Ticket / Pass for skipping lines in US amusement parks
♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA
One of the most effective and recommended ways to avoid standing in long lines at US amusement parks is using special passes for shortening lines. Each park chain has different types of passes, some costing very significant amounts. The price of the pass is, of course, in addition to the regular entrance ticket price for each park. If you do not want to stand for hours in exhausting lines for rides, you should use line-shortening passes at Disney and Universal parks (both in Florida and California).
The Genie App for Disney Parks
Starting from fall 2021, the Genie app for Disney amusement parks will help park visitors plan their entire day regarding booking times for rides, checking wait times for each attraction, making restaurant reservations, and more. All this is to better utilize your time at the park.
Lightning Lane Fast Track
The use of fast passes for shortening lines (Fast Pass) that existed at Disney for free until fall 2021 has been canceled. Since then, the fast lane is called Lightning Lane and it is available for a fee in two options:
Option A - For attractions with moderate demand:
For $15-20, depending on the park, you can register in Genie for one attraction at a time without a line, and only when you finish it can you register for another attraction.
Option B - For the most popular attractions:
For these, you can register on the day of arrival at the park (up to 2 attractions per day only) for an additional fee that will depend on the day, the attraction, and the park, as published on the aforementioned website.
Universal Parks Fast Lane - EXPRESS PASS
The fast pass at Universal, called EXPRESS PASS, involves an additional fee starting from $70 or $90 per day (excluding tax). The price depends on the day - on busy days it is more expensive. The lower price for the pass allows for one fast track entry per ride, and the more expensive one is unlimited. Further and updated details can be found at the link mentioned earlier. Important tip: those staying at selected Universal Premier Hotels receive the fast pass for free.
Six Flags Amusement Park Chain
The "Six Flags" chain, specializing in roller coasters and rides for the daring and action lovers (with many branches across the US), offers line-shortening passes called THE FLASH Pass which can be purchased for a respectable fee. The price varies from park to park and by the degree of line shortening: shortening 25% of wait time is called Bronze, 60% is Gold, and 90% is Platinum. The price increases by tens of percent between each and can even be more expensive than the entrance ticket itself, which is paid separately. Do the math for yourself whether the cost justifies the time saved. Remember that wait times for popular roller coasters in the chain can reach two hours or more per ride during peak season!
The method of using these passes differs from Disney and Universal and is based on a "beeper" device that beeps when the time to board the ride arrives.
LegoLand
LegoLand also offers line-shortening passes in some of its parks. At LegoLand California, for example, it is called Reserve ‘N’ Ride and has three levels: Express, Deluxe, and Ultimate, which shorten wait times as you pay more for each level. Booking the time is done via an app downloaded to your mobile phone.
SeaWorld
At SeaWorld, you can purchase a skip-the-line pass and/or reserve a seat at a show. The price varies from park to park and depends on the day. Here it is called: Reserved Seating and Quick Queue. Prices on weekends can be 3 times higher than during the week.
VIP Tickets
Most parks also offer VIP tickets that will greatly shorten lines and also your bank credit... These tickets include many additional benefits such as several hours of personal behind-the-scenes tours, skipping lines, reserved seating at shows, food, drinks, a personal escort in a small group, Valet parking, and more, depending on how much you paid and which park it is.
Examples of VIP ticket prices:
Disney VIP - Prices range from $425 to $850 per hour! This also does not include the price of the entrance ticket.
Universal VIP - The price also reaches hundreds of dollars per person and depends on the chosen day.
Six Flags VIP - Prices start from $400 per person (minimum for four people).
LegoLand - There are three types of VIP tickets starting from $300, $500, and $700. Price is per person and excludes tax.
Booking tickets for amusement parks and attractions in the US
Further in this article, several well-known and reliable sites are provided for purchasing tickets for US amusement parks, as well as for other popular attractions and music, sports, and theater performances.
Important tip: ticket prices on weekends and local holidays can be double those during the week. Crowds and lines at the parks are also larger on weekends. Therefore, by purchasing tickets for midweek, the gain is double! Both cheaper and fewer lines! Another gain: accommodations are also cheaper during the week.
Orlando:
♦ Booking tickets for amusement parks in Orlando from: Expedia
♦ Entrance tickets for attractions in Orlando from the recommended Viator site:
♦ Chocolate - Flying and Helicopter in Orlando:
Los Angeles:
♦ Booking tickets for amusement parks in Los Angeles from: Expedia
♦ Tickets for Universal and the Aquarium:
New York:
CityPASS - New York - 6 top attractions in one ticket.
Las Vegas:
♥ From Viator: Tickets for shows and attractions in Las Vegas: Top Las Vegas Tickets & Passes
Across the US:
Tickets for sports, theater performances, and concerts: