October 17-18, not interested in HHN

[Cptcatz]

Hi all,

My wife and I will be going to the two Universal parks on October 17 and 18. We have no interest in HHN and want to make the best of those two days. We haven't been there since 2015 so my main focus is Velocicoaster and Hagrids, as well as the rest of the new attractions since 2015. I'm hoping some of you can help with the following:

- How will the crowds be those two days?
- Anyone know what the park hours will be? They still aren't posted on the website.
- Any thoughts on which parks to do which days? The 17th is a Tuesday so no HHN that day. We'll be getting off to a later start on the 17th while we'll have the full 18th at a park and will be staying on property so we'll have early access. I'm thinking IOA on the 18th with early access.

TIA

 

[georgina]

Hi all,

My wife and I will be going to the two Universal parks on October 17 and 18. We have no interest in HHN and want to make the best of those two days. We haven't been there since 2015 so my main focus is Velocicoaster and Hagrids, as well as the rest of the new attractions since 2015. I'm hoping some of you can help with the following:

- How will the crowds be those two days?
- Anyone know what the park hours will be? They still aren't posted on the website.
- Any thoughts on which parks to do which days? The 17th is a Tuesday so no HHN that day. We'll be getting off to a later start on the 17th while we'll have the full 18th at a park and will be staying on property so we'll have early access. I'm thinking IOA on the 18th with early access.

TIA

Your plan sounds fine. I would plan based on the hours the last week of Sept. Looks like IOA has EE at 8 AM and US opens at 8 AM for everyone. Both close at 7 on Tues 9/26, IOA closes at 8 on Weds 9/27. Crowds mid-week should be less than the weekend, but HHN is quite popular so probably not low crowds. Are you doing 1 park per day or do you have park to park tickets?

 

[Cptcatz]

Your plan sounds fine. I would plan based on the hours the last week of Sept. Looks like IOA has EE at 8 AM and US opens at 8 AM for everyone. Both close at 7 on Tues 9/26, IOA closes at 8 on Weds 9/27. Crowds mid-week should be less than the weekend, but HHN is quite popular so probably not low crowds. Are you doing 1 park per day or do you have park to park tickets?

Thanks. Most likely doing one park per day. We wouldn't switch parks so the only purpose would be to ride Hogwarts Express (which we've never done) but can't see paying like $40 just to ride it.

 

[ClapYourHands]

Thanks. Most likely doing one park per day. We wouldn't switch parks so the only purpose would be to ride Hogwarts Express (which we've never done) but can't see paying like $40 just to ride it.

The other reason for having park-to-park passes is because you might want to switch things up. US is very screen-based, and has most of the shows. It’s a really good park to be in when it rains. IoA has more outdoor rides, and most of the thrill rides, and is more likely to be affected by weather closures.

Hagrid’s is amazing, and I think your plan to rope drop at early entry is a good one, provided you’re at the front of the ropedrop pack. If you’re towards the end, don’t bother and head to Velocicoaster instead. One potential issue is that Hagrid’s is complex, and thus prone to going down. There is a very real possibility it could be delayed on your early entry morning. Having the opportunity to try to ride it both days increases your chances of getting on.

 

[kristenabelle]

The other reason for having park-to-park passes is because you might want to switch things up. US is very screen-based, and has most of the shows. It’s a really good park to be in when it rains. IoA has more outdoor rides, and most of the thrill rides, and is more likely to be affected by weather closures.

Hagrid’s is amazing, and I think your plan to rope drop at early entry is a good one, provided you’re at the front of the ropedrop pack. If you’re towards the end, don’t bother and head to Velocicoaster instead. One potential issue is that Hagrid’s is complex, and thus prone to going down. There is a very real possibility it could be delayed on your early entry morning. Having the opportunity to try to ride it both days increases your chances of getting on.

Seconding this! It's good to be able to jump back and forth, especially on Hogwarts Express & evaluating the Hagrid's line.