USF park opening time and HRRR tips?

[ScottwPA]

We are planning on visiting USF on 1/16, which is the Saturday of MLK weekend. We are staying onsite so not worried about lines except of course for HRRR. The plan is to hit this new coaster as soon as the park opens on Saturday morning (with the hope that it will actually be running at opening!).

I was wondering what time USF usually opens their gates in the morning. For example, although 9 AM is the posted opening time, do they open at 8:30 AM where you could at least queue up for HRRR? Any strategies to get on this thing and move on with the day are appreciated.... thanks!

 

[Metro West]

I was wondering what time USF usually opens their gates in the morning. For example, although 9 AM is the posted opening time, do they open at 8:30 AM where you could at least queue up for HRRR? Any strategies to get on this thing and move on with the day are appreciated.... thanks!

I believe 8:45 is the earliest the gates might open but it depends on the crowd level for that day. Since the Express Plus passes are at their cheapest rate for that weekend, don't hold your breath on the gates opening early but...you never know.

 

[ps17]

Someting we learned just this past trip over the Holidays: USF has a seperate entrance for resort guests that (sometimes) allow you into the park sooner than other guests. This entrance is hidden and to get there, you have to go around the little building (to the right as you face the main gates).

To get there just go around the building to the right of the turnstiles and you will see it. If you get to the park aound 8:30 or 8:45, you can enter early. The ride itself may not start until 9 but you get a jump on things.

 

[mikipe2]

^^^^^^

Has anyone else had any experience with the previous poster's secret entrance?

I haven't heard about that one yet, although it's probably unlikely to be open when I staying (early Feb, low season).

 

[Metro West]

Has anyone else had any experience with the previous poster's secret entrance?

This is the entrance that's used for a lot of the Passholder events that occur before or after park hours. That entrance was used for the Passholder Preview of The Simpsons and sometimes for HHN cocktail parties.