Tell me it isn't true!!

[goheels81]

Is it true that until mid-August, Universal hotel guests are being limited to one time on each ride using Express hotel key until after 3 p.m.? That stinks, when the primary reason I am shelling out big bucks to stay at an on-site hotel is so we can ride things like Dueling Dragons, the Hulk and Spiderman multiple times.
Pam

 

[PENCOYS PIRATE]

Is it true that until mid-August, Universal hotel guests are being limited to one time on each ride using Express hotel key until after 3 p.m.? That stinks, when the primary reason I am shelling out big bucks to stay at an on-site hotel is so we can ride things like Dueling Dragons, the Hulk and Spiderman multiple times.
Pam

I am really hopeing this isn't the case, as we like yourselfs are paying top wack for the privilige of by passing the q's.
Don't get me wrong we love the RPR and everything about it but we could stay somewhere just as nice but not as pricey and be able to ride the rides etc like everyone else.
Fingers crossed this isnt the case
Chucklechops

 

[Slacking]

I am really hopeing this isn't the case, as we like yourselfs are paying top wack for the privilige of by passing the q's.
Don't get me wrong we love the RPR and everything about it but we could stay somewhere just as nice but not as pricey and be able to ride the rides etc like everyone else.
Fingers crossed this isnt the case
Chucklechops

They used that limit last summer. But if there is a ride op who isn't scanning your hotel key, then no worries, ride again. Also, you can always tour the park ride all the rides and see all the shows until 3pm. Then after 3, repeat rides to your hearts content. You're worrying about this more than you need to be, relax!

 

[robvia]

I don't see anything wrong with this policy.
You have to remember, that from 11am, to 4pm is rush hour at the parks. The extreme rush hour is noon to 3pm, that's the worst time to be there.
Some rides like Hulk have a 20 minute express wait at noon. To me, that's not exactly re-riding it over and over. The best idea is to go early in the morning, take a lap, use your magic key as needed. Go back to your hotel, take a rest, visit the pool, come back at 4pm. The only people in the express lines at this time will be from the hotels.
They have to do something for the normal people who are dumb and show up at 11am. Yes, it's their fault, but if nothing is done, these people go home saying bad things and don't come back. You have to let them get 2 or 3 rides before they give up and leave.
The other thing, is during the summer months, the park stays open until 10pm. So you'll have plenty of time at night to use your magic key, and it won't be so hot out as compared to the afternoon.

 

[shl1108]

Do you mean from now until August this may be the case?
Or starting in June for summer months only?

We are going May7-11th and haven't heard anything about the "one ride" FOTL pass. Where is that listed?

Thanks

 

[damo]

Only on peak, peak days. You will be fine in May.

They have to limit on those peak days or else the FOTL will be way too long. This keeps it fair for everyone. Usually, only the busy, busy rides will limit as well. It is all done for crowd control.

 

[goheels81]

I read it on the online update page for Kelly Monaghan's book. The website is www.theotherorlando.com. It's on the page listing updates for Universal Orlando.

Maybe I am overeacting, but we will only have two days at Universal (this visit will be at the end of a week-long cruise, and since we are using FF miles, we have to fly back on a Monday instead of on Saturday when the cruise returns to port), and I know my teenagers will want to ride those roller coasters as much as they can.

Pam

 

[phamton]

Well, I know they are not doing it right now. Whether they start limiting it this summer, we'll just have to wait and see. When is your trip?

I just don't see this happening until at least July.

 

[gschmerl]

Maybe I am overeacting, I know my teenagers will want to ride those roller coasters as much as they can.

Pam

We were in the same situation for our trip last July. I was SOOOO upset when I heard this news. Guess what? It really didn't effect us at all. I like to get the the parks at opening to ride the front row of the coasters anyway. At that time you can ride Hulk and Dueling Dragons over and over and over without having to use your FOTL. Save it for later when the crowds come. The only place they scanned my card was Spiderman and Mummy. We usually left the parks some point in the afternoon and enjoyed the pool at the RPR. Then we would return to the parks later and have unlimited access.
Even if it is strictly enforced, it really won't negatively effect your visit.

 

[goheels81]

Thanks, that makes me feel better -- we will be there in mid-July, also. I'm sure we'll have a great time regardless.
Pam

 

[robvia]

Well there ya go, things will work out perfectly. The parks stay open until 10pm in July. It's one reason I booked my trip at this time. Go early, get front seat rides on Hulk and Dueling Dragons, go on everything else using your magic key. If you wish to eat lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, go there at 11:30am to beat the crowd. Everyone gets hungry at noon, the lines are long, and service is slow. People who show up to the HRC at 1pm complain about their experience. People who show up at 11:30am have a great time.
From 1pm to 4pm, relax at the hotel and stay out of the heat. Let the dummies who show up at 11am get a few rides. At 4pm, have a few drinks in your hotel room as you get ready to go back to the parks. A styrophome cooler stocked with beers is a good idea here, you take care of that before checking in.
Now it's 5pm and you're back at the park. Everyone is leaving because they are tired, and worn out. Grab a happy hour drink, the party is just starting. Use your magic keys and ride, ride, ride, the express lines will be short.
At 10pm, you get to watch the fireworks, then walk back to your room.

 

[kellymonaghan]

Everyone gets hungry at noon, the lines are long, and service is slow. People who show up to the HRC at 1pm complain about their experience. People who show up at 11:30am have a great time.

Tip: If HRC is packed and your party is small (a couple, for example), ask to eat at the bar. Full menu, great view, and often immediate seating.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

We heard this right before we left for our first trip to US/IOA last summer. I was so upset I cut our Universal stay from 5 nights to 3 nights. Guess what? We were able to use our FOTL without any problems - even on SHrek which was the big one they were supposedly going to check. We never had a problem even in the middle of July! This year I'm not going to worry about it at all and are in fact staying for 5 days this year, after Disney,.

 

[Sherrilatte]

Tip: If HRC is packed and your party is small (a couple, for example), ask to eat at the bar. Full menu, great view, and often immediate seating.

Thanks for the tip KellyM! Is my All Access Card still good for discounts?


Robvia, you make a good point...

 

[joloco]

we were there easter week and were told of restriction at hulk one time....said we didn't know - attendant let us ride again.....no one else ever said andything ....we rode mummy, mib, spiderman, fire and ice, multiple times....i would'nt worry....it was crazy crowded.....but fotl worked fantastic.

 

[robvia]

What most people forget, is after 3 hours your feet will be tired. Even if you go on walks before your trip, you never stand that long, unless you work a cashier job. After a few hours, my feet are tired and I need a break, especially after the 2nd and 3rd day. The mid afternoon is the perfect time to get away from the crowds and rest.