Universal Ride Reservation System

[*LittleMermaid*]

The U-Bot thing is only in its testing stage.

 

[andyman8]

No. Before 2007 when the ended Universal Express, there was three tiers: Universal Express which was available to everyone and basically was UOR's version of FASTPASS, Universal Express Plus which was purchased by visitors NOT staying onsite to skip the lines, and Universal Express Unlimited which was the perk for onsite guests.

When they ended Universal Express (regular) in 2007, they "unified" the other two as Universal Express Plus, so when you would look under the onsite hotel benefits it would now read "Skip the Lines for Free with Universal Express PLUS." Now, when you look it reads "Skip the Lines for Free with Universal Express Unlimited." The change is recent.

 

[damo]

No. Before 2007 when the ended Universal Express, there was three tiers: Universal Express which was available to everyone and basically was UOR's version of FASTPASS, Universal Express Plus which was purchased by visitors NOT staying onsite to skip the lines, and Universal Express Unlimited which was the perk for onsite guests.

When they ended Universal Express (regular) in 2007, they "unified" the other two as Universal Express Plus, so when you would look under the onsite hotel benefits it would now read "Skip the Lines for Free with Universal Express PLUS." Now, when you look it reads "Skip the Lines for Free with Universal Express Unlimited." The change is recent.

http://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/Universal-Express/Express-Plus-Passes.aspx

These names haven't changed recently ---there is the express pass plus and the VIP ticket giving unlimited express but it does look like they added the word "unlimited" on the resort page when they talk about Express Passes there.

 

[Metro West]

http://www.universalorlando.com/Theme-Park-Tickets/Universal-Express/Express-Plus-Passes.aspx

These names haven't changed recently ---there is the express pass plus and the VIP ticket giving unlimited express but it does look like they added the word "unlimited" on the resort page when they talk about Express Passes there.

 

[Bluer101]

Said that their is different pricing just like the express now. I bet they will start to use this instead of paper express. Then the only true way to get unlimited express (enter at anytime as many times) will be hotel guest and maybe some VIP tickets. This way they can have more control over the express lines.

From Orlando informer:

 

[Planogirl]

I assume that each individual in your party will make their own reservations. Do you reserve a range of time or do you get an exact time with some block of time where you have to respond? Has anyone seen any details about that?

I'm wondering since theoretically available reservation times could be used up before all of your party makes their reservations. I realize that not much is known about this thing yet though.

 

[damo]

I assume that each individual in your party will make their own reservations. Do you reserve a range of time or do you get an exact time with some block of time where you have to respond? Has anyone seen any details about that?

I'm wondering since theoretically available reservation times could be used up before all of your party makes their reservations. I realize that not much is known about this thing yet though.

When we used one at a different park, we just had everyone on one q-bot.

 

[Planogirl]

When we used one at a different park, we just had everyone on one q-bot.

Oh, that's cool! OK, sign me up.

 

[Bluer101]

Orlando informer has a whole article system.

It won't let me link it.

 

[patster734]

When we used one at a different park, we just had everyone on one q-bot.

How did the park prevent people from keeping the q-bot as a souvenier? Did the guest have to supply a cc # as collateral?

 

[Yoshi]

At Six Flags you have to leave your season pass, driver's license or credit card at the Q-Bot rental area.

This might allow them to add Express to RRR and Forbidden Journey. At some Six Flags parks certain rides are only available with Platinum Flashpass (highest level of the Q-Bot) so it doesn't effect the regular line much and some rides like X-Flight at Great America you can only ride once with the Platinum Flashpass.

 

[Bluer101]

The page I can't link states it's a $50 CC deposit and a signed contract.

 

[truck1]

Didnt they try some variation of the virtual wait times for Jaws before it closed?. I never got over there to try it other then seeing it mentioned and seeing something on a sign there.

 

[jelloslug]

I have used the Q-Bot system before and it's not a good replacement of the Express Pass system. The point of the Express Pass is to be able to go to the rides as you please and not have to stand in the long lines. All the Q-bot does is let you stand in two lines a once. I will be extremely disappointed if they remove the real Express Pass.

 

[tweak89]

Goodness, let's hope that Universal doesn't move to this exclusively. Especially at the expense of the resort guest perk.

Being a Six Flags pass holder I know this system and it's cost pretty well. Yes, it is a tiered system with the most basic version going for about $35 per person (similar to what is being tested) and going up from there. For the equivalent of the unlimited express pass that resort guests get, it would cost nearly $200 NOT INCLUDING park admission for two people. That's no typo. While it also includes an immediate re-ride, it's not good for all rides.


I still think that Disney's fast pass system is the most fair of all the ones implemented at this time. Everyone can use it, and it's free. Of course, if you believe the rumors, that might be changing sometime in the future.

 

[CPA_ESQ.]

Just got back from Universal this weekend, and here is an update.

I stayed at HRH and the photo express pass machines worked for a couple of hours on the day they rolled them out (2 weeks ago) and then broke, and they have not used them since. I saw them standing outside the velvet lounge (they look like kiosks with a web camera on top of them)

I too saw the sign to "Return Ride Reservation System Here" near the exit of the park, by the bathrooms in IOA. I asked some employees what that was, and 4 of them did not have a clue.

So hopefully this idea will die on the vine, and on-site guests will still get express features, because honestly - I could book the double tree for about $200 a night less than some of the other hotels on site.

 

[macraven]

Just got back from Universal this weekend, and here is an update.

I stayed at HRH and the photo express pass machines worked for a couple of hours on the day they rolled them out (2 weeks ago) and then broke, and they have not used them since. I saw them standing outside the velvet lounge (they look like kiosks with a web camera on top of them)

I too saw the sign to "Return Ride Reservation System Here" near the exit of the park, by the bathrooms in IOA. I asked some employees what that was, and 4 of them did not have a clue.

So hopefully this idea will die on the vine, and on-site guests will still get express features, because honestly - I could book the double tree for about $200 a night less than some of the other hotels on site.

there has been nothing posted about the hotel guests losing the perks.
the picture id card for hotel guests has been in the works since late winter.

it's just a matter of time for the kinks to be worked out for those hotel guest picture id cards for express line usage.

i don't see that perk going away anytime soon.

 

[Bluer101]

This new reservation system is for Universal to make more money with a lower tier version of express. You just don't have to stand in line.

 

[ajpa]

Wait, are they renting these q-bots now at IOA?
How much?

 

[damo]

Wait, are they renting these q-bots now at IOA?
How much?

The prices vary depending on the expected attendance.