Early/Mid December at Universal Orlando

[v_gan]

I've never been to any of the Orlando parks during December, so I have no clue what to expect. Mine and my boyfriend's fall semester ends Dec. 12, so I'm hoping we could head down on the 13th or 14th for a three- or four-day trip. I'm thinking about buying both of us annual passes and giving him his for his birthday at the end of November, so the start of our break would be a perfect first time to use them.

I know they have Grinchmas at IOA, which I'm really excited about. Is this when they have the Macy's Christmas parade, as well? Do they decorate all the sections of the parks or just certain ones?

How's the weather?

And, most importantly, how are the crowds? The last two times I've been to Universal were in early October, so I've been a little spoiled with lower crowds.

I can't believe it's almost been a year since Harry Potter opened and I haven't gone. I'm so ashamed of myself.

 

[tinydancer09]

I've never been to any of the Orlando parks during December, so I have no clue what to expect. Mine and my boyfriend's fall semester ends Dec. 12, so I'm hoping we could head down on the 13th or 14th for a three- or four-day trip. I'm thinking about buying both of us annual passes and giving him his for his birthday at the end of November, so the start of our break would be a perfect first time to use them.

I know they have Grinchmas at IOA, which I'm really excited about. Is this when they have the Macy's Christmas parade, as well? Do they decorate all the sections of the parks or just certain ones?

How's the weather?

And, most importantly, how are the crowds? The last two times I've been to Universal were in early October, so I've been a little spoiled with lower crowds.

I can't believe it's almost been a year since Harry Potter opened and I haven't gone. I'm so ashamed of myself.

If I didn't know better I would have thought I posted this! We get out of school on the 9th though. Boyfriends birthday is end of Nov as well *gasp* We're leaving the 12th or 13th coming back the 17th (anniversary is the 16 and we're going to Mickey's Xmas Party)

By the research Ive done the crowd levels are going to be low until that weekend. Then they're going to be moderate with the following week being EXTREMELY heavy.

Weather will be 70s during the day and cool/cold (50s maybe) at night. I would say cold but I am from South GA... 60 is COLD to me. Few showers here and there as cold fronts come through.

If you're staying onsite take advantage of the 30% off with your annual passes. I think our hotel for 5 days is supposed to be roughly $650 by my calculations. Have to wait for the actual rates to come out. Anywho if you stay on site you get hour early into WWOHP (which is WAY worth it) and you will get express passes which will let you skip the lines on most attractions(Not FJ).

 

[Metro West]

I know they have Grinchmas at IOA, which I'm really excited about. Is this when they have the Macy's Christmas parade, as well? Do they decorate all the sections of the parks or just certain ones?

How's the weather?

And, most importantly, how are the crowds? The last two times I've been to Universal were in early October, so I've been a little spoiled with lower crowds.

I can't believe it's almost been a year since Harry Potter opened and I haven't gone. I'm so ashamed of myself.

The Macy's parade is held at the Studios. They mainly decorate the front half of the park at the Studios and Port Of Entry/Seuss Landing at IOA.

The weather is usually wonderful in December but can get chilly at night.

This past December the crowds were pretty steady for WWoHP but the rest of IOA and the Studios aren't bad at all. You should have a great time.