First Timers

[mastercolby]

My kids want to go to Universal this time. So, what can you tell me about crowds the last days of Oct/first days of Nov. Should I plan on buying express passes? What are typical wait times at this time of year?

 

[ky07]

My kids want to go to Universal this time. So, what can you tell me about crowds the last days of Oct/first days of Nov. Should I plan on buying express passes? What are typical wait times at this time of year?

Typically it slow season or off peak but with WWOHP opening this year no one really knows how the crowd levels will be.
Express passes I would wait til you get there and if you need them you can buy them at the park.
Sorry I couldn't be much more of a help

 

[Purseval]

Last days of October are also the last days of Halloween Horror Nights so it gets more crowded than usual then dies down until it starts getting close to Thanksgiving. I would never recommend for anyone to buy an Express Pass in advance.

 

[pixeegrl]

My kids want to go to Universal this time. So, what can you tell me about crowds the last days of Oct/first days of Nov. Should I plan on buying express passes? What are typical wait times at this time of year?

Also, with Halloween Horror Nights, Studios will be closing early, I don't know how old your kiddos are but it is said that it is not for little ones. You can head over to IOA since most will probably be at US.

 

[Metro West]

Also, with Halloween Horror Nights, Studios will be closing early, I don't know how old your kiddos are but it is said that it is not for little ones. You can head over to IOA since most will probably be at US.

Yes...the Studios will close at 5pm HHN nights to prepare for the fiendish fun!

 

[cieslack]

Depends on how many days you want to spend at the parks. If you are going for several days and are not staying on site you should wait until you get there and buy the Express if one of the days is too crowded. Express pass will make the most of a short trip, but since you have to buy it for a particular day, better to do what most have said and wait. You didn't say if onsite was a consideration. That is the only economical way to do multiple days with Express.

 

[mastercolby]

Thanks for all your replies! My kids are 8 and 20 and my husband thinks he's 20. Most plans are still up in the air. I wasn't going to stay onsite because one room is a little snug with 3 adults. I found a condo for 79 nite! Was thinking we'd split up for HHN. I bought the 99$ tickets last week but we'll only be there 5 days. I was also thinking maybe SeaWorld one day too. Any thoughts?

 

[Planogirl]

Thanks for all your replies! My kids are 8 and 20 and my husband thinks he's 20. Most plans are still up in the air. I wasn't going to stay onsite because one room is a little snug with 3 adults. I found a condo for 79 nite! Was thinking we'd split up for HHN. I bought the 99$ tickets last week but we'll only be there 5 days. I was also thinking maybe SeaWorld one day too. Any thoughts?

You should be able to see everything in less than five days. We usually go for four days or so with several repeat rides but of course Harry Potter might change everything. This will be new for all of us! But normally it takes a full day for each park or maybe a bit more for the Studios park depending on crowds.

The $99 tickets definitely pay for themselves after only two days so kudos to you for snagging them. Sea World is a great park and they also have a great waterpark now. Sea World has offered two day passes which I understand are great deals.