Question about going March 12-15

[tstidm1]

Going to Universal for the first time since 2015 on March 12-15. I noticed that the parks are at their maximum hours (8-10) due to Orlando schools spring break and Mardi Gras. What would be a good touring plan for this time? I am thinking about doing EPA, taking a mid-day break and going back to the parks from 5-10. How important would Express Pass be?

 

[cfoxga]

Going to Universal for the first time since 2015 on March 12-15. I noticed that the parks are at their maximum hours (8-10) due to Orlando schools spring break and Mardi Gras. What would be a good touring plan for this time? I am thinking about doing EPA, taking a mid-day break and going back to the parks from 5-10. How important would Express Pass be?

Our kid's school break is that weekend, so I would expect it to be crowded. With EPs, you don't really need to make plans (this isn't like Disney at all). Without EPs, you will probably be sitting in lines 1-2 hours long on almost every ride.

There are still APH rates for HRH and PBH (but not RPR), so I would grab those now as they will probably not be available as you get closer to the date. Take a look at https://www.disboards.com/threads/how-i-plan-a-universal-trip.3794121/ for planning your first trip. You will want at least 1 Seasonal AP, as it will save several hundred dollars on a room at a deluxe resort (and still quite a bit at a value resort). I'd just get Seasonal APs for everyone, in case you can make a second trip later...

 

[J'aime Paris]

If you are not staying onsite, avoid the mid day break. The parks have been hitting capacity, especially weekends and holidays. As I understand it...You would not be allowed back into a park until a certain number of guests leave.
I would personally find EP to be essential for a successful trip during the spring break timeframe.

 

[cfoxga]

Just got back from our 4 day trip (Feb 12-15) and the parks were definitely as crowded as I had expected. EP lines were still pretty good at 10-20 minutes for most rides, but they were definitely longer than Thanksgiving when PBH was closed.