What to expect... help!

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

So I have been to the Universal Resort back in 2011, but it was during a slow time. This year my husband and I are going on a family cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, because of where we live it is cheaper to fly to Orlando, so since he has never been to Universal I came up with this "brilliant plan" for us to go while down there. So for you Universal Junkies out there let me know your thoughts and recommendations.

HOTEL: Comfort Inn and Suites w/car rental

Dec. 19th - Dec 21st (2 nights)
3-Day park-to-park Unlimited Express pass add-on
(we added this feature because of how busy the second part of trip will be and I could not stay on-site the second half with a one night stay)

On the 19th we will arrive at 11:30pm, pick-up car head to hotel. Next day we will use our early entry for Harry Potter, do Olivandar's then Journey.... After this should we then hop to US to ride Transformers and Despicable me or just stay in IoA? Possible going to Blue Man group that Friday night. We will leave early on the 21st to drive to Fort Lauderdale for the cruise

Dec. 28th - Dec 29th (1 night)
3-Day park-to-park Unlimited Express Pass add-on

We will dock at 7:30am get off boat ASAP, car rental opens at 9am. Get car drive to Comfort Inn, drop off Luggage head to parks. Since we will not arrive at parks will late, which park should we do? During peak season how late do parks stay open? Might play mini-golf that night. Not sure how to proceed. On the 29th our flight leaves at 6:25pm, so we will get up early to have access to Transformers and Despicable me, leave Universal at 3:30ish to drive to airport.

 

[macraven]

you are correct.
dec 28th will be very busy.
use the single rider lines when you can that day.

for the 29th, do get to the parks as early as you can.
try for the studios that day.

express passes on the 28th & 29th are $79.99 each day.
for ioa, they are $109.99

 

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

you are correct.
dec 28th will be very busy.
use the single rider lines when you can that day.

for the 29th, do get to the parks as early as you can.
try for the studios that day.

express passes on the 28th & 29th are $79.99 each day.
for ioa, they are $109.99

The express passes are already good to go

My biggest concern is which park to do what day? When should we hop? Anyone know what the hours were last year?

 

[macraven]

there are headliner rides in both parks.
go to www.universalorlando.com and read up on the rides.

make a plan on the rides you must do and the rides you want to fit in.

you have park to park passes.

switch to the other park later in the day to hit rides that are on your list.
you have a few days for this first portion at the darkside, so you can be flexible.


with the vip pass, your waits won't be long.

include a few shows during your day.
horror make up show is a real hoot.......!



on the day you return from the cruise (28th), you will have a good idea of what rides/shows you want to repeat.

make sure you check with a TM before you leave a park on that date.
if the other park is closed due to capacity, you wouldn't be let in until some leave that park.

the crowds after christmas aren't just the lines to get on a ride but the walking to get around in the park.

 

[macraven]

go to the operating hours calendar.
go backwards on the months to dec 2012.

you can find last year's dates for the parks.