Universal - 2014 or 2015?

[Anna_Marie]

We were originally planning to go to Universal Parks in October 2014. I've been reading with the new Harry Potter area how the crowds are going to be higher. Do you think they will thin out some if we wait till 2015? We have never been before so I'm not sure how crowds differ from Disney anyway. But DH hates crowds and will enjoy his vacation much more if its on the low side. Although I hate to wait another year, if the crowds will be less I would definitly do it! I know no one knows for sure, just what are your thoughts?

 

[Metro West]

We were originally planning to go to Universal Parks in October 2014. I've been reading with the new Harry Potter area how the crowds are going to be higher. Do you think they will thin out some if we wait till 2015? We have never been before so I'm not sure how crowds differ from Disney anyway. But DH hates crowds and will enjoy his vacation much more if its on the low side. Although I hate to wait another year, if the crowds will be less I would definitely do it! I know no one knows for sure, just what are your thoughts?

Well...crowds won't be a lot thinner but I think traffic flow will be improved so it won't seem as bad. Next year will definitely see insane crowds after Diagon Alley opens but by 2015 things should be settled down enough that crowds will be manageable.

 

[cbsnyber1]

Wait until 2015. I base this on the response we saw to the opening of Harry Potter / Hogwart's castle - it was insane most of the remainder of that year.

By October 2015, assuming Diagon Alley opens in early 2014, things should be "normal", whatever that means after the opening of a major park expansion.

Of course, HHN has an impact on October crowds. Early October should be OK, mid to late month could mean larger crowds some days. We went Columbus day weekend in 2012 and I would estimate the crowds as low to medium - nothing that could not be managed, but larger than I thought they would be.

Either way - stay onsite, front of the line - no problems!

 

[macraven]

i go in october yearly for a long stay onsite.

it doesn't matter to me what new ride has opened that summer which will create longer waits for rides.

i'm there for hhn.......

when parry hotter first opened, yes, lines were long during the day in october.
well, on some days but very managable

staying onsite helps you avoid long line waits.
express lines are not available for HP in ioa.
probably the same set up when it comes to the studios in the summer.

if you go in october next year and do so when there are no school holidays/breaks, it might be fine for you.

plan your oct trip away from the hell week though as that can add to the crowds in the park during the mid to end portion of the week.

first week of november is usually one of the lowest times for crowds in the parks.
if you can do november instead of october, that would be great.