Summer and NO express pass

[Going Broke]

Is it possible to do US/IOA in 2-3 days without an express pass? How are the crowd levels/line waits during the summer months?

 

[yaytezIOA]

They arent terrible until after Memorial Day. Thn they get worse until the end of August. You can do both parks in one day, but the key is to go early...and I mean early early. Have your tickets ready, and be waiting in line. We just got back from being there for the day and was let into IOA at 8:30. We did just about everything and stopped for a long time to record a podcast. We then hit USF and did everything we could do there. Today was also "Rock the Universe" for christians and it did get kind of crazy......but it was doable.

 

[bubba's mom]

We usually go the end of June/beginning of July.... do what yaytezIOA says...go early. Be there when they open, you can get most things done before 11am (when it starts to get crowded). I remember some of the more popular attractions get to be at least an hour wait by noon. Later in the earlier afternoon, 90 minutes is not unusual. If you don't stay onsite, you can buy Express Plus Passes, but they only give you express entrance once per attraction (and you must buy one for each person....they're not good for the entire party).

 

[Darcy03231]

We just spent two weeks there (2nd & 3rd week of August) and if you get there early like the previous posters said you should be able to do it. I found that by 11 am the lines were really starting for form for the more popular rides (35-45 min) and by 2 pm (when we left on most days) the lines for the popular rides were an hour to an hour and half long.

 

[irky416]

We went in the middle of June and got there early. We were in the park at 8:30 and had just about everything we wanted to do done by 1. We did the same thing for the other park the next day. We never waited in a line for longer than 20 minutes. 10 minutes was even high for most rides. That included Spiderman, Mummy, and MIB multiple times because of single rider lines. We went back a couple of evenings and the crowds had seemed to clear out a little also. I agree with everyone else, go early and you should be ok.

 

[mslclark]

We were there over Labor Day weekend with no express passes. We did all over IOA and half of US in one day. Went back the 2nd day and finished up US. I agree with the advice to arrive early. Universal guests don't seem to get there right when the parks open. Take advantage of single riders lines whenever possible too.

 

[Laura39]

We are going to be in Orlando May 28 - June 5 and taking our kids (7, 9 yrs) to DW parks, DW's Typhoon Lagoon and IOA/US. I am trying to work out the best schedule to minimize crowds. I know it will be busy.

Any suggestions for the best days to go to IOA/US? I read in some book that Th & Friday were the best days but it didn't give any reason. I heard to avoid MK and water parks on the weekend for sure since they are popular with the locals.

I will definitely take your advice and go early by 8:30 am when we do go!

Thanks for your help!

 

[Metro West]

Any suggestions for the best days to go to IOA/US? I read in some book that Th & Friday were the best days but it didn't give any reason. I heard to avoid MK and water parks on the weekend for sure since they are popular with the locals.

I will definitely take your advice and go early by 8:30 am when we do go!

Thanks for your help!

The crowds shouldn't be TOO bad during that time as school is still in session but definately get there as early as possible.


And.... to the DIS!

 

[orlandonyc]

how does june 12 to 26 look?

 

[Metro West]

how does june 12 to 26 look?

Get there early and you may not need to purchase the EP. If the wait times start getting out of hand, you can purchase them there.

 

[bubba's mom]

how does june 12 to 26 look?

We usually go the end of June, and if you don't go early (which, we don't), then the waits will be around an hour by lunchtime.... Go early and then if you choose to stay, get an EP if you feel you need one.

 

[ky07]

We usually go the end of June, and if you don't go early (which, we don't), then the waits will be around an hour by lunchtime.... Go early and then if you choose to stay, get an EP if you feel you need one.

I agree we were there last year June 4-11 and got there as soon as the gates opened and just like everyone says was able to do the main rides but at the same time we had the 7 day tickets and was able to do everything and take our time and made sure to not miss anything but as usual we did

 

[orlandonyc]

thx everyone. i just got my stimulus and i can't wait. i think you guys are right. i plan on getting the 14 day flex ticket so i can go to seaworld and aquatica as well so i might just take the "Rushed morning...relaxed afternoon" approach. man i can't wait and DD is almost a foot taller than last time she came down to Fl so she is stoked.