Questions and Answers
If it’s unlimited year why does it expire in March?
If it works like any of the other groupons, you have until 03/31/10 to go and activate the deal. My car wash membership works that way. It didn’t kick in until I went in, but if I had let the use by date go by I would have lost out on the deal. Somewhat unclear, but I’d put money on that.
Bigger question—if I have an adult membership, do I have to buy a child membership to take my kid? Seems like one would cover the other.
If that’s the case Chris, they really need to reword it because people are going to get pretty confused. Thanks for the heads up though.
I think it states it pretty clearly..
It was updated, the fine print makes sense now.
It reads that the pass is good for one guest. But the benefits of the fast pass states it’s good for you and a guest. Just looking for clarification. If I purchase it the pass is good for me and my guest and I can have only one pass in my name or something else?
Hi Groupies,
Yes you buy one adult pass (or kid pass) and you can bring a guest each time for free with you.
Thanks,
Jayna
Is this pass usable by another adult?
Does this mean, with the use of the pass, I get to the observatory all year long for free? Or do I have to purchase a general admission and use the express elevator for free each time. Just need a little more clarification
When it says unlimited access, does that allow for multiple visits during the SAME day, as long as the person whose name is on the pass is one of the two each time?
I’m Carey with John Hancock Observatory. Yes, unlimited access means multiple visits in one day. The pass holder must always be present but the guest can be different every time. And yes, you get into the Observatory all year long for free. You do not need to purchase a general admission ticket in addition to the Sky High Pass. If you have a child, you and your child (or a second adult) get in for free with an adult pass. If you are a family of four with 2 children under 12, purchase one adult pass and one child pass and your family will have free admission for a year from the date you activate your pass at the Observatory. Great questions! I hope this answers them.
This is a great opportunity for anyone who is a fan of the Lavazza cafe. As a JHC resident, I’m buying a pass so I can visit the cafe regularly!
does the child’s pass allow the child to bring an adult as a guest?
A child (youth) pass can only have a child guest (under the age of 12).
I will definetely buy this for the amazing views and great experience up there, but it is also great for me because I work in sales and will be able to take various clients up to the Observatory for lunch or coffee in the Lavazza cafe and really WOW them! I think is an amazing deal and two times up there with a guest and you will have gotten more than your money’s worth~
This deal is awesome! I’ve never been to the Observatory and I only live 30 minutes away. I am really going to enjoy this deal!
I need 2 adult passes. How/where do I assign the membership name to each pass?
Bring your Groupon voucher to the Observatory ticket desk on assign the membership name to each pass and activate the memberships. The membership will last a year from the date of activation (not a year from today). You have until 3/31/10 to activate.
my daughter is two. does she need a pass?
Children under 3 do NOT need a pass at all. She won’t get a complimentary souvenir but she can definitely join you!
Hi Taylor, I’m an Operations Manager with the Observatory. Children two and under do not need a pass — they come in as our treat. When they hit three, however, they will need a ticket.
Aisha! We are very excited to have you come in. Now you have a great way to bring your out of town guests, too!
Kimberly, you took the words right out of my mouth. See you soon!
I did not see the answer as to whether an “additional” admission fee was required along with the pass. Does the pass allow you to gain access to the observatory or just to ride the express elevator up?
Okay, just so I’m clear…I want to buy this for my daughter who is 15. I, myself, have to take the groupon to the desk, but I can have them make the pass in HER name, correct? Also, will she have to present a picture ID each time she uses it?
Vonda- there is no additional fee. The Sky High Pass allows you admission to the Observatory an unlimited amount of times. You do need to check in at the ticket desk each time and present a photo ID.
Nancy-yes, you can have the pass activated in your daughter’s name and she will be need present a picture ID each time she uses the pass. A school ID is just fine since she’s under 16 and won’t have a drivers license. Passport would work as well.
So only 21 more people need to purchase this groupon in for anyone to get it for the price of $39.00?
So only 21 more people need to purchase this groupon in order for anyone to get it for the price of $39.00?
Does the coffee shop have wireless Internet? What coffee shop franchise is it?
Hello Carey from the Observatory, I wanted to know if this pass can also give you VIP access (without having to wait in line) for the Signature Lounge, I tend to go there for a cocktail on Fri & Sat and there are usually long lines to get in? Or is it possible to go up two floors from the observatory using the stairs/elevators? Thanks.
The deal itself expires on March 31st if you don’t activate it by then.
There is no additional charge for admission to the Observatory once you get to the Express Elevator (by then you will have already paid your admission fee.)
Once you activate the coupon, it gives you and a guest unlimited access to the Observatory for 1 year.
I’ve always preferred the JHO to the (now) Willis Tower. Much more dramatic, more fun and more to see then just tops of buildings!
