Universal on-site at Thanksgiving

[sn00zn]

My husband and I had been thinking of doing a combined Universal/Florida beach vacation over winter break. But looking at some of the posts here, I'm seeing comments like "wall-to-wall people" and "may close due to capacity." Even with the fotl pass that sounds kind of nightmarish. Plus, when looking at the prices, the on-site hotels are quite a bit cheaper over Thanksgiving and my kids get the whole week off. I think it will be better and not that much more expensive to do separate vacations at Thanksgiving and Christmas, plus then we are not limited to Florida beaches.

Our winter break goes through Jan 6. Are the crowds the week of Christmas pretty much the same as the week after?

How are the crowds over Thanksgiving? Do Florida kids get the whole week off or just Thursday and Friday? (Does that even matter??) Any thoughts on which is the better way to go?

Thanks!

 

[Metro West]

How are the crowds over Thanksgiving? Do Florida kids get the whole week off or just Thursday and Friday? (Does that even matter??) Any thoughts on which is the better way to go?

Thanks!

The only real problem with crowds during that week starts on Black Friday and the weekend. Up to and including the holiday, crowds aren't too terribly bad but once Friday hits, look out!

 

[RMulieri]

Of the 2 weeks mentioned, Christmas week-New Years is INSANITY..Wall to wall crowds.Thanksgiving week is fine till Black Friday..Once Friday hits the weekend is packed.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

^^^^^^^^^^^^
What they said. Su-Wed of Thanksgiving week is very manageable. Thanksgiving Day itself is still reasonable. Black Friday/Saturday STAY AWAY. It's supremely packed.

 

[sn00zn]

Thanks for the info. We'd probably only want 4 or 5 days, so early Thanksgiving week sounds good. What about the first week of Jan (2nd week of winter break)? I'm guessing that will be more crowded that pre-Thanksgiving.

 

[jfegan]

Do or have Universal and Islands of Adventure ever closed due to crowds? Do they have allowances like Disney for on property guests?

 

[Metro West]

Do or have Universal and Islands of Adventure ever closed due to crowds? Do they have allowances like Disney for on property guests?

IOA has been known to close at ultra high peak travel periods due to HP. Once the parks are closed due to high capacity, no one can enter until they are under the maximum capacity. This is due to fire codes and the safety of everyone. Onsite guests get early entry...use it!