Universal newbie .. September second week..2023? AApP and Express Pass?

[AngelaVa]

We are planning our first trip to Universal for next year..yes 2023.
The last 20 years we have gone to Disney and our grandson asked if we could go to the Dark Side next year.

Family for this trip...my grandson 8yrs old, my daughter 38 yr old, my husband 72 yr old and me...62 yrs old.

My question is with being there the second week of September should we purchase the Express Pass? We will be staying at Aventura Resort. Kids suite.

We do not do roller coasters... not at all.
My daughter will have the AAP pass and my husband will be in an ECV.

Again we will not be doing any of the roller coasters!!!
Thank you for your help.

 

[AJA]

No I don’t think you will need an express pass for that time in 2023. Especially if you have several days planned. We have gone several times mid September through the first week of October and never needed them even when my daughter was the same age as your grandson.

You can always wait and if the parks happen to be very busy on your touring days you can buy a one day express pass in the park on a specific morning.

Especially if you know your family will want to spend some time in the Harry Potter areas, purchasing a wand, using the magic window stops, etc, Express doesn’t work for those anyway. In the off chance it is busy just pick one day to purchase Express and concentrate on rides. I really doubt you will need them though.

As your dates get nearer just remember to check back in here for some September heads up advice (Horror Nights will be on during that time and Studios side will close early Wed-Sunday) -tips like that, etc.

 

[AngelaVa]

No I don’t think you will need an express pass for that time in 2023. Especially if you have several days planned. We have gone several times mid September through the first week of October and never needed them even when my daughter was the same age as your grandson.

You can always wait and if the parks happen to be very busy on your touring days you can buy a one day express pass in the park on a specific morning.

Especially if you know your family will want to spend some time in the Harry Potter areas, purchasing a wand, using the magic window stops, etc, Express doesn’t work for those anyway. In the off chance it is busy just pick one day to purchase Express and concentrate on rides. I really doubt you will need them though.

As your dates get nearer just remember to check back in here for some September heads up advice (Horror Nights will be on during that time and Studios side will close early Wed-Sunday) -tips like that, etc.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Skip Coffee for Rope Drop]

We are planning our first trip to Universal for next year..yes 2023.
The last 20 years we have gone to Disney and our grandson asked if we could go to the Dark Side next year.

Family for this trip...my grandson 8yrs old, my daughter 38 yr old, my husband 72 yr old and me...62 yrs old.

My question is with being there the second week of September should we purchase the Express Pass? We will be staying at Aventura Resort. Kids suite.

We do not do roller coasters... not at all.
My daughter will have the AAP pass and my husband will be in an ECV.

Again we will not be doing any of the roller coasters!!!
Thank you for your help.

If you are staying at Hard Rock, Portofino or Royal Pacific, you need not to purchase Express, your room key will get you in the Express Lines unlimited for your stay.

 

[christophfam]

Just curious, why Adventura? Not sure that’s what I’d pick for a 1st visit. Has absolutely no theming and a small pool. Now I do like it myself without kids but Ive been so many times and will only stay there for part of my trip after staying deluxe a few nights to get express.

As far as express goes, will your stay be around Labor Day at all? It can be very busy at that time and I’d highly recommend it. Later in September probably not as necessary but it certainly is a game changer. Just wander wherever your feet take you and don’t have to worry about a touring plan or lines.