Going to Universal in October..need some advice!

[JDBlair]

Have never been to Universal in Orlando and have decided to take the family (me, DH (35), DS (15) and DD (6)) to Universal and IOA after our DCL cruise. The cruise returns Saturday morning so we will have most of Saturday and all day Sunday in Orlando. Universal is open 9-5 on Saturday, October 17th so I was thinking that should be where we go on Saturday since we'll probably not get there until 11ish (at the latest). Or..should we do IOA on Saturday since we'll have that one extra hour (it's open until 6 pm). I'd like to do both parks during our visit because there are attractions at both I think my family will enjoy.

Our DD, although she's young, is a total thrill seeker and loves roller coasters so any of them she can get on, she'll ride. I already wrote down the very small list of rides she won't be tall enough but for the most part, it sounds like she can ride all but 4 rides.

We are not staying on property, our hotel arrangements are already made. I keep reading about a ride express thing? I am assuming it is not set up like Disney?

 

[macraven]

i suggest since you won't be at universal until 11-ish, do IOA on that saturday. If you get to universal earlier than planned and have the 2 park tickets, go to the studios first for a few things then switch to IOA.

the studios side will start to get crowded around 2ish that Saturday due to HHN will be open on the weekend.

many come early before the park closes for hhn to get rides in.

since you are staying off site, try to avoid the long lines for the rides and attractions that day.

do the studios side on sunday.
be at the park before it opens and you will beat the crowds.

crowds usually start around 11ish.
you can get a lot done by then if you are at the turnstile around 8:30.

i don't know what type of tickets you have but if you have a 2 day, 2 park pass, it won't matter which park you start at.
i go back and forth during the day to the parks.



universal sells the express passes.
they are valid one time only per ride and attractions.

check the ticket site to see what the EP costs on the day you will be there.
if it is $20 a pass, that is an indicator of a low crowd.
don't waste your money on them then.

some days the EP's are not needed.
don't ever buy them in advance as they are non refundable passes.


hope you have a great time at Universal.

 

[jayduk]

Can i ask....Due to the rest of our holiday plans we have got to visit either US or IOA on a Sunday (towards the end of September) and the other we can do on a weekday. I'm expecting both to be busy at the weekends but which one would be best to do?

At the moment i'm thinking do your favourite park on the less busier day (Favourite being IOA) but then last year i found US to be busier generally. Thoughts? Suggestions? Comments? Or Questions?

 

[Metro West]

Can i ask....Due to the rest of our holiday plans we have got to visit either US or IOA on a Sunday (towards the end of September) and the other we can do on a weekday. I'm expecting both to be busy at the weekends but which one would be best to do?

At the moment i'm thinking do your favourite park on the less busier day (Favourite being IOA) but then last year i found US to be busier generally. Thoughts? Suggestions? Comments? Or Questions?

IOA on a Sunday at the end of September would be perfect since HHN is not scheduled for 9/27 so you won't have to deal with any of the associated crowds. IOA is hit and miss as far as general crowds are concerned...sometimes it's really busy and other times it's not so it's a crap shoot. Just go and have a great time!

 

[macraven]

IOA on a Sunday at the end of September would be perfect since HHN is not scheduled for 9/27 so you won't have to deal with any of the associated crowds. IOA is hit and miss as far as general crowds are concerned...sometimes it's really busy and other times it's not so it's a crap shoot. Just go and have a great time!

 

[jsheridan]

We are doing the exact same thing, only 1 week sooner. Getting off the DCL boat on 10/10 and heading to Universal. We are staying onsite that night, though, so will have FOLP for both days. However, we fly home on Sunday evening so we have to leave the park Sunday around 4pm. I'm a bit nervous as it is Columbus Day weekend, but I figure with FOLP I can get most stuff done.

We went to SeaWorld after our last cruise. We picked up a rental car, drove to SW, parked, and were walking into the park around 9:30ish, so I think you could get there well before 11am if you don't dawdle.

 

[JDBlair]

We are doing the exact same thing, only 1 week sooner. Getting off the DCL boat on 10/10 and heading to Universal. We are staying onsite that night, though, so will have FOLP for both days. However, we fly home on Sunday evening so we have to leave the park Sunday around 4pm. I'm a bit nervous as it is Columbus Day weekend, but I figure with FOLP I can get most stuff done.

We went to SeaWorld after our last cruise. We picked up a rental car, drove to SW, parked, and were walking into the park around 9:30ish, so I think you could get there well before 11am if you don't dawdle.

That's funny, you'll be coming off the boat as I get on the boat.

And I totally forgot that weekend is Columbus Day. Now I regret buying MNSSHP tickets and now it makes sense that the hotel rooms Friday night are $20 more than Thursday night. Also explains why MNSSHP tickets were more listed as premium nights for 10/9. Boo!!!

 

[macraven]

you will be fine since you are staying on site at universal.

that saturday, 10/10 and sunday 10/11 will have moderate crowds.
the express pass for those 2 days are in the middle range for cost.

that leads me to predict there will be some crowds that day for those not staying on site for the rides.

only 3 saturdays and that one sunday listed above, have a higher cost for the epp.

 

[JDBlair]

Thank you, macraven, for all your most invaluable tips regarding our trip!! My work is offering tickets for 7 days, 2 parks for $95 but it's not clear if that means we can park hop or not??