What to know about EE for a non universal resort guest

[KaystotheKingdom]

Hey all! Haven’t been to to a universal park in nearly a decade and would like to go to IoA for a day. Going with just adults so like the rest of the world would like to hit the biggies.
I don’t remember EE being a big deal the last I went but reading through these posts it appears it now is lol.

my question is: is this avoidable for a non resort guest and if so how do I find out what day to go?

I also remember the food situation being very meh, so if you have any standoutsI’d appreciate that as well!

thanks.

 

[hhoope01]

Given all the turmoil and changes Covid has caused, I'm not sure how accurate the normal crowd calendar websites are at the moment, but they might be worth checking. Just do an Internet search on "Universal Crowd Calendar" and you should find a few different to check through to see how crowded your days might be. As for EE, my understanding is that it is a benefit when staying on-site or purchasing a Universal Package. One possible option might be to see if you can get one night at one of the 3 Premier hotels to get EPs (Express Passes) for 2 days along with the EEs. That might give you the ability to hit the popular rides open during EE time, hit all the rides you like the most during those 2 days of EPs, and possibly not break the bank. Of course, that means 2 days instead of 1 at the parks, but just a thought.

One more thought if you really only want EE might be to get one night at the cheapest on-site hotel (might be one of the Endless Summer hotels). They can be very reasonable (i.e. less than $100) at times. That would give you EE for your one day (or 2 if you want to go a 2nd day.) You would just show up around 6:15am-6:30am to check-in and get your keys. The room most likely won't be available, but you don't really need the room, just the EE. Take the shuttle from the hotel to the parks and you now have EE for your day at IOA.

As for food, we always have to hit Mythos when we go.

 

[KaystotheKingdom]

Is early entry every day at all parks? I was wondering if was like EMH and followed a schedule.
Just trying to find out if there was a day at IOA that didn’t have EE we would go then, but it’s not sounding like to works that way?

 

[Mr. Drauer]

Is early entry every day at all parks? I was wondering if was like EMH and followed a schedule.
Just trying to find out if there was a day at IOA that didn’t have EE we would go then, but it’s not sounding like to works that way?

IT is not every day at both parks. the calendar is on the App / website. They adjust it frequently. EE does not include all attractions - only a select few (Gringotts in USO, + Minions and maybe one other, for IOA, its Hagrid if it opens, FJ, and maybe Hulk). Recently (the past couple of months) the parks have been very crowded for both EE and normal rope drop. If a park opens at 8:00 with no EE on a weekend, the line to get in will stretch well back into City Walk at 7:30. If EE, hotel guests get in while the line continues to build putting you behind many guests for the headliners. If you go on a weekday, it can be better, but if during summer, maybe not. It really depends on when you are going (you did not mention any dates).

 

[KaystotheKingdom]

We are eyeing a weekday last week of July. I truly don’t mind waiting for a headliner attraction, within reason haha. I remember the days when space and splash were consistently 90+ min.

what are we talking about with Hagrids and velocicoaster? 2 hours? 3 hours?

2 I could do, as I’ve already seen the rest of the park but 2 1/2-3+ would probably be more than my travel buddies would do.

 

[mamapenguin]

For July it IS everyday at both parks. It’s posted now under park hours on the left when you click on early entry.

 

[Mr. Drauer]

No, they are not that long. VC will be shorter than Hagrid. If Hagrid goes to VQ, then you can get that while waiting in line for VC. You might see 90 minutes for standby at Hagrid. As long as the ride is running, they move pretty well.

 

[shawthorne44]

And the fact that it is both parks tells you that Universal expects it to be super-duper busy.

Also, note that Hagrid's doesn't take Express Passes, but it does go to Virtual queue when the lines get long.

This is what I would do if I were you. Get one Premier hotel room starting the day you want to be at Universal. That gets express passes for 5 people. Even if you don't stay there, it is usually a better deal than buying EP's. Also, all Universal hotels get early entry.

Someone should go to the hotel really early, you can go at 6 am and get your hotel room keys. Those are your early entry passes and Express Passes. Then everyone get to IOA for early entry at least a half hour before it starts and make a mad dash to Hagrid's. Otherwise there is a chance that it will go Virtual for all day because of the crowds, and you won't get one. Then ride the Velocicoaster, which is at least a high capacity ride. After that just ride what you want.

Since it is July, it will be hot, you guys might want to go back to the hotel to cool off mid-day and maybe shower. If you are certain that no one would want to visit the hotel or use the shower or pool, you could also reserve for the night before. Then you could get your hotel keys the day before and go straight to the parks in the morning.

Also, when you check-in, if you tell them you won't be sleeping there, sometimes people are offered a downgrade to a 'parlor'. It is the living room part of a suite. When those aren't booked, but the regular rooms are fully booked they split the suites into regular rooms and parlors. Couldn't hurt to ask if that is an option.

Also, book now. Either buy the EP's or the hotel room. It seems that the price for both has only steadily gone up.

 

[KaystotheKingdom]

How does the virtual queue work at universal? Does it level the playing field between on site and off site? Or is there on site preference.

I find it intriguing that it is not always a virtual queue. Do they randomly at like 10 am go “wow, line is looking long” and go virtual? How the heck would you know if you were off doing something else?

also you guys are awesome- great tips, so helpful!

 

[Mr. Drauer]

they can put it on VQ if the line extends beyond the roped off area an into the walking areas in Hogsmeade. The app lists what is on VQ, and you can set line alerts as well. It has nothing to do with on-site vs off-site guests, other than you can access VQ lines from anywhere on US grounds (hotels, parking garage, pools, etc). Typically it will switch to VQ immediately at standard park opening, though it could go at any time if crowds build. More attractions were going VQ during social distancing because of line spacing, but not so much anymore.