Universal Express vs NO Express pass

[Rnd710]

We might be stopping by Universal on our way to Disney at the end of July. We would get to Universal sometime on Sunday the 16th and our check in for WDW is the 17th.
We have been to Universal once before (2011) so technically don't "need" to see everything.
We would be staying on-site so I know we get the early Potter entry doing that.
I am debating whether to get a 2 day park to park and staying at Cabana Bay (it would sleep our family "better") or getting a 1 day park to park and staying at Royal Pacific and using it for Monday.
I know the Harry Potter attractions don't us the Express Pass but I'm wondering ....

Can you get "just as much" done in about a day WITH the Express Pass as you would in that same amount time PLUS another third to half a day WITHOUT the Pass?
Thanks for the help,
Rnd710

 

[bumbershoot]

I know the Harry Potter attractions don't us the Express Pass but I'm wondering ....

To be clear, Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff do indeed use Express Pass.

 

[kohlby]

I'd go for the pass and do one day. You might be able to get the same amount done as 1 day with pass vs 1.5 without. But, it's going to be a lot more enjoyable doing it with the pass.

 

[gotomu212]

July is busy too. You'd cover a lot more with express passes and could use early entry for the non-express Forbidden Journey, Hogwarts express, and Gringotts

 

[schumigirl]

July?

Go for EP. No question.

 

[PrincesaMama]

EP is so worth the cost if you have a limited amount of time in the parks. Go for it!

 

[macraven]

Totally agree with the others !

July is hot and crowded

One day for the darkside?
Go with one of the three deluxe hotels for a night and enjoy the free perks

 

[Rnd710]

Thanks so much everybody for the feedback. Looks like our original thinking of 1 day + EP is it.