Does one week really make a difference? Xmas vs week before?

[tchrchgo]

Last year we went to universal over Xmas week, and stayed on site. It was crowded, but with the hotel express pass never waited more than 5-10 minutes ever. Except of course for HP.

This year we're going the week before, dec 15-19. Staying on site again, loved the convenience of just strolling back and forth between the parks and hotel.

Wonder if crowds will really be that different going one week earlier? Especially Harry potter? Hoping to avoid 6 am line ups for early entry to HP. And would love to try 3 broomsticks for lunch.

Thanks!

 

[Bluer101]

I think you will be ok. Xmas week is real busy.

 

[saskdw]

We will be there at the same time! I think you will notice the crowds being considerably lighter. It seems to get the busiest on the 26th and the few days following. We were there in 2010 from Dec. 22nd-28th. The 22nd-25th were manageble crowds, but the 26th/27th were crazy. If we weren't staying onsite I wouldn't have wanted to be there, crazy crowds! We will be there from Dec. 14th-22nd this time and I'm expecting the crowds to be quite light by comparison.

 

[damo]

I think you'll notice a huge difference.

 

[Metro West]

I think you'll notice a huge difference.

Absolutely...especially after 12/26...it's totally NUTS!

 

[tajz90]

Do the parks close down due to capacity issues?

 

[Metro West]

Do the parks close down due to capacity issues?

IOA has closed in the past...I can't remember when the Studios had that problem. HP really packs people in and when you add the holiday crowds, it aint pretty. You can almost plan on IOA closing during much of that week due to capacity. It may not last all day but it will most certainly happen.

 

[tajz90]

IOA has closed in the past...I can't remember when the Studios had that problem. HP really packs people in and when you add the holiday crowds, it aint pretty. You can almost plan on IOA closing during much of that week due to capacity. It may not last all day but it will most certainly happen.

So if we get there around noon on the 29th, will it be closed already? I know... Can't predict, but I've just now started worrying

 

[Metro West]

So if we get there around noon on the 29th, will it be closed already? I know... Can't predict, but I've just now started worrying

I understand where you're coming from. That time of day might not be too bad when you consider most people will get there early (onsite hotel guests) or right at opening which will certainly clog up the works. Some people might step out for lunch or head to the hotels so that might not be a bad time to slip in. Of course it's all speculation.

 

[tajz90]

I understand where you're coming from. That time of day might not be too bad when you consider most people will get there early (onsite hotel guests) or right at opening which will certainly clog up the works. Some people might step out for lunch or head to the hotels so that might not be a bad time to slip in. Of course it's all speculation.

I guess staying onsite doesn't guarantee entry?

 

[Metro West]

I guess staying onsite doesn't guarantee entry?

If you're staying onsite you get early entry into HP...make sure you take advantage of it at least once. I don't know what their rule is about onsite guests and guaranteed entry but I wouldn't chance it...especially that week.

 

[tajz90]

If you're staying onsite you get early entry into HP...make sure you take advantage of it at least once. I don't know what their rule is about onsite guests and guaranteed entry but I wouldn't chance it...especially that week.

Thanks. We will be arriving around noon the first day. We have been several times, just never after Christmas. Maybe I should have been nervous before I bought and paid

 

[tchrchgo]

Thanks. We will be arriving around noon the first day. We have been several times, just never after Christmas. Maybe I should have been nervous before I bought and paid

If you're staying on-site, I wouldn't worry too much. We stayed during Christmas week last year, and with the express pass never waited more than 5 to 10 minutes for most rides. We did Harry Potter during early entry.

 

[mayesq]

We are planning Jan 2-5. Think we'll be okay?

 

[macraven]

We are planning Jan 2-5. Think we'll be okay?

it is not as packed as the week prior, but that is a busy time also.

 

[TwoCortWort]

It makes a HUGE difference in my opinion! 2 years ago we went the week of Christmas and Harry Potter was crazily crowded, as you know. But Harry Potter about 2 weeks before Christmas wasn't nearly as bad as the day after Christmas last year. The day after we went and the suppose "line" there was to get into that part of the park, was for Forbidden Journey and we stood in line for an HOUR to get in and it was a load of crap. In my opinion they were not organized for the crowd size.

But yes it does make a difference in my opinion.