Does it matter which summer day of the week to visit DL/DCA and USH?

[Brer Shay]

We're planning our own California Adventure next month which will include five full days in the Anaheim/LA area - Wednesday through Sunday. We're planning three of those at DL/DCA, one day at Universal, and one sleep in/tourist day. I'm planning Sunday, final day, to be DL/DCA. Given it's peak summer, does it make any difference which days we choose to be in which parks? From what I'm seeing, it doesn't seem that weekend v weekday would make any meaningful difference at this time of year. Any suggestions?

 

[beachdreamr1229]

If you don't have EMH/MM, go to whichever theme park does NOT have those on that day. For instance, Fridays, DCA has EMH, so go to DL. As for USH, it's rarely crowded compared to Disneyland, so it will likely be a relief no matter when you go. 4th of July is the major exception to this rule and I'm not sure how the new Fast and Furious portion of the tram ride will impact things, but my guess is you'll be surprised at how empty it is comparatively. Whichever day you go, just do the tram ride early as it gets very crowded in the summer.

 

[tarheelalum]

Weekends are always going to be more crowded than the week days regardless of the time of year. A lot of locals have the premium passes and go on the weekend.

 

[Brer Shay]

Those were the same thoughts I had, but I appreciate hearing them from others!

 

[elaine amj]

Is it true that Sat is better than Sun because many APs are blocked out on Saturdays?

 

[chickapin parterre]

current trips reports coming in are indicating that Sunday mornings are actually turning out better than some weekdays, but just the mornings.

 

[sheetz]

As for USH, it's rarely crowded compared to Disneyland, so it will likely be a relief no matter when you go.

I don't know about that. Today was the grand opening of Fast and Furious and the parking garages were turning people away. USH is an extremely tiny park and doesn't handles crowds well at all.
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201506/4631/

Weekends are always going to be more crowded than the week days regardless of the time of year. A lot of locals have the premium passes and go on the weekend.

For the past few summers Saturdays have been reported to be less crowded due to most APs being blocked out.

 

[chickapin parterre]

....which makes senses about Saturday, if out of town folks are are using the MM and are back at lodging by 2:00 that leaves a good chunk of hot weather time on the pathways clear as folks seek air and departed guests seek pools, naps, shower and recharging for a whole new Disneyland at night.

 

[sheetz]

Here's another report on USH which claims it hit capacity today just after 12pm.
http://insideuniversal.net/2015/06/universal-reaches-capacity-shuts-down-parking-and-box-office/

 

[beachdreamr1229]

Yes, it did hit capacity today because of the new "ride." It rarely hits capacity though...just wait until HP opens next Spring. Then it will be crowded. I used to work there and I can still say based on my experiences that days like today are not the norm.

 

[sheetz]

Yes, it did hit capacity today because of the new "ride." It rarely hits capacity though...just wait until HP opens next Spring. Then it will be crowded. I used to work there and I can still say based on my experiences that days like today are not the norm.

I'm sure what you say is true, but the reason I thought this was incredible is that I don't remember USH hitting capacity for the grand opening of some of their other attractions like Despicable Me or even Transformers. Is this a normal occurrence or a sign that the crowds will be higher this summer?

 

[tarheelalum]

I don't know about that. Today was the grand opening of Fast and Furious and the parking garages were turning people away. USH is an extremely tiny park and doesn't handles crowds well at all.
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201506/4631/



For the past few summers Saturdays have been reported to be less crowded due to most APs being blocked out.

That is true but a lot of people have moved up to the premium pass in the past 12 months. I bought the PAP for everyone in my family last fall because I also saw how low the crowds were on mousewait last year on Saturdays but this year the crowds have been heavier than I had expected on Saturday. I think lots of other people had the same idea as me. I wanted the park all to myself We are going to go a couple of week days next week and, hopefully, with the SoCal passes blocked out it will be slow.

 

[Djscarlette]

also saw how low the crowds were on mousewait last year on Saturdays

How did you look up USH wait times on mouse wait? I don't see that info in the app anywhere.... I'd love to find a good Universal wait time app if mouse wait has that infor available. Please share!!

