Early November at Universal?-several questions

[tzuhouse]

We are going to be traveling to Florida early November and I'm wondering if you veterans think that it's worth it to stay on site for the front of the line pass, at that time of year. I can understand paying that much for the hotel and getting the FOTL during busy times, but I can't imagine it would be super busy around 11/5-11/7.

Any thoughts? And, if you say it's not worth it, should we just stay on Disney property and drive to Universal each of the 3 days or is there a closer hotel you recommend that would cost the same or less than a Disney value resort?

And, here's another question. This trip is not until 2010, but should I purchase the 79.99 tickets now so that they are paid for, even if prices go up? I'm planning on doing that for Disney since I don't think they ever offer a package sort of thing for that time of year that would not be available to us if we already had the tickets.

Mary

 

[Metro West]

We are going to be traveling to Florida early November and I'm wondering if you veterans think that it's worth it to stay on site for the front of the line pass, at that time of year. I can understand paying that much for the hotel and getting the FOTL during busy times, but I can't imagine it would be super busy around 11/5-11/7.

Any thoughts? And, if you say it's not worth it, should we just stay on Disney property and drive to Universal each of the 3 days or is there a closer hotel you recommend that would cost the same or less than a Disney value resort?

And, here's another question. This trip is not until 2010, but should I purchase the 79.99 tickets now so that they are paid for, even if prices go up? I'm planning on doing that for Disney since I don't think they ever offer a package sort of thing for that time of year that would not be available to us if we already had the tickets.

Mary

I doubt you would need the Express Passes since the crowds are pretty light during early November.

There are quite a few hotels in the area that would be similar in price to the Disney values if not cheaper.

If you purchase the $79.99 tickets now, they would still be good in 2010 and you wouldn't have to pay any additional if the prices go up.

 

[jrz]

Hi...I am going the first week of November 08, so I will let you know.

There are plenty of hotels/condos that would be a better deal near Universal.

I'd buy the tix now if you are sure you'd use them. It's a great deal and they may not be available later, especially when HP opens in late 09/10, I think....

 

[tlinus]

I agree with ^^^^^^those posters. I would grab the 79.99 tix now before they disappear, there are a few hotels offsite and when we went in 2004 in early november, we were not onsite and didn't really have long waits in lines.

 

[tlinus]

Plus you get to start seeing this stuff around

this was our christmas card picture in 2004

 

[jrz]

TLINUS,
Is that the first week of November when the xmas stuff starts coming out?? That would make a great xmas card! Thanks for the idea!

And, what about the Halloween festivities, is that over 10/31 or does it stick around a couple of days after?

 

[Metro West]

And, what about the Halloween festivities, is that over 10/31 or does it stick around a couple of days after?

It depends on the day of the week Halloween falls on. Last year, they ran it through November 3...which was a Saturday. Since Halloween is on Friday this year, I would expect them to do the same. I went on November 1 and you couldn't tell Halloween was over by the size of the crowd.

 

[jrz]

It depends on the day of the week Halloween falls on. Last year, they ran it through November 3...which was a Saturday. Since Halloween is on Friday this year, I would expect them to do the same. I went on November 1 and you couldn't tell Halloween was over by the size of the crowd.

Crap! Does that mean it will be crowded that first week in November?

 

[Metro West]

Crap! Does that mean it will be crowded that first week in November?

HHN might be crowded but the parks aren't usually crowded that time of year. HHN is a separate hard ticket event so they close the parks to day visitors and then reopen later for HHN.

 

[EuropaParkFan]

Hello,

It looks like the HHN last night is actually Nov 1st. Therefore, for a trip starting on Nov 5th + Express pass, things should be a breeze I assume. That is for the folks staying onsite.

I might be doing a trip starting on Nov 5th this year, so I will keep an eye on this thread. But from what I have been reading on here, this is a low crowd time.

EuropaParkFan