US & IOA - 1 Day 2 Parks with Express for 1st week of March?

[nichanda]

We will be in Orlando the first week of March, staying in the Disney area. Myself & DH, no children.

We were thinking of getting the 2 day/2 park tickets for US & IOA. However, our time will be very limited to try and fit everything in that we want to fit in. We plan on getting there for park opening and staying until closing.

Do you think that it is possible to see most of the two parks if we purchase the 1 day/2 parks with Express Pass? Are crowds generally low the very first week of March, or are they crazy all of March? I've checked the Under Cover Tourist website, and it hasn't helped me decide yet.

We really aren't show people, mainly ride people. We MAY take in one show, but I wouldn't think we'd take in any more than that if any. We plan on eating counter serve meals this day, not full serve sit down meals, if that makes a difference(?).

I don't want to be miserable rushing through the place, so if this were say July, I would just take two days. However, if it's doable, I'd like to fit it into one day. Not knowing much about March crowds makes me uncertain. If we could save the extra expense (of transportation to the park) it would be a huge bonus, given we penny pinched to even go on this vacation.

 

[Metro West]

If you're visiting during Spring Break time, the parks will be jammed. If you're coming at a slower period, you shouldn't have any problems doing most of the attractions at both parks...but not all. Express Plus passes will be handy but I would wait until you arrive and see what the lines are like before buying.

 

[3sweetpeas]

We were there the first week of March last year. I would say it was busy but not insane. There's a week or 2 between Presidents week and official Spring break which is supposed to start the next week when it is not as bad. Last year Mardi Gras fell during our time there and those days were busy because many schools let out for Mardi Gras. That's not the case this year so I'm hoping it won't be bad. Disney isn't that bad. Universal last year wasn't bad at all. IOA was crowded at Harry Potter only...that was insane. We had express passes but it didn't matter for Harry Potter. You must go early.

We have done both in one day and it is possible especially if you aren't stopping to see shows. You aren't dragging kids along and if you are that tight on time, I don't think you'll regret it. In that scenario though and knowing you like rides, I would suggest the express pass or stay on sight for early HP admission and FOTL access.

 

[macraven]

if you buy the 2 park, 1 day tickets and decide you need more time in the parks, go to guest services and add another day to those passes.

it is cheaper than buying another ticket out right.

and, if you decide you have seen all you came to see, your original ticket purchase is all you need.


i know you said you are not 'show people', but consider taking in horror make up show at the studios.
it is fun!

 

[nichanda]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far.

We were thinking of going on Friday March 2nd, or maybe even Monday March 5th (avoiding Sat & Sunday). Thursday March 1 is an option too. However this will be our very first day down there, and were planning on a Disney day that day.

I would like to get US/IOA and Magic Kingdom done first, as they are the two that have the most attractions that we will want to see. The crowd predictions seem to be lowest for the very beginning of the month ( March 1,2,3 & 4th). The other Disney parks only have a few "must do" attractions for us. The rest would be a bonus.

So you can add a day onto your ticket when you are there? I had no idea. How do you do that? Is it much cheaper than buying another day separate?

Staying on site of US isn't an option for us as we are staying where family is booked too. However, I will probably do that next time, as the perks seem great!

 

[macraven]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far.

We were thinking of going on Friday March 2nd, or maybe even Monday March 5th (avoiding Sat & Sunday). Thursday March 1 is an option too. However this will be our very first day down there, and were planning on a Disney day that day.

I would like to get US/IOA and Magic Kingdom done first, as they are the two that have the most attractions that we will want to see. The crowd predictions seem to be lowest for the very beginning of the month ( March 1,2,3 & 4th). The other Disney parks only have a few "must do" attractions for us. The rest would be a bonus.

So you can add a day onto your ticket when you are there? I had no idea. How do you do that? Is it much cheaper than buying another day separate?

Staying on site of US isn't an option for us as we are staying where family is booked too. However, I will probably do that next time, as the perks seem great!

i mentioned how to do it in the post above yours.
it is cheaper to add a day to your original ticket.

universal sells one day tickets and multi day tickets.
you pay the difference of what you originally paid on the one day tickets..

you will pay what the 2 day ticket is minus what you paid for the one day ticket.

if you have hoppers for the one day ticket, you can have hoppers on the add on ticket.

your pack ticket will be scanned at guest services in order to determine your cost for the second day ticket to be added.
ticket prices can be found on the universal website.
www.universalorlando.com

you can do this in the park after you are there.
you do not have to do this before you enter the park.

but, you have to do the ticket add on before you leave the park that day.

 

[3sweetpeas]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far.

We were thinking of going on Friday March 2nd, or maybe even Monday March 5th (avoiding Sat & Sunday). Thursday March 1 is an option too. However this will be our very first day down there, and were planning on a Disney day that day.

