Universal Studios in late August

[VicgirlBC]

I am planning and trip to Anaheim for myself, DS 19 and DD 21 from August 26 to September 1 to visit DLR and Universal Studios. I just need some help with when and how to tour Universal, and if I should splurge on the unlimited Express pass or VIP tour.

We plan to take Uber from our Anaheim hotel to Universal on either Wednesday Aug 28th or Thursday Aug 29th.

In order to visit with the least amount of crowds/lines, is it better to arrive early (and buy access to Super Nintendo World) or arrive around lunch (and avoid rush hour traffic) and stay until close? Our goal is to ride all the rides, take the Studio Tour and spend extra time in both Super Nintendo World (not using Power-Up Bands) and Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Thank you!

 

[China Expat]

I would get the front of line pass. It's best to start on the lower level...just hit each ride. Next do the studio tram tour. Leave the upper level for last. Tons to do. No need for a big plan. So much easier than a Disney trip.

 

[VicgirlBC]

I had originally hoped to arrive around 11am so we could sleep in a bit, but I'm guessing the park will close at 6pm or so that day since it's late August. Does anyone know what the hours were last year?

 

[VicgirlBC]

I would get the front of line pass. It's best to start on the lower level...just hit each ride. Next do the studio tram tour. Leave the upper level for last. Tons to do. No need for a big plan. So much easier than a Disney trip.

Thank you!

 

[VicgirlBC]

I ended up booking the VIP tour for 9:45am. Super excited about this! If I leave GCH at 7:30am can I expect to be at Universal by 9am?

 

[SnowWhite09]

I ended up booking the VIP tour for 9:45am. Super excited about this! If I leave GCH at 7:30am can I expect to be at Universal by 9am?

We have done the VIP tour in the past - it is great. We have always allowed 1.5 to two hours from DL to US because the LA traffic is unpredictable and has always been heavy in the morning and again on the return. The one thing we didn’t plan for was the food they make available before the tour; we didn’t have enough time before the tour started to take advantage of this properly. The food was lovely the time we went and the included buffet lunch is fantastic.

Have fun!

 

[Rex1993]

You made the right call. We were there in early August last year and it was hellishly hot by 1:00. You might end up having seasonally average weather but just prepared for brutal heat. If that’s the case, you really need to get things done in the morning or wait until the sun starts to go down.

 

[VicgirlBC]

We have done the VIP tour in the past - it is great. We have always allowed 1.5 to two hours from DL to US because the LA traffic is unpredictable and has always been heavy in the morning and again on the return. The one thing we didn’t plan for was the food they make available before the tour; we didn’t have enough time before the tour started to take advantage of this properly. The food was lovely the time we went and the included buffet lunch is fantastic.

Have fun!

Thank you! I’ll plan to leave by 7:15 then. I’m so excited to surprise the kids with this.

 

[VicgirlBC]

You made the right call. We were there in early August last year and it was hellishly hot by 1:00. You might end up having seasonally average weather but just prepared for brutal heat. If that’s the case, you really need to get things done in the morning or wait until the sun starts to go down.

I’ve been there just after Labor Day weekend and it was so hot! 40 degrees Celsius and we roasted. I’m hoping it’s a bit cooler this time around.