MARDI GRAS 2011 , Harry Potter, Discount Tickets ,best day to go and .....

[stacystuff]

I am going to US / IOA Feb 25, 26, 27 (fri, sat, sun ) - the 2nd weekend of Presidents Week Vacation for us Northerns ..

Is mardi gras during those days ? and at which of the 2 parks US ? If so, events/concerts?

Which day would you recommend to go to IOA that it would be less busy ? { we have never been to that park before & US about 6 years ago } .

Also, I am reading that crowds are really heavy at Harry Potter even 1st thing in the morning ( I am not staying at Universal Hotels as they are very costly as are the express passes) ... Do you recommend going 1st AM or waiting until later (and what time ?) .. {dont want to travel all that way and expense and not get to do thpse rides etc.}

I am going to get a multi day park to park pass . Any better discounts than doing online at the Universal Website ? {AAA seems more expensive } . I thought I read someplace at some time about buy 2 days and get 3rd free?

My kids are 13 and 15 and LOVE ! coasters

Thanks for suggestions

 

[Metro West]

I am going to US / IOA Feb 25, 26, 27 (fri, sat, sun ) - the 2nd weekend of Presidents Week Vacation for us Northerns ..

Is mardi gras during those days ? and at which of the 2 parks US ? If so, events/concerts?

Which day would you recommend to go to IOA that it would be less busy ? { we have never been to that park before & US about 6 years ago } .

Also, I am reading that crowds are really heavy at Harry Potter even 1st thing in the morning ( I am not staying at Universal Hotels as they are very costly as are the express passes) ... Do you recommend going 1st AM or waiting until later (and what time ?) .. {dont want to travel all that way and expense and not get to do thpse rides etc.}

I am going to get a multi day park to park pass . Any better discounts than doing online at the Universal Website ? {AAA seems more expensive } . I thought I read someplace at some time about buy 2 days and get 3rd free?

My kids are 13 and 15 and LOVE ! coasters

Thanks for suggestions

The complete Mardi Gras schedule has not been released yet but there will be a concert and parade on the Saturday night while you're visiting. The performer is unknown at this time.

Mardi Gras festivities are located at the Studios...nothing at IOA.

I don't think it's going to matter which day you try to tackle WWoHP...the crowds are heavy everyday it seems. I would say maybe Sunday? Since most people will be leaving that day...only a guess right now. You might want to go to IOA first thing and try...if it's too busy come back later in the day.

Other than AAA or Costco tickets, I don't know of any specials on tickets. Universal isn't currently offering any good specials like in years past. There are too many people coming to give discounts but keep your eyes open.

Express Plus passes should only be purchased at the park...not ahead of time. They are non-refundable and date specific so if your plans change, you are stuck. Pricing is based on the anctipated crowd level for that day. The higher the price, the more crowded it's expected to be.

I'm also going to move this thread over to the main board so you can get more responses.

 

[stacystuff]

thanks for reply...

I would also think that if mardi gras is that sat night 2/27 , even though it takes place at US (but once the parks officially close the rides for the night correct ?) it would make the parks alot more crowded that saturday in general ?

I also was thinking that it was a good idea to start at IOA and keep trying for shorter lines to enter Harry Potter ... I was just not sure if they ever cut people off from getting into that area at night though I have read often that nights are less crowded at HP.

Have to try my costco again when it gets closer... last I called they did not have universal tickets and AAA not a great deal - better off getting them online at universal directly .

 

[Metro West]

I would also think that if mardi gras is that sat night 2/27 , even though it takes place at US (but once the parks officially close the rides for the night correct ?) it would make the parks alot more crowded that saturday in general ?

IOA won't be affected too much by Mardi Gras but depending on who's performing that night, the Studios can get mobbed. What lots of people do is go for the parade and if they aren't interested in the concert, leave after the parade.