Universal in September

[Pidginb]

Anyone know how the crowds are at Universal Studios Hollywood in early September? Whats the best strategy for getting to see the popular attractions? Also, anyone know how to get a good deal at the Hilton Universal?

 

[Grim_Grinning_Girl]

I'm not totally sure about the crowds in September but my guess is that weekends are always more crowded. We go a few times a year, always on a Saturday and one day during the week, and at various times of the year. Our Saturdays are always crowded, probably local residents, but during the week has always seemed less crowded.

Big attractions that you should do first to avoid crowds later in the day:

~ The Studio Tram tour
~ Water World Show

and rides like The Simpsons, The Mummy, and Jurassic Park are always busy. The Simpsons line is extremely slow moving, followed by the Mummy and JP.

The rest of the shows are fine, they move along very nicely and shouldn't be a problem, follow the show guide/times to plan your day, but get the Tram Tour out of the way first. The best car to sit in is anywhere in the 3rd car, followed by the 2nd car but toward the back, and the 4th car but toward the front. And most of the tram attractions take place on the left side, there's some to the right but most of the good stuff is on the left side.

I don't know about Hilton deals, but I just stayed at the Sheraton which is next door. If you can afford to stay at either place I would highly recommend it. Both are within walking distance and are on the Universal site, the immediate area especially across the freeway is very scary and seems very unsafe.

Both are walking distance if you are a healthy walker, we had a temporary wheelchair member in our group and we still walked to the park. There is a shuttle available but we found it was quicker just to walk, and just so you know the hotel shuttle departs from the Sheraton and then goes to pick up Hilton guests, so by the time the shuttle arrives at the Hilton it's just about full with Sheraton guests. Very easy to walk to the park but first ask the staff how to get there, wasn't clear at first but it's extremely easy and close.

Good luck!

 

[alyssa810]

We went last year at the end of September, stayed at the Universal Sheraton, and found the crowds to be very manageable. It was really, really hot when we were there, and our son wanted to spend most of the time in the curious George area. Our most "painful" wait was for the backlot tour; i think we waited about 45 minutes, but it was an incredible experience. Other than that, we pretty much were able to walk into just about everything. We had to take turns riding the Simpsons because our son wasn't tall enough, but the queue was fairly empty and we zipped through.

 

[Pidginb]

Thanks for the tips guys

 

[StageTek]

but get the Tram Tour out of the way first.

I have always gone on the tour late in the day.

If you arrive within the first half an hour of park open the line is short but
within an hour it is quite long. During the last two hours of operation there is
almost no line at all.