Universal 11/21-11/24 - Hagrid's, Exaggerated Wait Times, and Slow Food Service

That pathway is mainly used at Christmas as a means to get people to and from the Grinchmas show that takes place in a USO soundstage.

I've seen it in use a few times and wish it was always a thing. Knowing how close the two parks actually are to each other, it's funny how long the walk is in comparison to how close the Rip Ride Rockit station is to Seuss Landing.

I believe the extra walking "path" was added in November because people were worried about not being able to re-enter the parks if they passed through the gates to go the the other park on days that the park sells out. I was there a couple of days it was in use. Definitely not pretty, but much better than waiting in line for the train.

I ended up buying the Premier pass on October 24th which included the Bring a Friend ticket due to HHN being canceled plus, I still get to go to HHN this year as long as I go by Oct 24th. The BAF ticket would have cost $190 on the day we used it. Even being from Michigan, I still feel I've gotten my money's worth out of that pass since I've already gone 7 times with, at least 4 more days scheduled before it expires. And, coincidentally, I happened to book a room for my friends and me during our Holiwood Nights tour for June 10th. So, 2 days of early entry and 2 days of unlimited express passes ($1,600 value but not good for Velocicoaster or possibly Hagrid's) for all of us for a total of $400, including the room at Portofino Bay.

For those who don't know, early entry is included with any Universal properties. This also includes the day you check in and the day you check out. If you stay at their premier hotels, Hard Rock, Royal Pacific or Portofino Bay, Unlimited Express is also included for all days you are there including day of check in and check out. Early check-in is 7am of the day you will be staying.

Without an annual pass, that room would have cost $120 more since the Premier hotels are discounted 30% for any passholders.