Express Pass worth $400 in October?

[BMacDonald]

Haven't been to Universal since I was a kid so feeling a little out of my element planning a trip this October. We will be staying onsite and trying to determine whether to stay at Cabana Bay or Royal Pacific. The difference is just over $400, the downside obviously being not having Express Passes. I'm just wondering if it will be busy enough the long weekend in October (we are visiting on the Monday and Tuesday) to make it worth the extra money (and, according to my agent, the price for us to buy them separately is as much or more.) Travelling with younger kids (6-8) so probably not hitting too many of the big thrill rides. Thanks for your advice!!!

[MNNHFLTX]

Not sure what rates you are looking at for Cabana Bay, but my son and I are staying there in May, before the resort is fully open. With the rates we are paying, we still come in about $250 ahead by buying the Express Pass option (over staying at Royal Pacific). I must admit we were spoiled from our last (very brief) visit to Universal since we stayed at the Hard Rock and made good use of the Express Pass included with the resort stay. Since you will be going in October after much of the new Harry Potter stuff will be open I would think it would busier than normal, so the Express Pass would definitely be an advantage.

[BMacDonald]

Thanks- I can't seem to access Universal's site on my computer (some weird issue on my end that I can't figure out) so I'm just going by what she is telling me. She said that it would be just under $50/person/day for the one-time express pass. So for four people for two days there goes our $400 savings. So that's why I'm basically trying to decide which option to take and whether I want to pay the extra for Express. If it were Disney I would go with Standby lines in October but I have no idea what to expect with Universal. And probably no one can predict exactly what HP will do to regular crowds.

[MizMissy]

Universal also has Halloween Horror Nights throughout October, so the hotel rates may be greater due to the demand.

The problem with the express pass that you purchase, I think it is only one pass per ride. Whereas if you stay at the other three Universal hotels, the express pass is unlimited for the rides. Therefore, if the Cabana Bay + Express Pass = Same rate as Royal Pacific (generally the cheaper of the 3), I would definitely go with Royal Pacific.

[BMacDonald]

Thanks, I'm about to hit send on the email saying yes to Royal Pacific (after going back and forth all afternoon!)

Thanks so much for your input!

[MNNHFLTX]

Universal also has Halloween Horror Nights throughout October, so the hotel rates may be greater due to the demand.

The problem with the express pass that you purchase, I think it is only one pass per ride. Whereas if you stay at the other three Universal hotels, the express pass is unlimited for the rides. Therefore, if the Cabana Bay + Express Pass = Same rate as Royal Pacific (generally the cheaper of the 3), I would definitely go with Royal Pacific.

No, they do sell the unlimited Express Pass option. That's the one I would buy for my son and I.

[Middle of the Map]

Thanks, I'm about to hit send on the email saying yes to Royal Pacific (after going back and forth all afternoon!)

Thanks so much for your input!

I think you will like the Royal Pacific Resort. I was very impressed with the level of service I received in November of 2013.

Ask for a room on the top floor if you can. I had a view of Islands of Adventure and it was amazing.

Have a great time.

[MizMissy]

No, they do sell the unlimited Express Pass option. That's the one I would buy for my son and I.

Thanks for the info! We stay on site, so I've never really looked into it that much.

However, RP is closer to the parks than Cabana Bay. And it is a beautiful property.

[MNNHFLTX]

Thanks for the info! We stay on site, so I've never really looked into it that much.

However, RP is closer to the parks than Cabana Bay. And it is a beautiful property.

Yes, if it's a wash, I would probably do Royal Pacific. Although, personally, I really want to stay at Cabana Beach, just love the theming and the amenities (we plan to go bowling one evening!)

[LVT]

We checked into Royal Pacific early in the morning in order to get the pass for our 1 night/2 day trip. It worked out great. 2 full days and 1 hotel night.