Universal in February

[tony67]

Couple question - is there any good info on mardi gras in Universal - who has been and what do they think? I have a season pass so I will have to skip the concerts - but if there a lot going on other than the parade? Crawfish boils for example - I know they talk about a food area - where is that and is it all that interesting.

How busy does it get in February if you go during the school break weeks? I know Disney is crazy. Does universal get that bad and how much does it affect wait times with express pass? Does beginning or end of week make a big difference since most people seem to do Disney first and then move to Universal.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[TommyJK]

I went to Universal this past February just leading up to Presidents day weekend. We were there Wed and Thrus, the 10th and 11th.

I would say the crowds were moderate. Wait times (we didn't have express pass, but had early entry staying at Cabana Bay) were up and down throughout the day. At times, Forbidden Journey/Gringotts were 20 mins and other times they were 35-40 min. Other main attractions were similar except Rip Ride Rockit and Minions which consistently had 45-60 min waits all day.

Keep in mind too that Hulk was closed and Kong wasn't open yet so a couple of attractions that are open now that help spread the crowds.

 

[Metro West]

Couple question - is there any good info on mardi gras in Universal - who has been and what do they think? I have a season pass so I will have to skip the concerts - but if there a lot going on other than the parade? Crawfish boils for example - I know they talk about a food area - where is that and is it all that interesting.

I like the parade but don't care to stay for the concerts most of the time due to the inane crowd control Universal displays. Utterly ridiculous in my opinion.

The food areas are generally in the New York section...they are all lined up around that area. Each has something a little different and the smells are wonderful!

 

[tony67]

I went to Universal this past February just leading up to Presidents day weekend. We were there Wed and Thrus, the 10th and 11th.

I would say the crowds were moderate. Wait times (we didn't have express pass, but had early entry staying at Cabana Bay) were up and down throughout the day. At times, Forbidden Journey/Gringotts were 20 mins and other times they were 35-40 min. Other main attractions were similar except Rip Ride Rockit and Minions which consistently had 45-60 min waits all day.

Keep in mind too that Hulk was closed and Kong wasn't open yet so a couple of attractions that are open now that help spread the crowds.

Thanks - was that school vacation or the week before?
Im thinking that is the week just before school vacation truly starts. I'd prefer to go that week but cant take the kids out early.

 

[pcstang]

I don't think the crowds are that bad in feb. Are you staying onsite? My kids love the parades and we always have a great time. Not a whole lot else goes on though. We always stay onsite deluxe so we have express. It will be interesting to see how having the parade all 49 nights this year goes.

 

[TommyJK]

Thanks - was that school vacation or the week before?
Im thinking that is the week just before school vacation truly starts. I'd prefer to go that week but cant take the kids out early.

Not sure, but I think its before the US school vacations.

I'm Canadian so our school vacations are at different times than the US.

 

[tony67]

I don't think the crowds are that bad in feb. Are you staying onsite? My kids love the parades and we always have a great time. Not a whole lot else goes on though. We always stay onsite deluxe so we have express. It will be interesting to see how having the parade all 49 nights this year goes.

Thanks - Will be on site and plan on RPR for express pass.

 

[danesporty]

We always go down in February. Crowds are usually not bad. Weather is also decent the further along you get in February.

 

[pcstang]

Thanks - Will be on site and plan on RPR for express pass.

You'll be golden with express. Might see you down there. We usually do a couple of trips for Mardi Gras.