Experiences going the week LEADING UP TO Christmas?

[tfoster]

We're scheduled to go to SeaWorld Dec 17 and 18 and then Universal Dec 19 - 24. I'm starting to get a little nervous about what to expect as far as crowds are concerned and am wondering if anyone has experience going right before Christmas.

According to Universal's website, last year at that time, IOA closed at 7 PM so I assumed it would be moderately busy (the week before it closed at 6 PM and the week after it closed at 10 PM). Also, the Express Pass price for that week (besides Tuesday anyway, what's that about???) is at the second cheapest level out of five, and for the resorts, up until the 24th is considered value season.

However. . . I just came across something the other day that referred to the week before Christmas as well as the week after as the "busy 2-week holiday period". So of course, now I'm rethinking our plans and wondering if I even need to be concerned. (BTW, we are currently booked at an on-site hotel.)

Thoughts?

 

[Metro West]

The closer to Christmas you get BEFORE the holiday the busier the parks will get. On Christmas Day itself, it's not too bad but on 12/26...look out! The whole week after Christmas is nuts! I wouldn't consider purchasing an AP until you get there and see where the lines are like. You might spend the money and not even need the EPs and remember...Express Plus passes are date specific and non-refundable.

 

[Magpie]

The closer to Christmas you get BEFORE the holiday the busier the parks will get. On Christmas Day itself, it's not too bad but on 12/26...look out! The whole week after Christmas is nuts! I wouldn't consider purchasing an AP until you get there and see where the lines are like. You might spend the money and not even need the EPs and remember...Express Plus passes are date specific and non-refundable.

If the OPs at an on-site hotel, they won't need to purchase an Express Pass, because they'll have their room card.

I'm curious to know more about the crowds, too! We'll be there from the 11th to the 18th. I'm hoping it'll be quiet.

 

[Metro West]

If the OPs at an on-site hotel, they won't need to purchase an Express Pass, because they'll have their room card.

I'm curious to know more about the crowds, too! We'll be there from the 11th to the 18th. I'm hoping it'll be quiet.

I guess I missed the onsite comment and I already gave you my opinion on the crowds. If you're staying onsite you shouldn't have to worry.

 

[dicar123]

We went Dec 23-26, 2007. We stayed onsite and waited less than 10 minutes for all rides (shows were more variable, of course). Being there for four days, it was a very leisurely, relaxed vacation

WWOHP will change some things I'm sure, but it appears that the big crowds haven't been arriving until between Christmas Day and New Years.

 

[tfoster]

Okay - those responses are making me feel a bit better. I'm just hoping I don't end up down there feeling (and acting!) like the Grinch!