Universal Express...do you need it or not?

[DisneyBoy92]

Does UE really snarl up traffic in the lines, or is it not really that different? We are going during the low season so UE would not cost to much but we would rather not pay the money unless we have to...

 

[the Dark Marauder]

When, specifically, are you going? During the slower times, Express is usually not needed.

 

[yaytezIOA]

You should never really need express as long as you get there early. An hour before posted opening times will assure you no lines.

 

[DisneyBoy92]

When, specifically, are you going? During the slower times, Express is usually not needed.

We are planning to go December 18th, which is a cheap Universal Express Upgrade day, along with the rest of that week up to Thursday, only $19.99.

 

[Metro West]

We are planning to go December 18th, which is a cheap Universal Express Upgrade day, along with the rest of that week up to Thursday, only $19.99.

You should be OK without the EP that day. The crowds don't really show up until 12/26 but if you get there and the lines are long, you can always purchase them at the park.

 

[luvsvacations]

I have just purchased the Express Pass for Dec 24 for my son and his friend.
On our previous trips we have stayed on site - anyway, can you explain how this works. What do they receive when they go thru the turnstile and how is the one time on each ride monitored.
Thanks

 

[inkkognito]

I generally see them manually marking off each use of the EP. Even though the first "checker" might not mark it, there is a second one who does.

 

[pjpoohbear]

How about a mid week October, say the 25th, there at opening? Should we be ok without the Express pass?

 

[Metro West]

How about a mid week October, say the 25th, there at opening? Should we be ok without the Express pass?

You should be fine w/o it.

 

[luvsvacations]

Can you pls explain - "mark it off" is this a paper or something they give you when you go to the turnstile??

 

[Metro West]

Can you pls explain - "mark it off" is this a paper or something they give you when you go to the turnstile??

The Express Pass looks just like a regular ticket and when you through the queue for the ride, they will usually mark it with some kind of marker with the initial or abbreviation of the ride. That way they know you've already used it for that ride.

 

[luvsvacations]

Thanks for the help!!!!

 

[pjpoohbear]

Thats so much!

 

[Cherbear013]

You should wait until you get to the park to add the Express line pass. My bf and I only had regualr tickets and after seeing the lines this past Saturday after arriving we bought the Express passes. They were definitely worth it as most lines were almost an hour wait and we got in within 10 minutes. If you only have one day to see the parks it is great. But just wait and see as you can buy it throughout the day and througout the parks.

 

[phamton]

You should wait until you get to the park to add the Express line pass.

This is my recommendation also. They are non-refundable so if you purchase them and don't need them you would have wasted the money.

The only time I would recommend buying then ahead of time is if you are going Dec. 26-31, the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, July 4, and any Halloween Horror Nights events.

 

[wicket2005]

The last 3 years have been in peak times (July and August) and the parks are fine if you arrive BEFORE the opening time. Many rides are walk on, if arriving later in peak time Express Passes are ideal. We had FOTL this year and for the first time didn't need to get to the parks early and lines for us were mostly straight on. Popular rides had 1 hour lines which is unbearable in the heat.

As you go in December I would have thought the lines would be a lot quieter but as suggested just see what it is like on the day you go.

 

[mareed]

This is my recommendation also. They are non-refundable so if you purchase them and don't need them you would have wasted the money.

The only time I would recommend buying then ahead of time is if you are going Dec. 26-31, the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, July 4, and any Halloween Horror Nights events.

I see that there are different prices online for advance purchase, which look like they're tied to how busy the park is expected to be. If we wait to purchase it in the park, will it be the same price that it would have purchasing online ahead of time? Or do they charge more since it's last minute?

Also, we're going the week before Easter. I know it's going to be busy, and we plan 2 days with FOTL by staying at the resort, but we planned on a 3rd day where we purchased the Express Pass just for that day. Do you think we'd need it then? Any idea when they'll update their park calendar and Express Pass prices for March 2008? It goes thru Dec 2008 now.

 

[luvsvacations]

With the Fast pass isnt there the possibility that if you wait until the last minute they can sell out?? Especially during busy times - I thought they
only sold a certain amount each day??

 

[mareed]

With the Fast pass isnt there the possibility that if you wait until the last minute they can sell out?? Especially during busy times - I thought they
only sold a certain amount each day??

That's my understanding, but this is our first Universal trip, so hopefully one of the more knowledgeable people will answer for us! I'm concerned about waiting the week before Easter and not being able to get it at the park due to being sold out.

 

[kirrrby]

i'd say you don't need them
last weekend i went, and occasionally there were long lines, but they moved fast. so its not like you're waiting in line for hours.

the UE, is actually a waste of money,IMO.
one night we went, there was no lines.
and we also got passes from one of the attendents passing out UE receipts that were to expire the next day.
And, i even had about 40 of the UE receipts after falling on Earthqauke.
[i didn't use them, because i couldn't walk. but, i gave them to a nice family.]

you might get lucky if you go at night. or early in the morning.