Crowds in December?

[khertz]

How are crowds at US/IOA in early December?? We'll be spending probably 3 days there over our 10 day Orlando trip, and it'll be the first time since the US hotels opened that we won't be staying in one to take advantage of the unlimited Universal Express privileges. The last time we went in October, crowds were so low that we didn't even really need to use the express privileges often, but we have never been in December and aren't sure what to expect.

Our dates for the trip are December 4th-14th, with our US/IOA days likely being on Wednesday Dec 9th, Thursday Dec 10th, and Saturday Dec 12th.

 

[Metro West]

How are crowds at US/IOA in early December?? We'll be spending probably 3 days there over our 10 day Orlando trip, and it'll be the first time since the US hotels opened that we won't be staying in one to take advantage of the unlimited Universal Express privileges. The last time we went in October, crowds were so low that we didn't even really need to use the express privileges often, but we have never been in December and aren't sure what to expect.

Our dates for the trip are December 4th-14th, with our US/IOA days likely being on Wednesday Dec 9th, Thursday Dec 10th, and Saturday Dec 12th.

The crowds in early December are pretty light so I seriously doubt you will need the Express Plus passes.

 

[khertz]

The crowds in early December are pretty light so I seriously doubt you will need the Express Plus passes.

Thanks for the reply! I was hoping/thinking this would be the case. It was pretty much dead when we went in October of '07. But I didn't want to be disappointed if I was way off in my thinking!

 

[Lukas87]

Yep, it will be dead on those dates. Its not until the last 2 weeks that it gets busy.

 

[micksterlee]

We are shooting for a trip to Universal for Christmas of 2010.I have been to WDW at Christmas so I expect large crowds but I am wondering how much trouble I will have finding an on site resort room and just how big the crowds are at Universal during Christmas week.

 

[Metro West]

We are shooting for a trip to Universal for Christmas of 2010.I have been to WDW at Christmas so I expect large crowds but I am wondering how much trouble I will have finding an on site resort room and just how big the crowds are at Universal during Christmas week.

The crowds at Christmas are huge so be prepared for LONG lines and LOTS of people...even staying onsite. Christmas week is one of the busiest times of the year for this area...we also have two football bowl games during that time so keep that in mind.

 

[micksterlee]

I know the crowds were huge at WDW that year but we managed to get most of evrything we wanted accomplished.My problem is I promised my grandson I would take him back to Universal when Harry Potter opened and I am afraid if we plan a trip in June or July they won t have everything open and running.He lives in Seattle and we live in North Carolina so once we book it we will have to follow thru.

I guess I will just watch the boards everyday for progress on Potter and hopefully they will get everything going summer of 2010.

 

[myprincessgirlisa]

we were there dec 9-10 & it was pretty light in terms of crowds...we walked on almost everything!

 

[3turnages]

The first few weeks in December is when I normally go due to the lack of crowds. The last time (2 years ago) I had front seat on the Hulk 4 times before anyone else even entered the station. No crowds, No lines, No waiting, just lots of fun and attractions. The great weather makes this time of year even better. Typically sunny in the mid 70s to low 80s. Food service may take a bit longer, but that's because it usually made fresh for you rather than sitting around getting cold.

 

[rspro]

We have visited Universal on comparable December dates in previous years and never encountered any real crowds.

 

[neilsalop]

We're hoping to visit US/ IoA on Christmas Day this year, but don't intend getting there until after lunchtime.

Does it get 'lockout' busy?

Will we NEED FOTL passes?

What time will the parks shut?

HELP!!!!!

please

 

[FireandIce]

I have been the last 2 years in december.

We always go until the 24th. It starts to get crowded around the 22nd&23rd.

I think it is the best time to visit. The decorations and the weather are perfect.

 

[Metro West]

We're hoping to visit US/ IoA on Christmas Day this year, but don't intend getting there until after lunchtime.

Does it get 'lockout' busy?

Will we NEED FOTL passes?

What time will the parks shut?

HELP!!!!!

please

Christmas Day shouldn't be too bad but Express passes might be needed. You can purchase them at either park if you think the lines are getting too long.

The parks are open until 7pm on 12/24 & 12/25 but start closing at 10pm on 12/26 through New Year's Eve.

The craziness begins the week after Christmas so from 12/26 until 1/2 it's jammed all day every day...all the local parks are. You would definately need the Express pass for that week and you'll still be in a longer line than usual.

 

[cheetara]

Oh wow so Dec 20 -26 might be possible then to go to Universal? my DH & I are thinking of surprising the kids with a Universal trip as their present this year. Especially since he won a super bowl ticket.

 

[Metro West]

Oh wow so Dec 20 -26 might be possible then to go to Universal?

You would love Florida in December! Come on down...the kids would have a blast and that would be a helluva Christmas present!

 

[cheetara]

Thanks Metro for the reply, just worried it would be super crowded during that time.

 

[Metro West]

Thanks Metro for the reply, just worried it would be super crowded during that time.

You're welcome...just keep in mind that you will experience an increase in crowd level towards Christmas Day but be prepared to RUN and hide starting 12/26! It's complete madness!

 

[bstnsprts]

Metro, How bad would you say is the Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving week? Will be in the area and was thinking of squeezing in a couple of days. Are the crowds manageble?

 

[Metro West]

Metro, How bad would you say is the Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving week? Will be in the area and was thinking of squeezing in a couple of days. Are the crowds manageble?

If you're talking about the holiday weekend, the crowds are going to be huge! All the parks will be extremely busy that weekend.

 

[loobylou44]

We are probably going to be at US/IOA around 12/16 to 12/21, how will the crowds be then? I'm guessing up to about Friday 12/18 should be OK but building after that am I correct? thanks