Crowd calendar confusion-should I visit July 2nd or 4th?

[FiveofusNL]

I am getting mixed messages from crowd calendars regarding our July trip and looking for advice on which day you would recommend one go to US/IOA. I had planned on visiting both parks in one day on Monday, July 2nd. However after going through TouringPlans information on crowd calendars and ride wait times, I am now wondering if I should go on Wednesday, July 4th. TP shows US as 8/10 and IOA as a 7/10 on July 2nd. On the other hand, it shows both of them as 5/10 on July 4th! When I checked Undercover Tourist crowd calendar it shows IOA as High Crowds and US as low crowds on the 2nd but high crowds in both parks on the 4th of July. Likewise, The Dibb crowd calendar shows IOA as the most recommended park to visit on July 2nd with US being an average park to visit. They indicate that both parks are the least recommended to visit on July 4th. The Orlando informer crowd calendar simply says that both the 2nd and 4th are high crowd days. Finally, I checked the Universal Express Pass fee for the 2nd and the 4th as I understand that the EP cost typically increases depending on the expected crowds. The EP is $129.99 on July 2nd but $119.99 on July 4th. It all gets a bit mesmerizing when trying to plan our visit . The 2nd would probably be a better day for us to visit, but if it means less crowds I would gladly switch to the 4th instead. Any thoughts? What would you do? TIA!

 

[pattyw]

I would guess that all the days around the holiday will be large crowds, so I'd pick the day that works best for you. You plan to buy EP's so that will significantly reduce wait times- enjoy!!

 

[FiveofusNL]

I would guess that all the days around the holiday will be large crowds, so I'd pick the day that works best for you. You plan to buy EP's so that will significantly reduce wait times- enjoy!!

You are probably correct pattyw, it's going to be busy regardless at that time of the year so I will just go with what works better in our schedule. I should clarify though, I won't have EP's. I only checked the cost as I understand that the EP cost typically increases depending on the expected crowds. If that is correct, the fact that July 2nd was $10 more than the 4th would generally mean Universal is expecting higher crowds on the 2nd as well. But, it's all just projections and probably making things harder on my brain than I need...so I think I will just stop looking at crowd calendars. LOL!

 

[pattyw]

You are probably correct pattyw, it's going to be busy regardless at that time of the year so I will just go with what works better in our schedule. I should clarify though, I won't have EP's. I only checked the cost as I understand that the EP cost typically increases depending on the expected crowds. If that is correct, the fact that July 2nd was $10 more than the 4th would generally mean Universal is expecting higher crowds on the 2nd as well. But, it's all just projections and probably making things harder on my brain than I need...so I think I will just stop looking at crowd calendars. LOL!

Yeah- I've never followed crowd calendars. They are just guesses so it may vary. Many rides have single rider lines. DS went to Universal a few weeks ago and used single rider when he could. He said the waits weren't bad. So if that works for your family, that will help cut down on wait times. I think you'll have a wonderful time! Don't worry about "doing it all"- just do what you can and have fun!

 

[macraven]

When the ep is high, it is because crowd levels will be high

What you listed on the 4th, the ep is less than sale price of ep on the 2nd

But, prices can increase at anytime

I have seen the 4th with moderate crowds before
So could be the tour planning guides are on target for the 4th

What you see now could change on crowd levels once you are closer to your date to go

 

[FiveofusNL]

Don't worry about "doing it all"- just do what you can and have fun!

Words to live by!

I have seen the 4th with moderate crowds before
So could be the tour planning guides are on target for the 4th

What you see now could change on crowd levels once you are closer to your date to go

Thanks for mentioning that macraven. I will keep an eye out for changes.