Will I need express passes at Universal Studios in February?

[gatorsmom]

It’s suppose to be one of the slowest times of the year but I don’t want to assume anything. We have only been to universal like twice and really are only interested in the Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. If we do need the express passes is it worth it to do the unlimited ones?

[WatchingThemGrow]

I have not been in Feb. but in March, Aug, Dec, and Jan, and we stayed at the resorts with express because all those times were crowded.

From memory so there may be more, it's just good for getting into:
Hogsmeade:
Forbidden Journey - 3D4D simulator that makes people nauseous, 3 of us skip it after 1x on it
Flight of the Hippogriff - small rollercoaster - my kids say the regular line moves just as fast as express
Hogwarts Express - only once have I been thankful to have express, but that was at the end of the day going to the park that was open later
Diagon Alley:
Gringott's - we still waited forever in this line

Are you going during the week? I wouldn't think it would be a problem to go without express during the week.

Express does NOT work for Hagrid's Motorbike, which your should prioritize and expect a wait. We did it last week and waited 110 minutes. I saw this weekend it was up to 330 minutes. insane.

I read in your post that the other girl likes Marvel, so plan to do something over there for her. That section makes my head hurt, but it may be good for her to go through that part and get to do a ride. My kids like Spiderman.

It would be fun to have a wand to try out the spells, so either borrow one from a friend who has gone recently (and it has the special interactive tip) or plan to buy one for $70ish. It's easy enough to share. My kids really get into looking at the "stuff" from the books, so going into the gift shops, the candy shop, the dark alley, knocking on the door, seeing the night bus, trying out the various forms of Butterbeer, etc. None of those things need Express. We really enjoyed the HOT butterbeer next to the ice cream shop in Diagon Alley on Christmas night. it really hit the spot.

In all, I think you're fine without it, especially that time of year on a weekday morning. I could be wrong though...how much are they?

[SnuggleBuggles]

With just 1 day, yes. Too much to see without them, I think. The line for the Hogwarts express could eat up an hour one way without them (and you'll want to ride it both ways). There's really ni slow time. They are cheaper if you buy in advance but they are unlikely to sell out if you just want to play it by ear and wait to buy when you are there.

[jgenie]

Yes! Nothing like watching the day slip away as others cut the line and you are stuck waiting. I would save money somewhere else if budget is a concern. If we had a friend with us, I would spring for their upgrade and budget accordingly. We love rides so I would stay at a hotel that has the express passes. I have no idea what they run a la carte.

[wendibird22]

It’s suppose to be one of the slowest times of the year but I don’t want to assume anything. We have only been to universal like twice and really are only interested in the Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. If we do need the express passes is it worth it to do the unlimited ones?

When in February? All the northeast schools have February break during president's week, so that's always a very busy time for WDW and Universal.
Here's a crowd calendar: https://www.undercovertourist.com/or...february-2023/
IMO, I'd get the express pass for any day with a crowd level above a 5.

[WatchingThemGrow]

It appears to be $130-210/extra per day per person. The week of president's day and the 1/2 marathon is the only busy week I can see.

[gatorsmom]

When in February? All the northeast schools have February break during president's week, so that's always a very busy time for WDW and Universal.
Here's a crowd calendar: https://www.undercovertourist.com/or...february-2023/
IMO, I'd get the express pass for any day with a crowd level above a 5.

We will be at Universal on Wednesday, February 8th. So I’m kinda undecided.

[WatchingThemGrow]

We will be at Universal on Wednesday, February 8th. So I’m kinda undecided.

Low crowds- 5/10... I would not bother. We were there on Christmas Day and it wasn't THAT bad. 12/26, Spring Break, summer, T'giving week, any Saturday/Sunday, yes but ...I don't think it's worth it for a random school day Wed. in Feb. not attached to a holiday. Can't see them wanting to ride each of those rides again, and you're not trying to do every rollercoaster in the park, just HP, right? I know money is no object but it just seems wasteful to buy it for a day like that. The tickets are already $180, right? Maybe I'm just over HP/US. We just spent too many days there this past year.

[nfceagles]

That seems like a pretty low crowd day to me.


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[SnuggleBuggles]

I still think it is worth it. Even if lines are only 30-60 minutes- par for the course even on slower days, you won’t get on many rides when you add up wait times. Shows, eating, spells, browsing…you want time for those things and not to be wasting them in line. It’s worth the money.


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