 

[sheetz]

How did you look up USH wait times on mouse wait? I don't see that info in the app anywhere.... I'd love to find a good Universal wait time app if mouse wait has that infor available. Please share!!

Tarheelalum was referring to crowds at DL.

 

[Djscarlette]

I see! Thanks!

 

[chickapin parterre]

Wednesdays are good for Disneyland, everyone tired from Tuesday MM and thursday has a MM, so folks sleep longer. During December and march late spring break, I have found the park on Wednesday mornings to be great until 11:00

 

[GenGen22]

USH gets really busy during the summer months. We go almost every summer & from the research I've read its best to go on a Weekday. We usually go on a Wed or Thur. I suggest going early to maximize your time in the park as it will be packed by afternoon. It's even worse on the weekends. Also as far as DL is concerned I would like others have said make sure to go on the non-magic morning day to that specific park & go on a day that pass holders are blocked.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

I'm sure what you say is true, but the reason I thought this was incredible is that I don't remember USH hitting capacity for the grand opening of some of their other attractions like Despicable Me or even Transformers. Is this a normal occurrence or a sign that the crowds will be higher this summer?

No, USH does not typically reach capacity (at least not as early) for new rides. I think the last time might have been when Jurassic Park the Ride opened, but don't quote me on that because my memory isn't always the best. I think it may be slightly more crowded than normal, but those crowds will be focused on the tram, since that is where the FF ride is, and in the Simpson's area since that just underwent major re-theming. It is interesting to read others' opinions on USH crowds. I guess "crowded" is a relative term. I tend to reference Disney crowds when determining what crowds are like everywhere else, so yes, more crowded than normal for USH, but not to the degree that Disneyland is more crowded than normal with all their new entertainment.

 

[GenGen22]

No, USH does not typically reach capacity (at least not as early) for new rides. I think the last time might have been when Jurassic Park the Ride opened, but don't quote me on that because my memory isn't always the best. I think it may be slightly more crowded than normal, but those crowds will be focused on the tram, since that is where the FF ride is, and in the Simpson's area since that just underwent major re-theming. It is interesting to read others' opinions on USH crowds. I guess "crowded" is a relative term. I tend to reference Disney crowds when determining what crowds are like everywhere else, so yes, more crowded than normal for USH, but not to the degree that Disneyland is more crowded than normal with all their new entertainment.

I agree Disney does get more crowded however, its a much larger park & if too crowded in one park you can hop to the other park. Plus, there is fast pass which allows you to not wait hours in line for attractions. Unless you buy the front of the line pass at USH which is quite costly, the crowds will effect you at USH not like at Disney Parks. Also, when there are shows/parades at Disney the lines tend to slow down and this doesn't seem to happen at USH well at least the several times I've gone it hasn't.

 

[mgd]

How did you look up USH wait times on mouse wait? I don't see that info in the app anywhere.... I'd love to find a good Universal wait time app if mouse wait has that infor available. Please share!!

Up to the minute Universal Studios wait times:
http://m.universalstudioshollywood.com/waittimes

There are only about 6 or 7 "rides", and the popular ones like simpsons and despicable me can reach 45 minute waits on crowded days. Weekdays are better than weekends there. Simpsons is more crowded lately because the new land near it is attracting more crowds. Lower lot with jurassic and transformers seems less crowded. If you get there early it should be possible to do everything and see all the shows (animal, waterworld, effects) if you schedule your time well. The studio tour takes about 50 minutes, and I find it deceptive they are calling a portion of it a new "ride" when it looks like it is only like the king kong portion before. I am just miffed I rsvpd to a preview they were hyping 2 weeks ago, but they cancelled it last minute, probably due to low turnout. I think they are expecting huge crowds for harry potter next year because they are not issuing passes past next march. Gone may be the days of $80 season passes from costco.

But it is a very enjoyable park, nicely maintained and modern looking. You can even be in the standing audience of "Extra" tv show outside the entrance if you are there at the right time. I recommend krusty burger for food, most of the other places are less fresh.