Never been to US, need advice

[sadossey]

We are a family of four with 7yo daughter and soon to be 4yo son. We went to WDW the last 2 years and really enjoyed it but I don't think we are every year Disney people. Looking at going to US studios this year because my son is obsessed with Spider-Man and the heroes. Anyway, we would probably be able to go the first week of June or the first week of August. I live in the south so I know what to expect weather wise but what about crowds? Discounts? Is it miserable in the summer without the express pass. Saw some pretty decent rates at offsite hotels but of corse we would rather stay on site and get the express pass if there were any discounts offered. FYI, if we go all our park days would be midweek. Thanks

 

[keishashadow]

There were several flag-bearing tour groups first week in June last year that tended to clog up things. Even though onsite, we'd head the other way when we saw them. No experience with August but you'd likely have a better chance for the new HP ride

Hopefully, you can be at the gates for rope drop. the earlier you line up for the big ticket rides the better. You reference studios, are you aware there are two parks & Spiderman attraction is in IOA? There is also a height requirement for it and many other attractions, might want to check to avoid disappointment. Most guests seem to head to HP 1st. If staying offsite we typically go the opposite direction to Spiderman.

jmho but Universal never seems as crowded as WDW when we visit. Good luck planning your trip.

 

[RMulieri]

Either will be busy.Keep in mind the Harry Potter expansion is set to open this summer at the studios ( rumored sometime in June), so if you wait till August you will have a much better chance of seeing it.That said, once it opens the parks will be very very very crowded .I would stay onsite at one of the 3 deluxe resorts ( hard Rock,royal pacific or Portofino).At those 3 you will get the express pass and early entry.The newest resort , a moderate/value ( Cabana Bay) , while cheaper ,will NOT offer express pass .They will only have early entry.Now at this point, it has not been decided if the newer HP stuff will offer express ( the current HP ride ,Forbidden journey does not have it, nor does ollivanders wands show), but it will be most helpful at just about all the other attractions and shows.Early entry will be likely for the expansion and that will help too.Discounts are possible, but given the that the expansion is opening,I wouldnt count on many.Currently there is a " stay more save more rate" , AAA discounts may be available , Annual Passholder rates may be available.Sign up at UniversalOrlando.com and at Loews hotels.They have been sending out person-specific discounts thru email and mail.I just got one thru some dates in August for 45% off( some people hae also reported 30-40% off ones too).

 

[Metro West]

Once Diagon Alley opens this summer, I think discounts for tickets or hotel rates will be slim to none. There will be no need to discount.

 

[sadossey]

Thanks for the input. Any firm dates on the opening of the new HP stuff? Considering first week of June. Maybe we could be there before it opens and beat some of the bigger crowds? We are not Harry Potter fans, so that wouldn't be a big deal for us anyway.

 

[mbrou24]

Thanks for the input. Any firm dates on the opening of the new HP stuff? Considering first week of June. Maybe we could be there before it opens and beat some of the bigger crowds? We are not Harry Potter fans, so that wouldn't be a big deal for us anyway.

First week of June would probably be safe. Milts expected to open mid to late June and the June hours suggest an opening around June 20

 

[glocon]

And maybe you would be there for a soft opening...

 

[sadossey]

One more question...if I book now, and some special on room or tix(like maybe the 2+1) is offered later, would I be refunded the difference? I realize that may be a long shot being in June but our dates do fall in the hotel value season as the summer rates don't start til the day we would be leaving.

 

[rowan555]

One more question...if I book now, and some special on room or tix(like maybe the 2+1) is offered later, would I be refunded the difference? I realize that may be a long shot being in June but our dates do fall in the hotel value season as the summer rates don't start til the day we would be leaving.

If you see a better deal, just rebook and cancel - you can cancel until 5 days out with no penalty.

 

[sadossey]

If you see a better deal, just rebook and cancel - you can cancel until 5 days out with no penalty.

Good to know...Thanks.