September Crowds

[Msslaydbug]

I have only been to Universal/ IOA once and that was this past Febuary for Mardi Gras with my best friend. I read on the boards that there would be heavier crowds and we really walked on all the rides the entire time were were there for Mardi Gras......

We are going back to orlando this September and it will be me, DH, our 6yo DS , my 22 yo brother(who goes to college in FL so has been here over and over and over.....), and both of my parents.

We were thinking of spending 6 days at Disney , a few days off, and then the last two at Universal. I have been contemplating staying onsight for the FOTL access but not sure if i can justify the cost of being onsight if the crowds will not be super heavy.

I have read all of the posts on how wonderful FOTL access is so I do understand all the perks but truth be told I would forgoe the $150+ a night hotel and stand in line if they would be under a 15-20 minute wait.

Any insight ? Our dates would be somewhere in between Sept 6-14th

 

[kellymonaghan]

After the Labor Day weekend, crowds should thin out considerably.

Also, at that time you will be able to buy a Universal Express Plus pass for $10. It gives you one express access per ride for that day.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

You can stay onsite if you want, the hotels are very good! You wont really need to use the FOTL perk, as during that time, crowds are low and maximum wait times are 20-30 minutes.

 

[JessicaR]

If you wanted to stay on-site you could get RPR for about $99.00 a night using Entertainment Card or $125.00 using Fan Club Card.
It is based on availability but for september it shouldnt be a problem getting a discounted room.

If you wanted to spend less, go with Kelly's idea. September should be no problem with crowds.

Have Fun!

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I am so relieved to hear that you all say crowds shouldn't be a problem because we'll be there in Sept. as well. The 26-29. I haven't been to US/IOA since 2001, right after 9-11 (the same week actually, so it was totally deserted) so I don't have anything to compare to except that tragic time when nobody was there. Hopefully the waits won't be too long as we are staying off site at HIFS.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

yeah, September is one of the less busy times. Kids go back to school by that time if not already. FL is August already, but I know some kids don't start until September? Uusually parents wouldn't get kids out of school that early in the school year (although I am doing well in convincing my parents...muahahahaha... )

You shouldn't have anything to worry about. But you could consider staying at the RPH for a discount cost because the hotel is so unbelievably nice.
In fact, the beds and pillows are so comfortable, even I, a teenage Universal addict, was barely able to get up in time to make the first Ghostbuster show ( ).!!!!
Plus the staff is very friendly, the rooms beautiful, and the location perfect (only a walk or water taxi ride away). Almost worth it alone (and if you can save yourself 30 minutes...why not? lol!!).

But, I understand about saving money. Worth saving the onsite stay for a busier time of the year.