universal "fast pass" ???

[jinxleprechaun]

Hi

I've never been to Universal and was wondering if they have a "fast pass" system like Disney???

Thanks

Jinx

 

[nytimez]

No, but they have Express Pass. It's basically a front-of-the-line pass for people who stay at the on-site hotels. You can also buy an Express Pass, but the purchased one is more limited (once per attraction, I believe). And I think there's a pricey VIP ticket that gets you to the front of nearly everything, even rides that don't have Express Pass.

 

[jinxleprechaun]

Thanks for that - looks like we will have to shell out more cash or more likely get used to long queues.

Jinx

 

[Metro West]

Hi

I've never been to Universal and was wondering if they have a "fast pass" system like Disney???

Thanks

Jinx

There are two types of Express Plus passes available for the general public. Express Plus passes are available for once through the line on all participating attractions...prices vary depending on the anticipated crowd level for that particular day. The other is the VIP Express which includes theme park tickets. VIP Express offers unlimited Express access which is what the onsite guests receive but does not allow any special access on Forbidden Journey, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit or Pteranodon Flyers.

The main thing with the EPs is when you're visiting. If it's not a busy period, you can make do w/o the passes but if it's busy, then you should consider purchasing the passes...but only after you arrive and can see what the lines are like for yourself. There is no pass that gives you "front of the line" access...only access to the Express line.

 

[nytimez]

There are two types of Express Plus passes available for the general public. Express Plus passes are available for once through the line on all participating attractions...prices vary depending on the anticipated crowd level for that particular day. The other is the VIP Express which includes theme park tickets. VIP Express offers unlimited Express access which is what the onsite guests receive but does not allow any special access on Forbidden Journey, Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit or Pteranodon Flyers.

The main thing with the EPs is when you're visiting. If it's not a busy period, you can make do w/o the passes but if it's busy, then you should consider purchasing the passes...but only after you arrive and can see what the lines are like for yourself. There is no pass that gives you "front of the line" access...only access to the Express line.

You're the real expert here so obviously all that is correct... but when I was on RRR earlier this year there was someone with some form of a VIP pass that let them on in front of everyone, which stunned me because as you know that attraction doesn't even have Express Pass. Any idea what these people may have had?

 

[jinxleprechaun]

Ok Thanks for that - I'm arriving 24 Sept - I assume thats a busy period? I will take your advice and wait until I see what the queues are like before deciding on the merits of the EP's

Jinx

 

[nytimez]

Ok Thanks for that - I'm arriving 24 Sept - I assume thats a busy period? I will take your advice and wait until I see what the queues are like before deciding on the merits of the EP's

Jinx

Pure guess here, but I don't think it'll be busy at all then.

 

[Metro West]

You're the real expert here so obviously all that is correct... but when I was on RRR earlier this year there was someone with some form of a VIP pass that let them on in front of everyone, which stunned me because as you know that attraction doesn't even have Express Pass. Any idea what these people may have had?

I'm not sure...it might have been some sort of corporate or special pass they were given. Or they could have taken the private VIP tour which does give you a special pass that would allow you to actually skip the lines. Unless the rules have changed, you'd still have to wait in the Express line with the VIP ticket.

 

[mesaboy2]

Pure guess here, but I don't think it'll be busy at all then.

Agree with this--24 Sep should be pretty dead.

 

[jinxleprechaun]

Well I made the mistake of August a few years back for my last Disney Vacation :-( - between the heat and the people I nearly lost my mind lol

Hopefully it will be a bit easier in Sept

JInx

 

[Metro West]

Well I made the mistake of August a few years back for my last Disney Vacation :-( - between the heat and the people I nearly lost my mind lol

Hopefully it will be a bit easier in Sept

JInx

Yeah...August can still be brutal but late September's weather can be almost as bad. Hopefully that won't be case since HHN starts at the end of September.

 

[jinxleprechaun]

Hopefully it won't be too bad. Don't want to damage my fair Irish skin lol

 

[macraven]

You're the real expert here so obviously all that is correct... but when I was on RRR earlier this year there was someone with some form of a VIP pass that let them on in front of everyone, which stunned me because as you know that attraction doesn't even have Express Pass. Any idea what these people may have had?

ditto to what metro said.


there are many families that book a vip tour with a guide.
if you decide to do this, you will have a tour guide that will take you on whatever you wish to ride or see.
you do get to skip lines with this.

the cost is very high.
http://www.universalorlando.com/Tickets/viptours.aspx?Intsrch=vip tours


i have done the $2000 private tours and enjoy them.
i only do it for special events though.

the cheapest day vip tour would cost $150 pp + tax.
that is for 5 hours in the park.

if you have 4 in your group, you would be better off using that money for an onsite hotel room.
all hotel guests receive complimentary use of express lines in both parks.

 

[kdawg954]

ditto to what metro said.


there are many families that book a vip tour with a guide.
if you decide to do this, you will have a tour guide that will take you on whatever you wish to ride or see.
you do get to skip lines with this.

the cost is very high.

i have done the $2000 private tours and enjoy them.
i only do it for special events though.

the cheapest day vip tour would cost $150 pp + tax.
that is for 5 hours in the park.

if you have 4 in your group, you would be better off using that money for an onsite hotel room.
all hotel guests receive complimentary use of express lines in both parks.

I was almost going to seriously consider the tours until I saw the $150 did NOT include admission lol, yea I am going to have to pass on that. Like you said your better off spending that money at the resort hotel and getting the express pass for both parks.

 

[kdawg954]

Ok Thanks for that - I'm arriving 24 Sept - I assume thats a busy period? I will take your advice and wait until I see what the queues are like before deciding on the merits of the EP's

Jinx

Will definitely be dead compared to these next few months. I went to IOA like 2 years ago in the last week of September and the longest wait was 25 minutes I believe. There were times were you could jump off the Hulk and ride it again in 5 minutes. And this was on a weekend, so I can imagine midweek it is really crawling.

It is like after Labor Day, the parks die off, and then they pick back up during October with the Halloween Horror Stuff, and then outside of Thanksgiving weekend, it pretty much is smooth until the Xmas holidays.

You are going at a real good time, and hopefully the weather won't be too harsh. Expect 80 degree days and low 60s at night.

 

[jinxleprechaun]

Well if the queues are short it might make the Weather more bearable. Thing is we are bringing the Mother In Law who is 73. She is totally mobile and has no problem walking but I'm not sure she is up to the amount that might be involved, especially with the effects of the heat.

I was thinking of inquiring about an electric "trolley" for her to ride around on. I assume there is a charge for such a thing????

Michael

 

[macraven]

you can rent the electric wheelchair/scooter ones at the park, or rent one outside the park thru a private vendor.

if you rent w/ vendor, the chair will be delivered to your hotel for you.

 

[jinxleprechaun]

Don't think I'll need one from the hotel - will see what the park has to offer - who knows?maybe the Mother In Law will walk the legs off me and I might need the scooter lol!

 

[macraven]

Don't think I'll need one from the hotel - will see what the park has to offer - who knows?maybe the Mother In Law will walk the legs off me and I might need the scooter lol!

sounds like a plan.........

 

[jinxleprechaun]

well you know what they say about the best laid plans lol