Visiting in October - will I need Express Pass/Early Entry?

[zack123]

I will be visiting US/IOA for the first time October 1-3. Can someone tell me what the wait times are like this time of year, and if it is worth the extra cost to buy an Express Pass and/or book a hotel through Universal for early entry?

I am mostly going to see the Harry Potter stuff. I know Express Pass can't be used on several of those things, but wondered if it would be necessary to have early entry into IOA to see them, particularly Ollivanders, or if the regular lines would be manageable. I plan to use single rider lines when they are available.

Last year we went to Busch Gardens the same time of year, and they kept trying to sell the fast passes, but we didn't need them - we walked onto every ride but one, which had a 5 minute wait. I assume the Universal parks are busier, but wasn't sure how much or what the wait times would be like.

The Doubletree hotel has cheaper rates if you book through Hilton than if you book through Universal, but I would pay extra to have early entry or stay on site if the lines are going to be insane.

Or if you have any other suggestions of good off-site hotels, that would also be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Metro West]

The wait times in October aren't usually too bad but since you're going on a weekend, early entry for HP might not be a bad thing. You won't need to purchase the EP for the rest of the park. Still...if you get there before opening and join the queue, you should be able to get in w/o much worry. If you are going to the Studios, remember that is the first full weekend of Halloween Horror Nights and the park will close early at 5pm on 10/1 and 10/2. If you aren't going to the Studios, don't worry about it.

 

[zack123]

Thanks, that is very helpful. I might try it early Saturday morning, and if the lines are too long that day, I can try again on Monday. I assume Mondays when school is in session are not very busy days. I will have three full days (arriving Friday evening and leaving Tuesday morning), so I plan to visit both parks and try to see as much as possible.

The cheapest price I could find for the onsite hotels was $219/night, unless I buy an annual pass. I can stay at the Doubletree for $129/night (approx) booking through Universal or $90-100/night booking through Hilton. If the park isn't too busy, I'd rather save the money and use it for something else. Other than the Express access and early entry, the other advantages of being onsite weren't too exciting to me.

What is the atmosphere like during Halloween Horror Night? I thought about checking that out, but not too sure if I'd enjoy it or not. Is there any sort of "story" or theme to it? Or is it just a bunch of random things? Do employees try to scare you while you are just walking around the park, or is it mainly limited to the attractions?

 

[Metro West]

Thanks, that is very helpful. I might try it early Saturday morning, and if the lines are too long that day, I can try again on Monday. I assume Mondays when school is in session are not very busy days. I will have three full days (arriving Friday evening and leaving Tuesday morning), so I plan to visit both parks and try to see as much as possible.

The cheapest price I could find for the onsite hotels was $219/night, unless I buy an annual pass. I can stay at the Doubletree for $129/night (approx) booking through Universal or $90-100/night booking through Hilton. If the park isn't too busy, I'd rather save the money and use it for something else. Other than the Express access and early entry, the other advantages of being onsite weren't too exciting to me.

What is the atmosphere like during Halloween Horror Night? I thought about checking that out, but not too sure if I'd enjoy it or not. Is there any sort of "story" or theme to it? Or is it just a bunch of random things? Do employees try to scare you while you are just walking around the park, or is it mainly limited to the attractions?

Mondays shouldn't be too bad so the wait times will be down.

I would stay offsite and save the money for other things.

I really can't describe the atmosphere of HHN to you...it's something you have to experience. You might want to check out www.halloweenhorrornights.com and YouTube for videos. If you don't like people jumping out at you, I would skip it.