Will be at Universal Dec 30-31. Advice on Express Pass/Single rider line

[BlueJade]

I will be chaperoning a high school band trip that includes two days at Universal on Dec. 30 and 31. The band will be one of many playing at the Russell Athletic Bowl half time show, too. I realize our visit days are some of the busiest in the park (!!!). That means the Express Passes are also expensive ($129). Would you recommend getting an express pass if I go around the park with a friend (she is thinking of getting one, too)? Are the Express Passes only good for one person, or can the pass be used by other people? Or, do you think that we would be okay on the single rider lines? That seems a better option for groups of kids in the park.

We will be getting to the park around 9 am. Would you recommend going right to the Harry Potter section? I have looked at the suggested trip itinerary somewhat. But I am not sure how good that is going to be on an extremely crowded day and we're not getting in really early. Also, do you like the Photo pass option?

I have not been to the Universal Park in Orlando, but my son and I enjoyed Universal Hollywood. Two years ago, the band trip went to Disney World over Valentine's Day. That wasn't quite as crowded as I anticipated, but still busy. My family prefers Disney Land in LA, which we have been to a few times.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[RMulieri]

express passes are for use by one person, and unless you buy the unlimited version, it is only good for one ride per eligible attraction .The HP attractions will be the busiest areas in the parks .Not sure what a good strategy would be, but they are generally less crowded in the last hour or so the parks are open, but during Christmas week it might not matter.Single rider lines are the way to go if you cant get an express pass. We never use the photopass.I am not sure if it has improved, but when we were considering it, there weren't all that many photographers around compared to the amount o f people wanting photos taken

 

[BlueJade]

Thanks for that info RMulieri! Very helpful. I am wondering if anyone has experienced the Express Passes being sold out at that time as well.

 

[RMulieri]

express passes can sell out.Not sure what the magic number is where they sell out,but the prices can also go up too.The higher the projected crowds, the prices can go up