Is Universal and IOA going to be insanely packed these days?

[NicholeB630]

We are taking a quick stop in Orlando before heading to The Bahamas. We leave on July 19th and fly into MCO. Sat and Sun we will spend each day at 1 park, depending on which has the early morning we'll do that then the other the other day. Monday we are doing a Disney day. I've only been to Universal once last summer for 1 day. We bought the unlimited express pass. But it was early June. The weather was bearable and crowds were great. We waited for nothing, except the one Harry Potter ride in Universal and even after using the Experess Pass we still waiting for an hour. Not sure what was up with that. Anyways it was extremely doable and we even did both parks in one day, of course not everything.

Anyways I know weekends will be more crowded but we have no choice but to do Sat and Sun. We are staying at Loewes Portofino so we have the unlimited express pass again. Will we see crowds like Disney gets where you cant walk? We will get there early for both parks when they open and use the early. I do like how the parks are laid out and easier to make a loop. In Universal should we go straight to Harry Potter land? That was the one area that wasn't enjoyable because of crowds in June.

Any type of touring plan would be great appreciated at each park. Im used to planning my Disney days out by the minute but hoping this can be more relaxed but if there is certain areas/rides to head to first Id love the advice.

 

[NicholeB630]

No advice

 

[TommyJK]

Looking at the same weekend in July last year I can see that the headlining attractions averaged about an hour wait time throughout both Saturday and Sunday. So based on that it looked busy but not insane.

With Express Pass from Portofino I think you will be just fine in terms of attraction waits. In terms of Potter lands, the ride wait times for Gringotts and Forbidden Journey last year seemed lowest for the first couple of hours in the morning leading me to speculate that the lands themselves might have been a bit quieter then as well. The Potter lands in general also tend to quiet down later in the afternoon.

So my touring suggestion for these to lands specifically I would say, go have a look first thing on the morning (Rope Drop) and see how the crowds are. If they're too nutty, leave and try them again in the late afternoon/early evening.

 

[Spike101]

In Universal should we go straight to Harry Potter land? That was the one area that wasn't enjoyable because of crowds in June.

I'm a big fan of the EE/Potter combination, its a joy to do those places when theres no crowds and the rides are quick to get on, obviously now we have the Hagride things are a bit different, and if by the time of your visit that is open from the time you get in I would do that first, but certainly make sure you do Diagon Alley when its empty too.

 

[NicholeB630]

I'm a big fan of the EE/Potter combination, its a joy to do those places when theres no crowds and the rides are quick to get on, obviously now we have the Hagride things are a bit different, and if by the time of your visit that is open from the time you get in I would do that first, but certainly make sure you do Diagon Alley when its empty too.

I’m praying they open it soon in the am otherwise we’ll have no chance as we won’t wait 2 hours! But I feel like it’s only 22 days away it’s not going to be much different but maybe!

 

[NicholeB630]

Looking at the same weekend in July last year I can see that the headlining attractions averaged about an hour wait time throughout both Saturday and Sunday. So based on that it looked busy but not insane.

With Express Pass from Portofino I think you will be just fine in terms of attraction waits. In terms of Potter lands, the ride wait times for Gringotts and Forbidden Journey last year seemed lowest for the first couple of hours in the morning leading me to speculate that the lands themselves might have been a bit quieter then as well. The Potter lands in general also tend to quiet down later in the afternoon.

So my touring suggestion for these to lands specifically I would say, go have a look first thing on the morning (Rope Drop) and see how the crowds are. If they're too nutty, leave and try them again in the late afternoon/early evening.

Ok we’ll head there first and see how it goes! Luckily with the EP we won’t wait as long! I’m excited to be going and hope we don’t melt ha!!