Help! Universal Dec 26-27 and NOT stay onsite?

[verge1116]

My daughter is going to a soccer showcase in Orlando, Dec 28-30. Due to work, school obligations, we will only be able to go a few days early, with Dec 26 and 27 as our "free" days. We would really like to do Universal, but I know it will be extremely crowded. Even with the crowds, is it possible to still go and ride/see a lot? Of course Harry Potter is at the top of the list. I know staying on site is recommended, but the prices are really not in my budget ($450/night!). Should we not bother if I cannot afford to stay on site? Disney is our back up option, I know crowds will be crazy there too, but we have been to Disney before and would not feel like we were missing out if we didn't get to do everything.

 

[HeddyRuth]

We will be there as well and you could always look at the cabana resort as it is much less expensive to get early entry or get the express pass option for your tickets which will help for the other rides. I would expect it to be similar to Disney which we have experienced before with at capacity volumes but as long as you go as early as possible we usually feel it is doable. Of course this is the first holiday with gringotts but I hope it is still doable.

 

[RMulieri]

This year you are looking at capacity closures being likely.Diagon alley will most certainly be using the return tickets to just get into the area.If you cant afford a deluxe resort that offers early entry and express passes, I think staying at Cabana Bay ( which offers only early entry).You can purchase express passes but KEEP IN MIND>>>the prices for that timeframe are not cheap and go up as the crowds projected go up( I have seen express passes as high as $90+ -not including park tickets) for that week. It is also very possible for the express passes to sell out that week.If you can't afford a deluxe, staying at Cabana bay may help at least for early entry. .I wouldn't do it offsite those days, but that's me