Universal without Express Passes

[Ball81]

We are heading out in August too and decided to treat ourselves for the 1st time and stay to get the FOLP’s.
‘DFUssy’ describes how we plan to enjoy the benefits this time, previously not having had passes and at busy times we have always done what we wanted to ride wise but it’s been longs days, never experienced universal in the evening or city walk as always been to tired to stay or return.

We have also booked with free cancellation within 5 days so do plan to go to universal beforehand and if we think it’s managable we may cancel too (doubtful)

[chickeninabun]

Originally Posted by Nimbus

In our 8 trips, we've only ever had Express Passes once. And even then, although they were very useful, they weren't entirely necessary. The only reason we had them was because we wanted to ensure we could do everything in 2 days - plus we felt like treating ourselves.

We visited Florida in the last two weeks of August 3 years ago. The queues were fairly short - 15 minutes for Forbidden Journey (for example). The only rides that had long queues were Escape from Gringotts and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (both had waits of around 50 minutes).

So, if you plan to visit the Universal parks on more than 2 days and you visit Universal towards the end of your holiday (and thus towards the end of August) you'll be fine. Express Passes are very nice to have but you don't need them to enjoy the Universal parks unless you are trying to fit everything into 1 day or 2 shorter days.

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Thank you this is very good to know.

Although I'm fancying a night in a fancy hotel too now! Might just sling Disney off completely and go all out with Universal this year!

[Nimbus]

Originally Posted by chickeninabun

Thank you this is very good to know.

Although I'm fancying a night in a fancy hotel too now! Might just sling Disney off completely and go all out with Universal this year!

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The deluxe hotels at Universal are very nice. If you have the money then I'd recommend a stay at one of them. We stayed at RPR last time and the room was noticeably better than the rooms in CBR at Disney.

Then again, at around £200 a night, you'd hope the room was nice.