Start the day or end the day at Universal

[roxysmum123]

My sister and I are doing a VERY short trip this summer, with one day for US/IOA - we have a 2 park ticket, and will be purchasing express pass. We will be staying on Disney property, so returning to the hotel room mid-day will not be an option. I can't figure it out if it's better to get there first thing and plan to leave mid-afternoon, or get there mid-afternoon and stay until park closing.....It'll be August so I know it'll be hotter than the surface of the sun either way, but what will have the lower crowds/more tolerable common areas? #1 priority is Wizarding World in both parks - whatever extra time we have will be filled with other rides.

Any advice is appreciated

 

[princessebird]

In my experience you'd be better off getting there early. US and IOA seem to close generally early (I think the latest is generally 10pm). If you get there for RD at the park that doesn't have early entry (unless they both do), you'll be okay. It seemed to us that crowds seemed to really fog in around 11am.

 

[zebsterama]

I’d say early as well.

 

[chicagoshannon]

Get there early. Take a break in City Walk for lunch and then head back into the parks. You'll want the full day.

 

[bchbetha]

Early. Lower crowds, lower temps. Relax with a sit down meal and some shows. Since you’re planning to buy Express Passes, have you instead priced out one of the 3 deluxe hotels to get EPs instead? Then you can hit the pool or your room onsite (5-10 minute walk away!).
Think of it this way- you can’t get time back. If you get there at the middle of the day and wish you’d have more time there’s nothing you can do about it. At least in the AM you have options.

 

[roxysmum123]

Early. Lower crowds, lower temps. Relax with a sit down meal and some shows. Since you’re planning to buy Express Passes, have you instead priced out one of the 3 deluxe hotels to get EPs instead? Then you can hit the pool or your room onsite (5-10 minute walk away!).
Think of it this way- you can’t get time back. If you get there at the middle of the day and wish you’d have more time there’s nothing you can do about it. At least in the AM you have options.

Yes I have considered that - right now the pricing doesn't balance out but I'm definitely watching for a sale

 

[Disxuni]

First thing in the morning. Cooler, less people, and you're well rested (hopefully).

I also suggest getting there early before opening time, as from past experience even though you can't technically get fully into the park during EE, you can at least within the park (at least last time I was there) and walk a little before being stopped and can stand (EE go past Minions, non-EE people walk towards the other street: "Hollywood") and depending on the crowds can get in up to 15 to 0 minutes into the park early. Even if they do not let you in until exactly 9, at least you have a little bit of ahead start compared to people still waiting at the gate to get in.

You have EP so it isn't that big of a deal, but at least you'd have a few extra minutes to your day within the park.

 

[ICan'tWait]

I'd also encourage early in August. The morning is cooler and it's been our experience that summer rainstorms can throw off afternoon plans.