Donna

We are leaving for Universal this weekend and because we are stayong on site at the Hard Rock Hotel we get front of the line access all day everyday for all attractions.

Does anyone have any experience with this program? How does it work? How well does it work? I would feel very uncomfortable taking my 2 kids and "cutting" in front of 500 other people.

I'd appreciate any information so I know what to expect.

Thanks.

Donna

Patrick

There was a similar post recently to which I replied asking for a report back on how it works. I have heard both good and bad about it. The friends who said it didn't really work, now tell me it was because everybody else seemed to be on the same plan. There are a bunch of big hotels that offer this, as well as various types of passes and VIP programs that allow it. Only so many people can get to the front of the line when the major part of the line all have the same privelege. Other friends said it worked great -- they always got right to the front, so I suppose it depends on the particular day you're there and the make-up of the crowd. Please do report back to us with your experience. Even though we may not be able to help you, please try to help future visitors.

Lori

As someone who plans on doing Universal this summer and who isn't staying at one of the hotels that offer the FOTL pass, I admit that I'm getting quite worried. If so many people can get to the front of the lines, and indeed a "line" forms at the front, will the regular line ever move?

The front-of-the-liners are griping about the wait? This does not bode well for my family.

Susan

Lori -

Check into the on-site hotels. Depending on where you were going to stay off site and the time of year the deal might not be so bad.

We were going to stay at an Embassy Suites off-site, I priced the package at Hard Rock and for the week it came out to about $ 300 more including tickets, and also includes a free meal, movie tickets and the FOTL access.

At the very least it's worth a phone call.

Susan

Lori

Thanks Susan, but this time around we're doing a "cheap" vacation. I have already paid for a room at the Wyndham that I got through Priceline for $23 a night. I couldn't say no to a deal like that!

Debbie

Hi Donna, I'm also headed for Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios in September of this year. Could you e-
mail me and let me know what you think of the hotel? Food,service,pool,and the rooms? We
have 3 people staying in a room. Any
info would be great! Thanks so much.
If you don't get a chance to e-mail me I'll come back to this site and
hopefully you'll have a write up for
all of us!

Jean Valjean

Front of the line access is NOT that bad for people in the "stand-by" line. This "privilege" is available to everyone, but with different levels of service...

1. People with One-day tickets can get one Universal Express pass at a time.

2. People with multi-day tickets can get up to three UE passes at a time

3. People staying on site just flash their room key and go to the front of the line always.

Don't feel bad for "cutting" in line. You will not be alone. I have to say that it is very nice to get a UE pass and then avoid making a 1 hour line.

I would really encourage you to make use of it. You can be in and out in a breeze, take long breaks, and get to see everything!

Donna

The front of the line access and the Hard Rock were wonderful.

We had an amazing time, did not feel guilty about the passes atall, and never had to wait more than 10 minutes while the regular lines were typically 1-1/2 to 2 hours long. We actually did Spiderman 4 times because we could!!!

The room keys for Hard Rock and Portofino also include priority eating at Citywalk Hotels.

The Hard Rock is a beautiful hotel. The pool area is wonderful, but we always ha a hard time getting alounge chair late afternoon - I guess everyone else was also coming back from the parks to chill out.

We had a bit of a problem getting a room at check in. We got a little frustrated and they asked if we would mind an upgrade to the Concierge Floor at no extra charge. I told them that would be fine - and it was wonderful!!!

If I ever go back to Universal I would not stay aywhere but an on-site hotel. It made it a totally stress free vacation. I could not imagine standing on 1-1/2 hour lines with my 2 kids. We would have done 1 or 2 rides and been back at the hotel.

If anyone has any questions feel free to e-mail me as I don;t frequent this board often.

Donna