How many days at Universal/Islands of Adventure?

[Wendysofftoneverland]

I haven't been there since 2003 and my husband has never been there, but my son will be less than 48 inches tall. We will be skipping all the 48 inch and over rides except the Harry Potter themed ones that we will do rider swap for. We will also be doing the kiddie rides like Cat in the Hat. We are getting park hopper but no express pass. I have no idea how many days to plan on spending at Universal/Islands of Adventure, especially since we will be going in the fall when they close early for HHN. How many days should we plan for the 2 parks?

 

[DisneyMom93]

We are a family of four (all over 48 inches). We usually do five days at the parks. (Weekends at the resort pool and Citywalk.)
We spend two days at each park and split the fifth day between the two. That's plenty of time to do our favorite rides more than once. We always have Express Pass though, but not sure if you need them during COVID. I'm sorry I can't be more help.

 

[cartydog]

Can you stay at a resort that offers express pass? We went this past weekend, stayed at Royal Pacific, which came with express passes, and pretty much did both parks on Saturday. We skipped Seuss land as I went with my 10 and 12 year old. We also left the park early (we were tired!) and went back Sunday morning and re-rode our favourites.

 

[cfoxga]

Three days is the minimum I recommend. That gets you 1 full day in each park and a third day to ride your favorites and see some things you missed. EPs make a huge difference, especially on weekends for HHN when the parks will be very crowded. There are so many things to do besides rides that it never seems like enough time...

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

We are bringing our RV and already have campground reservations (split between state parks and Ft. Wilderness). We were planning on doing Disney, but they haven't announced military discounts yet, while Universal has an amazing deal for annual passes (but parking is not included). We were thinking of maybe 4-6 days if necessary (if we skip Disney). Do all the Universal on-property hotels include EP?

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Universal has an amazing deal for annual passes (but parking is not included)....Do all the Universal on-property hotels include EP?

Preferred APs include free parking, or Power APs offer half price parking. Upgrading one person's pass to Preferred would be cheaper than parking 4 days, so the extra days and food/merchandise discounts will be straight up $$ in the bank.

The 3 Premier hotels include express passes - Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, and Portofino Bay.

You really can do fine without express passes, especially in you can be there at opening and/or closing times. There are shows and areas to explore / enjoy which are great for the busier middle of the day. Weekends will be much more crowded.

 

[bchbetha]

I agree with the 3 day recommendation.

 

[Ross Kratter]

I find 3 days, weekdays in particular, to be perfect for Universal. I've had longer and shorter trips, but 3 days just feels like the right amount of time to spend there. Park-to-Park passes are a must.
I might add another day for Volcano Bay, though.

 

[nkereina]

Another vote for 3 days. DH and I do the bigger rides and still find 3 days is enough time. Without EPs, you'll be going at a slower pace than us but riding fewer things. I think 3 days would allow you to see and do everything at a leisurely pace, and re-ride your favorites.