Is it worth the $$ to stay on-site for the FP? About This Page:

[Suzie-Q]

Okay, I know they are not called FP at Universal, but, you know what I mean, right? None of us have ever been and are thinking that we need to do a cruise and stay for next Christmas holidays (Dec 2010/Jan 2011).
One question that comes to mind before we book is concerning their version of the fastpass because I know it'll be super busy in the parks. It says on their website that only resort guests get a reusable fastpass and that anyone staying off-site who pays for it with their ticket can only use it once per ride - am I getting that correctly?
Another twist on that question is - can we book the cruise and stay package for an off-site hotel and purchase the off-site fastpass as an add-on to our tickets, or is that not even an option if we purchase a package?
Another Canadian poster seemed to indicate that they have stayed one night on-site to get the fastpass and then stayed off-site to save money. Does that mean that if I get the off-site cruise and stay package to save money and start my trip onr night early with a night at one of 3 on-site resorts that we would have the good fast passes for the whole length of our stay, or am I mis-reading that?
I think those are the only possible scenarios that I can think of. Once I can attach a price to each option, I can call and book our stay. We just barely returned from a trip to WDW, and I am bereft without a new trip on the horizon!!! Thanks for your advice.

[Chelledun17]

Originally Posted by Suzie-Q

One question that comes to mind before we book is concerning their version of the fastpass because I know it'll be super busy in the parks. It says on their website that only resort guests get a reusable fastpass and that anyone staying off-site who pays for it with their ticket can only use it once per ride - am I getting that correctly?

Officially yes, although they let us use ours multiple times on some rides when we bought it seperately (two Decembers ago).

One way or another it is SO worth it to get the fast pass, especially as the day goes on and the park gets more crowded.

We are going over the holidays this year and found an on-site package for four nights that includes unlimited lenght of stay park tickets and, of course, the fast pass. It's a great deal! Maybe something similar will be offered next year.

[Shell_of_the_South]

I'd say yes, it's worth it, especially during the busier times. My DH calls it "priceless"!

The "Express Pass" is Universal's version of FastPass. It was originally free just like Disney's Fastpass, but they changed it a few years ago to a pay option. You can purchase the Express Pass at just about any gift shop inside the park, so it's not something that you have to purchase ahead of time. The pricing for the Express Pass varies, usually the busier and more crowded times will have higher Express Pass rates. This is again another reason to stay onsite!

The difference between the purchased Express Pass and "front of the line access" for Universal resort guests is just as you said: the Express Pass gives you one entry into the Express Pass line per pass. If you stay in one of Universal's onsite resorts, you show your room key to the ride attendant "Team Member" and you will be directed into the Express Pass line - this perk is unlimited for resort guests.

As far as getting 2 days worth of FOTL (Front of the line) with one night's stay, yes, it can be done. Arrive at the hotel early that morning and check in. Most likely your hotel room won't be ready, but you can obtain your room keys and head to the park. You can use your room key for FOTL all day. The next morning that you check out your room key is still good for FOTL the biggest part of the day. Sometimes the expiration time varies. It has been 3 pm in the past, and some times it's good all day until park closing. But, this way you can get two days for the price of one night's stay.

Another perk of staying onsite is the close proximity to the parks from the onsite resorts. You can walk to both parks if you stay onsite. Add this to the FOTL for resort guests and you've got an easy way to experience all the attractions and still have an afternoon break in your room or at the pool.

Hope this answers your questions! If you're looking for discounts for Universal, check out MouseSavers.com - Discounts at Universal Studios / Islands of Adventure Orlando - tickets, hotels, meals

[Suzie-Q]

Thank you - I don't know what I would do without PP...I'd likely find out about all these things after the fact when it was too late. I am going to price out the package deal with 3 days at the parks and a 4 day cruise vs, doing the two parts on our own. It looks as though the package may be the better offer, as the cruise price is pretty high on it's own, plus we would then be on the hook for all the transfers.

[Sue M.]

I stayed on-site at Hard Rock for 1 night, to get the 2 days of Front of Line priv. and it was great. Just show your room card. Then we moved across the street to Doubletree. So worth it to get the Front of the Line pass. If you have AAA you can get a room discount, if avail.

[ShellingConnie]

It was totally worth it to us. The kids and I had a wonderful time in July 2008 because of the FOTL feature.

I told DH that from now one, we'll stay on-site when we go to Universal.

[MBUS]

We were there 2 weeks ago and it was definitely worth the $ for the unlimited fast pass access you get with your room key. We stayed at the Royal Pacific which is the cheapest hotel at US and also beautiful.

Beth