Universal crowds vs Disney crowds

[schultz711]

Hi everyone, I'm just looking to get some other opinions on our upcoming vacation. We're planning on doing a split stay with 5 nites at RPH and then 7 nites at Disney on the 4/3 at POR. I'm just wondering with the current and projected crowds at Disney, would we be better off doing 5 nites at PBH rather than going to Disney. My husband and myself are no lovers of crowds and usally only go in value season (we were just there for 8 nites in Nov. 08).

Do you think the crowds at Universal, Seaworld, and Busch Gardens will be as bad as Disney? We don't usally do a lot of planning, only what park on what day, we like to just go with the flow. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[LilMommyBug]

If you are staying on site, you should have no problems with crowds at Uni. The express pass is a life saver.

I've never seen crowds at Universal any where near as bad as what is at Disney World.

 

[Metro West]

Do you think the crowds at Universal, Seaworld, and Busch Gardens will be as bad as Disney? We don't usally do a lot of planning, only what park on what day, we like to just go with the flow. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks!

I agree with MommyBug in saying the onsite benefit of unlimited Express access will make the difference at Universal as opposed to Disney. All local parks are going to be busy now for a few weeks until Spring Break has settled down but unless you have a benefit like unlimited EP, try to stay away from the weekends if at all possible. You will have longer lines on the weekends at WDW and SW but SW also has a ticket available called Quick Queue that offers the same benefit of unlimited access to their shows and rides. The price changes depending on the anticipated crowd level but you can purchase the tickets right inside the gate. So basically...the only place you would be stuck in lines is Disney.

I've never seen crowds at Universal any where near as bad as what is at Disney World.

Oh I've seen crowds equal to Disney's but mainly around the week after Christmas...no where in town is slow that week. The crowds at Mardi Gras and HHN can get insane and that's just for a single night...not a whole week.

 

[LilMommyBug]

Oh I've seen crowds equal to Disney's but mainly around the week after Christmas...no where in town is slow that week. The crowds at Mardi Gras and HHN can get insane and that's just for a single night...not a whole week.

Note to self: Stay away after Christmas.

 

[Metro West]

Note to self: Stay away after Christmas.

I do!

 

[drenalin'junkie]

You have to approach Holidays at the parks with a very relaxed attitude.We have hit a park for NYE for a leat 10 yrs and occasionally before that.We go around Presidents day and often around now as well.

1.Bring extra clothing esp. for kids,put it in a locker or keep it in a stroller.
2.Bring snacks etc.. for kids and adults so you only have to eat 1 or 2 meals in the park.
3.Get there early,do the attractions that are must do's that fill up early.
4.Plan on taking breaks to just sit out of the crowds,a great time for snacks
5.Stay onsite whenever possible,there are just too many perks for onsite guest at any park that are lifesavers in heavy crowds.
6.If at all possible do a set down meal inside for at least 1 meal
7.Most importantly is take a good attitude and you'll see humanity at some of it's best.

 

[Yoshi]

The week after Christmas was crazy. I went in 2003, we bought the Express Passes which saved the day.

We got to the park maybe around 10? Jimmy Neutron was 90 minutes (later got to 120), Shrek was 150, Men In Black was 150, ET was 90, Back To The Future was 90, Twister was 60, Jaws was 90, the Woody Woodpecker coaster was 60 (didn't wait since it was on the Express Pass). I couldn't imagine waiting in any of those lines.

 

[redrosesix]

According to the PodCast the other night, the crowds are non-existent everywhere but WDW. Since WDW will be offering discounts throughout the summer, it's possible this will continue for some time.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

The week after Christmas was crazy. I went in 2003, we bought the Express Passes which saved the day.

We got to the park maybe around 10? Jimmy Neutron was 90 minutes (later got to 120), Shrek was 150, Men In Black was 150, ET was 90, Back To The Future was 90, Twister was 60, Jaws was 90, the Woody Woodpecker coaster was 60 (didn't wait since it was on the Express Pass). I couldn't imagine waiting in any of those lines.

that sounds good compared to the 4 HOURS I saw someone had posted as the wait for Epcot's Soarin' at New Years!! - I mean WHO would queue for 4 HOURS!!!!

 

[Metro West]

that sounds good compared to the 4 HOURS I saw someone had posted as the wait for Epcot's Soarin' at New Years!! - I mean WHO would queue for 4 HOURS!!!!

I can safely say that there is NO ride on the planet that would make me four hours to ride.

 

[drenalin'junkie]

You have to approach the holidays differently.Of course we don't wait for more than and hour or so for anything.But we ride the rides we want early.After the rides fill up there's always shows and just sightseeing.

The trick is to have the mindset that you are enjoying a day with friends and family that will be long and slow.The park is just the setting for the day.We look at all the scenery,look for hidden Mickeys,secrets in other parks.We have even taken naps in the parks or listened to mp3s while the kids napped in the stroller.

We always make ressies strategically.If you wan't to see a parade or show from a good vantage without waiting on the curb for 2 hours just find a restaurant that's close or is a package deal with seating at a show.

 

[jerseyboy99]

You have to approach the holidays differently.Of course we don't wait for more than and hour or so for anything.But we ride the rides we want early.After the rides fill up there's always shows and just sightseeing.

The trick is to have the mindset that you are enjoying a day with friends and family that will be long and slow.The park is just the setting for the day.We look at all the scenery,look for hidden Mickeys,secrets in other parks.We have even taken naps in the parks or listened to mp3s while the kids napped in the stroller.

We always make ressies strategically.If you wan't to see a parade or show from a good vantage without waiting on the curb for 2 hours just find a restaurant that's close or is a package deal with seating at a show.

We are staying at the PBH next week so I HOPE the express pass will make the wait times manageable

 

[Prose]

We were at Universal on 4/1 through 4/3...except for Saturday afternoon, the crowds were very light. The longest wait we had was maybe 20 minutes for anything, although we didn't ride Mummy or Hulk. We actually "walked on' to many of the rides, including Simpsons (rode it 3 times) on Thursday afternoon. The crowds were DEFINITELY picking up by noon on Saturday...but we were leaving for the airport by then.