Holiday strategy

[BurleyGirl]

Hi, all!

We've been to Universal several times, so we're not newbies. We are looking at a Disney/Universal visit in 2014, but we must work around school (to which we are newbies). So, our options would be Spring Break (2nd week of March), the week of Memorial Day, or the week of Thanksgiving.

I'm leaning towards Thanksgiving 2014 because I'm hoping the new Daigon Alley stuff will be up by then, plus we would have cooler temps than May!

We usually do Universal first with three nights (on property) and finish with up with 5-6 nights at Disney (on property).

But, I'm thinking that perhaps it would be smart to check into Universal on Thanksgiving for our three nights, as we would have the Express Pass. I know both places will be slammed for those three days starting Thanksgiving and that following weekend, but having the Express Pass may just make it tolerable.

If we end up going in May, I'm assuming the same strategy would work then...plan our days at Universal for Memorial Day and the days immediately surrounding it...

Anyone have any experience/insight in this regard?

Thanks!

 

[Metro West]

Having the EP available for a busy holiday weekend should be a must so that should definitely be your plan. May crowds won't be nearly as bad as Thanksgiving weekend.

 

[BurleyGirl]

Thank you, Metro West! Kind of a no-brainer...but it's always nice to get some validation

I hope the timing (and pricing) will indeed work out! I've already learned some helpful things just by catching up with you guys over hear at the Universal threads (like the possible savings an AP can bring for your hotel stays), so I'll be hanging out around here

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

I think you are on the right track. The express pass REALLY helps during crowded times.

Also, I find that most people try to hit Harry Potter during the day, and it isn't nearly as crowded in the evenings, even in peak times. Since it is our favorite area, we would hit it first thing in the morning until it got crowded then again in the evening. We also took advantage of single rider in the castle to ride it over and over again, if you are into repeat rides. This strategy panned out during Christmas 2010 and 2012.

 

[BurleyGirl]

I knew to hit HP first thing in the mornings, but didn't know the evenings could be a good time, too. Thanks!