US and IoA - Crowd questions

[Fantasmic303]

I'm hoping some Universal experts can help me out with scheduling...

We're going to be in Orlando for the last week of October (the 26th to November 2), and, while most of our time will be in Disney and a stop at Discovery Cove, we also plan to visit US and IOA. I'm trying to plan according to the current hours, but I'm not sure what crowd patterns are like, so here are a few of my concerns - please, if you can, address any that you think have an effect on attendance. Thank you!!

* Halloween Horror Nights - will this make either of the parks more crowded during the day? I've heard that, for example, the Magic Kingdom is crazy on days where there are hard ticket events after park closing - is the same true for IOA?


* Does day of the week have any effect? If so, what is (in general) the best day to visit? (By the way, we're planning on Universal early in the week, closing off with Disney.)


*Is attendance significantly higher in a park on a day with "extended" hours? IOA is open until 7:00 only one day during our trip, and I'm wondering if the extra half hour is worth it. I've experienced Disney on days with early entry or slightly extended closing, and it seems to make the crowds worse. The waiting in lines negates any "extra" time.


Please share any insight you have - thanks!!

 

[MrsMud]

Just bumping this up for you. Surely someone can help?

 

[the Dark Marauder]

No, HHN generally does not make for a busier park Day. On Saturdays, the parks are naturally busier, but in October/November, parks are still quiet overall.

7pm closing at IOA simply means no HHN that day. I wouldn't expect heavy crowds or long lines.

Day of the Week Effect works. Friday/Saturday/Sunday are naturally the busiest. The other days aren't as busy, generally speaking.