Just back from Universal - Grinchmas. . . .

[Mickey's sunshine]

any questions? I went with my best friend and her 3 year old daughter.

We park hopped between both parks. Let just say, it was PACKED at both parks - much much worse @ IOA though. We went over mainly for Grinchmas but as long as there is a Barney show we have to go there. I was hoping they would sing some Christmas songs or something but they didn't.

The Blues Brothers did have a Christmas show and it "snowed" on their street. That was a good show.

We stayed @ U. Studios from 9:30 to 12:30 and then headed to IOA. We watched the Whobilation a couple times, the last time for the tree lighting ceremony. We went through the Grinch's lair and had our pictures taken. This was my first Grinchmas and it was alot of fun!!! I liked it "snowing" all over Seuss Landing!

 

[sharon-nj]

What time was the tree ceremony @ Grinchmas?

I have a 7 & 11 year old -- will they enjoy it?

Also, did you see the Macy's parade? What can you tell us about that?

Going in 17 days!!!

Thanks!

 

[Mickey's sunshine]

Tree lighting was during the 5:30 Whobilation. The Whobilation show takes bits of the movie and acts it out. I think kids of all ages will enjoy it. My 3 y/o God Daughter LOVED it, as did I and I am 30! They have a singing group come out first and they are good and then the show.

The Macy's parade does not start till Dec 13th. So I am not sure about that at this time.

I hope both of your children and you have a great time!

 

[sharon-nj]

Thanks for the information.

How were the crowds in USF and IOA? How long was your average wait for each of the rides?

We're splitting pur time between USF/IOA and WDW. I'm still trying to figure out which days to spend at which parks. Any suggestions??

 

[Mickey's sunshine]

Well IOA was very packed - like a very busy Magic Kingdom day. Universal Studios was packed but not as bad. I am thinking that part of it is because this was Thanksgiving weekend.

The main rides we 60+ mins, even the kids rides. I heard that the Express tickets were all gone for the day by 11:30 am @ IOA. Spiderman was 75 mins and Hulk was about the same when we passed it. At 12:00, the Cat in the Hat was 60 mins.

 

[Mickey's sunshine]

Oh, not sure what to tell you on what days would be better. I generally can only get there on weekends. Maybe Barry or someone else from here can give you better suggestions on that.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

there is also an all you can eat buffet in Circus McGurkus throughout Grinchmas. it's like $15 for adults or so, but there are a lot of goodies, plus an included souviner cup.

 

[CdnMom2]

Please, do you have more info on this special Circus McGurkus buffet please!
Times, prices (adults & kids -- age of "kids")
How can we make reservations?
Thanks

 

[spoiledbrat28]

We leave this Sunday Dec.8. Do you think if we went to Universal Dec. 13 the day of the Macy's parade it will be really packed? Plus I am very interested in the buffet! Thanks




Can't wait 6 more days till we are away from the snow!!!

 

[Mickey's sunshine]

When I was there this weekend I saw a few signs that were for all you can eat, think it was roast beef - something like that. Adults were 9.99 and kids 6.99. I do not remember if they showed the kids age limits - probably 9 and under.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Originally posted by CdnMom2
Please, do you have more info on this special Circus McGurkus buffet please!
Times, prices (adults & kids -- age of "kids")
How can we make reservations?
Thanks

no reservations needed, just go when Circus McGurkus is open. 9 and under is my guess on the child age limit. the TWO options are $14.99 for adults and $8.99 for children or $9.95 for adults and $6.95 for children. the higher priced ones include a souviner cup while the lower priced one doesnt. the buffet includes:

ham, fried chicken, Caesar salad, spaghetti and meatballs, mashed potatoes w/gravy, french fries, corn on the cob, biscuits and breadsticks, and alphabet soup. the dessert part includes Mt Crumpits (i dont know what those are), Grinch brownies, Max's Brownies, and Purple Bundt Cake.

yum yum

 

[figment27]

This will be our first visit to USF/IOA. We arrivein Orlando on Saturday, Jan. 4th.
We plan to spend Sun, Jan. 5th, the last day for Grinchmas, and Mon., Jan. 6th there.
I am specfically planning on Sunday because I really want to see Grinchmas.
My question is- are there a lot of activities/shows that involve a Christmas theme? Which park has more holiday themed activities/shows?
I don't know which park Grinchmas is in, but I thought that is where we shold start.
Any suggestions for touring the parks would be great. I want to see as much Christmas as I can on Sunday as this will be the last day for holiday themed events.
Thanks,
Figmetn

 

[TheSecondCook]

Actually, as of Monday the buffet at Circus is over. Sorry.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

that was short-lived

 

[ksdave]

figment27;
Grinchmas is in the Seuss Landing area of IOA.
As for touring the parks, it is similar to Disney. Get there early and hit the big attractions first, such as Hulk, Spiderman, JPRA and Dueling Dragons in IOA, and MIB, BTTF and Terminator in USF. Then just enjoy the rest of the stuff in the parks while everyone else waits on line for the big ones. Your plan of IOA on the 5th and USF on the 6th should work.