Trying something tricky - need some advice

[Keurigirl]

We are visiting Orlando for two weeks this spring, and will be doing Universal the 31st of March and 1st of April.

We are considering booking a room just to be able to use the early entry priviledge, as well as the express pass. I have some questions about this tactic, however.

What day will we have early entry for, both the 31st and 1st, or just the 1st? Same with the skip the line passes - will we have them for both days?

Also, there are 4 adults and 2 kids - do we need to book a room for all of us, even if we will likely not stay overnight in the room (as we will have our own accommodations, and won't want to move stuff. This room will be for naps/breaks/perhaps use of the pool one evening.) If we only book the room for 2 adults and 2 kids, will the other 2 adults be able to have express passes/early entry? I assume we will need to book a family suite but wasn't sure.

 

[macraven]

We are visiting Orlando for two weeks this spring, and will be doing Universal the 31st of March and 1st of April.

We are considering booking a room just to be able to use the early entry priviledge, as well as the express pass. I have some questions about this tactic, however.

What day will we have early entry for, both the 31st and 1st, or just the 1st? Same with the skip the line passes - will we have them for both days?

Also, there are 4 adults and 2 kids - do we need to book a room for all of us, even if we will likely not stay overnight in the room (as we will have our own accommodations, and won't want to move stuff. This room will be for naps/breaks/perhaps use of the pool one evening.) If we only book the room for 2 adults and 2 kids, will the other 2 adults be able to have express passes/early entry? I assume we will need to book a family suite but wasn't sure.

only those on the reservation and receive the hotel room key, will be allowed to create the photo express pass if you stay at one of the 3 onsite hotels.

if you stay at Cbay, you only recieve early entry.
all deluxe also allows early entry.

no idea what parks will be open then.
UO will announce that closer to the dates.

you will be going during spring break so the parks tend to be crowded.

you could stay at PBH and book there and be able to have 6 in the 2 rooms.
you do pay $25 per night per person over the limit in addition to the room rate when you have more than 2 adults, 18 and over per room.

you wouldn't be able to share the photo express cards as your picture is on them.

i read quite a few peeps have used the onsite hotels as a throw away room.

you could buy the express pass instead of booking a throw away room.
the ep would be date and park related.

compare the prices to staying offsite and buying the ep for your group versus
booking a suite onsite or at cabana bay.

 

[RMulieri]

Express passes and early entry are good for check in and check out day.So if you check in the 31st, you have the the 31st and 1st .BUT you have to check in first .Also all guests need to be on the ressie. You can not share express passes since they are made with your photo. .So everyone NEEDS their own and they are checked and scanned at each express pass entrance.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I booked a room at Cabana Bay, for one night in 2 weeks, for EE, to use for breaks, rest, quick shower, and to perhaps try the lazy river/pool. There are 4 of us, and my one son and his gf are going to the Halloween Horror night party, so they will sleep there too (even though they are in the middle of a stay at Pop Century at Disney).

I am aware no FOTL pass from Cabana Bay, of course, we do not need that this trip.