To Express pass or not...

[coinkc]

I need someone to just tell me what to do because I can't make up my mind!

We (three adults) will be visiting Universal Studios the second week in December. We have two days to see and do as much as we can. We are staying at a timeshare resort about 15 minutes away (because it was cheap for the week!).

I'm considering getting a room on site just for the Express passes. It works out to be cheaper than buying them daily since it's three people for two days. I'm trying to figure out whether the Express pass will be worth the $250 it is going to cost me for an empty hotel room. (we wouldn't stay there as its not worth the hassle of packing up for a night). The early entry feature isn't a big draw as my other two "adults" are actually 19 year olds and move about as fast as a turtle on a highway in the mornings...

Sooooo...all you US frequent goers....can you weigh in here? I know the express pass is always a good thing but I'm wondering if we will actually need it that time of year. If it matters, we will probably be at the parks either on Monday/Tuesday or Tuesday/Wednesday.

Thanks for your help!

Also, as a follow-up question...other than AAA, are there any other places to look to get a potential discount on the hotel room?

 

[damo]

Second week in December has very low crowds.

You can probably find a better rate on a room by watching the Orbitz/Cheaptickets deals.

 

[disneyseniors]

Yes, OP, I just went through all that for our upcoming trip in November! We are just 2 adults staying at WDW for 10 days. We have been to IOA and seen all there is to see their, including the awesome HP attractions! So, this time, we are concentrating just on Universal Studios for only one day. We feel that we can see it all in one day on the Studios side. But even though others have said we won't need an express pass because it "won't be crowded"., we have gotten them anyway. I only have one day and want to do it all, so we purchased one day, one park, EP tickets for two. It works for us. I weighed staying onsite for a night vs just doing a day and getting a taxi to US. The cost would be about the same and we would have all the amenities of staying onsite plus 2 days. BUT it would have cost us more because you still have to purchase your park tickets in addition to the hotel. So, for us, doing the one day EP was a winner for us. We are not interested in 2 days at Universal this time. However, while we are there, we will check out some of their resorts, for the future
I know your experience is not like ours, but just our perspective on the issue. Have a great trip!

 

[georgina]

Do you have park-to-park tickets? If yes, I would hold off until you get there, and see if you think you need them, then buy them just for your second day to hit the headline rides with longest lines. That should be less than a room on-site? I have never priced EP, so don't know the cost. Do you have to buy each park EP separately, or is one good for both parks?

 

[JayDubs]

I agree with Georgina. I just returned from a 2-day trip, and was really debating whether or not to get express pass with the ticket (which was cheaper than buying individually when I got there). Opted not to get them in advance and buy day-off for the second day if I felt I needed it. DEFINITELY did not need it. Save the expense and, if worse-come-to-worse, take advantage of single-rider lines on the most popular rides, if you don't mind splitting up the group.

 

[coinkc]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. The problem with waiting to buy them when we are there is that it's cheaper to book a room and get them for both days than to buy them for just one day. (or the difference is only like $20).

It sounds like we should be okay without. I just don't want to miss anything since who knows when we'll get back there! I'll probably change my mind at least ten thousand more times but appreciate everyone's input!

 

[nkereina]

I think you'll be ok without. We were there the week before Thanksgiving last year which is also a slow time, and agreed that we could have done without the Express Passes but having them allowed us to ride our favorite rides multiple times.

 

[kohlby]

Since your group has no kids, I wouldn't even think about spending the extra money. Usually kids are still in school the 2nd week of December, helping keep the crowds lower. Also, with 19 year olds, it's quite easy to do single rider line.

 

[VacaPlanner2012]

Not needed, maybe the best week of the year to visit. At least it was in 2013 when we went. We stayed on site as a general rule, but the crowds were great that week. The weather was perfect for us, hope it is for you as well!!!

 

[epcotty]

I really don't think Express passes are necessary, we always are able to finish everything we want and then some without them. Don't just get a hotel room to get them, and they're not necessary to buy otherwise