Strategy for park newbie (kind of)

[Looby Loo]

I've not been to Universal or IOA since July 2005 so so much has changed and I was wondering what the must see new attractions are and what we should head for first?

Also, we are going to Orlando in July (3rd - 15th) which is the same time of year I went last time so I know it's going to be very busy but are week days or weekends better times to go or will there be no difference? I'm not the biggest HP fan but still want to enjoy what Hogwarts etc has to offer so should we head there first?

Any advise would be really be appreciated

 

[Metro West]

You're right...it's going to be very busy that whole time. There is little difference in crowd size between weekends and weekdays in the summer...everyday is busy. Since the parks are open late, I would wait and do HP towards evening once the crowds have calmed down a little plus HP is amazing at night! Despicable Me should be open in the Studios by that time so you will want to check that out too. We have no idea when the best time will be since it's not open currently.

 

[schumigirl]

I would agree wait and do HP later in the evening. It is stunning at night and well worth it.

I`m not the biggest HP fan, but I love it. The whole thing

RRR is new to US since you were last there.....it is worth doing too. They also have The Simpsons ride. Despicable Me looks a lot of fun too, I`m looking forward to that.

There is also the new mini golf at Citwalk.....it looks a lot of fun

Hope you have a great time

 

[AlexJohnson240]

You're right...it's going to be very busy that whole time. There is little difference in crowd size between weekends and weekdays in the summer...everyday is busy. Since the parks are open late, I would wait and do HP towards evening once the crowds have calmed down a little plus HP is amazing at night! Despicable Me should be open in the Studios by that time so you will want to check that out too. We have no idea when the best time will be since it's not open currently.

My thoughts exactly, although I'm not familiar with the Despicable Me attraction. I will tell you this though, that it will be undeniably busy regardless of whether you go during the weekend or on a weekday. After all, mostly everyone's in vacation mode; school's out and people from other countries are migrating towards tourist hotspots. Secondly and lastly, the Harry Potter attraction remains to be a top attraction. Respectively, you'd want to save that for last when it's later in the day and less crowded.