First time to Universal: Early Aug or Dec 19-22?

[Snyders22000]

We are thinking we are ready to take our first trip to Universal this year after many trips to WadW and DL. My 2 older kids 11 & 9 are huge HP fans and have been wanting to go for a long time and our 6 year old is finally a good age to make the trip worth it.

We are a little limited by my kids school schedule and husbands vacation time. We could take the kids out of school for one day and go Thurs-Sun in early August or go over Christmas break Thurs- Sunday December 19-22. Based on our Disney trips at similar times I’m thinking August will be a little less crowded but super hot, but the weekend before Christmas will be super crowded and not as hot. I can’t decide which is better/worse and not having been to Universal before not sure how much weight to give to crowds/heat at those different times. I know when we were at WDW the weekend before Christmas one year it was really crazy crowded and even with fast passes it was hard to navigate the crowds. I’m guessing Universal is the same? My kids do really like to swim so if we went in August we’d probably incorporate some pool time or afternoon at the water park.

We would be staying on property with express passes if that makes any difference.

Thoughts? Which would you choose? Thanks!

 

[sherlockmiles]

I'd vote December to experience all of the special Holiday activities.

 

[keishashadow]

Another vote for December. That week in past for us has been relatively dead until weekend before xmas.

Just back from what i’m Dubbing the hottest summer trip to Orlando ever, even beats various weeks in August I’ve visited over last few years.

If you are from the north and don’t mind the air possibly being a bit chilly, the pools are heated, should be fine to swim during the day if average Dec temps.

Check out the free crowd calendars

 

[schumigirl]

December vote here too.

That time in August is still busy......your December dates are before the madness descends......

Christmas is lovely at Universal too...….

 

[Breezy2]

December! Floridians that can leave the state in August and don't look back-LOL! It's nice that you have an option. Christmas is awesome at Universal and the kiddo's will enjoy the heated pools.