ONE DAY WORTH IT?

[Sandy Bickhart]

We are flying into MCO, arriving at 9:00 am for a short beach vacation. (Arrive on Wednesday leave on Sunday) We were thinking of going to Universal Studios the day we arrive. Thinking we wouldn't get there until around 10:30 a.m. Is it worth it? Can we buy tickets there, or do we need to buy in advance? Do not really want to buy in advance in case we get delayed for some reason. Thoughts?

 

[nkereina]

Yes you can buy tickets there. What day of the week would this be? Saturdays and Sundays are significantly busier than weekdays, and Universal has been reaching capacity on weekends. I don't think you'd have trouble getting in arriving at 10:30 but its something to keep in mind.

I know it can be cost prohibitive, but I'd also suggest purchasing express pass with one day and not arriving at park opening. You'll be able to maximize your time and won't be at a disadvantage having missed most of the morning hours when it tends to be less busy. I'd probably stick with one park for one day (Universal would be my choice), but do keep in mind that you cannot ride Hogwarts Express without a park to park ticket and the Potter areas are split between the two parks, if seeing both is important.

Worth is subjective. Where will you be spending that night? Are you going to have to drive an hour to the coast for your beach hotel/condo after? If you can stay at Universal until closing time then I think you could have a good day and get a lot done in the park. But, I think it could make for a long and tiring day after flying early and then possibly needing to drive further to get to where you're staying.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Is it a first time? I would suggest looking online and choosing which park you are more drawn to, and getting tickets to that one park. It will eliminate some of the need to rush around if you can just enjoy the one park. You'd definitely be able to do a good portion of the park if you plan to stay until near closing time, when lines drop down again. You can have a full, fun day even without express passes.

 

[Sandy Bickhart]

My concern was if they limit the number of people in park and we don't arrive until 10:30, would it already be at full capacity. I saw there was a capacity hotline to call, and I could try that before we get there and park.?. We just would go to Universal Studios park. My family has been to all three parks, but the three friends with us have not. We plan on being there on Wednesday, April 21. Does anyone know park hours for that day yet?

 

[cfoxga]

IMO, it is not worth it. We did a similar single day at UH several years ago and it almost soured us on Universal. 1-day tickets are very expensive, and the late arrival meant we were in long lines all day without EPs. Fortunately, our daughters became such big Harry Potter fans that we had to give UO a chance. We stayed onsite at CB for 4 nights and use EE every day, and had a fantastic time. We bought APs and made a second trip that Thanksgiving and stayed at RPR to get EPs. It was a total game changer, and quickly made UO our favorite vacation spot.

 

[Erica Ladd]

Hours for US are currently listed as 9-6 for Wednesday April 21st

 

[nkereina]

My concern was if they limit the number of people in park and we don't arrive until 10:30, would it already be at full capacity. I saw there was a capacity hotline to call, and I could try that before we get there and park.?. We just would go to Universal Studios park. My family has been to all three parks, but the three friends with us have not. We plan on being there on Wednesday, April 21. Does anyone know park hours for that day yet?

That's Spring Break week for some here in the Northeast, but its hard to say how that would impact crowds in the current environment. I don't think you'd have to worry about capacity in the morning on a Wednesday, but it would be good to call ahead so you don't have to waste your time.

That said, with the parks closing around 6pm that day, its pretty expensive for a short amount of time. Unless you buy EPs too, you'll spend a lot of your already limited time in line. If you want a taste of Universal, you could always just go to City Walk for a few hours - do a little shopping, grab a drink, have lunch/dinner there. DH and I did this back in October during our Disney trip for something to do and it was a good way to fill a few hours of Universal time without the cost of the park tickets.

 

[AJA]

No I don’t think it’s worth it.

 

[bchbetha]

Probably not but if finances are a non-issue then it could be a fun day. I would personally jigger around the trip to get it a full day but that's just me.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Getting there at opening would be ideal, but really you're talking about missing an hour or 2 of park time. 10:30/11am-6pm is a fine park day, if you don't mind the expense.

 

[ClapYourHands]

If your finances are such that price doesn’t matter, then go for it, and also buy express passes or book a VIP tour to maximize what you get to experience.

Otherwise, it’s a lot of money for less than a whole day, and most of the time will be spent waiting in lines.

Most people who pop in for part of a day (and enjoy it) are pass holders, so there’s no pressure to get anything in particular done because whatever they can’t do today they’ve probably done before and/or will do next time.