Universal with grandmas

[kassonvike]

Going to universal for first time in 20 years. 2 adults, 5 year old, 7 year old, and two grandmas. If we want to do it all at a leisurely pace I'm thinking 3 day park to park passes (buy 2 day, 3rd free)

We are going 1st week of September so was thinking no express options. They shouldn't be necessary in September?

 

[2Gma]

We went May 7-13th and crowds were considered "low" and express pass was NOT needed. We got there early at rope drop and rode the most popular rides first. I'm assuming Sept crowds will be similar to May except if they have special events. I kept reading don't buy express pass ahead of time, wait until you see what crowds are like. If you have 3 days in the parks that will give you plenty of time to see almost everything with your group (we had kids who just turned 6 & 8). Not sure how adventurous the Grandma's are but they should be able to do everything that the kids can ride plus they can wait with kids if you had and spouse what to do Rip Rocket or Hulk, etc.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

We had 4 day passes when we went with grandma several years ago - it worked great. We skipped the big rides except FJ, and got to see and do everything we wanted to do in 2 shorter days (out by dinner) and 2 evenings (2 hrs ea). There's more stuff to do now, and I am coming back with dh and older boys in 3 days (!!!), so we got the 3 park passes that are good for 14 days. We won't be there that long, but the price was right and we can go every day of our vacation.

 

[bumbershoot]

I always wonder the age of the grandmas. I picture mine, but the truth is, grandmas can be pretty darned young. If I'd started young and any kids I had had started young, I could be a grandma. Instead, I have an 11 year old and still hope for more. (while my friends are waiting for their kids to start the babies)

 

[dedex13]

I always wonder the age of the grandmas. I picture mine, but the truth is, grandmas can be pretty darned young. If I'd started young and any kids I had had started young, I could be a grandma. Instead, I have an 11 year old and still hope for more. (while my friends are waiting for their kids to start the babies)

I was wondering the same thing since I recently went with my daughters and granddaughter and rode everything! Child swap is awesome, btw. Admittedly my granddaughter was only 6 months old at the time...

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

We just went with Grandma (my mom, 73 years old) and she just wanted to stay at the resort and enjoy it. Since you asked about express passes, I am assuming you are not staying on site, so your experience may be a little different. Are you sure the grandmas want to spend three full days in the parks, or might they enjoy a resort day or two?


My husband, two DDs (8 and 2) and I had 3 day passes, we only spent about 8 or 9 hours a day in the parks (took breaks in the daytime), and we were absolutely exhausted at the end of each day. I don't feel that we went at a leisurely pace, either. We moved quickly and still did not do everything (although we did repeat several rides).

I imagine you'll be fine without express passes in September. We really only needed them for about 5 or 6 rides at the end of May (but they sure were nice to have for those rides).

As a previous poster mentioned, the child swap is very well done. I couldn't imagine it being easier or more efficient.

Be sure to spend some nice time in Camp Jurassic. It was our family's favorite place in the park. It is especially nice in the early morning and late evening when it is less crowded. The atmosphere and theming are fantastic.

 

[kassonvike]

I always wonder the age of the grandmas. I picture mine, but the truth is, grandmas can be pretty darned young. If I'd started young and any kids I had had started young, I could be a grandma. Instead, I have an 11 year old and still hope for more. (while my friends are waiting for their kids to start the babies)

Good point. 65 and 70

 

[kassonvike]

We just went with Grandma (my mom, 73 years old) and she just wanted to stay at the resort and enjoy it. Since you asked about express passes, I am assuming you are not staying on site, so your experience may be a little different. Are you sure the grandmas want to spend three full days in the parks, or might they enjoy a resort day or two?


My husband, two DDs (8 and 2) and I had 3 day passes, we only spent about 8 or 9 hours a day in the parks (took breaks in the daytime), and we were absolutely exhausted at the end of each day. I don't feel that we went at a leisurely pace, either. We moved quickly and still did not do everything (although we did repeat several rides).

I imagine you'll be fine without express passes in September. We really only needed them for about 5 or 6 rides at the end of May (but they sure were nice to have for those rides).

As a previous poster mentioned, the child swap is very well done. I couldn't imagine it being easier or more efficient.

Be sure to spend some nice time in Camp Jurassic. It was our family's favorite place in the park. It is especially nice in the early morning and late evening when it is less crowded. The atmosphere and theming are fantastic.

We will be staying at Saratoga Springs tree house Villa for 8 nights. 3 days universal, 1 day Sea World, the rest resort days. If we get a wild hair we may go to one of the Disney waterparks one day and I'm sure we'll check out downtown Disney a time or two.

We bought into DVC a few years ago but are ready to try a non Disney park trip.

 

[macraven]

crowds will be similar like at the motherland.
once the labor day weekend is over, crowds will not be an issue.
crowds will start up again end of september.

it can very well turn out that you will be fine with not having the long waits for rides and shows.

i know 65 yo grandmas that don't get worn out in park touring.
maybe yours will be like that and out walk you during the day......

now if you can get grandma to do the RRR ride, take a picture of that and share it with us!

 

[schumigirl]

i know 65 yo grandmas that don't get worn out in park touring.
maybe yours will be like that and out walk you during the day......

That's true.......my mother out walked me in NYC last year........couldn't wear her out and she's 80!

Kassonvike.......hope you all have a blast

 

[CyndiLooWho]

I always wonder the age of the grandmas. I picture mine, but the truth is, grandmas can be pretty darned young. If I'd started young and any kids I had had started young, I could be a grandma. Instead, I have an 11 year old and still hope for more. (while my friends are waiting for their kids to start the babies)

Gma was 66, mom (me) was 45, boys were 11 and 13. Mom and Dad are now 69 and travel in the States and overseas at least 5-7x per year. It's barely June and they've been to St Thomas, Colorado, Washington State, and Canada so far this year. Europe and a repositioning cruise are on the scheduled for later this year. I want to be that active when I grow up!

 

[Kivara]

My grandmother goes with us every time, she rides everything except the "big 4" (Dr Doom, Hulk, Dragon Challenge, and RRR) and she's 83!

Last time, she rode the Mummy 4 times with us.

 

[keishashadow]

Going to universal for first time in 20 years. 2 adults, 5 year old, 7 year old, and two grandmas. If we want to do it all at a leisurely pace I'm thinking 3 day park to park passes (buy 2 day, 3rd free)

We are going 1st week of September so was thinking no express options. They shouldn't be necessary in September?

Good point. 65 and 70

I'd be more concerned about the kids 'pooping out' before the Grandmas.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

Going to universal for first time in 20 years. 2 adults, 5 year old, 7 year old, and two grandmas. If we want to do it all at a leisurely pace I'm thinking 3 day park to park passes (buy 2 day, 3rd free)

We are going 1st week of September so was thinking no express options. They shouldn't be necessary in September?

September shouldn't be that crowded as kids are back in school. I think 3 days is enough.