Historically, how are October crowds?

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

I found a crowd calendar that said "moderate". Not sure what that means?

Last time we went it was early February. We were there early so walked onto the Simpsons, waited about 30 min for Men in Black, waited about 15 min for Shrek 3D, just to give you an example.

This time we go on Tuesday October 28th. Just wondering what we are in for. :O)

 

[SharkyGoddess]

October has been our month of choice for several years now and in my opinion, it's not too bad. Some days can get a bit crowded but it's mostly manageable.

 

[CalebsDisneyMomma]

I would like to know about October as well. Trying to help my sister plan a trip to Orlando October 19-23. They would like to do some at Universal and Disney and are considering 2 days at universal and MNSSHP. Had read somewhere earlier that some of the schools in the area are out on the 20th, so thinking that Tuesday might be best for MNSSHP, and do universal on 20th and 21st. They are thinking about Cabana Bay, my sister likes the theming. Would they do ok without express pass? They really don't want to pay for the cost of the deluxe or change resorts. Thinking if it is not too crowded a good strategy would make up some for not getting express pass or just consider it for one day or something. I have not been to universal in Florida in years and the last time I did it was in November and very uncrowded, but that was way before any Harry Potter. Never personally been to IOA. Went to Universal Hollywood last year with an express pass and managed to do most of those rides in a half day at the park. It was awesome!

 

[macraven]

i don't do the darkside when hell week if going on.
just adds more to the park during the day.



i have been in the parks in october every year since 1996.
crowds have grown the past 5 years.

i have no experience of being in the parks once it is oct 18th but have read the end of the month is not bad if staying away from the weekend and some late afternoons HHN will happen.

with hell week and days kids have a day off of school in october and the school fall break period some states have in october, it will be a hit or miss on you seeing crowds but you can work around that.

for the dates that HHN will happen, you won't see crowd build up until the weekends in the later part of the afternoon.

i don't see the weekdays being bad during HHN dates except the studios will be closing at 5:00

start the park when it opens, eat at off times and use the single rider lines when they are open.

 

[drinkme]

I think most schools are out the week before for Columbus Day, which is Oct 13. I know we are working on a trip for then. I'm thinking the following week may be less crowded.

What is there to do after 5pm when the Universal parks close early? We were also thinking of going to MNSSHP on that weekend, though I'm sure it's going to be a crazy busy night.

 

[RMulieri]

I think most schools are out the week before for Columbus Day, which is Oct 13. I know we are working on a trip for then. I'm thinking the following week may be less crowded.

What is there to do after 5pm when the Universal parks close early? We were also thinking of going to MNSSHP on that weekend, though I'm sure it's going to be a crazy busy night.

Mini golf on citywalk, eating at Citywalk, movies

 

[keishashadow]

I think most schools are out the week before for Columbus Day, which is Oct 13. I know we are working on a trip for then. I'm thinking the following week may be less crowded.

What is there to do after 5pm when the Universal parks close early? We were also thinking of going to MNSSHP on that weekend, though I'm sure it's going to be a crazy busy night.

the week prior to Columbus day weekend has gotten more crowded every year at both parks.

weekday HHN date would be inherently less crowded than weekend.

IOA is typically open later than Studios on HHN nights, haven't checked the schedule this year. Check out citiwalk attractions, dining venues & adult entertainment opportunities. If staying onsite, the pools should be open until 8 pm-ish.

 

[macraven]

just looked at the park calendar hours.
for october, studios closes at 8:00 except for HHN nights which would be 5:00
IOA flips between 7 or 8 on various nights in october.

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

What is "Hell week"?

 

[macraven]

What is "Hell week"?

it will be over on the dates you are going.

 

[lazer]

it will be over on the dates you are going.

Remind me of the dates again? Probably while we're there