Christmas at Universal

[Fely the 1st]

After changing my trip to Florida for the 4th time now (Travel ban for Germany) we now booked for 12/24 to 12/29. We have never been during that time and I know ist will be packed. But after more than two years break I will be just happy if I can go at all. We have a Club Room at Royal Pacific which we loved at other stays. We have been to Universal and know how to avoid crowds during summer times, but I would appreciate all tipps for christmas season. Is seems that the parks open really early, wich is great for us. But as I can remember breakfast at the Club Lounge didnˋt start really early, so I am not sure if we can use it. I also would love to swim with the ducks in the pool ...will ist be warm enough during midday? Are the pools heated?
Maybe some christmas at Universal experts can offer some tipps for crowd management, food, shows and all the other stuff.
An please cross fingers for the Travel ban to be lifted in time

 

[schumigirl]

After changing my trip to Florida for the 4th time now (Travel ban for Germany) we now booked for 12/24 to 12/29. We have never been during that time and I know ist will be packed. But after more than two years break I will be just happy if I can go at all. We have a Club Room at Royal Pacific which we loved at other stays. We have been to Universal and know how to avoid crowds during summer times, but I would appreciate all tipps for christmas season. Is seems that the parks open really early, wich is great for us. But as I can remember breakfast at the Club Lounge didnˋt start really early, so I am not sure if we can use it. I also would love to swim with the ducks in the pool ...will ist be warm enough during midday? Are the pools heated?
Maybe some christmas at Universal experts can offer some tipps for crowd management, food, shows and all the other stuff.
An please cross fingers for the Travel ban to be lifted in time

Welcome to the Dis Fely......

Yes, the Club Lounge doesn`t open till 7am, so many don`t get to take advantage if they are leaving for EE.

The pool is heated, although we are wimps and our December trips we have never dipped a toe in the water, but there are always people in the pool on all our December trips. Most days it was in the mid to high 80`sF, but we did have the odd day each trip where it went down to below 50F and that felt very cold, but one day in each of our trips wasn`t too bad for the time of year.

You are aware it`s going to be crowded, so making the most of EE where you can is always a good idea. Making dining reservations is a good idea now especially for the Christmas period when it is exceptionally busy.

I sympathise with you on the travel ban, coming from the UK we are also hoping it`s lifted soon as we hope to fly late November to RPR......good luck.

 

[Fely the 1st]

Thank you Schumigirl, I know you love the RPR from reading your posts here. I think I am going to enjoy your christmas Trip Reports to get me in Universal feeling this afternoon! Do you know if Voodoo Dougnut or the Grab and Go Shop at the RPR are open early?
I really hope your november trip will go smoothly. Stay save.

 

[schumigirl]

Thank you Schumigirl, I know you love the RPR from reading your posts here. I think I am going to enjoy your christmas Trip Reports to get me in Universal feeling this afternoon! Do you know if Voodoo Dougnut or the Grab and Go Shop at the RPR are open early?
I really hope your november trip will go smoothly. Stay save.

Yes, getting in the mood is always good!

Voodoo doesn`t open early, but the grab and go in the lobby does open very early, I think it was 6am opening.

I do so hope both our trips go ahead.......

 

[cschaaf]

Early Entry and Express Passes will really help at this time. The parks will be crowded, but with those two things, you can manage. Hit EE, when the EP lines get crazy mid-day, head back to the resort for a rest or a swim, then head back to the parks at night.

Breakfast options and times aren't ideal at Universal. On our first morning, we'll usually do Early Entry and ride a few things before stopping to grab something quick to eat. We feel like it's a waste of the EE benefit otherwise.

Then, the first night, we'll stop at Voodoo and pick up donuts for the rest of the mornings. We can eat those in the room before heading out to EE - that allows us to hit EE as early as possible and lets our food settle a bit before getting on a ride.

The only problem is - we are far from the only ones that like to grab Voodoo donuts at night, so the line is often long. If mobile ordering works, that's a better route. But I still think waiting 40 minutes at night for Voodoo pays off the rest of the mornings.

 

[scottishgirl1]

Another hoping for a few days at Universal at New Year if the travel ban is lifted! Hopefully staying at Hard Rock before back home to Ireland. Never been at that time of year before either

 

[soniam]

Voodoo used to open at 7am but only seems to be opening as early as 8am now. Breakfast was pretty hard, but there is breakfast in the Wizarding World. Also Today Cafe. Islands is really limited, and lines at carts get long early due to Hagrids and Velocicoaster.

Wishing best of luck to all of those out of the country for returning soon,

 

[Fely the 1st]

We have already booked our rooms at the RPR, but I am not sure what to do with Tickets. If I buy online now and will not be able to go, will they expire? I have to decide a start date, so I am not sure if this also means an expiring date ? If I wait buying till I know if I can go, is there a risk that they will sell out over the Holidays?