Universal/IOA during last week of July or Dec?

[dutton]

Next year my two weeks of vacation will be the last week of July and the week after Christmas. Which would be the lesser of the two evils? We haven't been to Universal before, and won't be staying on site. We have been to disney 5 times, 3 during 1st of dec, 1 during 1st of oct and 1 during 1st of May. So we have never really encountered crowds. Should we just ditch the idea and try to go in 2006? I could switch my vacation and go in June or week before Christmas if that would be better. Thanks for the help!!

Suzanne

 

[phamton]

If you can, I'd change your vacation and go the week before Christmas. The week after is very busy. I wouldn't say it is quite as crowded as July but with July you also have the unbearable heat to contend with. In the summer, the crowds are grumpier because of the lines and the heat than at Christmas. If I had to choose between the week after Christmas and July, I'd pick Christmas.

 

[Jobro2]

We're headed to US/IOA Dec. 28-31st...we've been to US once 2 years ago, but never IOA. We're staying on-site at Royal Pacific...chose that for the FOTL benefits!! We're expecting crowds, but hope with FOTL it won't be unbearable...had to schedule the trip this week because of kids and school. Will let you know how the crowds are when we return!

 

[goofy!]

We are here right now and it is delightful. Our annual trip is usually the first week in July. This is the first time we are here the week before Christmas. I can't stress how much nicer it is here now without the sweltering heat and humidity. There are enough people here that it still has a festive atmosphere, but it so much nicer to walk through toonville without having to dodge massive amounts of people.

We have been here so many times that I thought we knew the place backwards and forwards. However, we are finding that we are seeing more of the small details in the themeing that we just never paid attention to with all the crowds and the heat in the summer.

So, having been here at both times of the year - I would definitely recommend the week before Christmas over July.