Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   United States (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/)
-   -   Universal Express℠ Pass Worth it? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/universal-express-pass-worth-it-1108855/)

cadd May 22nd, 2016 03:53 PM

Universal Express℠ Pass Worth it?
 
My wife and I are going to Universal Studios this Memorial Day weekend (Half Day Thursday/All Day Friday) and were wondering if it was worth getting the Universal Express℠ Pass?

It's like $240 more (On top of the $440 we're paying for 2 2-day passes to Universal Studios).

We're primarily interested in seeing Harry Potter in which we're not even sure what else to do besides that and if Harry Potter would take the whole day or not.

I heard the pass doesn't work on a number of Harry Potter related rides also.

Overall, if we're going for two-days, do you think the express pass is worth it? Again, we're primarily interested in seeing Harry Potter stuff between the two parks but we're young (early 30's) and figure if there's other stuff, we'd go check it out.

schmerl May 22nd, 2016 04:01 PM

For that price you might be able to book a room at one of the three on site hotels that include express access. One night stay gets you two full days of express access. It's offered if you stay at the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. You also get early entry to the parks.
You are correct....express pass is not even offered on the Harry Potter attractions. There are a LOT of other things you would enjoy.
Go to this site and get an idea of the attractions:
https://www.universalorlando.com/Rid...s-Florida.aspx

schmerl May 22nd, 2016 04:08 PM

And here are the attractions at Islands of Adventure:
https://www.universalorlando.com/Rid...Adventure.aspx

cadd May 22nd, 2016 04:16 PM

We're staying at the 4 Points Sheraton, I haven't heard of an express access offering.

schmerl May 23rd, 2016 04:54 AM

You don't even really have to stay at the on site resort if you don't want to. Just book a room and when you go to register they will take your picture and issue an unlimited express pass. The hotel where you are staying does not offer it. Just the three hotels I mentioned above.
These are the perks you get when staying at one of those hotels. Just booking one night gets you two full days of the perks.

"FREE^ Universal Express℠ Unlimited ride access to SKIP THE REGULAR LINES in both theme parks all day, a benefit worth up to $89** per person, per day (valid theme park admission required).
Early Park Admission† to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ one hour before the theme park opens (valid theme park admission required).
Complimentary transportation and walking paths to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk.
Priority seating at select restaurants throughout both theme parks and CityWalk®.
And more!"

cadd May 23rd, 2016 10:49 AM

Unfortunately I already have reservations at the Sheraton. Overall, do you think it's worth it? It's like $440 for 2 people for 1 day but if it'll allow us to see a lot more, then sure why not.

schmerl May 23rd, 2016 11:06 AM

As I said....you can keep your reservation at the Sheraton but also just reserve ONE night at one of the three Universal on site resorts I mentioned.
The one night should be quite a bit less than $440 and it will get you two full days of express access.
My nephew has a time share in Orlando and stays there but still books a night at an on site resort. They don't stay at the Universal resort, but check in, pay for the room and use the perks.

I just checked and you can get a room at the Royal Pacific resort for $279. That gets two of you full express access for two whole days.

gmoney May 23rd, 2016 11:21 AM

If it were at all possible I would cancel the Sheraton and re-book at Universal hotel. Not only do you get the express passes but you get early admission and don't have to drive and park at Universal. Also having easy access to CityWalk at night is nice.

gmoney May 23rd, 2016 11:24 AM

Forgot to add, I live literally 5 minutes from Universal and have spent several nights in the hotels there just because it makes visiting the parks so much nicer and more convenient. I have stayed at both the Hard Rock and Portofino and can highly recommend them both.

schmerl May 24th, 2016 04:24 PM

What ever you decide, I hope you enjoy the Universal Parks as much as we do.

fmpden May 24th, 2016 04:41 PM

Bookmark


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 10:34 AM.