Want to go to universal...cannot afford express pass. Ideas?

[mmmhf]

So...DH, DD (7), DS (6), and I are heading to Disney June 2-12. We loved US/IOA when we went in 2010 and really want to go back. Problem is, we just DO NOT want to buy express pass and we do not want to get the hotel room for one night as we would probably hit universal up on three separate days, using the ticket special they are offering for June. How manageable will IOA and US be during this time. I am afraid it would kill us to go and not use express pass but I just do not want to spend that kind of money since we are already spending so much for Disney. Has anyone ever went during this time without express pass and did you find it manageable? Did you use a specific touring plan? I would love any suggestions. If the express pass is a "must" we are just going to skip US/IOA this time and go in 2014 when we go for our extended family Christmas trip. TIA!

 

[macraven]

the earlier you go in june, the lesser the crowds.
that first week you are there, aim for tu, we, th for the darkside parks.
you should be fine.


i would avoid going on the weekends if the weather is great.
more locals tend to go weekends.


some schools do not let out for the year until the end of the first week of june.
some the second week.
just depends on their school districts.

you can check the Ex Pass prices for the dates of your trip.
if they are $45, that will be an indication of moderate crowds.
if they are lower, then UO is not expecting larger crowds.

prices for the ep's increase when UO expects more to be in the parks.


be in line for entrance to the parks at least 35 minutes prior to park opening.
this will help.

use the single rider lines when possible whenever the regular line waits are long.

i have been during early june and it is very doable.
once you hit the end of june, the summer crowds are out in force.

 

[Bluer101]

Anything is manageable if you have patients. I see you are down for 10 days. Have you thought of a split stay? Stay at Disney first and finish the trip onsite 2 nights best if both worlds.

 

[Metro West]

the earlier you go in june, the lesser the crowds.
that first week you are there, aim for tu, we, th for the darkside parks.
you should be fine.

Agreed...early June should be no problem at all.

 

[damo]

Be at the gates expecting to be let in 15 minutes early. Go directly to the major rides that you want to ride. Do all the shows and minor rides after those are out of the way. There will be some waits but if you don't leave the headliners for the middle of the day, you should be fine.

Make sure you plan ahead, so you know what rides you want to hit first. Rides like Despicable Me and Pteranadon Flyers get long lines quickly.