I Want To Time This Right!

[Pocahottie]

My Orlando Vacation starts on August 28 when we arrive at the airport. We're staying until September 6th, which is our day to jet back to boring old life...

What I'm interested in finding out is what day would be best to visit the Islands of Adventure park. I've been before a few times but I've never really planned what day I go. It's usually just picked randomly. This time I would like to know which day would be best to go, crowd-wise and such.

Thanks!

 

[MegSmethurst]

I think it's important to remember that no time is not busy in Florida theme parks.....so the only thing I would reccomend would be to not go on a weekend. Last summer we went to IOA with the sole purpose of experiencing the harry potter part of the park and it was insane! The lines were so long, we waited 3 hours to watch the wand show at Ollianders. DO NOT try and race to HP in the early hours, take advantage of the fact that everyone else will be rushing there and enjoy the shorter lines everywhere else! We asked a Universal Cast Member and he encouraged us to leave and come back around supper time when everyone else was leaving. This was much better for crowds.

2 things to remember about IOA....
Don't go on a weekend
Don't rush to HP, go elsewhere first

Have fun!

 

[damo]

Sunday tends to be the best day to go to IOA except on a holiday weekend. We were at the parks last year at the end of August. It was busy but not unmanageable.

 

[mesaboy2]

Sunday tends to be the best day to go to IOA except on a holiday weekend. We were at the parks last year at the end of August. It was busy but not unmanageable.

Agree.

 

[macraven]

labor day would make that a 3 day weekend.


don't know if schools are out for labor day or not.



most of september has very low crowds and is a great time to go.

 

[damo]

labor day would make that a 3 day weekend.


don't know if schools are out for labor day or not.



most of september has very low crowds and is a great time to go.

I think even Labour Day weekend was low last year because most kids are either in school or going back to school, so vacation time is over.

OP, take a look at the Harry Potter crowds sticky to get an idea of best times to go.

 

[Metro West]

labor day would make that a 3 day weekend.


don't know if schools are out for labor day or not.

True and even though schools have started, they are all closed on Monday, September 5th for Labor Day.

 

[Pocahottie]

I'm surprised! So it's better to go on a Sunday, rather than the middle of the week like a Wednesday? I'm happy I asked then for sure!

 

[Batesl49]

When I was there last October Tuesday was the least crowded during our stay. themparktourtourist, the website recommends checking Universal's website for the express pass calendar which I did and found that the price is the same until Sept 2, when it goes up to medium price range. On Sunday, Sept 3, it was priced even higher with it returning to the normal price on Monday, Sept 4. It seems the park figures out the peak days and raises the price for the express pass for those days. Keep an eye on that calendar as your trip gets closer and after you arrive to see which days they predict will be the most crazy with people. Now that I have found this I will use it for my return in late Sept. Good luck.