Going in the first week of Jan, how to best get most out of our days.

[gibbersome]

Hi guys!

We're going to Orlando in Jan (Jan 5-12) and are planning on spending the first several days in Disney World and the last couple going Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Days of Jan 11, 12). We've done all the rides at IOA and Studios already so we're mostly going for a Harry Potter experience (the gf is a huge Harry Potter nut) and maybe revisit a few favorites at IOA and Studios.

We wanted to know how to best maximize our two days at Universal. We're thinking between:

1. Buying 2-day Park to Park VIP Ticket (Front of the line pass)
2. 2-Park Universal Express Plus Pass
3. Buy a 2-day base ticket and purchase non-exclusive VIP tours

 

[damo]

I don't think you will need any of those for mid January. I think the attendance should be quite calm by then. Just don't go on a Saturday.

 

[gibbersome]

I don't think you will need any of those for mid January. I think the attendance should be quite calm by then. Just don't go on a Saturday.

Thank you! I was worried that the Harry Potter crowds would still be intense.

 

[damo]

Thank you! I was worried that the Harry Potter crowds would still be intense.

There are no express passes accepted for Forbidden Journey so no options will help you there. I think that if you get to the park gate by about 8:45 in mid-January, you should have a great time with good crowds.

 

[pixiedust9]

We went to Universal this past January, I forgot which days, maybe the 6th and 8th, I'm pretty sure it was a Tuesday and Thursday. The first day we bought the express passes when we got there, we had already purchased our 2 day passes, and went through all the lines quickly. I was surprised to see how crowded it was. The second day we went we didn't get the express tickets and we able to go on the rides we wanted to early with little wait. As the day went on there were crowds and long lines. I would say buy your 2 day park pass in advance and when you get to the park see how the crowds look. Its something you can add on later if you want or need to.

 

[gibbersome]

We went to Universal this past January, I forgot which days, maybe the 6th and 8th, I'm pretty sure it was a Tuesday and Thursday. The first day we bought the express passes when we got there, we had already purchased our 2 day passes, and went through all the lines quickly. I was surprised to see how crowded it was. The second day we went we didn't get the express tickets and we able to go on the rides we wanted to early with little wait. As the day went on there were crowds and long lines. I would say buy your 2 day park pass in advance and when you get to the park see how the crowds look. Its something you can add on later if you want or need to.

Thank you, that's a good idea! I've heard you can purchase unlimited express passes at the front gate, how much do they run per person?

 

[damo]

Thank you, that's a good idea! I've heard you can purchase unlimited express passes at the front gate, how much do they run per person?

I wouldn't purchase any express passes until you actually check out the lines. You can upgrade your ticket to a VIP ticket. It will cost you plenty though. You can check prices of passes online at www.universalorlando.com in tickets and then express passes but they aren't available for January yet.

Crowds are expected to be low at this time. You can get rooms at Royal Pacific for well under $200 with an annual pass -- which indicates that it is value season.

 

[gibbersome]

I wouldn't purchase any express passes until you actually check out the lines. You can upgrade your ticket to a VIP ticket. It will cost you plenty though. You can check prices of passes online at www.universalorlando.com in tickets and then express passes but they aren't available for January yet.

Crowds are expected to be low at this time. You can get rooms at Royal Pacific for well under $200 with an annual pass -- which indicates that it is value season.

The advice is much appreciated damo!

I checked out the prices and the VIP Express tickets are extremely expensive (two days run $263)! Worst case scenario we purchase the cheaper $20 option Express (one per attraction) for our trip. Much easier to swallow than $400 extra!

Thanks for talking some sense in this overly paranoid traveler!