Question about strategy

[monica9]

Hi. I had posted a thread a few days back but it got blocked from more comments and was told to ready sticky’s and trip reports. I tried posting a question on a trip report closest to when I would go but it was a while back so I don’t think the person would see it. I normally post in the Disney section and see others post questions too but if it’s not allowed, you can block it again.
but here’s my question on strategy since we have limited time there. Thanks for the help!
We are Disney people and going to universal for two days in the fall for the first time. Staying at RPR but thinking of switching to PBR. I love lists and love the planning aspect of Disney. For those that know their way around Disney also, would you say we need to plan every detail of the day to get the most out of our trip even with the express passes like we would there? Looks like every ride/show we want to do has the EXpress pass we are going as a group of 10. Youngest kid is 4 and the older ones are 11-13 and will go on rollercoasters. I wrote down all the rides/shows we would do and starred the ones that are a must, out a heart next to the ones we’d like to do if we have time and out a B next to the ones my dd4 (Bianca) can do. I also put an EX next to the ones we can do express with. Our thought is to head to hagrids first thing and then velocicoaster next if they are in the same park?? Then hit the rest by what area they are in and move our way through the parks. We will be there oct 29 and oct 30 both of which will have hhn so thinking of IOA for hagrids first thing then the velocicoaster then take train over to studios and do studios until 5 then back to IOA once hhn opens up. Then next day just do a mix of both. What does everyone think?

 

[macraven]

When a thread has been closed, it is for a reason.
Restarting a close thread has penalties.

Always acceptable to start a new thread to ask questions for trip help.

 

[Robo56]

Yes, Hagrids and Velocicoaster are both in IOA. Hagrids of course in Hogsmeade and Velocicoaster is in Jurassic Park.

Both RPR AND PBH are beautiful Resorts. The rooms are larger at PBH.

Both RPR and PBH have Unlimited Express.

Remember that your Unlimited Express is good from the time you check In until park closing the day you check out. So even though you are only planing two full days in the parks you actually have 3 full days of Unlimited Express to use if you want.

So if they have a special buy two day park ticket and get three days that would be nice.


As far as strategy goes having the Unlimited Express really removes the need for the over planning folks have to do for Disney.

Enjoying all the things you would like at UO during the day since HHN will be going on during the evening while you are there would be a good idea.

Just keep in mind that Friday and Saturday could be very busy. Locals with AP’s will be there plus folks who are coming in for HHN will be there also.

Have a wonderful time on your trip

 

[monica9]

When a thread has been closed, it is for a reason.
Restarting a close thread has penalties.

Always acceptable to start a new thread to ask questions for trip help.

Ok thank you. I don’t believe I said anything wrong in the thread so I am wondering if it’s just not allowed to ask strategies or maybe I posted it in the wrong section.

 

[monica9]

Ok thanks

Yes, Hagrids and Velocicoaster are both in IOA. Hagrids of course in Hogsmeade and Velocicoaster is in Jurassic Park.

Both RPR AND PBH are beautiful Resorts. The rooms are larger at PBH.

Both RPR and PBH have Unlimited Express.

Remember that your Unlimited Express is good from the time you check In until park closing the day you check out. So even though you are only planing two full days in the parks you actually have 3 full days of Unlimited Express to use if you want.

So if they have a special buy two day park ticket and get three days that would be nice.


As far as strategy goes having the Unlimited Express really removes the need for the over planning folks have to do for Disney.

Enjoying all the things you would like at UO during the day since HHN will be going on during the evening while you are there would be a good idea.

Just keep in mind that Friday and Saturday could be very busy. Locals with AP’s will be there plus folks who are coming in for HHN will be there also.

Have a wonderful time on your trip

Ok great. Thanks so the help. Im really hoping we will be able to do everything we’d like in the two days. We aren’t landing until 7:30 so we won’t be able to use the 3 days

 

[J'aime Paris]

I think a good strategy for a group of 10 is the willingness to break into smaller groups.
10 people will move slowly.
A 4 year old will get tired much quicker than the older kids.
You are going on very busy days.....you'll need to manage your expectations of what can actually be accomplished.

Also, studios will close early for HHN. You are losing park hours.

 

[macraven]

Since HHN was cancelled last year, it’s very possible that the dates you are going to UO will be busy.

Take advantage of early park entry due to staying on site.
Saturdays around noon time you will see the crowds grow.

The Studios will start to be packed as peeps will want to do rides before the park closes at 5.
They reopen within one hour later for the start of hhn

 

[nkereina]

For those that know their way around Disney also, would you say we need to plan every detail of the day to get the most out of our trip even with the express passes like we would there?

Absolutely not. I am an avid Disney planner, but essentially plan nothing for our Universal days. That's the beauty of having unlimited express pass. We sleep in and go to the parks when we want, not worried about early entry, and we tour the parks in any order we want knowing our waits will be minimal with express passes. The only exceptions to this would be Hagrid's and Velocicoaster (when it opens) since they won't offer EPs. I would suggest going early on two separate days to ride each of those. But otherwise, IMO, you don't need to strategize or decide things to the minute like many of us would do for WDW.

 

[monica9]

I think a good strategy for a group of 10 is the willingness to break into smaller groups.
10 people will move slowly.
A 4 year old will get tired much quicker than the older kids.
You are going on very busy days.....you'll need to manage your expectations of what can actually be accomplished.

Also, studios will close early for HHN. You are losing park hours.

Was thinking of going to IOA when studios closes.
we will definitely be using a strolled for the 4 year old. We do park open to park close at Disney so hoping we can here too. You are correct that maybe breaking into smaller groups will be good. I know my husband doesn’t like thrill rides so will probably do kiddie rides with dd4. Thanks for the help

 

[Travelgrrl]

You won't need to plan. But if you LIKE planning and making lists, there is still plenty to ferret out and list and remember for your trip. Things like Kreacher at 12 Grimmauld Place, or how to call the Ministry of Magic from the phone booth in Leicester Square, or to ask to see the Immigration Room at Men In Black.

Also, I buy little gifts and fun things in advance of my trips, so I make lists of who gets what each day. Packing lists are always fun - don't forget things like inflatable pool noodles or favorite snacks or whatever your family likes!

My point is, you don't NEED to play, especially with Express. But there are lots of ways you can still plan, just not in the Disney HAVE TO plan way.