Jan 4 - Both parks in 1 day?

[Live2Plan]

We will be in Orlando for the Disney Showcase Soccer Tournament from Dec. 30 - Jan. 5 and are thinking of heading over to Universal on Jan. 4th. Do you think it's possible to do both US and IOA in one day at that time? I'm hoping that the crowds will have thinned out as most kids return to school by then.

If we decide to do both parks in one day, what order should we do the rides in? We will have two 15-year old girls who are ride junkies with us

Any advice you can give would be appreciated - I've been to Disney several times but this would be my first visit to US/IOA.

 

[xerotheory7803]

I was just there this past Fri/Sat (11/26 & 11/27) and you can definitely do both parks in one day. Your best plan of action is get the express pass, do US first, and pick either side of the pick and circle your way around. (I usually start with the right side, thats just me.) Then head over to IOA. If you start the day around opening, I dont see any reason why you shouldnt be able to knock out both parks in one day. Best part about heading to IOA later in the day is that there shouldnt be a line to get into the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter. At least thats been my experience so far. Hope this helps.

 

[Planogirl]

If it isn't too crowded you can hit the highlights of both parks in one day. My concern would be the line at the Forbidden Journey if it's crowded while you're there. We were there in August and waits of 100 minutes was not unusual late in the day. Either way, commando tour and you should get most of it done!

 

[Live2Plan]

Do you think an Express Pass is necessary at that time of year? If we do decide to get them, can they be purchased onsite, or do we have to buy them ahead of time? We are staying offsite and driving to the park.

Also, what are the must do rides at US and IOA, and which ones can be skipped?

Thanks!

 

[Metro West]

Do you think an Express Pass is necessary at that time of year? If we do decide to get them, can they be purchased onsite, or do we have to buy them ahead of time? We are staying offsite and driving to the park.

Also, what are the must do rides at US and IOA, and which ones can be skipped?

Thanks!

You won't need EPs after 1/2 but from 12/30 until 1/1 you would. You can purchase EPs at either park in different stores. You can purchase them online but once you buy, you're locked in. EPs are non-refundable and date specific.

I wouldn't skip of the any attractions...do as much as you can.

 

[Swank]

We had FOTL access when we went on October 28th. We did both parks and did the highlights. You will not get to see everything but if you are just interested in the thrill rides then you should be ok. We felt we should of gone for two days so we didn't feel as rushed. There is a lot to see and you will miss plenty if going just one day.

 

[funhouse8]

I'm going jan 7th and the parks close real early that time of year.