Christmas Week Questions

[mom-2greatkids]

We're Disney veterans but Universal newbies and will be in Orlando from 12/26-1/2. I understand that Christmas week is CRAZY, but want to get an idea just how crazy US and IOA will be. We will not have FOTL access, however we could spend 6 days at the two parks if need be.

I guess I really have just two questions:

How busy is busy?

In the past has US/IOA reached capacity and turned away guests?

Right now (without having any idea what to expect), we're planning to get to the parks before opening each day, spend a couple hours there and then leave and do something else. Perhaps come back again that night, depending on crowds. Comments?

 

[Metro West]

The parks are wall to wall during that week...just like every other park in Orlando. The wait times will be well over 90 minutes and not just for the attractions. There will be long lines for restaurants and even the restrooms. I don't know of Universal closing due to capacity but it might have happened in the past. You would be wise to do two days instead of trying to do too much in a single day...it's just too busy. I don't venture out during that week and I live here.

 

[Anglefan]

You didn't read the question, Metro.

 

[Metro West]

You didn't read the question, Metro.

What was the question I didn't answer?

 

[donaldduck352]

Sounded like metro answered the question too me!!

 

[macraven]

Sounded like metro answered the question too me!!

ditto

 

[dogodisney]

Metro, I'm sorry if I offended you. I was just teasing.

 

[Metro West]

It was the answer you gave. The OP said she could spend 6 days at the parks and you told her she needed 2 days not one.

You have GOT to be kidding! All this because of that? Unbelievable!

Sorry OP...I stand corrected...please...spend six days if you have the time.

 

[mom-2greatkids]

OP here. Thanks for the info. I have been envisioning the absolute worst case scenario, and it seems as though it will be much better than I initially thought. I was worried thinking wait times would be 3+ hours each.

 

[Metro West]

OP here. Thanks for the info. I have been envisioning the absolute worst case scenario, and it seems as though it will be much better than I initially thought. I was worried thinking wait times would be 3+ hours each.

On some of the attractions a wait time like 3+ hours isn't out of the realm of possibility...I'm thinking of Spiderman and HR3 especially if the HR3 is having problems when I say that.

 

[Anglefan]

You have GOT to be kidding! All this because of that? Unbelievable!

Haha, well is that not evidence of failing to read the question? Sorry, I'm used to the Disneyworld parts of this forum where eight people post an answer to a question that they didn't even read. It's my number one pet peeve around here.

Ahead of people being overly touchy and having no sense of humor.

 

[CapHook]

We are staying onsite that week, so we will have FOTL. What kind of experience should we expect? How long are the lines with FOTL? Any stratagies on eating that week?

Is there anything good to do on New Years Eve?

 

[JAL2525]

We are staying onsite that week, so we will have FOTL. What kind of experience should we expect? How long are the lines with FOTL? Any stratagies on eating that week?

Is there anything good to do on New Years Eve?

We've stayed there two years and going this year from the23rd-30th. With FOTL we did not find it bad at all. Never waited more than 20 minutes for anything.

As far as dining we tried to offset our meals from the real crowded times and walked right in everywhere. We ate at Finnegan's, Lombard's, Mytho's etc...Show your room key you get priority seating.

This year we are not staying through New Years...that's when I thought the parks were crowded.

Have a wonderful trip.