Universal Express Plus - Worth the Cost?

[JenNel85]

Hi everyone! My sister, boyfriend, and I (all in our 20s) are traveling to Orlando for 10 days this August in celebration of my 25th birthday, and we plan to split our time between the Disney, Universal, and Sea World parks. My sister and I haven't been to Orlando in over 8 years, and my boyfriend's latest visit was when he was just 10 years old, so - needless to say - we're all really anxious to see and do as much as we can in the parks.

My sister is a HUGE Harry Potter fan, and I know that all three of us will enjoy the thrill rides at UA and IOA, so I was wondering if anyone could offer reviews of the Universal Express Plus program? Our lodging is already booked and we're not staying on-site, so it would be an additional $40 per person, per park added to our admission tickets for the days we plan to visit these two parks. It's certainly a hefty price to pay for jumping the lines...but I would love to hear from some other people who have made the investment (or were awarding the privilege by staying on-site) to get a better sense of whether it's worth the additional cost.

Do you actually jump to the front of the line (once per attraction, I know), and did you find that it saved you a significant amount of time/energy in the parks? We plan to arrive to the parks for opening, but I'm mainly concerned that the hoards of fans coming to check out WWoHP this summer are going to make it difficult to see everything we want to see in just one day at US and one day at IOA. At the very least, we're considering the investment in passes to use on our IOA day for this reason.

During our last visit to Orlando, Universal still had the free Express program, so I honestly have no frame of reference as to just how long the lines at the these parks are WITHOUT any line-jumping privileges.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you SO much!

 

[Planogirl]

We're going in August too and I'm also curious what others think about getting the Express Pass. We've always done fine without it but with Harry Potter being there I'm a little concerned.

Welcome by the way!

 

[mjohnson96]

On the Express Pass, you don't actually jump in to the front of the line. You go to a separate line that has a much shorter wait since only onsite guests and those that purchase the express pass, limited supply, can use it.


Right now the Express Pass is not good for the new FJ ride at WWOHP.

Many on here reccomend waiting until you get to the park, get there early and do what you can and then if the crowds get up there then you can opt to purchase an express pass.

Now another option that some do is book at room for 1 night at one of the onsite hotels,AAA has some good discounted rates. This will give you 2 days of unlimited express pass plus 1 hour early entry into WWOHP. You don't have to stay there, just get the room basically. This can get you 2 Adults and 3 Kids room keys or for each additional adult it is $25.

 

[everylastbreath]

EXPRESS PASS is SOOOO WORTH IT!! But if I were you, I would instead of buying the express pass, book ONE night (you will get 2 days, check in day and check out day) of Express. I can't understand why anyone would choose to wait on line if there were an option????? - Yes it makes a big diff. in how much of the park you actually get to see, We just got back from Universal last week and My daughter, 4year old GS, and I actually did both parks in 1 day (we are experienced visitors, so we knew our way around) it was awesome.

I wish Disney had something like it, I would GLADLY pay extra for it, I can't understand the rational of waiting on lines if there is another option!! Book the 1 night in hotel, you will not be sorry and it will be less than "express pass" each x 2 parks...

 

[inkkognito]

We have a form of Express passes (premier annual passes which get us unlimited Express after 4 p.m.), and I am totally and utterly addicted to it. It's so nice to go during busy times and know you will be easily able to do everything. Not sure just how much more crowded Harry will make Uni/IOA despite the local "experts" claiming it will have as much impact on Orlando as the Magic Kingdom did in 1971, but August is a busy time anyway. I would go for the "insurance policy."

 

[bouncy54]

Our family debated on whether to purchase Express passes since we're visiting the parks on week days in November. We felt that we really shouldn't need them, but we're just not sure what affect WWOHP will have on attendance, so we opted to go ahead and purchase them. The added $20.00 to our tickets seemed worth it to us. Like my son said, "at least we're guaranteed to go on all the other attractions at least one time without waiting in a long line."

 

[Metro West]

Many on here reccomend waiting until you get to the park, get there early and do what you can and then if the crowds get up there then you can opt to purchase an express pass.

That would be me. I recommend this mainly because Express Plus passes are non-fundable and date specific so if something happens and you can't go on the date you have purchase the EP for, you are out of luck. It just makes sense to wait unless you are 200% sure you are going on a given date no matter what.

 

[Purseval]

We have never bought express passes and never will. Getting there early is the best insurance policy against long lines you can buy. Buying a hotel room onsite is the best alternative if you have 3 to 5 people, pays for itself and you get 2 days worth.

 

[chrissyhomeschools4]

good

 

[Mtnman44]

My family's experience with a Universal Resort and the Express Pass system was absolutely wonderful. Loved it and well worth it and still cheaper than Disney. Most relaxed, carefree themepark experience we've ever had. We love Disney but love the Universal parks as well. Do wish there were more affortable options for "Sleeps 5 to 6" type rooms.