Universal on December 30th?

[gbattles]

Going to be in Orlando for the Cap One bowl and want to take my crew (7 adults and three 12 year old boys) to IOA. Only have one day, December 30, on the travel schedule that is open for going to the park. Here is what I am concerned about:

I just checked the Universal web site and the express passes are $109ea for that day in addition to approx $90ea for tickets to the park. Spending $200ea to go to IOA for a day just seens like a whole lot of $$. I am concerned the park will be so crowded that we won't get to do much without an express pass and we have already made our room reservations, so staying at a Universal property to get the free pass isn't an option.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a game plan? Maybe we should pay the $$ for the express passes, or maybe just deal with the lines and go on a limited number of rides - possibly using the single rider option for some of the rides. Maybe there is a silver bullet solution out there that I am not aware of. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[RMulieri]

If express pass is that expensive, they are expecting very large crowds.I would expect a packed park and possible capacity closure.Get to the parks before opening and be ready to GO when the park opens.Hit Harry Potter first, particularly Ollivanders than Forbidden Journey,since resort guests get early entry the park will already have waits.If it was me,I would also probably shell out the $$$ for the express pass because lines are going to be very long .I know you said staying onsite is not an option, but if you price it out it would probably be cheaper for you than purchasing express pass for your group..If neither is an option than you might want to consider using Single rider on the rides that offer it.You and your group will be split up but your wait might be less and you might be able to get a few rides done

 

[Metro West]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a game plan? Maybe we should pay the $$ for the express passes, or maybe just deal with the lines and go on a limited number of rides - possibly using the single rider option for some of the rides. Maybe there is a silver bullet solution out there that I am not aware of. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I wish I had a better answer for you but...you are not going to be able to do much that day w/o the EPs and they are so expensive because the crowds will be huge! Also...IOA will close due to capacity most days that week...mainly because of HP so there's no guarantee you'd even get into the park.

If you decide to go w/o the EPs, you might want to consider the Studios instead. I doubt the park will close due to capacity and there are still some cool attractions for kids that age...but no HP.

It's going to be mobbed so wherever you go that week will be an experience in mobs and madness! Just pack your patience and try to enjoy yourselves.