Universal Express Eliminated. . . sort of

[Dznefreek]

From Screamscape . . . .

Long time readers know that I have no love for the various FastPass style virtual queue systems, so it is with a smile that I announce that Universal Orlando has announced that they have discontinued their Universal Express program. However, Universal Orlando will continue the sale of the upcharge Express Plus ticket packs ($15-50 depending on the day) along with the long-running front of line program for resort guests. The impact of the resort guests was always minimal, and if the impact of the upcharge FastLane program in use at select Six Flags parks is any indication, the impact here should be fairly minimal as well with the vast majority of guests standing in the regular lines once again. Now if only they would merge the two different queues for Spiderman back together like it was when the ride first opened. I always liked the build up and better immersion of walking through the longer queue... much like the great atmosphere build up you get while walking in the massive Dueling Dragons queue.

 

[robvia]

I'm all for the elimination of express pass machines.
It will speed up the lines for regular guests. The machines were at pain to use, often not working correctly. The machines would sell out of tickets by noon for the major attractions.

I'm all for single rider lines and the idea that getting to the park early is the better answer.

 

[tbird89]

I always stay onsite anyway, but there are times that even the express lines get jammed up. This means even faster express lines for me.

 

[rangebob]

Now if they were to get rid of the onsite hotel and the pay options it would be great. Then we would have to work on Disney and then maybe lines would be normal again.

 

[deelam]

Now if they were to get rid of the onsite hotel and the pay options it would be great. Then we would have to work on Disney and then maybe lines would be normal again.

I love the onsite hotels. You get spoiled fast.

 

[macraven]

yea rangebob, if they got rid of the onsite hotels, all of us that travel to orlando will be bunking at your place.


yes, put me down for 10 days in sept please......








i love staying on site and the fotl.....

 

[Sylvester McBean]

if you think the elimination of the EP's are going to benefit to you in the way of saving time in a queue....wrong. standby times have been way up the last couple of months in our experiences. the universal EP's were intelligent and factored in resort attendance. that's why they were limited and you were given 2 options of times. they made you pick a touring plan. we don't mind queueing up if the standby is 30 minutes or less. we used to be able to use the EP's to stretch our day at the parks. now it's going to be there at opening and out the door by 1:00 or so depending on the time of year.

it's now about the onsite and EEP dollars.

 

[Sylvester McBean]

and where the EP lines were before balanced out by the TM's, where do you think the importance is going to be placed? the people spending the money. I'm positive the EP lines will flow even quicker , the standby lines will suffer.

 

[damo]

I wonder exactly how much revenue these express passes are bringing in.

 

[SeussicalSollaSollew]

I wonder exactly how much revenue these express passes are bringing in.

They bring in loads of revenue for the company. I think though that it will make the lines go back to normal because you don't have to worry about all the free usage anymore of the passes. I used to hate DDR's wait and I think it was a combo of both the ride system and the express lanes jamming everything up. You should see how much revenue my friends tell me they make during HHN events for those tickets, it's incredible.

 

[maps]

I just came back and I could not believe the lines. We would get there early and get on a few rides with no wait but they would immediately get backed up.

The express lines really caused the regular lines to get long. Since we had 5 days planned, we didn't bother with the express tickets. But I got really annoyed when the waiting time was posted as 30minutes and we would get in line only to spend double that time in line and have the express people just walk right by.

I understand you have to pay extra for the express pass and FOTL but it seems as though there has to be a better system to ensure some fairness to all.