Trying to decide if it's worth it.......

[pearljammer]

so we had planned to do Disney on thanksgiving and UNiversal the next day before heading to our destination of a week at the beach. After seeing one day at Disney at $366 and US at 367 for one day, having second thoughts. Never been to Universal before so even 2 days would be costly but cheaper than trying to do 2 separate parks. Since we've done D, makes sense to do Universal if at all. I'm concerned that it's going to be crazy crowded and long lines. No intention on park to park nor express passes. Just can't decide if I can justify that money when we may be spending more time waiting for rides, beating the crowds for that kind of money. I know it's about the experience but I could put that $600 towards another vacation easy! Ugh......thoughts????

 

[macraven]

If that was the cost to stay at rpr, hrh, or pbh, then the hotel perk would be free unlimited express pass for all in your reservation.

 

[pearljammer]

If that was the cost to stay at rpr, hrh, or pbh, then the hotel perk would be free unlimited express pass for all in your reservation.

Our hotel is costing us anything as we're using certificates for Marriott. The "crowd" chart shows that time as Busy, not VERY busy like during Christmas. Any experience from those who have been during Thanksgiving? I know they are doing the new Christmas thing there now....

 

[robl45]

Sorry but I don't understand, your complaining about waiting in lines, but you don't want to do express passes. Honestly I would never do a park without express passes at a park that offers them unless I know I'm going at a time that is going to be almost completely dead. Otherwise you are literally throwing away money to stand in lines all day and potentially do a 3rd of the rides you otherwise might do.

 

[pearljammer]

Sorry but I don't understand, your complaining about waiting in lines, but you don't want to do express passes. Honestly I would never do a park without express passes at a park that offers them unless I know I'm going at a time that is going to be almost completely dead. Otherwise you are literally throwing away money to stand in lines all day and potentially do a 3rd of the rides you otherwise might do.

We'll, you're proving my point. We were only going as it's on the way to our vacation destination. We aren't going JUST for the parks. I've seen the prices for express and it's crazy expensive. At least Disney offers fast passes. So you've made my point exactly. I'm not about "throwing money away". So perhaps my decision is made. I can't see any park being worth just shy of 400 for 2A1C. Regardless, I'm not paying for express.

 

[bchbetha]

Honestly, it'll be crazy busy. But, if you show upon hour before official opening and are ready to go with your top 3 must dos, I think you can have a really fun day.
The suggestion to stay at one of their hotels was given before you provided any info on your lodging plans. It's a valid idea though as you get early entry and express passes for your whole group (from check in to check out day, btw- so 2 days for 1 night at the hotel...I know that doesn't help your case but something to be aware of). I'd personally skip Disney and do Universal. You've done Disney so it's fun to try something new.
Universal express passes are nothing like Disney fast passes so can't really be lumped together.

 

[iivye]

You probably shouldn't go. You already sound upset about how much it's costing and you will just be angry when you have to wait in line.

Plan a stop in Universal another time when you can spend a night in one of the hotels that offers the express pass.