What's the Rationale Behind Universal's Early Park Admission Process?

[marmentrout85]

I've just started thinking about this. Like, I understand you have to present your hotel key to access early entry. But, I've always wondered why they would even let a ticket scan into the front gate if that ticket isn't eligible for early entry.

It made me realize I've never had to really link my ticket to a hotel reservation (like the way Disney does), but I would think that might be a good thing for them to implement. I guess I've always just felt that flashing a room key for a quick second seems pretty unofficial and can easily be hacked. Maybe I'm wrong, but I tend to doubt they're truly able to look closely at the dates on everyone's room key that quickly. Seems like you could easily get in with an old/expired room key but maybe not?

 

[GhostHost24]

I think one reason is universal doesn't own those hotels, so prob hard for them to do any linking between tickets and their scanners etc

 

[marmentrout85]

Makes sense. Still I guess I don't get why they don't check for the room key WHILE scanning in for EPA. I'm guessing they just want to move the ticket entry lines as quickly as possible and that would take a second or two longer for each ticket/face scan.

 

[tony67]

Makes sense. Still I guess I don't get why they don't check for the room key WHILE scanning in for EPA. I'm guessing they just want to move the ticket entry lines as quickly as possible and that would take a second or two longer for each ticket/face scan.

No doubt this is part of it - get people into the park and ready to just release them once its actually open - if they waited till open its just more frustration for people.
People can also mull around in the shops and eat etc... so another good reason to let folks in early even if they don't have access to the rides.
That said - it would be nice if there were early entry lines and regular lines.

Also, although it seems like they are not really checking hotel keys- they are.
I'm not sure if its the picture on the card or a color or something else - but I often stay for 10-14 days and near the end of my trip they have asked me to see the dates on the card - so there is something they are looking for it seems.

Could be coincidental - and I am sure its not perfect - but it seems to work for Universal so why make it more difficult.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

I actually like the method of letting everyone in through the the ticket gate, it eliminates backups there. And I say that as someone who practically always stays onsite (thank you AP rates).

However, from reports I've heard, I think they need to rethink their implementation with Epic. Having non-EE people able to line up for their most sought after ride, and then possibly even starting that ride during EE, is just dumb. Every single portal they're allowing people into should be EE only for that first hour, regardless if any ride is planned to open. Even if it was just to wander around a portal with no crowds for that hour, there's no reason to admit people without EE. The non-EE people can wander Celestial park and take photos, no for them reason to go beyond Celestial park early.

 

[tony67]

I actually like the method of letting everyone in through the the ticket gate, it eliminates backups there. And I say that as someone who practically always stays onsite (thank you AP rates).

However, from reports I've heard, I think they need to rethink their implementation with Epic. Having non-EE people able to line up for their most sought after ride, and then possibly even starting that ride during EE, is just dumb. Every single portal they're allowing people into should be EE only for that first hour, regardless if any ride is planned to open. Even if it was just to wander around a portal with no crowds for that hour, there's no reason to admit people without EE. The non-EE people can wander Celestial park and take photos, no for them reason to go beyond Celestial park early.

Hmm - during the previews the non-EE folks had to lineup separately to the left as you head towards Nintendo - has that changed?

Maybe they need to be held back further than that - I've not been back since the previews so no idea how it works now - but yeah they should not be allowed to enter a portal

 

[CAPSLOCK]

During previews, they were pretty consistent only having Nintendo open. Now they're normally opening Nintendo and Darkmoor, and sometimes more. I think for that, they are keeping EE entry only.

But I have read several reports that anybody can enter the line for Ministry. And that it is normally opening before official park open, sometimes practically immediately when EE starts. Regardless of when it opens, no one non-EE should be allowed to get in line for the actual ride before official open. It completely negates any EE benefit for that ride. Let EE people get in line, hold non-EE at the portal - it's a glaringly simple fix.

 

[zavandor]

That's how Disney does it too. It's been standard for years at all parks except DHS and now they've changed it too.
It avoids congestion outside the gates and offsite guests can sprint more quickly to attractions when their time comes. However, no offsite guest can line up for any attraction, putting them at a big disadvantage (except partly at MK).