MLK weekend - crowds

[madscrapper]

OK,

We have always avoided the parks when crowds might be an issue - except for now. Kids are getting older and I can only pull then out for so many vacations a year.

So, we are thinking of doing Universal for MLK weekend - arrive Thursday and leave Monday - with everyone else. We'd also be staying on-site.

I have never paid any attention to the crowds at Universal and am wondering with the on-site benefit of front-of-the-line (or whatever it's really called) - do you experts think it will be manageable and maybe even fun? I'm also wondering if the crowds reach the level of, say the MK.

Thanks so much for your help,
Jeannine

 

[kellymonaghan]

January is generally one of the slowest times of the year. There may be a blip in attendance during the MLK holiday, but my guess is the crowds will be light compared to the rest of they year.

That said, for most normal people, the crowds in a theme park on a slow day may seem pretty overwhelming anyway.

 

[skifast22]

MLK weekend has been my traditional weekend to go down to Universal since January 2001. That first one IoA was still very new, and crowds were non existant. As the park gained in popularity, and Universal expanded the weekend has gotten more crowded. Over the past few years, you can get most of both parks done by ~1PM if you arrive when the gates open (on different days of course). After that time, the lines build up and your likely to see 45 minute waits for the more popular attractions such as the Hulk, Spiderman, and Mummy. Last year was a much enjoyed slow one where I never saw the lines longer than 25 mins. Hopefully this will be another slow one If your staying onsite, lines shouldn't be an issue since you'll have the front of the line priveledge. I always stay offsite myself so have to plan accordingly.

 

[madscrapper]

Thank you so much - I feel much better about this!

Jeannine