First time going to Universal

[ats52001]

This will be my families first time going to Universal. We are doing Universal/Disney vacation. I was wondering how many days should I plan on going to Universal?

Thanks

 

[agavegirl1]

Are you staying on site at Universal? I like four days myself.

 

[disneymac000]

I would highly advised against one day. 2 days (one for each park) you would be definitely pushing it. 3 days is best in my opinion because you can do what you missed and things you want to do again if you have a park hopper and 4 is my personal max but you can do each park twice!

 

[hermionesnape]

This will be our second trip, 1st in 2010 4 nights on site at PBR with express passes. It was the best, most relaxing theme park vacation I have ever had.

We are returning on the 6th of July for 4 nights again. Can't wait!

 

[ats52001]

We are not staying on site. I was thinking 2-3 days. Thanks for the input.

 

[hermionesnape]

We are not staying on site. I was thinking 2-3 days. Thanks for the input.

What time of year you are going will also impact the number of days you need.

Peak times- 3 day park to park tickets. Universal is two parks with entrances literally right next to each other <5 minute walk from one park to the other. You can use thus to your advantage by looking at ride time on the Undercover Tourist app and hitting rides with typically long lines when the are at low points of the day.

Off season times -2 Day park to park ticket would be enough. Most likely done in 1 and 1/2 days and you can use the extra 1/2 to hit your favs again. I went once for two days back in 2012 in February during a family visit to orlando (not vacation) and the lines were very short for most things.

 

[ats52001]

What time of year you are going will also impact the number of days you need.

Peak times- 3 day park to park tickets. Universal is two parks with entrances literally right next to each other <5 minute walk from one park to the other. You can use thus to your advantage by looking at ride time on the Undercover Tourist app and hitting rides with typically long lines when the are at low points of the day.

Off season times -2 Day park to park ticket would be enough. Most likely done in 1 and 1/2 days and you can use the extra 1/2 to hit your favs again. I went once for two days back in 2012 in February during a family visit to orlando (not vacation) and the lines were very short for most things.

We are leaving June 29 and coming back July 6.

 

[agavegirl1]

We are leaving June 29 and coming back July 6.

In that case 3 day Park to Park tickets. It's going to be busy with the new Diagon Alley likely to open.

 

[hermionesnape]

In that case 3 day Park to Park tickets. It's going to be busy with the new Diagon Alley likely to open.

Also be flexible with your dates if you can be. If opening day for Diagon Alley is announced as one of your days planned for US or IoA change your plan! You don't want to be caught up in the opening day madness without early entry or express passes.

If Diagon Alley is open during your visit try to pick two week days since the weekend is more crowded. It will still be summer crazy lines but a bit less of the locals.

 

[ats52001]

Thanks for the tips. They are a big help.

 

[nighttowll]

3 days on average (park to park if budget allows)

1 each park
1 for misses or repeats


4 days if you get caught up in all the HP craziness

1 each park
1 HP craziness
1 misses or repeats

 

[Metro West]

It will still be summer crazy lines but a bit less of the locals.

You are right...at least as far as I'm concerned. Its too hot for me to walk around theme parks during the day.

I'll let the tourists do that.