How funny! Friday, March 2nd is exactly one the days we are planning to be there! Now I'm worried about being there on a Fri, Sat, or Sunday.

Macraven, I've asked but I'm not getting much response....Saturday the 3rd is a Mardi Gras day and I think we'd love to see it but is it insane on those days? I don't think we can stay on site this time and may not have express passes. My kids are 11, 12, and 14. Is it worth it to suffer the crowds or stick to a quieter day? We didn't go last year and I keep wondering about it.

When do they come out with the concert schedule. Seems like it should be out by now?

 

[nichanda]

i mentioned how to do it in the post above yours.
it is cheaper to add a day to your original ticket.

universal sells one day tickets and multi day tickets.
you pay the difference of what you originally paid on the one day tickets..

you will pay what the 2 day ticket is minus what you paid for the one day ticket.

if you have hoppers for the one day ticket, you can have hoppers on the add on ticket.

your pack ticket will be scanned at guest services in order to determine your cost for the second day ticket to be added.
ticket prices can be found on the universal website.
www.universalorlando.com

you can do this in the park after you are there.
you do not have to do this before you enter the park.

but, you have to do the ticket add on before you leave the park that day.

I love this idea. I think this is what we will do. By that time we will know how we are progressing through the parks. Thanks so much for the tip!

 

[macraven]

I love this idea. I think this is what we will do. By that time we will know how we are progressing through the parks. Thanks so much for the tip!

if you are not sure how long you want to be in the UO parks, this is the safest, and cheapest way to go with the tickets.

you know you are buying a one day hopper/meaning 2 park, so that you will purchase.

no sense buying a 2 day 2 park hopper if you run out of things you want to do.

the ticket you purchase for the one day can be upgraded at the guest services.
but, do the upgrade a couple of hours before the park closes on the day you are there.

sometimes there are long lines at guest services in that hour before the park closes.

 

[macraven]

How funny! Friday, March 2nd is exactly one the days we are planning to be there! Now I'm worried about being there on a Fri, Sat, or Sunday.

Macraven, I've asked but I'm not getting much response....Saturday the 3rd is a Mardi Gras day and I think we'd love to see it but is it insane on those days? I don't think we can stay on site this time and may not have express passes. My kids are 11, 12, and 14. Is it worth it to suffer the crowds or stick to a quieter day? We didn't go last year and I keep wondering about it.

When do they come out with the concert schedule. Seems like it should be out by now?

i received my ap newsletter and not much listed in it for the line up for concerts.

on the UO website, it does state that kelly clarkson is signed to preform on feb 18th.

dates for concerts:

Saturdays and select nights from February 11th – April 14th, catch one of fourteen live concerts by some of the biggest names in music, our most spectacular parade ever, colorful street performers, authentic Cajun food*, beads by the handful and more.

Party in the streets as the sounds of The Big Easy fill the air at Universal Studios®. It's beads, bands and good times for everyone - only at Universal Studios Mardi Gras.

Saturdays: 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14
Sunday: 2/19
Fridays: 3/16, 3/23, 3/30

i'll call a friend and see if they have any info on who is scheduled for your date.
the website says 14 live concerts, line up to be posted soon.

 

[Metro West]

When do they come out with the concert schedule. Seems like it should be out by now?

It's not out until January as they have to wait for the artist's schedules to be available and then book the dates. It's not done this far out.

 

[3sweetpeas]

i received my ap newsletter and not much listed in it for the line up for concerts.

on the UO website, it does state that kelly clarkson is signed to preform on feb 18th.

dates for concerts:

Saturdays and select nights from February 11th – April 14th, catch one of fourteen live concerts by some of the biggest names in music, our most spectacular parade ever, colorful street performers, authentic Cajun food*, beads by the handful and more.

Party in the streets as the sounds of The Big Easy fill the air at Universal Studios®. It's beads, bands and good times for everyone - only at Universal Studios Mardi Gras.

Saturdays: 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7, 4/14
Sunday: 2/19
Fridays: 3/16, 3/23, 3/30

i'll call a friend and see if they have any info on who is scheduled for your date.
the website says 14 live concerts, line up to be posted soon.

Thank you so much Macraven. Are the crowds during the day on Mardi Gras days crazy busy? Is it worth the crowd? I would love some opinions please!

 

[macraven]

i have only done it once some years back.

i am assuming that whenever you have a concert at the studios on a saturday, that alone will bring in crowds.
especially if it is a big name group.


all it costs to see the concert is to have a park ticket.
the costs of concerts these days are really expensive.

 

[3sweetpeas]

It's not out until January as they have to wait for the artist's schedules to be available and then book the dates. It's not done this far out.

Thanks! The nerve of them not having this available for us planning nuts!

 

[macraven]

someone usually will create a thread to announce the bands that will be at mardi gras.

it should be put on the UO website when it becomes available.