Fastpass+ vs Express passs

I've never used Express Pass (the last time I was at Universal, I was 9 and I don't think such a thing existed yet), but I really like FP+. I love that I can schedule my FP ahead of time. I love that I don't have to waste that golden hour right after park opening running around to get paper FP. I love that I can tell Disney what time I would like to ride BTMR instead of Disney telling me when I'm allowed to ride it--and have that time just happen to coincide with an ADR that I have at EPCOT or something. I love that I can use FP+ to reserve a spot for fireworks, parades, shows, etc. if I want to. I love that I wear my FP ticket on my wrist and that it fits securely--I don't have to keep track of my paper FP tickets. I love that basically everything I need for the week is linked to that same band--a true "key to the world". Most of all, I love that it's included with my admission, so I don't think I would like a system where I had to pay for my FP.

The only things I would change in an ideal world are to get rid of the tiered structure and to find a way to automatically link the discounts that you are entitled to to the band (AP, TiW, DVC, maybe even the VISA merchandise discount if you have a Disney VISA linked to your account.) The little DVC/AP sliders are great because it prompts the CM's to ask us for our applicable discount cards, but the first trip with the magic bands I missed a couple of discounts because I was chatting with the CM and scanning the band and not thinking about whether or not I needed to get out another card.

I like the fastpass+ system. It just works for us. It's simple and easy to use. And this is from back in March when we could only have 3 a day and even then it was great.

I'm looking forward to trying the new fast pass in dec. I like not being as limited per day to only one park. Mandy, we have to catch up again.

OMG I have used the EXPRESS pass for my last to 2 trips to Universal and I think they need to take a lesson from Disney. First of all why should I have to pay extra for that privilege (I know it is in Disney price)? And let me give you an example about how I think it doesn't work. Last year we had the Express pass and we were in this LONG line which was for Express pass people when we all noticed that the regular line was moving a lot faster. Finally some woman in front of us had enough and went to the front of the line to talk to someone and when she came back she was livid. They told her if she didn't like it leave and that they could write a complaint!..And she did leave and said she was going to find someone to talk to because you pay extra for that privilege and therefore you should move faster than the people who have not. I totally agree.

I have never used the Express Pass simply because I refuse to pay for it. I've used FP in the past, but never FP+. I loved FP so I'm sure I'm going to love FP+.

We had the Express Pass last year but since we were staying on site it came with the package so we didn't pay extra for it. We were there in August so it was crowded and it worked well for us. Ours didn't have a limit to how many times you could use it on a ride so we were able to use it multiple times for our favorite rides. We could not use it on Forbidden Journey... but I think that was it. By staying onsite we were able to get into Hogsmeade early and were able to get on those rides multiple times as well before the crowds hit.
I agree if we had to pay extra and depending on the time of year we go again, not sure if I would pay out of pocket. But if you can stay onsite and get it with your package..... totally worth it.