May trip or August trip?

[skeletor40]

Hello everyone. This is a great board and I read it everyday. I'm thinking of skipping Disney this year and going to Universal/IOA for the first time. I have been planning like mad for it but have one question.

Should I go in May or should I go in August?

Any suggestions and comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[robvia]

Depends on when you go in August.

Click here at look at the park hours for IOA.
http://themeparks.universalstudios....o_park_hours.html&year=2003&month=8&year=2003

Notice in week 1 of August, the park is still open until 10pm, and they still have fireworks. Park is packed.
Then in week 2 and 3, the hours shift to 8pm, and the fireworks show is gone. Kids are going back to school.
In week 4, the place is a ghost town, as all kids are back in school.

May is good, temps are moderate. Again, depends on when you go. Orlando school is out May 17th. Go before this and crowds should be light. After May 17th, other schools are getting out and the crowds will build.

Oh, and fireworks don't start until July 4th. So if you wanna see the show, you have to go in peak time. If you stay onsite, it's all moot.
And where are you coming from? Savannah GA? Check this page for temp records and averages.
http://search.weather.yahoo.com/climo/USFL0372_f.html
If you can't stand the heat and humidity, then come in May. If you're ok with it and want warmer temps to swim, come in August.

 

[Suzyq123]

Isn't still warm in May~ like high 80's?
I was in Orlando in August one yr and it was horrible. It was so hot and humid , average of like 100'. We definitely did not enjoy going to the parks when it was that hot.

 

[skeletor40]

Thanks for the dates. I was wondering when school lets out. I went to Disneyworld last August as a birthday present to myself. It rained everyday, the crowds were huge, and the sun in Florida is definitely hotter than my Georgia sun. Still I had a great time.

I was thinking about a May trip because the kids would still be in school and saving some money and staying at the Radisson. Its web site says it is close to Universal Orlando.

The August trip as another birthday present to myself. August 3rd is my birthday. Spend more money and stay at the Royal Pacific. The first of line access is a big draw for me.

Again any advice is most welcome.

 

[msr709]

I'm not one to enjoy the heat and humidity but if you are going to be at a park the USO or IOA is the place to be. They have water sprinklers all over the place and the water rides are the best!! I usually go in August only because its lesser crowds (I go at the end of August) and it was a lot of fun! Good luck and have a great time.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

May is cooler (slightly) than Aug, but no fireworks as has been said.

Not to mention THE MUMMY! It may or may not be open when you go in May. Go in August and it should be open, even though it will probably have a 2hr wait...

 

[skeletor40]

The Mummy ride is a big reason I want to go to Universal. Well that and the Jurassic Park ride. What can I say? I've always had a love for dinosaurs and monsters. I would be seriously bummed out to go in May and the Mummy not be open.

 

[robvia]

May is a toss up for the Mummy being open. I've heard the first two weeks might have a soft opening, but who knows. The last two weeks will have a much better chance, even if Orlando is out of school.
Since you're thinking of staying at the Radisson, what you do is get to USF early. The parking lot opens at 8am, and believe it or not, there are cars waiting. Get to the front of the gate, go in first, and you'll get your rides before the crowd hits.