Advice for newbie to US/IOA for Jan.4

[cdntowdw]

We will be getting the 5 day consecutive tickets for our visit to US/IOA/Citywalk. We have two boys age 9 and 12, myself and DH. We have only ever done WDW on visits before.
I thought we may start our tickets on Sunday Jan. 4. Will this be a busy day, I would like opinions as to whether you think Grinchmas is worth seeing, based on the likelihood of crowds/no crowds that day. The one thing I think my sons would enjoy is the Mat Hoffman show - is this it's last day? how many times a day does it happen? Where might I get more info.
Generally I'm looking for help to determine what would be must sees for our first day, keeping in mind that we will be returning the next 4 days as well. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I'm finding it much harder to learn about US/IOA, even with the DISboard info. When we went to WDW last I had it totally planned and things went great.

 

[SpideyHulk24]

Hey there. You are going to have so much fun on your upcoming trip! First of all: do not miss Spiderman, Hulk, Dr. Doom....awww heck, the whole park is awesome!


Definitely check out Grinchmas if you have the time. Not sure about Mt. Crumpit....if lines are short do it, but definitely see the show and mee the Grinch!

Have fun!

Hope this helps.

 

[damo]

Hello neighbour. We live in Oakville and love IOA and USF. On our first day we do all the rides and not the shows. Then we gradually weed out rides that we have been on too much and add in the shows. You will have plenty of time to do it all so make sure you see every nook and cranny. We also make sure that we eat at Mythos for lunch on the first day.

 

[highlander447]

Yep do the rides then plan for the shows and redo the rides have fun

 

[Motherfletcher]

I think that school will still be out that week here which affects attendance.

 

[Robinrs]

Schools open again in Georiga on January 6th so it MAY be still a busy time. I happen to love Sundays at Uniiversal, but you can bet it will be the last crowd day in January.

Go, have a ball, and watch the difference in the next few days. I always said it looked like someone VACUUMED Orlando!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by cdntowdw
The one thing I think my sons would enjoy is the Mat Hoffman show - is this it's last day? how many times a day does it happen? Where might I get more info.

I'm finding it much harder to learn about US/IOA, even with the DISboard info. When we went to WDW last I had it totally planned and things went great.

Be glad there are experts like me around.

Jan 4th will be the last Mat Hoffman show, and there will probably be 4 shows. Check the map insert for the show times. Don't forget to read my "2003 Holiday Information" thread, as it lists many showtimes and information that will benefit you.

 

[cdntowdw]

Thanks everyone for your information.
We will definitely try to catch Grinchmas and the Mat Hoffman show on Jan. 4th, that might be all we get done on that day if the parks are still busy.
Can someone confirm when the Florida schools go back. I'm hoping they return on the 6th, the same as here in Ontario. That should empty out the parks for the rest of the week for us brave people who are willing to risk cold Florida weather to come all that way.
Anything is better than snow!!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

It'll most likely be the 5th when they go back.

 

[CALaurieA]

I searched the web and all of the schools I checked in the area had Jan 5th as a teacher workday/student holiday and school starting up again on the 6th. So Monday might be crowded as well?

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Monday may have a crowd, but not an excessive one. Many people will be travelling back home that day, which will help reduce the crowds. Plus many people have to go to work on Monday, so that will also help reduce the crowds.