Express Pass without booking a package? About This Page:

[joelsmom]

Heaven help me, but my son wants to go to Universal Orlando next summer. We've been, but the only trip of any length was more than 10 years ago. I've done enough investigating to know that we don't need a week, which is great because I feel like we need to stay onsite and get the Express Pass perk, and staying at one of the three onsite hotels that offer that feature will be pricy. My main question right now is this. If I book a room only and buy park tickets through Undercover Tourist, would I still get the Express Pass feature? Is there a place at the hotel where I could present the tickets to have that feature added? Or, will I need to book a package through Universal itself?

[toddjodybrent]

We stayed "off site" but did purchase our Universal tickets through Undercover Tourist (we had a one day park to park ticket) and then purchased the Express Pass through the Universal website itself.
There wasn't a need to add the Express Pass to the park ticket as the Express Pass is separate. Special barcodes were emailed to us from Universal and that was scanned prior to entry into the Express Pass lines--not the park ticket. The park ticket was only used to gain entry to the park (and to ride Hogwart's Express as essentially you were gaining entry to the next park upon boarding).
We used lanyards with clear pouches to hold our tickets and the Express Pass with the barcode visible and ready to be scanned.
Know that the Express Pass is purchased for a specific date (dates) and can only be used on that specified date as there is a limited amount of Express Passes available. Also, depending on the date, the price will vary.
Hope this helps!

[joelsmom]

Thanks, but I won't be staying offsite. I've priced staying offsite and adding the Express Pass, and we will save money and have unlimited express access by staying at the Royal Pacific. Plus, transportation is simplified staying onsite. Even though it's been a while, I remember the last trip enough to know there were several disadvantages staying offsite. This time, we'll be onsite for sure.

[mamasann]

There are kiosks at the Royal Pacific, just past the check-in area that you can print your express passes. We were able to print out our tickets there too, if memory serves me correctly. I'd let them know when you book the room that you want the express passes. They're good the day you check out too. And I agree, use clear lanyards to show bar code on your express pass for easy entry on the express lane.

[joelsmom]

I don't think I was clear. What I want to know is if I can do a room-only reservation, buy park tickets through Undercover Tourist, and still take advantage of the Express Pass. Does Universal require a package through them, including park tickets, in order to receive Express Pass?

[greentie]

Unless it's changed since last summer no, you don't need a package, staying at Royal Pacific will be enough. From what I remember you just insert your room key into the machines in reception.

[HiddenMickey]

Express pass is a perk of the room, not tied to park tickets or packages. If you have a room at Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, or Portifino, you automatically get Express Passes for your check in day and check out day and whatever comes in-between. You make your EP at a kiosk after you get your room keys. Great perk!

[HiddenMickey]

DD and I will be doing Cabana Bay without Express Passes next month. We just had two trips in the last seven months, so we are hoping just Early Entry will work for us. We didn't feel right spending more on our hotel for just us two this trip. We plan pool time in the busy afternoons.