lots of great discussion since I last posted! Too many to quote. A couple of thoughts.
When it comes to the cost of a multi day ticket, i do not know the business logic used (I have never worked anywhere that has a cover charge). I just know that all theme/amusement parks/zoos/museums have a deal on annual passes, multi day tickets. Seems to me it is a logic of try to get multiple visits out of folks -- UNI/Disney have times during the year where they try to pull in pass holders w/ special deals. Not many examples I know of for a limited time/hard ticket event.
Anyway, I recall a time when one could say a Disney pass is worth it if you go more than 10 days (I do not think this applies today) -- when we would stay on site and use RoF for four to five days, the ticket became worthwhile on the third visit.
The reason I picked on the Express add on is that it is an add on, something one does not need to buy to get into the event -- to me, it appears to be the benefit that saves the most $$ as they are charging over $200 a night for Express (in OCT).
If RoF is what caused the SEPT crowds, I would guess it was underestimated how often one would use their pass. I think back to when UNI was open and Disney was not selling AP's -- UOR had days where they closed for capacity. I have always felt that most people do not use all available dates, bit maybe a larger % of RoF folks did this year.
I do not know if there is anyway to understand this year -- I think Thursday was the busiest night last week. Things just seem different this year.
Anyway, thanks to all as you have opened me up to other thoughts on the subject and you all have shown me more than the idea of only expressing what works best for ME.