Universal Studios in September

[LiquidSunshine]

Hi all,

I have made a provisional booking through Expedia at Loews Royal Pacific Resort for 1 night (9th-10th September) to benefit from the Universal Express. The cost is £134.53 (includes 12% through Quidco).

If it was quieter, then I am considering paying less to stay 1 night at Cabana Bay Beach Resort which does not include the Express (£69.91 or £78.72 for pool view including 12% through Quidco).

As we will be visiting Universal on Wednesday 10th Sept, I am wondering about the crowd levels and if there will be much benefit from the Universal Express.

Help and advice please!

 

[chmurf]

You've got to consider that by the end of the summer, Diagon Alley (phase 2 of Harry Potter) will open at Universal Studios

There might be a higher crowd level than there usually is at that time of year

(WWoHP opening saw an 8 hours line to enter the HP land ... the line stretched from IoA entrance all the way to the big Universal Ball and even past that at Citywalk

the picture at the bottom of this reply will show you the line to enter IoA

you won't see that big of a crowd, but you will see a crowd probably bigger than usual.

most probable opening date for Diagon Alley is first week of July
so early september will only be 2 months after general public opening.
There is no telling how big the crowds will be then.

I wouldn't throw away my expresses just yet. But it might also be a 2 out of 10 crowd like it's currently predicted to be ...

there is no way to tell just now.

oh, and by the way, your one nighter gives you unlimited express for both 9th and 10th september (both check in and check out days) so you may consider a 2 days park to park ticket, as you can check in early (not get the room, but get your room key and express)

 

[LiquidSunshine]

You've got to consider that by the end of the summer, Diagon Alley (phase 2 of Harry Potter) will open at Universal Studios

There might be a higher crowd level than there usually is at that time of year

(WWoHP opening saw an 8 hours line to enter the HP land ... the line stretched from IoA entrance all the way to the big Universal Ball and even past that at Citywalk

the picture at the bottom of this reply will show you the line to enter IoA

you won't see that big of a crowd, but you will see a crowd probably bigger than usual.

most probable opening date for Diagon Alley is first week of July
so early september will only be 2 months after general public opening.
There is no telling how big the crowds will be then.

I wouldn't throw away my expresses just yet. But it might also be a 2 out of 10 crowd like it's currently predicted to be ...

there is no way to tell just now.

oh, and by the way, your one nighter gives you unlimited express for both 9th and 10th september (both check in and check out days) so you may consider a 2 days park to park ticket, as you can check in early (not get the room, but get your room key and express)

Thanks!

TBH I hadn't thought about the opening of phase 2 of WWoHP, so that is something I will be keeping an eye on. Might have to also add the Universal Touring Plans as well (already have Touring Plans for Disney).

I have the 2 park bonus tickets purchased, but think it is a better idea for us to have 1 night at Universal seeing this is our first time in Orlando and will be trying to gain some bearings!

 

[chmurf]

I have the 2 park bonus tickets purchased, but think it is a better idea for us to have 1 night at Universal seeing this is our first time in Orlando and will be trying to gain some bearings!

if you have that ticket, then make sure you enjoy both days of unlimited express.
One night at RPR is expensive if it's only to go to the parks for one day with express
but if you use the 2 days you're entitled to (by staying onsite one night) you will spend £134 / 2 = £67 per park day with express, instead of spending £70 (for CBB) without express.

that's one way to see it,and that way RPR doesn't sound so expensive anymore

 

[disneyholic family]

for my family, the only reason to stay on universal property is for front of the line privileges and to get into the harry potter area early.

we were there during a medium season and the line to the harry potter area was beyond ridiculous.

after that first hour, the line was even crazier.

i looked at the people in the regular line and thought they must be insane waiting in a line like that (in the hot florida sun - which is still hot in september)

 

[LiquidSunshine]

if you have that ticket, then make sure you enjoy both days of unlimited express.
One night at RPR is expensive if it's only to go to the parks for one day with express
but if you use the 2 days you're entitled to (by staying onsite one night) you will spend £134 / 2 = £67 per park day with express, instead of spending £70 (for CBB) without express.

that's one way to see it,and that way RPR doesn't sound so expensive anymore

Excellent way of looking at the costs! Thanks

Was planning to make our way on the Tuesday from WDW to US, check-in early to get access to the express and make our way into the park. Then the following morning make use of the early access to WWoHP.

Thanks for your replies.

 

[flortlebap]

We are staying at HRH on 9 September for FOTL

Crowd calendars are saying low crowds, but I'm not convinced! Kind of wish we had tagged on two nights so we could get two days of easy parks touring, but never mind.

I suppose base crowds will always be low given the time of year, but I'm still expecting it to feel more crowded with the new expansion. On that basis I would be looking to keep the FOTL access but that's just me

 

[LiquidSunshine]

We are staying at HRH on 9 September for FOTL

Crowd calendars are saying low crowds, but I'm not convinced! Kind of wish we had tagged on two nights so we could get two days of easy parks touring, but never mind.

I suppose base crowds will always be low given the time of year, but I'm still expecting it to feel more crowded with the new expansion. On that basis I would be looking to keep the FOTL access but that's just me

With WWoHP expansion you would expect more crowds. I picked mid-week thinking it might be slightly quieter than at the weekend.

I had thought about 2 nights, as I am still trying to work out the logistics of how to use the 2 days of express!

