Veteran's Day Week--Express Pass Needed?

[Lisha428]

We are considering visiting US/IOA for the first time during the week of Veteran's Day 2014 (going 11/10-11/13 during the week--no weekends). We have two kids, ages (at the time) 11 and 7. Our primary reason for going will be WWOHP and Diagon Alley. None of us are into the big coasters/thrill rides but we do enjoy 3D and milder attractions (nothing that spins me upside down!). Knowing this, does it make sense for us to have the express pass? If we go, I plan on staying onsite and understand that all the hotels offer early entry, which I assume would be the most valuable in our situation. Cabana Bay looks nice and is obviously cheaper, but we wouldn't get the express pass. During that time of year, will we be OK without it? I know we won't spend ALL our time with Harry Potter, since we've never been to either park I'm sure there's alot for us to see. I know we can purchase the express pass later in the parks, but if I'm going to spend the money I might as well stay in one of the bigger hotels and get it for free as a "perk".

Just trying to maximize our experience and save the budget as much as possible. Planning on 3 nights/3 days. I figure that should be enough time for my 11 yo to get her fix of Harry/Hogwarts! Thanks for any advice!!

 

[rowan555]

If it were me, I'd plan for one night at one of the deluxe on site hotels in order to get two days of express passes for the family, and then just stay at Cabana Bay the other two nights. IMO it's well worth it. My daughter and I went last August and stayed for 3 nights at Royal Pacific, and it was WELL worth the money to have express passes and skip the lines, even though it was a pretty slow time of year. It will be a lot busier during your trip.

 

[RMulieri]

If it were me, I'd plan for one night at one of the deluxe on site hotels in order to get two days of express passes for the family, and then just stay at Cabana Bay the other two nights. IMO it's well worth it. My daughter and I went last August and stayed for 3 nights at Royal Pacific, and it was WELL worth the money to have express passes and skip the lines, even though it was a pretty slow time of year. It will be a lot busier during your trip.

2nd this..We found even in slower times the express pass is worth it to us.Now that I have been with it , I would never go without it

 

[FargoBear]

I concur. Another website reported a day ago that the new Harry Potter bank ride will honor express pass, even pointed out where the line will break inside the building (sending the regular line outside the structure), so that's another reason to stay onsite.

 

[Lisha428]

Thanks for the responses, sounds like we'll be staying at the HRH!