Universal Newbie questions

[Sonnyeclipse]

So I am thinking of visiting Universal in June for the first time in a very long time. We are a Disney family so haven't strayed far from WDW but want to give Universal a shot. I have been doing some research and have a few questions.

1. Thinking of two days at some point between June 11 and 15. Are crowds comparable to WDW or worse or better? I know Diagon Alley is scheduled to open in June and soft openings may occur but with that aside, what will crowds be like?

2. I'm thinking of booking one night at Universal hotel to get the Express pass. We are a family of 5. The hotel is very pricey but the Express pass really is a big benefit from what I read. Is it worth it?

3. If I do book and get the Express pass, I'm going to try and do an early check in to take advantage of two days at the parks. How early could I check in and get the Express pass? Would like to take advantage of early morning entry on both days as well.

4. Do I need advanced dining reservations or can I wing it?

Thanks for the help

 

[Lynne G]

So I am thinking of visiting Universal in June for the first time in a very long time. We are a Disney family so haven't strayed far from WDW but want to give Universal a shot. I have been doing some research and have a few questions.

1. Thinking of two days at some point between June 11 and 15. Are crowds comparable to WDW or worse or better? I know Diagon Alley is scheduled to open in June and soft openings may occur but with that aside, what will crowds be like?

2. I'm thinking of booking one night at Universal hotel to get the Express pass. We are a family of 5. The hotel is very pricey but the Express pass really is a big benefit from what I read. Is it worth it?

3. If I do book and get the Express pass, I'm going to try and do an early check in to take advantage of two days at the parks. How early could I check in and get the Express pass? Would like to take advantage of early morning entry on both days as well.

4. Do I need advanced dining reservations or can I wing it?

Thanks for the help

I'm sure others can be more helpful, but here are my answers.

1. It will be crowded. If the soft opening is a sure thing when you are there, it will be bonkers. June is busy in USO just like Disney. Everyone is out of school, generally.

2. YES! The hotels are very very nice, and the use of the unlimited express pass is a great thing to have. It will make the parks so much more enjoyable.

3. You can check in as early as the hotel's books are open for the day. I assume around 6:30 or 7 am. It's a great thing to have express passes for 1 night that you get 2 days of. The express pass you can get with your hotel key, by using the machines right in the lobby. Easy.

4. Most of the time you can wing it for food, more easily if you dine off the most common times. Early dinner, early lunch or later than the crowd. Opentable.com has most of the restaurants in the parks and citywalk. You can book a table through that site. Some of the restaurants only book 30 or so days out, others shorter or later in advance. Not like Disney to book 6 months out. Bubba Gumps does not take reservations though.

We are going to hit the parks in August. So, we like the Portofino the best, but I'd pick whichever one is cheaper. Also, the new one does not offer express pass, Cabana Bay. The other 3 onsite do.

Have a great vacation. You will be spoiled with the unlimited express pass.

 

[RMulieri]

1) It will be extremely busy.If HP is opened it will be beyond nutso.Universal is busy in the summer generally anyway ( just like Disney)
2)WORTH EVERY penny.Remember you have to stay at one of the 3 deluxe resorts" Royal Pacific, Hard Rock or Portofino Bay to get the express pass.The newest resort Cabana Bay does NOT offer this perk
3)You can check in super early and get your express passes.They will hold your luggage till the room is ready
4)Not neccessary but makes life easier..Ressies can be made at Opentable.com / UNLIKE disney , Universal does not own all its restaurants so the timeframe for bookings vary by restuarant.Most are 30-60 days out.Some like Bubba Gumps do not take ressies at all.