5 p.m. closing on a Friday

[epceddie]

My wife and I will be heading to Universal May 5-11 and I noticed on the park hours schedule that both OS and IOA will be closing at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8.
Are they kidding? I kind of did a double take when I first read that. What are the reasons? Is it going to be that slow? We're all still paying full price for the tickets. Does anyone going at this time feel they're getting ripped off a little? Just wondering.

 

[CindyWho]

Check the calendar on the Universal Orlando site for more details:

Universal's Middle School Gradventure
Friday Night - May 8, 2009 7PM-12AM

Calling all graduating Middle Schoolers - come celebrate like never before at Universal's Gradventure!

With all of Universal Studios and Universal's Islands of Adventure theme parks open only to this group, it's a party nobody is going to want to miss!

DJs • Dance Zones • Street Entertainment • The Most Thrilling Rides and Attractions in The Universe!

Visit the Gradventure website or call 1-800 YOUTH-15 for more information.

 

[Parkers_girl]

Normally when the park closes early it is because they are not expecting much of a crowd. The beginning of May usually isn't crowded since schools are in. We were in the parks yesterday and they closed at 6, the longest we waited for any ride was 15 minutes. Whereas if you look at the calendar during busy times such as Easter you will see that it is open until 9pm. The fewer the crowds the more you get done faster in the park, hence why they close so early.

 

[macraven]

the park can close early due to special events.

 

[inkkognito]

Yep, like a certain little Halloween event that I head is kinda popular.....

 

[Metro West]

Yep, like a certain little Halloween event that I head is kinda popular.....

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Special/annual events are the culprit.

Gradventure is going on that night, hence the park closing so early. Grad Bash is the same way. Or if the park(s) are rented out for private events, the park hours may be reflected as such.

 

[dragonfly32837]

I personally would rather be in the park from nine to five with ten minute wait times than spend the park from nine to nine with one hour wait times.

 

[claudiacobain]

As several have stated, it is indeed closing rather early due to Gradventure.
I honestly cannot wait until this event.

 

[avic77]

Expect to share you day with tons of Middleschool Grads!

 

[Metro West]

Expect to share you day with tons of Middleschool Grads!

The bulk of the kiddies won't be there until 7pm when Grad Bash (only for graduating high school seniors) starts but there will still be plenty of visiting youths in the parks during the day. But then again...there are always lots of youngsters around.

 

[claudiacobain]

Actually, the absolute earliest we can arrive, according to the event's planners, is 4 p.m., and we will only have acces to the Studios. We can go into Islands at 7, by which time the park will already be closed to the public.
So for those wanting a grad-less day, expect hordes of use starting at four.