Complete Newbie to Universal hotels - ? about ride access

[fam4jc]

Hi. We are looking into staying a few days at Universal this Summer. Just myself and my two girls 6 & 8. I was ceriously considering staying onsite to take advantage of that ride access perk for resort guests. Does it really make a big difference in high crowds? Can you just walk onto rides? If it doesn't make that much of a difference I don't think we can go without my husband during busy times. My dd6 enjoys everything she sees, so she wanders and I have to keep my hand on her literaly in crowds.

Any advice?

 

[gschmerl]

It makes HUGE difference. We are usually there in July when the crowds are very large. When the parks first open, lines aren't too bad, but by 10:30 or so the wait time for the popular rides can be over an hour. With your on site hotel room key you can sometimes walk on or just have a 15 minute wait. I wouldn't go in the summer without staying on site.

 

[mar915]

We went on the 4th of July last year after a cruise and that was are only day. We got to see most of both parks and the only time we waited more than 10 min. was for the Mummy since it open a few weeks before and that was maybe 15 minutes. It is great especially with 2 little ones like me. We are doing disney first and then switching to HRH to get the quick access. I figured better to Disney first since it will get more crowed as my trip gets later in June and it would be hard to wait in lines at Disney if we did US/IOA first.

It is worth it!!!

Mary

 

[JessicaR]

Summer crowds and Universal Express goes together like peas and carrots!

 

[Kapp]

a must for the Summer but would like your input on how necessary for mid-October. We can not really afford a Universal resort in comparison to our Disney resort but want to do 2 days at Universal. We have considered getting purchasing the FOTL add-on is we don't stay at a Universal but woudl like some real Universal experience for some vets!

THANKS, in advance!

 

[Motherfletcher]

Summer crowds and Universal Express goes together like peas and carrots!

My Grandma used to say "Eat every carrot and pee on your plate!"

At IOA you should go to Pteranadon Flyers early since they don't have FOTL and lines grow quickly.