New Years Eve at Universal

[All_Ears]

Hi,

we are visiting Universal Orlando for the first time this Dec. 12/28 - 1/2 I am looking for tips for New Years Eve.

We are staying at the Hard Rock Hotel - but should we stay else where?

We will be coming off the Disney 10 day Christmas Cruise - so we are looking for excitment!

these boards are Great!

Thank you everyone!

 

[louise1928]

This is our 2nd trip to Universal and we are hoping it will be just
as much as fun, if not better, than our last visit. We had a great time. The crowds were very large, but doable. It was just the two of us, no kids, so it made for navigating the parks easier..The lines for the rides were never very long at all, day or night.

Citywalk hosts a NYE party that is superb!!! Hot and cold buffets, live entertainment, admission to all the clubs, and party favors!!
In 2001, the price was $99.00 per person (Adult Only Event).... From 8pm until 2am, it was nonstop partying, music, dancing, food, and then the incredible FIREWORKS!!!!!!!!!!



Crowded yes, doable yes!!! I hate crowds, but being there during one of the busiest times of the year, was enjoyable!!!! The parks are very festive, holiday music playing through out the parks!!

The ONLY complaint I have, is leaving the NYE party at Citywalk..It was an absolute nightmare We will definitely have a better strategy for leaving the parks on that night..It took us more than an hour to get back to our hotel, (which is only 5 minutes away)..... Its probably more beneficial to stay onsite, but we just cannot afford the rates during the holidays, so we are staying at the Holiday Inn on Kirkman Road, which we stayed there before and it was fine.

If you have more specific questions, please send me email!!!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

HRH is good. You'll be thankful for the FOTL, as the parks will be immensely busy during your stay (45-120+ min wait times, 15-20 for express).

The parks are open long hours: 8a-11p until NYE, which is 8a-1a. It drops to 9a-8p for 1/1 and usually 1/2. Both parks have nightly fireworks, which are usually around 10p. On NYE there is a fireworks show that goes off in IOA, USF, and Citywalk simultaneously. There will not be fireworks on/after 1/1, though...

 

[webray]

Looks like you are set...HRH with front of the line access..

Now, if your party is over 21, I recommend the City Walk New Years Eve party..it is wonderful..just keeps getting better every year.