Question about Express Pass

[jamessanders]

Hi All,

 

I'm visiting Florida for the first time and am devoting one day to IOA and another to Busch (is it possible to drive from IOA to Busch and back in one day?), my girlfriend and I are staying at the Hyatt near Universal during the last week of this November - probably going to hit IOA on Tuesday the 27th.

 

I've been looking at buying a one park, one day express pass for $22 each. Will this be worth the extra money during the last week of November?

Keeping in mind that for The Hulk and Dragons, I'll be riding alone and in the single rider line.

 

Is there an express pass or similar ticket for Busch?

 

Thanks! I am very excited...

[spaceace12]

not for busch. AS far as I know of.

[SharkTums]

The only option you have at Busch is an expensive VIP Tour which includes the major coasters.

 

I would go for it at Islands of Adventure. They don't always use the single rider lines, and that could still be a bit busy after thanksgiving.

[Erik Johnson]

Actually that week right after Thanksgiving weekend is one of the very best times to go to the parks in Florida. I went to Universal/IOA the following Wedesday after Thanksgiving weekend these past two years. All the rides were a walk on that day. I also had a rare oportunity to share an entire Hulk train with only one other person during this time. I would see how crowded the park is before spending any extra money on the express tickets. Busch Gardens is about an hour drive away from Orlando, so it really is not too far at all. Just be careful that you do not get caught up in the rush hour traffic around Tampa (7AM-9:30AM) (4:00-6:30PM)

[jamessanders]

On the Universal website it says that express passes are 'subject to availability', is this simply a marketing ploy or do they actually run out?

 

If they don't run out, I'll just try to see how busy the area is the day before we go to IOA and then decide whether we'll need it.

 

Thanks for your super-fast replies!

[BarryH]

With Universal Express passes, generally the pricer they are, the busier the parks tend to be. Thus, if the Express passes are $40 for 1 park, then the parks will be pretty busy. If the passes are $20 for one park, then the parks are overall not busy. November (except for the Turkey Day weekend) tend to have low crowds at the park. IMHO, save the $20 you would buy Express passes and use the $ on a nice lunch at Mythos or Tchop Chop. If you do find a day at Universal where there a big crowds due to a trade show in town, school groups, or some anomaly, you can buy Express passes at various gift shops. These shops are indicated on the park map.

 

Busch Gardens crowds are pretty low during November too. If Universal is slow during November, BGA will probably seem deserted! Saturday and Sunday crowds may be a bit busier, but during a weekday, it will seem like you have the parks to yourself.