Universal at Christmas

[jaz0308]

Hello! Disney pro thinking of going to Universal at Christmas! I KNOW the crowd level at Disney (though I've never actually been for the holidays) but I'm wondering how Universal compares to that. Are they equally as crowded or is it more manageable? Also, we will be staying on property so would the express pass help alleviate the trouble if it is very crowded?

Also, is there any special events going on in the parks at that time?

Sorry for the newbie questions. I am completely in the dark with Universal knowledge!

thanks for any help!

 

[Orreed]

My friend visited last Christmas. She told me the wait for the Harry Potter attraction was six hours! Universal express will help for the majority of the rides but the parks will be packed.

 

[hydrotony]

There are many threads about Universal at Christmas, or Grinchmas, or Macy's Parade. Lots of info in them.

 

[RMulieri]

the week between Christmas and New Years is JUST AS busy as it is at WDW.In fact IOA had capacity closures this past Christmas.Staying onsite is the wisest decison for that timeframe

 

[Metro West]

All local parks are jammed packed that whole week...SeaWorld, Disney and Universal...no difference. Too many people to enjoy yourselves IMHO. Staying onsite is wise but it still won't help you with meals, restrooms breaks, etc. I think you can count on up to 45 minute waits for several more popular attractions even with unlimited Express.

 

[tajz90]

We visited the 29/30th this December. Staying onsite helped. The waits weren't that long in the express pass lines, but longer than normal. Our issue was the crowd we had to wade through. Wow! It was a sea if people, but once you got through that, the rides weren't an issue.

 

[IllinoisMommy]

We were there 12/29 or 12/30 last year. Was busy but some big rides (Hulk, HP dragon ride) were near walk-on around dinner time. Definitely do the main HP ride (can't recall the name) first thing. Grinchmas was great... saw it twice in same day. Unlike WDW, the Seuss area was playing Christmas music even after 12/25. Loved that!!

 

[buckeev]

Jam. Packed. Crowded.
We've been 3 outta the past 5 Christmas seasons...both before and after The 25th, and it just seems to get more packed with each passing day. On site helps a lot, but as PP pointed out, there are still about a zillion folks to get through just to get to the Express access entrances! And of course...there AIN'T no EP for potty breaks!
All that being said...we're headed there again this year....probably checking in on Christmas afternoon. The parks and resorts are so beautifully decorated, and the temps are usually very mild, that we still feel it is worth dealing withthe extra crowds, ( and cost), to go during the Holidays.