12/20-12/21 with express pass. Worth going?
Universal Orlando: Will lines be tolerable at Universal Orlando 12/20-12/21 with an express pass?
My family (with kids 10 and 12) have been to Disney many times, but never to Universal. We will be in Orlando for Christmas, and could go on thursday and friday (12/20-21). I would normally not even consider going to one of these theme parks during christmas, but since this is before the big travel weekend and I can stay at hotel onsite and get an express pass, maybe it will be OK. Will it be worth going? What would a typical wait be with the express pass?
From Dominick D
Posted November 30, 2012 at 7:15 AM
Express Passes are required at the time you're going. Like Todd said, stay on site, you get unlimited Express.
From Rob Pastor
Posted November 30, 2012 at 7:37 AM
The Universal on site hotel privileges & express passes are the best thing happening in the theme park industry. As Todd said, the three hotels are comparable with any of the Disney Deluxe hotels, and their prices are much better than Disney. Sure, Universal charges an additional $15 a day for parking, but even with that fee, Universal hotel rates are much more reasonable than Disney. We stay at the Portofino, and I consider it better than the Grand Floridian, and at half the price. Holiday season rates are more expensive, but so are Disneys'. The Express waits are generally walk ons or a little more. Harry Potter is not Express, but the early admission is the key. Todd's explaination is right on. Universal Express makes a vacation more relaxing and enjoyable. And the proximity of the Universal hotels to the parks & Citi Walk, by boat trip on the beautiful canals or a short walk, creates an ease and ambiance that Disney World cannot match. Yes, stay on site if you can afford it.
I've actually found the week before christmas not bad for Universal as crowds go, its the week after that's really bad.
A good indication of guest flow is Universal promo for annual pass holders that they get early admission like hotel guest up till the 23rd
It might also lessen the early admission advantage
Also orange county schools last day is the 21st of december so that can also be a factor
From N B
Posted December 1, 2012 at 12:06 AM
Just so you know, the unlimited Express Pass will make all other theme parks pale by comparison. Prepare to be spoiled by your experience. :)
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