Universal Express Option

[SDJ]

We visited Islands of Adventure on Wednesday with friends who are staying at the Portofino Hotel. They have Express Passes and we didn't. The difference in timing was minimal and they had no longer than 5 minutes to wait for us to get off the rides and meet up with them. Today we all went to Universal. We got on Men in Black and off again before they did with their Pass!!! We had to wait for them. On the Jaws ride, we were on the next boat. The Mummy kept breaking down, and one of the other rides was closed.[msncry] Glad we have an Annual Pass....[msnoo]

[Father]

We visited Islands of Adventure on Wednesday with friends who are staying at the Portofino Hotel. They have Express Passes and we didn't. The difference in timing was minimal ....

This is interesting. Thanks. Did you do the Harry Potter rides?

The estimated waiting time for this was 90 minutes on Tuesday. I would be really interested to know how long the express pass holders waited.

For me, this is high risk stuff from Universal. It is not a good customer experience to wait a long time in line for a ride after paying the park entrance fee, and have to wait again while express pass holders waltz on. This experience would definitely deter us from going back to US/IoA in the future. They are obviously gambling that future customers don't take this view but it is a risky strategy imo.

Also - $15 for parking, $20 for preferred parking. Again putting the squeeze on.