one of the extremely busy timeframes as it's after the big summer rush, not directly around a holiday, and even the HHN festivities haven't started yet.

You should have plenty of time to enjoy your trip and not feel rushed in the slightest.

 

[Metro West]

Mid September? You should be fine. Besides having multiple days to see everything, Mid-September is not one of the extremely busy timeframes as it's after the big summer rush, not directly around a holiday, and even the HHN festivities haven't started yet.

You should have plenty of time to enjoy your trip and not feel rushed in the slightest.

 

[macraven]

many peeps go during that time period and don't buy expess passes.

use the single rider lines if possible.



have fun!

 

[Tinachichi]

Have to say the express passes made all the difference in our trips. First time we went we stayed off site and had no express passes. Next year I went for the passes. A world of difference. Never have gone again without them. If you can manage to stay on site it is worth every dollar. The perks are just great. Early access can make your trip so much better. Just my opinion. But we will never again go any other way.

 

[macraven]

the op asked about mid sept which is a low period at the parks and hotels.

there are some time periods during the year that won't have very long line waits.


now with the hp2 opening next year, it's an unknown how that will change crowds.
maybe more will start going in the low season in 2014.

 

[Herbie]

We have AP's, can only go on weekends, and have never had express passes. YES, you can do, and enjoy it.

 

[-Hope-]

I'm so glad a few people have responded positively. I completely understand that an on site visit with unlimited EP would make for a fantastic trip but at times it comes across that those on a budget shouldn't even bother. Honestly, I'd rather wait a bit, perhaps even skip a few things (or save them for next time) than just give up and never go at all. I feel pretty confident with my research that we'll do everything we want in our 3 days next month but if we don't we'll have done more than we would have sitting at home!

OP, go, do what you can, make a list of must-dos and do the rest after those things are done. Have fun and know that those of us on a budget aren't wasting our time- we deserve our fun too!

 

[Bluer101]

We have AP's and FL resident. We will not visit without being onsite. Way to many perks besides express.

 

[Planogirl]

We usually stay offsite and have yet to buy Express passes. We most often go in August.

Get to the parks at rope drop and hit those popular rides first. I'm not sure how Transformers is affecting the crowds at the Studios but I'd be inclined to go there first and of course see Harry Potter first in IOA.

 

[2girlsmom]

We are also AP holders and Florida Residents. We have stayed onsite and off. While the express and the ability to boat to citywalk, etc is nice, it is certainly not necessary if you are going at less than peak season. Agreed that we don't really know what impact the opening of Diagon Alley will have, but for current, I would say 3 days in September is plenty of time to see pretty much everything, and likely multiple times on faves. Frequently at this time of year even the more popular rides (FJ, for example) are around 20 minute waits, which I would not consider major.

 

[snoopboop]

I'm so glad a few people have responded positively. I completely understand that an on site visit with unlimited EP would make for a fantastic trip but at times it comes across that those on a budget shouldn't even bother. Honestly, I'd rather wait a bit, perhaps even skip a few things (or save them for next time) than just give up and never go at all. I feel pretty confident with my research that we'll do everything we want in our 3 days next month but if we don't we'll have done more than we would have sitting at home!

OP, go, do what you can, make a list of must-dos and do the rest after those things are done. Have fun and know that those of us on a budget aren't wasting our time- we deserve our fun too!

It's just a difference in opinion, I guess... For me, it IS a waste of time to stand in line when I could have had Express Pass. As a few others have said, I would NEVER do the parks without Express Pass. If I'm shelling out the money to go on vacation, then I'm going to make sure I make the most of my time. My vacation time is too valuable to be spent waiting in line!

 

[abooch]

So if I stay one night onsite I would get express pass for 2 days? I'm honestly contemplating it. Do they have areas to keep your belongings before and after check in?

 

[snoopboop]

So if I stay one night onsite I would get express pass for 2 days? I'm honestly contemplating it. Do they have areas to keep your belongings before and after check in?

Yes, and Yes.

You can check in right away in the morning, even if a room isn't ready for you yet. They'll hold your luggage for you while you go to the parks. And then the next day, even after you check out, your Express Pass is valid all day. Once again, they'll hold your luggage (at "Luggage Services" near the front desk) until you depart!

 

[-Hope-]

It's just a difference in opinion, I guess... For me, it IS a waste of time to stand in line when I could have had Express Pass. As a few others have said, I would NEVER do the parks without Express Pass. If I'm shelling out the money to go on vacation, then I'm going to make sure I make the most of my time. My vacation time is too valuable to be spent waiting in line!

I'm not trying to be contrary but it's a difference in opinion AND resources. It would add at least $1000 to our trip to stay on site (because we have free dining which wasn't offered to onsite guests) and for ME that isn't worth it when I can go at slow times (thus saving even more $$), have a touring plan, etc. My vacation time is too valuable to spend at home twiddling my thumbs just because I can't stay onsite. Just as I'm sure there are those who are willing to make sacrifices that I'm not (we won't do a 17+ hour drive OR be without a rental car EVER AGAIN, lol). And I'm sure you're making sacrifices others feel they can't live without.

Please don't misunderstand, I don't begrudge the choice, my BFF will only do on site stays as well, but some people (not necessarily you!!) come across as condescending to those who choose to do what they can with the resources they have. Like I said, we fly but if someone wanted to know if a drive COULD be done I wouldn't advise them to stay home because of my personal feelings about long car trips. Believe me, people know the downsides, they're usually just asking how to minimize them.

I grew up with parents who wouldn't go places unless they could "do it right" and therefore never went anywhere; I want more than that for my kids and a lot of others feel the same. I think it's important for people to know that fun can be had on a budget for those who don't mind the sacrifices that entails.

ETA: Apologies to the OP if I've hijacked your thread.

 

[abooch]

Could anybody help me out in finding "discounted" rate? I do have AAA and am a Costco member. I have checked out the discount thread but can't fine any rates online, etc.

 

[macraven]

Could anybody help me out in finding "discounted" rate? I do have AAA and am a Costco member. I have checked out the discount thread but can't fine any rates online, etc.

you need to call UO reservations for them to tell you the AAA rate.
they do not list the AAA rate on the hotel site.

or you can call any AAA office for the room rate.


i always call UO for the info when i am working out which code is the best for my stay.

 

[snoopboop]

@-Hope-... I certainly hope I don't come off as condescending - My apologies if I do. I just (obviously!) feel strongly that Express is worth its weight in gold when it comes to fully experiencing the parks! I definitely agree with your assertion that I probably sacrifice things that others wouldn't in order to get Express (flying at an inconvenient time of day for a cheaper flight, for example!).

@abooch... Go here: http://www.loewshotels.com/uo/

You can input your dates and see what rates are available for your stay.

I don't believe that a Costco membership is good for a discounted stay, but I could be wrong!?

 

[abooch]

So UO could tell me the AAA rate and then I could book on the phone with them?