US newbie!!

[ElenaJane]

Hello all! I have been on the Disney-side of the DIS for a while. However, I just got a few days off of work, and the planets aligned for a quick trip and DH agreed to try out US/IOA!

It is going to be a whirlwind trip. I have one question. We are flying in early morning of July 2nd and staying at Royal Pacific Hotel for 2 nights. I want to hit the ground running that morning at US. Do the Unlimited Express Pass start the day you check in?

Thanks so much! Any other advice for early July? Any rides down for rehab? Crazy excited!!

 

[2girlsmom]

Hi, yes the Express passes do start the day you check in, and you can check in at least as early as 6:30am (earliest we have done), just as with Disney, generally the room is not ready that early, but they can hold your bags and you can get your express passes, etc. You may get in on soft openings for Diagon Alley, the official opening is 7/8, so you are just a week shy of that.

 

[damo]

Yes. THey are good for check in day and check out day. You get two full days of express with each night's stay.

Everything is up right now. If you're lucky, maybe you'll hit a Diagon Alley soft opening!!!

 

[gofordrew]

You are going to have a blast! I love the Universal parks. Make sure you get there early for HP world or do it late in the day.

 

[Lynne G]

Take advantage of early entry and unlimited express pass, both of which you get with your hotel key.

Take some time to enjoy the pool, and you can pool hop to the other 2 hotels, Hard Rock and Portofino.

There's a conch shell blowing ceremony near the pool at night, it's neat to see if you enjoy that type of activity.

The Cinematic Spectacular in the Studios can be generally seen anywhere around the lagoon. Not as good as WOC at DL, but I liked the movies clips they showed.

And, best of all, you may be able to be one of the first to be in Diagon Alley with a soft opening. Just have to be there at the right time and lucky.

Have a great time!!

 

[ElenaJane]

Hi, yes the Express passes do start the day you check in, and you can check in at least as early as 6:30am (earliest we have done), just as with Disney, generally the room is not ready that early, but they can hold your bags and you can get your express passes, etc. You may get in on soft openings for Diagon Alley, the official opening is 7/8, so you are just a week shy of that.

I WISH we were getting there at 6am!! But that is great knowing we can hit a park right off the bat with smaller lines! I can't wait to check out the express pass option. I am so used to WDW and strategizing the FP system!

 

[ElenaJane]

Yes. THey are good for check in day and check out day. You get two full days of express with each night's stay.

Everything is up right now. If you're lucky, maybe you'll hit a Diagon Alley soft opening!!!

I am trying to not even think about Diagon Alley! I know thee is no guarantee it will be open. but, who am I kidding...I am holding my breath!

 

[ElenaJane]

You are going to have a blast! I love the Universal parks. Make sure you get there early for HP world or do it late in the day.

I am so excited! I feel like I am having an affair (married to WDW)! I DEFINITELY plan to visit WWoHP! Read every book twice!

 

[ElenaJane]

Take advantage of early entry and unlimited express pass, both of which you get with your hotel key.

Take some time to enjoy the pool, and you can pool hop to the other 2 hotels, Hard Rock and Portofino.

There's a conch shell blowing ceremony near the pool at night, it's neat to see if you enjoy that type of activity.

The Cinematic Spectacular in the Studios can be generally seen anywhere around the lagoon. Not as good as WOC at DL, but I liked the movies clips they showed.

And, best of all, you may be able to be one of the first to be in Diagon Alley with a soft opening. Just have to be there at the right time and lucky.

Have a great time!!

Oh my gosh! Thanks so much! That is great advice!! Keeping every finger and toe crossed for DA!