Universal Newbie

[charminnie]

Do you think i would need the express pass February 14th and 15th of 2018. This is the Wednesday and Thursday of Mardi Gras week. My kids are mostly interested in the Harry Potter rides which I've heard you cant use express pass? I'm sure once we get there they will want to ride other rides as well. Thanks

 

[TheConsciousness]

From our experience, February is a very silent month in terms of crowds. Wednesday and Thursday are usually slow days as well; so mixing both could potentially make you lonely from lack of people in the parks. Add on the fact that you'll focus primarily on non-express-pass attractions, and I'd say that's a confirmation you wouldn't need express passes.

If there is a fluke and the crowds do increase for some reason, you can always purchase them while inside the park.

 

[bchbetha]

I think you're fine unless the dates line up with President's Day week (which should be the following week).

 

[danielocha30]

instead of buying express pass put that money towards one of the Hotels on property that offers them with the night AND staying there will get you early access to HP land also, do the math, otherwise do not buy them

 

[ELSA711]

Also, a newbie here and requesting info about the hotels who offer express pass . Interested in Royal Pacific and Portofino Bay, any big difference in time transporting to the park from either location?
We like the look and ambience of Royal Pacific but Portofino Bay looks like it would be a quicker trip each morning and we definitely want to capitalize on the early entry.

 

[wookiebeck]

Also, a newbie here and requesting info about the hotels who offer express pass . Interested in Royal Pacific and Portofino Bay, any big difference in time transporting to the park from either location?
We like the look and ambience of Royal Pacific but Portofino Bay looks like it would be a quicker trip each morning and we definitely want to capitalize on the early entry.

We love both RPR and PBR. RPR is a bit closer, and is very close to IOA to walk to. If going to USO, use the water taxi, very fast travel. The rooms at RPR are smaller, and the price is comparatively lower as well. The vibe is south pacific, kind of like the Poly. PBR is probably less than 5 extra minutes of travel and that will not make you miss EE.

 

[janicept]

I can't imagine you would want to spend the money on that if you have a good plan. When I went with my brother-in-law's family we went on the main rides first - not looking around too much. When the lines get long have lunch then go back for pics and shopping. Then go back around to the rides you missed. Download the Universal app, it's great and shows wait times for rides and shows.

You can always buy them inside the park later if you feel you want them. Even if you know you want them buy them inside the park the line outside is ridiculous.

 

[charminnie]

From our experience, February is a very silent month in terms of crowds. Wednesday and Thursday are usually slow days as well; so mixing both could potentially make you lonely from lack of people in the parks. Add on the fact that you'll focus primarily on non-express-pass attractions, and I'd say that's a confirmation you wouldn't need express passes.

If there is a fluke and the crowds do increase for some reason, you can always purchase them while inside the park.

Thanks for the great info! Do you think 2 full days is enough to see everything? We will be staying on WDW property since we are Disney vacation club members but plan to get to Universal for the opening of the parks.

 

[perditax]

I was there during those dates this year. Crowds and waits seemed manageable, occaisonally heavy in HP areas.

However, Mardi Gras did not fall during that week this year.

 

[TheConsciousness]

Thanks for the great info! Do you think 2 full days is enough to see everything? We will be staying on WDW property since we are Disney vacation club members but plan to get to Universal for the opening of the parks.

I would say 2 days would give you enough time to explore the areas you all are interested in. I would recommend 3 days to those who want to focus on the full parks and not just the Wizarding World though.