Should we buy tickets online beforehand?

[forgetyourtroubles!]

Okay, this whole ticket thing is a confusing to me still. We will be at the parks on a Sat. Sun. Mon and we are staying on site. I see the buy 2 days get a 5 day pass thing on the US site. They are also selling an express pass. Am I right that we don't need an express pass since we are on site?
Also, I think I would rather have tickets that never expire in case we decide not to go to the parks on Monday and save the days for a later trip. Is there a 3 day pass or (I keep hearing of the 2 day/add a third day free) or a 3 day pass w/ days that don't expire? Where would you buy a regular 2 day pass? Only at the gate?

ALSO, the Entertainment card is supposed to give you some kind of Universal Bucks back on a 2 day pass. Does anyone know if this is true? If so, I guess we can just not buy our tickets beforehand, right? Get them at the gate?

 

[robvia]

Buying online and picking them up at the gate is easy, and costs less on the shipping. You bring the confirmation paper with the 6 digit code, your credit card, and you're all set. If you get to the gate between 10-11am, the line is long to get tickets. Everyone seems to show up at this time. If you decide to buy at the gate, I'd suggest you arrive at 8am.

The only tickets that I know of that don't expire, are from AAA.
http://www.aaasouth.com/universal_orlando.asp
This page has info on their ticket deals.
http://www.aaasouth.com/acs_pages/42605.asp

 

[nicolep91]

I just wanted to add that you're right, you won't need to buy an express pass since you're staying on site. Your room key will be your express pass.

Have fun!

 

[webray]

You are correct, you get automatic express with your room key. We were told that we needed one room key per person. (we had three adults in the room).

I would recommend getting your tickets before you leave home...just saves you standing in line at the gate, or having to mess with purchasing tickets at the resort when you arrive...however, you can purchase your tickets at the concierge desk when you arrive at the resort.

Another option is go to your local AAA office and purchase your park hopper tickets. This is very handy, they don't expire...and when I did it, they even included free parking passes for the parking garage...you won't need them staying on site...but, I thought that was a nice touch.