First Timers one Christmas/New Years - I'm Worried

[hhawkins]

We had some Time Share points expiring and decided to plan a last minute trip from Dec. 27-Jan 2. As it is unplanned, money will be tight. We are not staying onsite, so we will not have early access. I have been truing to do my research on tickets. We chose Universal because $1,600 was better that $2,00 for WDW. However, we have NEVER been to US or IOA, and this is probably the worst week to try it out.

1. From what I have read, even in COVID, the parks will be at their capacity. What does that look like right now?

2. How early should we arrive? I understand that only hotel guest have "guaranteed" entry, so-to-speak. If the parks open at 8 am, should we be able to get in the park if we arrive by that time? Any parking or entry tricks?

3. Other than a few videos, we really don't know much about wither park. We will have PTP tickets, so how do we know what park to go to first? Tips for park touring?

4. If we wanted to share meals, what would be the best table service places?

5. Any general tips or info that might be helpful for this busy week, knowing we are first-timers?

 

[macraven]

Prior to the pandemic, crowds grow during the time period you will be there.
NYE is a very crowded time.

I can only guess the same pattern will happen this year especially on the 31st.

City Walk will have crowds so be in the parks early on nye.

Read the trip report forum as there has been threads on your planned dates that will give you insights how they handle the parks.

If I was going end of December as a day guest, I would arrive to the parks an hour before the park opens.
I would rather be behind a short line than a long line.

www.universalorlando.com
Check out the layout of the parks and read the ride/show descriptions.
You can eliminate some rides if you know more about them.
Menus can also be found there.

Hopefully your January dates will not be as crowded.

I do not know how crowds will be for your dates as UO may cap park attendance for precautionary reasons due to covid.

 

[hhawkins]

Prior to the pandemic, crowds grow during the time period you will be there.
NYE is a very crowded time.
. . .
Check out the layout of the parks and read the ride/show descriptions.
You can eliminate some rides if you know more about them.
Menus can also be found there.

Good idea on the reading descriptions, that will help us create a better plan. Do you have any favorite, trusted sources of information other than the UO official site, especially as it is related to the pandemic?

 

[bchbetha]

Good idea on the reading descriptions, that will help us create a better plan. Do you have any favorite, trusted sources of information other than the UO official site, especially as it is related to the pandemic?

I like the Orlando Informer website. They have touring plans, maps and overall just great advice. https://orlandoinformer.com/universal Here's the holidays 2020 guide which is updated with pandemic info https://orlandoinformer.com/universal/holidays/