Express tickets

[ajwgroomer]

Are the Express Tickets worth paying the extra money on since HP stuff isn't included?
Thanks!!!

[yankeesfan123]

Are the Express Tickets worth paying the extra money on since HP stuff isn't included?
Thanks!!!

Do you want to go on other rides without waiting in lines?

If so, yes.

[MargaretMessler]

Are the Express Tickets worth paying the extra money on since HP stuff isn't included?
Thanks!!!

Depends on when you are going. If you aren't going during a super busy time of year and don't mind waiting in some small lines, then they probably aren't necessary.

[mgmnut]

We purchased the VIP unlimited express passes a few years back when we were not staying on property in one of the Delux Hotels. (different from the regular express pass that only allows 1 express pass for each ride)

It was mid summer and very busy, so to us it was well worth it. Some lines at the time were over 2 hour wait and we got to walk right up due to our VIP Express Passes.

It was very expensive and a tough decision to purchase or not but in the end we were glad we did.

Like the previous poster said, it all depends on the time of year and crowd levels.

[ajwgroomer]

We'll be going Sept 27th-Oct 3rd.

[Mfarquar]

Personally, I wouldn't purchase an express pass during those dates. We always go during that date range and find the lines VERY manageable.

Last year, Transformers was almost always a walk-on - 30 minutes, and same goes for Spiderman, Hulk and Mummy. Dragon's Challenge and most other attractions are minimal waits, if any.

You'll see waits for Forbidden Journey and Gringott's Bank. You'll probably also see lines for Despicable Me and Simpsons (the latter of which is just slow-loading).

Of course, there are spikes in ride times, but usually you can just come back later. If you visiting multiple days, there would always be an opportunity to check something out another day.

Single rider lines for HP Forbidden Journey are usually only 10 - 20 minutes, max at that time of year. Just ask to take the "Hogwarts walk through tour" at the entrance first so you can see the amazing queue at your own pace. Then, return to get in the Single Rider Line (this line skips like 80% of the queue). I'm guessing that guests may also enjoy a short Single Rider Line for Gringott's by late Sept./early Oct.

Keep in mind, Saturdays will always be more crowded. Also, Halloween Horror Nights is occurring during that time frame. Those days may be just ever so slightly more crowded due to guests who want to add the much cheaper, "Stay and Scream" option onto their ticket for this separately-ticketed event. If you are a bunch of adults who love horror/thrillers/Halloween, the "Stay and Scream" option may be a better use of your money than an Express Pass. During Halloween Horror Nights, all of the Universal Studio rides are open with the exception of the Harry Potter attractions. The ride lines are literally walk-ons. Plus, you get the 8 haunted houses and scare zones, which are incredibly done (and you will see longer lines for these). However, if scary Halloween isn't your bag, I'd skip this option.

You'll also want to add up how much it will cost for your party to purchase Express Passes (especially if you are a larger group or considering multi-day Express Passes). In this case, it might be worth considering staying on- sight. The on-site hotels, with the exception of Cabana Bay, give you an UNLIMITED Express Pass (valued at least $189.00 per person - the first-tier paid Express Passes starting at $34.99 only let you cut the line once per ride, per pass).

I think you'll be fine without paid-Express passes. But, if you have money to burn or limited time in a one day park visit, it can't hurt!

[ajwgroomer]

We'll be there Wednesday just for that day. I'm leaning towards not getting it just b/c of the time of year and day. I don't mind waiting in line for a bit, just not 5 hours! lol

[Mfarquar]

I think you will be fine!