Fall Break or Thanksgiving??

[karaintn]

My family is planning a Uni only trip for 4.5 days, staying at HRH. Family of 5 - me, dh, kids ages 10, 10, and 14. Our trip is currently scheduled for early October, ending the day after Columbus Day. However, we're considering moving it to the week of Thanksgiving (Mon - Fri), and I'm having trouble deciding.

October- I assume lower crowds and better pool weather. HHN is not a factor- I doubt we'd go.

Thanksgiving- higher crowds, but possibly holiday decorations (they would be up then, right?)

Cost is the same (w/in $75) for both dates.

Any pros or cons I'm missing? This will be our first ever Uni trip. Thanks in advance!

 

[soniam]

I think they will be about equally crowded. HHN will be a big draw on Columbus Day weekend. We will be going at both times. It will be our first time at those times of year for Universal. I think October will be better swimming weather, but it could still be warm at Thanksgiving. I believe the decorations will be up. The website says the Hogwarts Christmas light show, the Macy's parade, and Grinchmas start on November 17. I think the only disadvantage to Columbus Day is HHN, which means the Studios will close earlier, 5pm. However, it looks like Studios could be opening earlier, at least around that weekend, at 7am for Early Entry. Both parks will have about their normal hours, 9am-9pm, non-early entry opening time, for Thanksgiving. I think it depends if you want to partake of the Christmas events, ie shows, Grinchmas, parade, Grinch character breakfast, decorations. How early would your Fall Break start? I ask, because crowds look lower for October 1-5; they increase that weekend. Crowds are pretty high that entire week of Thanksgiving.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Can you move your Thanksgiving week earlier? We were there last year the weekend before Thanksgiving (and are going again that weekend this year). Crowds were definitely lower Sat, Sun, and Mon. Tues of Thanksgiving week they started to pick up considerably. The weather was perfect for park days that time of year (70s) but a little on the chilly side of you're planning on the resort pool or Volcano Bay.

 

[pattyw]

If you're not interested in HHN, I'd pick Thanksgiving time. As @soniam said, the Christmas activities will be going on!
Also, staying at HRH, you'll have the express pass so no long ride lines! and a beauty of a resort, too! Our favorite!!

 

[macraven]

Your original plans were to arrive day after Columbus day which would be Oct 9, Tuesday

That day should have low crowds.
I have been doing the Columbus day period since 2007 yearly.
Columbus day is crowded but the Tuesday after is not.
It has been low crowds for that day.

Wednesday will have hhn (once the Studios closes at 5)and so will the other days after.
Wednesday should be a good park day for you and the family.

Can't say for sure the rest of that week for crowds.
I leave on the 12th and only been concerned on hhn crowds for the evenings.

I've never gone to the darkside in November so no personal experience of crowds for the Tday period.