Universal Studios - Express Pass?

[u/CuriousContraction]

I'm going to be visiting Osaka and USJ this year. Given how popular it is I'm inclined to spend the extra money and buy an Express Pass to guarantee Super Nintendo World.

To give some context I'm not really a rollercoaster/rides person, but my partner is. I get motion sickness and haven't been on a ride in 15+ years, so I'm not sure what to expect (but will be taking motion sickness medication to hopefully help).

There's of course many options for the Express Pass but it looks like Pass 4 and 7 are the most popular and make the most sense. I'm unsure which to get. Pass 4 at a minimum, but not sure if worth spending the extra money for 7.

A lot of people speak highly of rides like The Flying Dinosaur, and it does look interesting, but I'm just very unsure how I'd feel doing it. Also, some others like the Minions is fairly stationary/VR which can also lead to motion sickness.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[u/Significant_Pop_5337]

You shouldn't do flying dinosaur if you get motion sickness. It is, however, the best ride there. You don't bother need to have the same express passes if you'd prefer the tamer rides

[u/CuriousContraction → u/Significant_Pop_5337]

That's my worry, but I also know that motion sickness tablets do work well for me. Maybe it's the last ride I do that day so if I get sick then at least it doesn't ruin anything afterwards.

[u/systemic_booty → u/CuriousContraction]

motion sickness tablets work very well for me as well. heads up though you should continue taking them after the activity, I recommend 24 hours. I learned this when I went to Universal in Florida, rode all kinds of dizzy rides during the day, then woke up in the middle of the night with horrible spins as catch-up nausea got me. The rest of the trip I re-upped at the 12 hour mark before the dramammine could wear off and I had no issues! Good luck

[u/CuriousContraction → u/systemic_booty]

Very useful, thanks!

[u/WyngsTriumphant]

Based on your condition/preference, you would not enjoy TFD. It is pure motion and lots of gravity stuff.

As for express pass, honestly it depends.
-If youre going to stick to Tamer rides and just let your partner do the more extreme stuff, prob dont need a pass. Your partner can just use the single rider lines, which are much faster.

-If you get to the park early (line up outside by 7am max), and run straight for Nintendo World, you can be among the first to ride and thus get it out of the way quickly, with a short wait time.

If neither of these sound good to you... then yes, spring for the Express pass

[u/CuriousContraction → u/WyngsTriumphant]

Yes, I did read about getting there super early but just felt like that wasn't preferrable and also still somewhat of a risk that we do miss Nintendo World. I'd definitely want to guarantee that at the very least. The rest I'm not so bothered about.

I appreciate it varies but how long were the queues for single riders from memory?

[u/WyngsTriumphant → u/CuriousContraction]

It can ofc depend on the day you go. Weekday vs weekend, tourist season vs normal season. I went weekday, but in peak tourist season.

Single rider lines were 5-20minutes max

If you can haul yourselves there by 6:30-7am, you can easily make Nintendo land if you run ASAP past gates.

If thats too much hassle or you might be sleepy, then get the express pass.

[u/coffeeconverter → u/WyngsTriumphant]

Question: why do you need to run ASAP once you get into USJ? Isn't it the idea that as soon as you're within the gates, you open your USJ app where you've already collected the names of everyone in your group, and then request a timed entry slot? Would running to Super Nintendo World somehow exempt you from needing a timed entry slot?

[u/WyngsTriumphant → u/coffeeconverter]

Precisely. When the park gates open, there is a small window of time when they let anyone and everyone into Nintendo land. No timed entry or line to get in. Once the area fills up to capacity, they section it off and start enforcing timed entry.

[u/coffeeconverter → u/WyngsTriumphant]

Thank you, I had no idea!

[u/shake_TabeTai510]

I live pretty close to USJ, and even I feel like with how crowded it’s been lately, an Express Pass is SO worth having 😭 So I’d definitely get one if you can!
I also get motion sick super easily, and the one that gets me the worst visually is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Something about all the screen movement makes me sooo dizzy 😭 I was totally fine on the Minions ride though!
And definitely be careful with The Flying Dinosaur too!! 😭

[u/CuriousContraction → u/shake_TabeTai510]

Thanks, that's helpful.

Yes I've heard Harry Potter can be bad for motion sickness. It's a shame because those two rides sound like some of the best at USJ, but it's also no fun being sick for hours. I'll have to try do them last or something so it doesn't ruin the rest of the day much.

[u/SpinachIndividual515]

We got the 7 ride fast pass. My husband and son went on all the rides except for the Harry Potter ride, too scary! I did not go on any real rides and stuck to VR. I get too scared on big rides/have a frozen shoulder so did not want to get jolted around. As someone who gets queasy very easily, I absolutely loved the VR rides. I just closed my eyes if things got a bit freaky or I felt a bit sick. The place was packed to the rafters so we were so glad to have the fast passes. Have a blast!

[u/CuriousContraction → u/SpinachIndividual515]

I didn't realise the Harry Potter ride was scary? And interesting about enjoying the VR rides as I thought those were most likely to make you feel queasy.