Universal Hotels and "express" lines

[ESN]

I understand that if you stay at one of the three Universal hotels - then you get the equivalent of a FAST pass type thing for major rides. Has anyone used this? How long did you typically wait?


We are thinking of going for a few days in April - but that is obviously spring break time - and I know it will be crowded. I am wondering - if all the three hotels are nearly fulll - which I am guessing they will be - then there has to be thousand of people eligible for this "perk". Given this - aren't the Express lines very long anyway??

Thanks for any info.

 

[Minnie & Me]

If you are serious about doing Universal during this busy time; staying onsite is the only way to go! All rides beside pteradon flyer will have express entry. You will wait 20 minutes for each ride oppose to 90 minutes plus! Only negative is you will have to wade thru a wall of people at the entrance to each attraction to get to the express line. Beautiful resorts, stayed 2 nights Aug 2007 and wished we could afford to stay longer. Loved walking to the parks.

Hope this helps with your decision.

 

[calgarygary]

Questions like these are always best asked/answered on the Universal Threads. In answer though, if you are going at a busy time, the fotl benefit is the single best benefit of an onsite hotel (sorry guys but emh pales in comparison). During spring break, those staying onsite will have a wait of minutes (maybe up to 20 for a superheadliner like Mummy or Spiderman) vs over an hour. My 20 minute example is unusual but waits that long can occur. Normally waits for fotl vary from walk on to 10 minutes even during busy times.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

yes, onsite an US/IOA is the most awesome perk!
That room key is worth its weight in gold and once you try it you will be so spoiled you will always want to stay onsite.
Even if you only spend 1 night onsite, you get 2 whole days of FOTL, from early am the day you check in until park closing the day you check out. We found the annual pass rates very reasonable and give huge discounts for onsite hotels. I usually get about $100 per nt off at Hard Rock Hotel.
There are only 3 onsite hotels so don't picture in your head crowds like if WDW tried this. It could never work there-just too many onsite hotel rooms.

 

[ESN]

Thanks - you guys are always so helpful!

 

[Metro West]

Thanks - you guys are always so helpful!

Check out the Universal threads...we homies are always ready and willing to help!