3/17 all parks at capacity at 1 PM

[Gizmo74]

We got here at 1 pm to eat at City Walk and all three parks are at capacity. The stand by lines are long and growing.

 

[TommyJK]

Looking at the app:

Fast & Furious - 100 min

Those poor souls in that line.....

 

[EveDallas]

App shows both parks open now. Lines still seem long though.

 

[NorthernCalMom]

App shows both parks open now. Lines still seem long though.

How can I tell from the app if there are capacity closings? I’m preparing for a one-day 2-park (Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure) on April 2. From what I read, we can go back and forth between the parks using the Hogwarts Express. I was considering walking between them as alternative when the Hogwarts Express wait times are bad (I checked today and Kings Cross was at 90 minutes around 2pm; highest that the Hogsmeade side got was 65 minutes at 12:20 or so) but am now, when hearing about capacity closures, wondering about getting stuck outside, between the parks.

 

[asuburbanman]

There is sometimes a walking path open to get between parks when it’s busy. Anyone know if a line is say 100 minutes, how long would express be?

 

[Gizmo74]

App shows both parks open now. Lines still seem long though.

We finished lunch around 3:30 and the parks had reopened by then. Having the express pass this trip has paid for itself. I can’t imagine standing in all the lines.

 

[EveDallas]

We finished lunch around 3:30 and the parks had reopened by then. Having the express pass this trip has paid for itself. I can’t imagine standing in all the lines.

We have the after 4 express with our premium APs for our trip next week. I figure we'll do what we can in the morning and save the big rides for evening.

 

[Travelwithaplan.jen]

We finished lunch around 3:30 and the parks had reopened by then. Having the express pass this trip has paid for itself. I can’t imagine standing in all the lines.

How long did you wait with Express Pass when standard lines had long wait times?

 

[Gizmo74]

How long did you wait with Express Pass when standard lines had long wait times?

Sorry I never really timed it but I will say that I won’t stand in long lines. We got a virtual pass to Hagrids today and it took an hour. That was way to long but the line kept on moving. It’s just a very long que from start to finish. We were told it would be like 45 minutes but took longer. 30 ish minutes is usually my limit

my daughter rode all the big coasters by herself and she was in and out in like 20 minutes. Not even enough time for me to buy a snack and sit down to eat.

Keep in mind, we went to the parks at 4pm when we could use our EP. the parks are usually starting to thin out by that time.

 

[Gizmo74]

I also want to add that we were happy seeing everyone social distance while waiting in lines. Everyone was wearing masks and standing in the blue tape in the lines. The only problem is when the line whips around and you have to go down the middle, the blue tape was at the end. Some folks just assumed the tape had been ripped up and stopped mid way. But they were not 6 ft apart because the other party would be next to them in the next lane.

the other thing is the hand sanitizer Universal uses really stinks. I am glad they make everyone use it on the ride just wished it smelled better.

 

[Gentry2004]

Sorry I never really timed it but I will say that I won’t stand in long lines. We got a virtual pass to Hagrids today and it took an hour. That was way to long but the line kept on moving. It’s just a very long que from start to finish. We were told it would be like 45 minutes but took longer. 30 ish minutes is usually my limit

my daughter rode all the big coasters by herself and she was in and out in like 20 minutes. Not even enough time for me to buy a snack and sit down to eat.

Keep in mind, we went to the parks at 4pm when we could use our EP. the parks are usually starting to thin out by that time.

is the Hagrids virtual line mostly indoors? Or outdoors?

 

[only hope]

There is sometimes a walking path open to get between parks when it’s busy. Anyone know if a line is say 100 minutes, how long would express be?

In normal times, express is typically 15mn or less except for peak times. The week before Christmas in ‘19, most express lines were 30+ minutes. TM were advising irritated people that express waits were up to half the time of standby

is the Hagrids virtual line mostly indoors? Or outdoors?

Virtual queues usually function as reserving a time to join a really long line because the queue ran out of room. The line for Hagrids is mostly outdoors if it is at capacity. Ever go on Dueling Dragons? It uses the same building that has been there for many years, just rethemed. But the extended line is outside, goes really far back towards Seusland.