A word to the wise

[Marknem]

Just got back from a great trip. Be warned, the lines for Minion Mayhem are very long. 90 to 105 minutes at various times we saw. We had Express Passes and even with that it took at least a half hour to reach the pre-show. I think it has to do with the nature of the ride, which takes one big group at a time. And it's really popular and right by the entrance. Sorry to say we did not go during early entry so I can't say how much that would help. It's definitely a hot ride, and deservedly so. It's tremendous fun.

And let me add, if you are able to stay on site or buy express passes, they're definitely worth it. We hardly waited more than a few minutes on any other rides.

 

[Swim Spence]

How were the lines for the other rides?

 

[snoopboop]

I remember this from last time I was there (last November) - even with Express, it seems to take quite a long time to get through the line for Despicable Me. It's especially infuriating when you're at the front of the Express line, and you watch them let load after load of non-Express groups in, while you're just standing there twiddling your thumbs, LOL!

 

[Marknem]

Regular line for Transformers was an hour plus much of the time. Regular Lines for barges and ripsaw falls were pretty long, too. Forbidden Journey ranged 45 to 90 minutes. We didn't ride roller coasters but noticed very short lines for Dragons. Most rides we went on didn't seem terribly crowded. But with Express Pass just about everything was a breeze, crowded or not.

 

[Marknem]

Should add that I overheard an employee at Lombard's saying it's been a relatively slow summer at the park. Since it was our first visit, I can't judge. It certainly wasn't empty, that's for sure.

 

[RMulieri]

Despicable me is always like that.I plan on riding it and Transformers during early entry in 2 weeks.

 

[cieslack]

Should add that I overheard an employee at Lombard's saying it's been a relatively slow summer at the park. Since it was our first visit, I can't judge. It certainly wasn't empty, that's for sure.

It would be interesting to see actual numbers. If numbers are down i might suspect that folks who can't or won't go to Universal every year may forego this summer for the new area opening next year. Kind of like how iPhone sales fall in the quarter before the new model is expected. Of course the opposite could be true if, like me, people think that this could be the last chance to go before the soul-crushing crowds of 2014.

 

[Metro West]

Should add that I overheard an employee at Lombard's saying it's been a relatively slow summer at the park. Since it was our first visit, I can't judge. It certainly wasn't empty, that's for sure.

From what I saw certain days were slower than others but I don't think it would be fair to say it's been slow overall. On a Sunday, the wait times for the Studios were about 20 minutes for everything except Rockit, Despicable Me and Transformers. But on the next Tuesday, everything was at least 45 minutes and the tour groups were everywhere and this was at 7PM!

 

[ljmclin]

Im new to Universal and in the planning phase for our first trip in November 2014. What is opening up next year that will increase crowds? Am I going at a bad time?

 

[RMulieri]

Im new to Universal and in the planning phase for our first trip in November 2014. What is opening up next year that will increase crowds? Am I going at a bad time?

Next summer the Expansion of Harry Potter over at the Studios ( the original area is in Islands of Adventure) will bring very large crowds out to the parks.It will likely be that way for awhile after opening

 

[Metro West]

Next summer the Expansion of Harry Potter over at the Studios ( the original area is in Islands of Adventure) will bring very large crowds out to the parks.It will likely be that way for awhile after opening

Indeed and we will see the end of a slow period at Universal. There will be massive crowds all the time.