Universal in 1 day and on Thanksgiving Day...

[Lilo5]

Hello! I need advice! We're doing a 4-night Disney Cruise, and debating whether to stay an extra day and go to Universal or not. We come back from the cruise on Thanksgiving Day, and will probably go straight to the park. Is that a wise thing to do? Will it be too busy and very crowded to go at all? Will it be better the day after Thanksgiving? Also, what's the weather usually like at that time of year? Thanks!

 

[Slacking]

Are you just going to USF, just going to IOA, or cramming both in a day?

Also, I've gone to UO twice on Thanksgiving Day, once in 1997, and this past year, 2003. If I remember correctly, the parks were somewhat crowded, but it really wasn't too bad. Nothing like the Christmas or Spring Break season. You could definitely do a park in 1 day on Thanksgiving.

As for the choice between Tnaksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, definitely do Thanksgiving Day. T-Day itself isn't too bad, but the rest of the weekend is fairly insane.

 

[Lilo5]

Thanks for the info. We plan to do both parks in 1 day (may be pushing it, huh?) I read that there's a pass for 1 day/2 parks from AAA, and I want to take advantage of it.

 

[CEO]

If you do it -- and if you do want to do both parks -- I suggest buying the Universal Express Pass that gives you front-of-the-line access -- or book that one night at one of the three onsite resorts to give you front-of-the-line access.

Why?

First of all -- you will LOVE the Disney Cruise. Have done it twice. Can't wait to go again. But you may not be getting off the boat until 9-10am. While the boat docks bright and early no one is let off until the boat clears customs. That COULD be as early as 8am but you don't want to bank on that.

Either way, tack on an hour of driving from the port to Universal Orlando and you will NOT be there when the park opens -- and that first hour that the parks are open is a great time to hit the rides with the shortest lines of the day.

But, yes, you can do it. Just try to stay onsite -- or stretch it over the course of two days if you can.