Newbie trip in June 2014. Timing unrelated to Diagon Alley.

[CW1872]

I am unfortunately having to reschedule a 7 night RPH stay from this early December to June 11-18, 2014 due to dad passing away. I am concerned on the timing with HP 2.0. With all the expected media blitz and overcrowding, will the parks still be enjoyable especially if we have never been? We are staying onsite, however, I am afraid the crowds may be overbearing. Any thoughts?

 

[Metro West]

I am unfortunately having to reschedule a 7 night RPH stay from this early December to June 11-18, 2014 due to dad passing away. I am concerned on the timing with HP 2.0. With all the expected media blitz and overcrowding, will the parks still be enjoyable especially if we have never been? We are staying onsite, however, I am afraid the crowds may be overbearing. Any thoughts?

It's definitely going to be very crowded at the Studios and WWoHP. You will still be able to enjoy the parks with your unlimited Express access but Diagon Alley and WWoHP will be very crowded.

 

[CW1872]

Thank you ! I was so looking forward to going during the slower time but I guess the crowd energy can be a different kind of fun!

 

[glocon]

And don't forget you will have one hour early entry... that should help some with the crowds and seeing it all

 

[Loftin716]

Looking some advice! We have 3 nights/2 days planned at Universal June 15-17. Although I am excited it looks that HP 2.0 will be open, I am scared we won't have enough time to hit the majority of everything we want. We are staying at Cabana Beach and we are getting express passes. This will be our first trip to Universal. Do any US vets have any pointers/ touring plans they would recommend?

 

[RMulieri]

Looking some advice! We have 3 nights/2 days planned at Universal June 15-17. Although I am excited it looks that HP 2.0 will be open, I am scared we won't have enough time to hit the majority of everything we want. We are staying at Cabana Beach and we are getting express passes. This will be our first trip to Universal. Do any US vets have any pointers/ touring plans they would recommend?

Are you staying at Cabana Bay and buying the express passes?

 

[Loftin716]

Are you staying at Cabana Bay and buying the express passes?

Yes.

 

[Metro West]

Looking some advice! We have 3 nights/2 days planned at Universal June 15-17. Although I am excited it looks that HP 2.0 will be open, I am scared we won't have enough time to hit the majority of everything we want. We are staying at Cabana Beach and we are getting express passes. This will be our first trip to Universal. Do any US vets have any pointers/ touring plans they would recommend?

If you are buying EPs for your trip, that will help tremendously. Like Forbidden Journey...I suspect Diagon Alley attractions will not accept EPs so I wouldn't plan on saving any time there. The rest of the parks will be pretty easy to navigate. If early entry is extended to Diagon Alley for guests staying at Cabana Bay, make sure you take advantage.

 

[Loftin716]

If you are buying EPs for your trip, that will help tremendously. Like Forbidden Journey...I suspect Diagon Alley attractions will not accept EPs so I wouldn't plan on saving any time there. The rest of the parks will be pretty easy to navigate. If early entry is extended to Diagon Alley for guests staying at Cabana Bay, make sure you take advantage.

Awesome! Thank you! I'm glad I went ahead and got those. Now I just have to get the part to park. :-/ I am really wondering if changing to a different resort that includes the EPs would possibly save me a little $$. There is only 4 of us.

 

[RMulieri]

Awesome! Thank you! I'm glad I went ahead and got those. Now I just have to get the part to park. :-/ I am really wondering if changing to a different resort that includes the EPs would possibly save me a little $$. There is only 4 of us.

I would price it out , because it sometimes is cheaper to stay at one of the resorts that has the EP included ..BUT if you already bought the express passes they arent refundable.You could try seeing if they will take them back.But the purcahsed ones are date specific, park specific and generally not refundable

 

[Loftin716]

I would price it out , because it sometimes is cheaper to stay at one of the resorts that has the EP included ..BUT if you already bought the express passes they arent refundable.You could try seeing if they will take them back.But the purcahsed ones are date specific, park specific and generally not refundable

Thanks! I didn't know they weren't refundable. I haven't paid in full yet so I don't know if that makes a difference. My husband wants to stay at the "new" one and it's only $90 more for the park to park (total), so I think we are just going to add that.