Onsite Hotels and Express Passes

[debbymc4]

We're planning to visit Universal with my DS who is 4 in January, mostly during the week. We won't be riding any roller coasters. Is it worth the extra cost to stay onsite and get the free Express Passes? Are there enough non-scary rides that take the pass and will it be crowded enough to matter? Another concern I have is that it's cold and flu season and it looks like their cancellation policy is pretty unforgiving.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

January is a pretty slow month, and I don't think you'd need it ... especially at the extra cost.

[NJGIRL]

I always suggest staying on site. The hotels are wonderful, it is so nice not having to take transportation to get to a park, and the express pass, which is unlimited, is a great perk, crowded or not.

[MizMissy]

To me, staying on site at a Universal Hotel is the same as staying on site at a Disney Hotel. You pay extra for the convenience, but once you stay on-site, you cannot imagine vacationing another way. The Universal parks are such a close walk to the hotels, so easy to come and go, and with the unlimited express pass you always know that you will not be standing in line (except for a few attractions), it is such a great way to enjoy a relaxing Universal vacation.

[buzznwoodysmom]

Another vote for staying onsite. It will make your trip so much easier and more enjoyable.

You mention you will have a 4 year old in tow. I understand that the child won't be able to ride a lot of the thrill rides so express pass seems like a perk you might not really need. However, being able to quickly walk back to your room when the 4 year old gets tired or cranky is totally worth it.

We've done Universal as a day guest while staying at the WDW resorts, and we've done Universal with an onsite resort stay. I can't imagine us doing Universal without staying onsite again. It made the whole experience so much better.

[bruin1344]

I always suggest staying on site. The hotels are wonderful, it is so nice not having to take transportation to get to a park, and the express pass, which is unlimited, is a great perk, crowded or not.

I agree.

There should be enough non-thrill attractions but not nearly as many as WDW.

[joonyer]

While I am sure staying on-site at Universal has some great benefits, the express pass is not a reason I would spend the extra money to stay there in January, especially on weekdays. If the difference in price is large enough to be of financial important to you, the benefit of having the express pass for weekdays in January is not worth paying for; you'll have very short waits for almost every attraction anyway, even more so if you are skipping the coasters. We've been there a couple of times in May, on weekdays, and had very short wait times for almost everything, even the coasters were only about 15 minutes. Forbidden Journey was the longest wait, and you there's no express pass for that anyway. Stay on-site for other reasons, but the express pass perk doesn't really add any value in January.