Memorial Day week crowds

[ms.yt]

We're planning on our first non-Disney Florida trip and will be spending three days at Universal the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday after Memorial Day. I've looked at a couple of crowd calendars and one says moderate crowds, one says high crowds. I know it's going to be busier than our previous visits, which were always in February, but I'd love some insight from folks who have visited during this time frame in the past.

 

[macraven]

i just went to check the UO trip report forum and did see 3 reports from page 2 and 3 and on, could be more after that, you might want to checkout.
just because a trip report is not on the first page, doesn't mean it has less value.


sometimes reading trip reports will include pictures and give you an idea of the parks and crowd levels.
i've gone in May before but back home before memorial day period so no experience there for you.

certain months/time periods have a pattern
you can use trip reports to extract touring plans that have worked for others.



some give details on how they handled line waits/crowds/ etc.


our trip report forum needs our love....
check it out and see if it can help guide you if you end up there in a crowded time period

 

[pcstang]

Are you staying onsite w/ express? We've gone quite a few years over the same time period and always felt the crowds were moderate. That being said, we always have express and little to no waits.

 

[ms.yt]

Are you staying onsite w/ express? We've gone quite a few years over the same time period and always felt the crowds were moderate. That being said, we always have express and little to no waits.

No, we're staying off site.

 

[pcstang]

I would still say moderate crowds. A lot of schools are still in session so it's not bad. It's not quite surface of the sun hot either! Also, citywalk will be in full swing with dj's at night. My kids have a blast dancing there next to the water.

 

[Kivara]

We usually go over Memorial Day as our school lets out before most, and we can take advantage of "spring prices" and there usually aren't black out dates on the Power Pass then.
Crowds are moderately high...not as bad as summer crowds, not as bad as Disney at the same time, but busy.
We always stay at RP, so we have Express Passes. Most rides are 20-45 mins; depending on popularity...Minions I have seen around the 45-60 min window. Spider-Man, Transformers, Gringotts, Forbidden, Hogwarts Express are usually around 30-45 min waits.

All those times fluctuate of course, but I'm talking 10 am - 4 pm (peak in park times)

With Express Passes (on the rides that take them) we usually only wait 5-10 mins.

Weather-wise, we've had unbearably hot years (we swim more & do more water rides), we've had horrid thunderstorms & chilly weather after...it's really a crap shoot. We just go with the flow & have a blast. The worst day at Universal beats any day at home doing dishes!