Never been-should we go to Universal during Spring Break?

[WDWorld2003]

We will be in Orlando next week and are staying on Disney property. This is our 4th time so we are a little more low key. Spending a few days at Disney and one at Sea World. Thinking of either going to the ocean or spending a day at Universal. None of us are really into thrill rides but we've heard so much about this park we're thinking of trying it. Will we be disappointed? Also, worried about the crowds at spring break and not really interested in spending an additional $100+ to get the express pass.... Should we wait and go another time when the park is quieter?

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[stwbry_pie]

wondering about the same thing.

 

[damo]

Well, it won't be any busier than Disney. Get there before the park opens and pick up express passes from the machines as you go along.

 

[highlander447]

don't forget they have longer hours at busy periods also for the rides they put on extra cars it is better when it quieter but I would not be put off by crowds

 

[MO Disney cruiser]

If you've never been, I'd say, absolutely go. If you're not into thrill rides then maybe skip Island of Adventure. There are lots of attractions in Universal that are not thrill rides.

It's tough to beat shooting aliens in the morning.

 

[robvia]

Disney will be brutal this week and next. I just got back from Los Angeles, and it was packed. The entire state of Arizona was there on spring break. I can't imagine what it will be like next week at the Kingdom. I got there an hour before the park opened, and the line of people waiting was 8 rows of 100 and growing.

I'd expect USF/IOA to open at 08:30am. They don't officially tell anyone, but they just open early and that's a huge advantage. You can go, just arrive super early, do the major attractions first like the Mummy and MIB, then do the movie attractions that hold more people. By then the place will be a zoo and you can head back to your Disney hotel to rest.

 

[englishman]

I agree, things start before the official 9am schedule:
Easter 2002:Good Friday, Saturday & Easter Sunday.
Gates opened at 8am, with Hulk, Spiderman open in IOA. Rope drop at 8.30am for rest of park.
Studios opened gates at 8.15am with rope drop at 8.30am.
Does anyone know opening time this year?