Something Very Strange Happened Today

[lovethemagic]

We went to Universal Studios and there were very light crowds! We were concerned because it was a Saturday, Father's Day weekend, and most schools are out at this point. Accordingly, we arrived at 8:30 and were let into the park at 8:45. We were immediately able to see Shrek and by 11:00 had also done the Simpsons, ET, Jaws, Disaster and Twister. Had an early lunch and in the afternoon caught the Blues Brothers, Horror Make-Up Show, Terminator, MIB and strolled through the Lucy exhibit and Curious George/Fievel's Playland, deciding to call it a day around 4:00. We were just regular guests with no version of Express Pass and we never waited more than 10 minutes for any of the attractions!

It's possible that people were scared off by the heat warnings (high 90's to feel like mid 100's) but we just made sure to walk in the shade, take breaks, keep hydrated and duck into an attraction or store whenever we needed AC. Our group was a 30-something and a 60-something who don't like the heat and we had absolutely no problems.

I can't predict what the rest of the week will be like for temperatures or crowds, but I did want to share our positive experience. Have fun!

 

[Bluer101]

I'm thinking the crowds are way less this summer due to the economy.

 

[ky07]

Thats a shame and hope it doesn't hurt Universal but in a way I am not a big fan of large crowds

 

[Planogirl]

The parks were pretty busy last week when we were there but only later in the day. The mornings were almost eerily quiet.

 

[Sir Robin Hood]

The economy might be part of the reason, but I'd guess the majority is caused by all the heat alerts in the area. I mentioned this on a different thread, but we live in a tourist area in East TN and have had great business the past several weekends. This weekend, however, slowed down a lot due to the heat advisory in our area (which pales in comparison to what Orlando is facing). Rather than telling people to stay indoors, I wish the weather and news stations would just tell folks to be careful and drink lots of fluids. Telling the public to stay indoors over a weekend is bad marketing for anyone working in a tourist destination.
So those of you planning on traveling over Father's Day....GO! Just be safe and prepared.

 

[nodoubtrock]

people might have looked at the temp and decided to come later in the afternoon for the concert. rather than spend the entire day there.

 

[KirstenB]

OP, we just returned from vacation, and this was our exact experience, June 15-18. Surprisingly uncrowded, especially before noon. It was hot, but we'd had a couple of hot weeks here in Richmond before we left, so it wasn't bad to us.