Crowd Level differences

[JELS 2014]

Hi! We'd like to have 2 park days during the following 4 days:
Mon Feb 6
Tues Feb 7
Wed Feb 8
Thurs Feb 9

I don't subscribe to touring plans so I'm not sure what their calendar says, but I saw somewhere else that the crowd levels will be 3, 3, 3, 5 for those days. I was hoping to go Tues&Thurs, but if Thursday is a 5 should I change and go Wednesday instead? Is there a big difference between a crowd3 and crowd 5...like an extra 20 minutes in line per ride?

This is our first trip and we were considering the express pass to skip the lines. Are these even necessary if the crowd is only rated as a 3?
Thanks.

 

[macraven]

Feb 2017?

crowd levels could change that far out from now.
so i don't think i could add to anything you have read on tp

 

[JELS 2014]

sorry -- yes 2017

 

[macraven]

I don't know if there will be any special events that would create large crowds for that time period.
usually the days before the legal holidays are smooth.

I usually feel that 6 months out from a vacation is a decent way to figure out crowd levels for specific weeks in the parks.

Touring plans are good but they do adjust their predications.

 

[HM2012Butler]

I don't know if there will be any special events that would create large crowds for that time period.
usually the days before the legal holidays are smooth.

Like macraven said, I don't know if there will be events added but a 3 at Universal is so quiet. That time of year is awesome because you can get so much done so quickly. If you can avoid the Thursday, do it. It wont be a huge deal but two days at a 3 will be nice.

 

[johde]

Not sure why Feb. 9th would be busier. You are getting close to Mardi Gras, but the concerts are just on select weekends.

 

[macraven]

Tour groups would be the only thing that could change the dynamics of crowds.

Super Bowl Sunday is the 5th and not sure how many would stay over except for Monday the 6th.


You will be gone before Valentines day period so that will help keep you less crowded for your stay.


This far out we don't have that much info except what is listed at other sites.
If the Harry Potter Gala celebration continues for 2017, most will be gone by your dates.
Some that come from across the pond, come early or stay later after that 3 day celebration happens.
If that event was a money maker, quite possible it will return next year.

 

[JELS 2014]

Thanks everyone. I'm not sure what a Harry Potter Gala is but I'll watch for its dates. We were in Magic Kingdom during Superbowl 2014 and it wasn't super crowded. I'll tentatively make it a Tuesday/Wednesday plan. Yeah, I'm glad we won't be there between Valentine's and President's Day...too busy!

 

[macraven]

the hp gala happens near the end of January.
some come from all over and like to do park time before or after the gala begins or is over

don't know if UO will host this event for 2017 but many are assuming they will.