Talk to me about the Express Pass, Please

[phillymummer]

Hello DISers!

On my next trip, we will be spending two days in US/IOS. It will be me, my hubby and my 9 yo daughter. This will be only our 2nd time to US and our first time staying on property.

I understand we will get our picture taken and have to carry our EP around the park. Tell me the best way to do this. I have seen people mention lanyards, but is that necessary? Do I only need to show my pass or will I have to scan it under something? I have a clear waterproof pouch I use for my phone and ID when I go kayaking so I was just thinking of using that, but it's not easy to open. My daughter will be fine wearing a lanyard around her neck bc she's used to it from Disney (pin trading). It's my hubby I am worried about. I am wondering if I can just carry his and mine in my clear pouch. How big are they?

Whew! that is a lot of questions!

 

[pcstang]

Hello DISers!

On my next trip, we will be spending two days in US/IOS. It will be me, my hubby and my 9 yo daughter. This will be only our 2nd time to US and our first time staying on property.

I understand we will get our picture taken and have to carry our EP around the park. Tell me the best way to do this. I have seen people mention lanyards, but is that necessary? Do I only need to show my pass or will I have to scan it under something? I have a clear waterproof pouch I use for my phone and ID when I go kayaking so I was just thinking of using that, but it's not easy to open. My daughter will be fine wearing a lanyard around her neck bc she's used to it from Disney (pin trading). It's my hubby I am worried about. I am wondering if I can just carry his and mine in my clear pouch. How big are they?

Whew! that is a lot of questions!

A lanyard is not necessary but my whole family use them. The express pass is about the size of a credit card and will be scanned at each ride. It can be scanned through a clear pouch like a lanyard has or you already have.

 

[phillymummer]

Thank you! Could I put my pass and hubby's pass "back to back" in my pouch? I really don't think he will wear a lanyard.

 

[macraven]

Thank you! Could I put my pass and hubby's pass "back to back" in my pouch? I really don't think he will wear a lanyard.

that will work.
or you could tape it to his forehead

 

[Dee2013]

If you want to split up for any reason, you really can't if you just have one ID holder. The lanyards are no big deal, and a great, cheap souvenir.

 

[phillymummer]

I don't see that happening, but that is a good point.

 

[damo]

I don't see that happening, but that is a good point.

None of us wear lanyards. I end up keeping all the express passes and just dole them out every ride. I wear a kipling multi.

 

[phillymummer]

Thanks everyone! We'll figure out something. He'll probably just keep it in a pocket. And hopefully he won't lose it!

 

[agavegirl1]

Thanks everyone! We'll figure out something. He'll probably just keep it in a pocket. And hopefully he won't lose it!

Worst case scenario, it gets wet. You can get it replaced at your resort but that is a hassle. These are just cardstock spit out by a kiosk. I like keeping it in some kind of plastic for water rides for sure. I didn't mind using a lanyard because I had it for the Photo Connect card anyway so I put them back to back.

 

[phillymummer]

I looked at the selection of lanyards online (The store on the universal website). Is the selection better on-site? I thought it might be better to buy a lanyard before we go so we don't have to waste time at the park doing it but I am not sure I really dig any of the choices online.

 

[AthenaBolina]

I bought Harry Potter lanyards from hot topic today! $6.80 each

 

[hydrotony]

You didn't say where you were staying at UOR. Remember that you do NOT get Express Pass at Cabana Bay.

 

[schumigirl]

I looked at the selection of lanyards online (The store on the universal website). Is the selection better on-site? I thought it might be better to buy a lanyard before we go so we don't have to waste time at the park doing it but I am not sure I really dig any of the choices online.

Margaritaville shop has some prettier ones......all different colours.........

 

[disneydawn71]

Just a suggestion, he can utilize a lanyard but doesn't need to wear it around his neck. My sister doesn't like to wear one either, so, instead, she loops it through a belt loop on her jeans or shorts and sticks the lanyard in a pocket and just pulls it out when she needs the express pass.

You can get generic lanyards at Walgreens or check out Ebay if there is a certain character or theme you think he might like. I purchased Harry Potter ones on Ebay and I think I paid $5.00 for each, I had so many Universal employees ask me about it because it was so unique to what was sold there, who knew $5 bucks would strike up so many fun conversations!

 

[escriven75]

If you EP gets wet or lost, you can get it replaced at guest services in both of the parks, you don't have to return to your hotel. My son took off his lanyard when he was younger and left it in the bathroom so we had to get his express pass reprinted. I think all we needed was our room key. It takes a bit of time if they are busy but still better than returning to your hotel to take care of it. They even had 'lost and found' lanyards and gave us one to use until we replaced the one he lost.

 

[phillymummer]

You didn't say where you were staying at UOR. Remember that you do NOT get Express Pass at Cabana Bay.

We're staying at Royal Pacific. So many great suggestions! Thank you! This is why i love the Dis!!

Is there a website where I can see all of the lanyards they sell in the park (similar to the Disney Parks Merchandise website)? The selection on the US website is very limited.

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I bought my Harry Potter themed lanyards for our upcoming trip from Ebay - there is a better (always changing!) selection and the prices were better. It was very easy!

 

[snoopboop]

I've found that the Universal lanyards are longer and more durable than others I've purchased. I like that they're nice and wide, and their long length makes it easier to extend the clear pocket to the people who are scanning the express passes! They also come with the clear plastic pouch, so if you purchase a lanyard elsewhere and it doesn't have the pouch attached, you'll need to get one.

Edit: Oh, and they've got Velcro, which is a good safety measure...

 

[dsw13]

I just kept the express passes in my wallet and took them out before each ride. We had a backpack with us and stored a ziplock bag. When we were ready for the water rides, the passes went into the ziplock bag, which was then placed into my pocket (with the backpack going into a locker, of course).

 

[CPanther95]

We always just use a generic lanyard - strictly for function. We prefer these which are small, thin and lightweight - plus adjustable hang height:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-VERTICA...ERTICAL+ID+Neck+Pouch+With+Adjustable+Lanyard

Express Pass and hotel key in the window slot, club key in the middle, Park Ticket and some cash in the zippered rear pouch. It isn't water tight, but the only thing at risk is the park ticket, and the zipper provides more than enough protection if you slip it underneath your shirt for Dudley and Jurassic (I throw mine in the water protected center area on Popeye.)

I hated the thought of a lanyard on my first trip, but absolutely love them now. You grab your lanyard when you leave your room and you've got everything you need - no need for a wallet. If it hanging around your neck is a problem, it can always go in your pocket and take up a lot less space than a wallet would have.