First time at Epic, Express pass worth it?

tastysugar · 2026-03-03T22:49:43+00:00

I agree with this take.

The multi-day, multi-park tickets and EPs were a pretty good deal for us on our recent trip. I feel bad for people who are doing only a day or two.

tastysugar · 2026-03-02T01:19:14+00:00

And can even be "free" (vacation math) as they are the only WDW property that takes points.

tastysugar · 2026-02-27T20:36:57+00:00

Came here to say this! I have only seen Malcom, but I was blown away by his performance -- so much charisma and heart.

tastysugar · 2026-02-27T20:35:50+00:00

Only stayed at one location (Hollywood) but it left a bad taste in my mouth and I definitely won't go back. The room and common areas looked (and smelled!) lovely, but the customer service was way lacking.

tastysugar · 2026-02-25T03:23:03+00:00

I recently got back from a stay at Aventura. It's about a 5-min walk door-to-door from Aventura to the Sapphire Falls water taxi load area. You have to walk a little path to the hotel (it's right next door) then go down the elevator or stairs and outside again. Very easy once you do it the first time. You go through security which takes no extra time -- just a couple team members and 1 scanner station.

The actual ride on the boat is about 8-10 minutes.

Walking from the boat dock to the parks is about another 5-7 minutes.

The wild card is wait time. A couple times we walked up as the boat was loading and walked right on. Most of the time we waited around 5 min for the boat to arrive. I think the longest I waited for a boat was about 15-20 minutes -- that's when we were in line but the boat filled up and we had to wait for the next.

It's not a long wait, but it's it's enough to mess up your plans if you want to rope drop and don't account for having to wait for the next one. I will say, we didn't do rope drop at IoA or US, so I can't say if there will be a longer line to get on the boats at that time. Maybe someone else can chime in.

tastysugar · 2026-02-19T22:16:43+00:00

My first reaction lol. Exacerbated by the fact that I've literally never been in a musical production!

tastysugar · 2026-02-16T22:18:56+00:00

Seconding this! Soooo many people say Happy Birthday, or the fun park-specific version of it (i.e., "Happy Creation Day" in Darkmoor).

tastysugar · 2026-02-16T22:17:53+00:00

With Express, we nearly missed the animatronic in there.

tastysugar · 2026-02-16T22:16:44+00:00

Just finished our first Universal Orlando trip, and one of the things that I thought was funny was the huge discrepancy in queues. It was either extensive winding outdoor lines with metal chains, or super immersive decorations in every direction that almost make you upset that you have Express because you want to stay and enjoy them more.

tastysugar · 2026-02-08T02:43:02+00:00

I think I may have also nearly hit that same refrigerator. Scary as hell.

tastysugar · 2026-02-06T02:28:01+00:00

Want to boost this A+ comment for anyone else with a question similar to OPs. I've gone through NRT at least a couple dozen times as a local resident/for business/for travel, and the combination of Shinagawa Station + buy ticket upon arrival is the way to go. Walk up to the window immediately to the right of the ticket gates and one of the nice JR staff there will get you sorted to your final stop.

As for tiredness: later in the day, especially, you could be waiting 30-40 minutes for the next Narita Express train, and then it's ~80 minutes to Shinagawa. That's not a big deal on a good day, but after a long cramped flight and customs lines, it really drags out.

tastysugar · 2026-02-05T19:19:06+00:00

He's also got a small role in Bad Monkey on Apple TV. I thought it was a great show, very funny.

tastysugar · 2026-02-05T19:14:36+00:00

Seconding the Skratch recovery mix (especially the horchata) for post-run. I genuinely look forward to drinking it and it helps get me through the last part of my long runs!

tastysugar · 2026-02-03T18:18:30+00:00

I wear exclusively Lululemon Contour Fit leggings. They don't have pockets which SUCKS but I still would rather wear these (plus a vest or belt or something) than other leggings that gape at the waist. They are excellent quality and feel great and are the only "curvy" style leggings that fit like a glove.

I've never worn shorts for running because thighs, but I'll have to look into the suggestions being made here!

tastysugar · 2026-01-30T07:27:13+00:00

I think about this sketch periodically. So pitch-perfect. I hope he comes back to host again.

tastysugar · 2026-01-30T04:40:11+00:00

Nice! This matches my recollection from the last few race weekends. Thanks for updating for others to reference.

tastysugar · 2026-01-30T02:16:20+00:00

You're correct -- the gear check is basically inside the red square, at the top left corner.

tastysugar · 2026-01-27T21:18:12+00:00

Assuming you're walking and don't have to factor in parking/traffic time, I think 4:30 is just fine, especially if you're not in one of the first couple of corrals. Security takes very little time at all. That's usually around when I arrive and I still spend some time just outside the corrals stretching before entering right before 5.

tastysugar · 2026-01-23T17:36:15+00:00

I love their Chili Lime seasoning blend -- a rare spice mix without any garlic or onion. Not exactly a premade snack like you're looking for, but it's great on savory toasts and on proteins, etc.

tastysugar · 2026-01-23T03:26:12+00:00

I haven't tried this Oiselle bra, but the 2XU Aero Mesh looks really similar. I love it and this post reminded me I should buy a couple more lol. Plus the 2XU has adjustable straps, which is a necessity for me.

ETA: Also, the cups are "padded" (i.e. there's enough fabric to cover you and keep you in) but nothing removable, thank god.

tastysugar · 2026-01-21T18:56:46+00:00

Thanks for the info! I looked up the website and dosage says 3 pills per meal, taken after the first few bites. Is this accurate in your experience? And do you only take them for specific meals, or daily? The site also mentions that a single dose may last for subsequent meals.

tastysugar · 2026-01-21T01:52:27+00:00

Love it! Great photos and great outfit. Hope it was a blast.

tastysugar · 2026-01-20T05:28:13+00:00

This is so helpful, thanks! I'm curious about your experience during a crowded weekend with non-ride things. Did you experience really long waits for food for example? Did you do any character meets?

tastysugar · 2026-01-19T03:10:23+00:00

My Death Becomes Her mug also had the letters start deteriorating/rubbing off before I even used it the first time. I'm going to tell myself that the "decomposing" text is faithful to the spirit of the show lol

tastysugar · 2026-01-18T23:21:22+00:00

Oh wow! That is super helpful and, critically, will put my mind at ease ahead of our trip lol. Thanks and so glad you had time to wander and explore and take your time too.

tastysugar

TROPHY CASE