In other words, I am trying to decide when the best time to use the early access to WWoHP is (WWoHP is my main reason for visiting Universal ).

I had read another thread were someone was checking into the hotel at 5.30am to then make use of WWoHP early access! TBH, I don't think I could cope with that kind of early start!

 

[Ciorsdah]

We have one night booked at Portofino Bay in July - our plan is to fully make use of the express pass and the early entry on both days. We are a group of 4 adults and just booked the 1 room at club level using my AP discount. Think the room came in at around £55 per prison which is cheaper than buying 2 days express pass at the park.

I'd stick with the hotel you've booked already as it's likely to be a bit busier this year thanks to the Potter Expansion.

 

[chmurf]

I had read another thread were someone was checking into the hotel at 5.30am to then make use of WWoHP early access! TBH, I don't think I could cope with that kind of early start!

if the park opens at 9am, be at the hotel at 7am, check in, print express passes, then head for the parks (boat or walk)
you should be at the gates shotrly before 8 and walk right in for early entry (you'll need your room key for the citywalk checkpoint, and your tickets for entry in the park, then you'll only need the express card for the rest of the day)

if you have a phone that works over there, universal can text you your room number.
you can leave your luggage with bell services while you're at the parks.

 

[LiquidSunshine]

if the park opens at 9am, be at the hotel at 7am, check in, print express passes, then head for the parks (boat or walk)
you should be at the gates shotrly before 8 and walk right in for early entry (you'll need your room key for the citywalk checkpoint, and your tickets for entry in the park, then you'll only need the express card for the rest of the day)

if you have a phone that works over there, universal can text you your room number.
you can leave your luggage with bell services while you're at the parks.

Will be setting the alarm for a seriously early start then!

OK. I am assuming at check-in they can provide the room key and advise of the room number later. Will be taking my smartphone with me and will be checking services, costs etc with Orange/EE nearer the time.

Another question r.e. travelling from WDW to Universal. Was looking at Mears taxi service and they are quoting a price of $35.10 from POFQ to RPR. Is this the best way to travel over. We were originally going to hire a car, but now that we are staying the night on-sight we weren't going to bother TBH.

 

[chmurf]

We were originally going to hire a car, but now that we are staying the night on-sight we weren't going to bother TBH.

especially since universal will charge $18 per night for parking at their hotels ... yes ...

Depends on how many there are in your party

you could get shared Mears shuttle for $19 per person return, but you need to call them from the parks to pick you up or something like that.

but I would still advise to take the cab.
if you wake up early, the last thing you want to do is spend 30 more minutes on the bus to pick up guests at other hotels before heading for universal ... and be dropped off who knows where, possibily with a long walk (or universal shuttle) to the hotel

 

[crabbie1]

Really useful thread chmurf. I am debating booking 2 nights but now I have seen that we could book in around 7am I will save my pennies and do that. On check out morning will the hotel keep our overnight bags till we have been to the park? Dont fancy carrying them around the park.

 

[LiquidSunshine]

especially since universal will charge $18 per night for parking at their hotels ... yes ...

Depends on how many there are in your party

you could get shared Mears shuttle for $19 per person return, but you need to call them from the parks to pick you up or something like that.

but I would still advise to take the cab.
if you wake up early, the last thing you want to do is spend 30 more minutes on the bus to pick up guests at other hotels before heading for universal ... and be dropped off who knows where, possibily with a long walk (or universal shuttle) to the hotel

Yes, I am thinking the cab is the best option, booking for around 6.30am.

Really useful thread chmurf. I am debating booking 2 nights but now I have seen that we could book in around 7am I will save my pennies and do that. On check out morning will the hotel keep our overnight bags till we have been to the park? Dont fancy carrying them around the park.

Sorry Chmurf, same question as crabbie1 for you! Will the hotel keep our bags after check out while we go back to the parks?

 

[chmurf]

there is a bell service just like at disney resorts
drop your bags off before heading to the parks. onsite privileges work like at disney's ( as soon as you check in and until midnight on check out day)
you'll probably need to do that on both mornings since your room won't be ready at 7am when you check in
it will only cost you a tip for the bell man

oh and btw, universal rooms don't have a fridge, only a minibar filled with expensive items
plan accordingly (fridges are available for a fee)

final piece of advice. pack very light for your park days
many attractions will require you to store any bags and loose items into a locker (you can't take bags on some rides)
lockers are free for a time period based on the current standby wait time, so those with express should be safe but if you plan on riding several times in a row think of retrieving your stored item and storing them back to get a fresh free period or else you'll be charged ( and discover that all your dough is inside the locker )

 

[LiquidSunshine]

there is a bell service just like at disney resorts
drop your bags off before heading to the parks. onsite privileges work like at disney's ( as soon as you check in and until midnight on check out day)
you'll probably need to do that on both mornings since your room won't be ready at 7am when you check in
it will only cost you a tip for the bell man

oh and btw, universal rooms don't have a fridge, only a minibar filled with expensive items
plan accordingly (fridges are available for a fee)

final piece of advice. pack very light for your park days
many attractions will require you to store any bags and loose items into a locker (you can't take bags on some rides)
lockers are free for a time period based on the current standby wait time, so those with express should be safe but if you plan on riding several times in a row think of retrieving your stored item and storing them back to get a fresh free period or else you'll be charged ( and discover that all your dough is inside the locker )

Thanks chmurf! You're a star!