Tips: Express Pass or VIP Ticket - Which one to choose?

[GeorgiaPeach74]

I have a friend that works with Tickets down in Orlando and shared me a few tips that might end up saving you some money.

1. Express Pass - Entitles you one-time express ride access for most rides, attractions and shows within the theme park(s).

2. VIP Ticket - Entitles you an UNLIMITED amount of times for express ride access for most rides, attractions and shows within the theme parks.

3. Express Pass - You need to know the day(s) you're going to attend the parks.
4. VIP Ticket - You only need to know the starting day you're going to attend the parks and the rest will flow smoothly. You have 14-days to enjoy days 2, 3 or 4, just like a regular multi-day park-to-park ticket.

5. Simply do a comparison between the two might end up saving you hundreds. See this example:

You have a family of 7 coming to Universal and want to do a 4-day Park-to-Park with Express Passes on July 8, 10, 11, and 13. For your family of 7, you will end up spending $3,190.53 for your family. Now, if you do the VIP Ticket, you will spend: $2,549.68 for your starting date of July 8, 2012!

This is a savings of: $640.85 or $160.21 per day. In addition, this is a savings of: $91.55 per person or $22.89 per day!!! Crazy, huh! Now, the VIP Ticket isn't always the cheaper option, you just have to do a comparison to see which one would yield you the best for your money. Please see the images below for the comparison:

(Express)

(VIP)

6. This has nothing to do with the VIP Ticket, but if you plan on doing a 3-Day Base + WNW ($181.60 Adult; $168.82 Child (Tax Incl.)); 4-Day Base + WNW ($185.86 Adult; $175.21 Child (Tax Incl.)); 3-Day Park-to-Park + WNW ($199.71 Adult; $186.93 Child (Tax. Incl.)) or 4-Day Park-to-Park + WNW ($207.16 Adult; $193.32 Child)); CHOOSE a 3-Park Unlimited Ticket instead. It's for 14 days for 3 Parks and $193.85 for an Adult and $177.87 for a Child (Tax Incl.)! I don't think it's online, but you can call Universal directly at (407) 224-7840 directly to order it!

It's all about saving money in this economy. Hope these tips help some!

-Ashley-

 

[macraven]

prices are different depending on the date you will be in the park.


some dates will have a higher cost, some dates will have a lower cost.



you wouldn't need to buy express passes, vip passes in the low seasons.
if the crowds are low, it would be a waste of money.


i always tell newbies not to buy the express passes until you are in the park to judge the crowds and time waits for rides and shows.

if it rains on the day you are in the park and previously bought the express pass, you wouldn't need it.

when it rains, crowds thin out quickly.


the express passes are date related, park related and non refundable.

 

[GeorgiaPeach74]

Yes, I agree. Just trying to do a comparison for someone who really needed them and didn't know exactly which one(s) to choose. Sometimes with the VIP, you'll do better than if you did the Express.

 

[macraven]

Yes, I agree. Just trying to do a comparison for someone who really needed them and didn't know exactly which one(s) to choose. Sometimes with the VIP, you'll do better than if you did the Express.

i think it is a very nice gesture for you to do this thread to help out newbies.
not everyone is aware of the different ticket programs that are available for all guests.

i'd like to add there are certain dates the vip passes are valid.
those dates are in the chart below.
park tickets are included in these passes.
this is the order site:
http://secure.universalstudios.com/webstore/Shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=UOVIP&C=VIP



4-Day Park to Park VIP Ticket

Non-Peak valid dates:
May 16, May 20 - 21, Aug 29 - 31, Sept 3 - 7, Sept 9 - 14,
Sept 16 - 21, Aug 26, Sept 23 - 28, Sept 30, Oct 1 - 4,
Oct 9 - 10, Oct 16 - 18, Oct 23 - 25, Oct 28 - 31, Nov 1,
Nov 4 - 9, Nov 12 - 16, Nov 25 - 30, Dec 2 - 7, Dec 9 - 13

Standard valid dates:
May 17 - 19, May 22 - 31,Jun 1 - 19, Jun 22, Jun 24, Jun 29,
Jul 2, Jul 6, Jul 8, Jul 15, Jul 22, Jul 28 - 29, Aug 4 - 5,
Aug 8, Aug 11 - 12, Aug 16 - 25, Aug 27 - 28, Sept 1 - 2,
Sept 8, Sept 15, Sept 22, Sept 29, Oct 5 - 8, Oct 11 - 15,
Oct 19 - 22, Oct 26 - 27, Nov 2 - 3, Nov 10 - 11, Nov 17 - 24,
Dec 1, Dec 8, Dec 14 - 18, Dec 21, Dec 24 - 25

Peak valid dates:
Jun 20 - 21, Jun 23, Jun 25 - 28, Jun 30, Jul 1, Jul 3 - 5,
Jul 7, Jul 9 - 14, Jul 16 -21, Jul 23 - 27, Jul 30 - 31,
Aug 1 - 3, Aug 6 - 7, Aug 9 - 10, Aug 13 - 15, Dec 19 - 20,
Dec 22 - 23, Dec 26 - 31

Full Details
Select Date/Time
Non-Peak (Ages 10 & Up)$299.99*
Select Date/Time
Non-Peak (Ages 3-9)$284.99*
Select Date/Time
Standard (Ages 10 & Up)$339.99*
Select Date/Time
Standard (Ages 3-9)$324.99*
Select Date/Time
Peak (Ages 10 & Up)$379.99*
Select Date/Time
Peak (Ages 3-9)$364.99*

 

[GeorgiaPeach74]

Even with the dates you posted above, they are subject to change. It's crazy how one offer can save you money, like the one I mentioned above.

 

[macraven]

Even with the dates you posted above, they are subject to change. It's crazy how one offer can save you money, like the one I mentioned above.

i know, it is just crazy .......!!

i'm glad you posted the difference so that the newbies can have an idea there are different ways to get express passes.

and thank you miss peach for posting the different ways.
i'm sure others will appreciate it!




for those that have the AP's, they probably wouldn't want the vip pass as it includes the park ticket.

 

[damo]

Those looking at options like these should also check to see if it would be cheaper to purchase an AP, use the AP for room discounts, and just stay on site where you get unlimited express access as a perk (for up to 2 adults and 3 kids) for the day you check in and the day you check out.

Also, by staying onsite, you get early admission which you don't get with a simple express pass ticket or a VIP ticket.

An AP at Universal is only around $250.