When to visit/crowd calendar? Help a newbie :)

[smileymomof3]

I'm planning a day at IOA to see WWoHP out of our 9-day Disney trip. My choices to visit IOA are a Sunday 12/9, Thursday 12/13 or Saturday 12/15. I'm going to guess (assume) that the Saturday choice would probably have the largest crowds (?). What day would be my best option for lowest crowds? Is there a site I can look at? Also, are the crowds bad that time of year? I have read a lot about how crowded WWoHP is!!! We are going primarily for my DS9 who is a HUGE Potter fan (myself, DH, DD7 and DS4 also going!) thanks for any advice!!

 

[smileymomof3]

I should also mention that I would like to visit on Sunday 12/9 because our free dining at Disney wont have started yet so visiting IOA then would make the most sense. However, I also want to visit when the crowds at WWoHP would be lowest. Thanks!

 

[yaytezIOA]

While it's not a guarantee, the crowds should be lowest on that Sunday....I used the Express Pass calendar to make that decision. Express Pass is the front of the line option at Universal. The more expensive it is, generally the busier Universal expects it to be. It's not always the case, but it's a good tool.

https://www.universalorlando.com/Ticket-Store/PurchaseTickets.aspx?ExpressPlus

Now...I know you're a huge fan of Harry Potter and all....so listen carefully. Get to the park before opening. If it's going to be open at 9, be there at 8:30....I know you probably want to sleep in...but don't. Harry Potter is the main draw and will be busiest.

I also very strongly suggest you see the rest of the park...it's an amazing park that most people overlook because they're so in love with potter. Dr. Seuss, Marvel and Jurassic Park are my favorite areas of any theme park I've been to in the world.

Also, if you get there early...perhaps buy the express....get the two park ticket and run to Universal studios. It has great great great stuff to do, and is tons of fun.

But wait...there's one more thing. Check out the FAQ guides on this site, and cruise around the internet for park guides at other sites. There is great information out there...much of it free.

 

[redheadedmermaid73]

Having worked at UO I can tell you that the beginning of December is pretty slow. Like pp said, get there early and go straight to WWoHP. I would hold off on buying the express pass until after you get there and judge the crowds. You cannot use it on The Forbidden Journey ride which is inside the castle.

 

[smileymomof3]

Thanks for the replies!! I'm glad to hear that Sunday may be the best day. We are planning on arriving super early (kids are up early anyway!) so we can head right to WWoHP!! Can't wait!!

 

[macraven]

early december is a great time to go to UO.
low crowds in the parks and holiday decorations should be out.

i agree with doing the parks on sunday.

one of the better days of the week to go.

 

[smileymomof3]

Thanks everyone! We aren't going to tell the kids about going to HP! I can't wait to see their faces and excitement!

Follow up question...do you recommended the Mears transportation or just taking a cab to/from US from WDW? My onxern is being able to leave when we're ready and not having to wait for Mears. Is a can more flexible with departure time or is Mears flexible as well? Just curious as DS 4 may get tired in the afternoon. Thanks!!

 

[smileymomof3]

early december is a great time to go to UO.
low crowds in the parks and holiday decorations should be out.

i agree with doing the parks on sunday.

one of the better days of the week to go.

Thanks. I'm glad to hear Sunday is the best day. That is the day I preferred to go!