Great deal!
Glad to see this deal is ON! This is my first Groupon (hat tip, JHO) — any chance I’ll be able to redeem it this weekend? Not sure how long this takes to process.
Dear Hetal R:
I’m sorry, but John Hancock Observatory and the Signature Room are unrelated businesses so no, this pass will not help you skip the lines for the restaurant or lounge on floors 95 and 96.
Hey Matt…We’ll be ready for you! Looking forward to getting these out there for people to start using!
’m Carey with John Hancock Observatory… If you have a child, you and your child (or a second adult) get in for free with an adult pass. If you are a family of four with 2 children under 12, purchase one adult pass and one child pass and your family will have free admission for a year from the date you activate your pass at the Observatory. Great questions! I hope this answers them.
OK this has confused me. I though an adult pass was only necessary if you had 2 adults, but an adult and a child guest could go on a child pass – - in which case a family with 2 children would need only 2 child passes. Are you saying a child pass is not for an adult and child, but only for 2 children?
Hello Carey,
I have never been to the observatory, just the signature lounge, are they similar in the sense that there is space to sit, drink some coffee and take in the views? If I want to get up to the 95/96 floor do I have to take the elevator all the way down and get into a seperate line?
Dear Peggy:
Sorry for the confusion, the youth offer was not written up correctly. The guest is an equal or lesser admission type. Meaning that on an adult pass the guest can be an adult or a youth. Only a youth (ages 3-11) guest can can come in on a youth pass. So using the example of a family of four with 2 children ages 8 and 10, the family should by one adult pass for the parents and one youth pass for the children. Does that make sense?
Dear Diana:
What’s nice about the Observatory is that you get a full 360 degree view of the city, a free multimedia tour and can also enjoy a coffee in our Espression by Lavazza cafe. And you are right, if you want to visit the Signature Room after leaving the Observatory, you do go down and get into a separate line.
OK thanks for the clarification
Sorry, one more question. If a child’s pass is only for two children, not an adult with a child, then is it in the name of one of the children, and are you expecting them to have a picture id? That seems like a problem for most children.
I got to use the Fast Pass when I was invited to a private event. DEFINITELY the way to go. If I had a lot of guests coming into town, I would get this one. You literally walk past all the long lines and go right up.
Make sure to check out the ledge
Another good question, Peggy! You’re right, we aren’t expecting children to have a picture ID, but the youth membership will put in the name of one of the children.
Thanks!
Carey
Does this pass include being able to use the “glass box viewing” platforms?
Also, I understand see how to purchase a child’s pass within this offer.
Oops – I meant that I don’t understand how to purchase the child’s pass within this Groupon offer.
Was there a bug or did I see that this groupon was going to be able for 2 days (unlike how most groupon offers last 1 day).. Did I miss out?
How and where do I purchase the child’s pass?
Hi Kimberly!
The pass does include the Open-Air Skywalk, but does not include the View 360 souvenir. That being said with the Sky High Pass your are entitled to 10% off at our exclusive John Hancock Observatory retail desk on the 94th floor and the two Accent Chicago gift shops in John Hancock Center. You also receive 10% in our Espression by Lavazza cafe which has plenty of sitting where you and your mother can enjoy the view without being rushed. The Observatory holds 600 people which is twice the size of the Skydeck so you won’t feel crowded or rushed.
Thanks!
Carey
Josh-you didn’t miss out, the Friday deal goes through the weekend, but don’t wait too long and miss the opportunity.
Dear Chris A. and Nyla R.:
The Observatory has an Open-Air Skywalk where you are outside feeling the wind and hearing what’s going in the city but not the glass boxes Chris mentioned.
Regarding how to purchase the youth/child pass click on “buy here” in the paragraph under the deal box. However, you will still need to purchase an adult pass for yourself. You should purchase the child pass only if you have 2 children under the age of 12. If you are looking for a pass for yourself and a child, you need to purchase the adult pass. Sorry for any confusion on that, it was not written up correctly. Hope that answers the questions.
Thanks!
Carey
I have already purchased an adult pass. So, I can still go in and purchase the child pass?
It was very difficult to purchase the child’s pass. You might want to explain in detail how to purchase the child’s ticket. We need 60 more passes purchased before it is a deal. You must click “purchase here” below the adult deal. It was not easy to locate and execute.
Why is this Groupon still processing and I am unable to print? I need to use it in 4 days! Please advise.
same thing here! i cant print it – still proccessing~
Just called. they extended the activation date to 4.18.10. phew, i thought i just lost out on this deal.
Uh, why does “Unlimited Year” mean this:
The Fine Print
Isn’t a year from now January 29, 2011? Either change the groupon wording, or edit the date because that doesn’t even give people 3 months.