Which day would you go? and where should the inlaws take a break?

[lbuzz52]

We are taking my in-laws to Orlando this fall for what will likely be their only Orlando trip. they want to see Disney, and the only request they had was to go to Universal for one day. While i would rather change hotels and go for two days, no one else is biting. So one day, park to park it is. We will have my husband and i, our children (12 & 8) and my inlaws.

the top priority for most of the group is Harry Potter stuff. not sure about the parade or spectacular. realistically it will be HP stuff and a water ride or two at IOA & HP, minions, et, not sure what else yet at US.

The trip is in October, and we can really do any of the week days they are there. the week is 9a-8p at IOA. Mon & Tues are 8a- 7p and Wed-Fri are 8a-5p at US. a couple of sites list mon & tues as moderate crowds and wed-fri as slow crowds. wed-fri are HHN nights. So which day would you recommend? do party nights mean less crowded days like they do at disney? i get more done at magic kingdom on a party day than a non party day with longer hours. would this be the same case at Universal? or am i better off with the longer hours? and what would you think is more likely for early entry- 7a at US or 8a at IOA?

also, the inlaws have already said they plan on leaving throughout the day when they are ready on our Disney days. But since it will take paid transportation to get back to our resort from Universal, it would be nice if we could find some good places for them to spend time if they tire of the park touring before we do. any suggestions?

thank you!

 

[Lynne G]

You don't say which week you are going. If it is the first or second, it's busier, because of many schools close during the weeks before and of Columbus Day. Since the Studios close at 5 on party nights, unlike Disney, the entire park is swept of all guests that aren't staying for HHN. Because you can stay in holding areas inside the Studies to wait for the start of HHN, there is an increase of people heading into the Studios later in the afternoon. Then, those who know HHN will be starting, and don't have a ticket, they head to IOA.

If it were me, I'd pick a non HHN day. Since both parks will be open later, you can manage more down time and take your time. If you are going for Potter, then make sure you get a park to park pass. You cannot ride the fun Potter train between the Potter lands without a park to park ticket.

There are many benches and places to rest in both parks. If they get tired, they can also find places to sit in CityWalk. The can also take a boat ride from CityWalk, and enjoy the lobby of one of the onsite hotels. The Portofino is a lovely Italian style hotel, RPR is like the Poly, a tropical hotel, the Hard Rock is noisy fun, and Sapphire Falls is also a lovely, island inspired hotel.

Take a look at Universal's website and see what interests you. I will say, make sure you wear clothes that can be wet, or bring a change of clothes. The water rides, all in IOA, can get you wet, like shower or swimming pool wet. The horror make up show is a fun, air conditioned show, for the kids, and the pet actor show is also fun, and you sit on benches. Minions gets crowded fast, as it's near the park entry. You may want to consider the express pass, as it can be used on all rides, except the Potter ones, and the dinosaur flyer ride, that only kids and one adult can ride, and that's in IOA. The flyer ride gets crazy lines later in the day. You can buy the express pass before you go, or at many places inside the park. Because it is date and park specific, and because there are no refunds, I'd hold off and see if you need it. While the price may change, I'd still hold off until you are sure you want it. Get a park to park one too, as you want to use it in both parks.

Get there early, for park opening. Like Disney, early tends to be the lower crowd times. While one of the parks will be early entry for the resort guests, early is still the best to start your day. Since IOA is open the later of the two, I'd end in IOA. Nice thing is, the parks are not that far apart, so switching between them is not a far walk.

I'd have lunch at one of the Potter restaurants, then find dinner in CityWalk.

I hope your whole family has a great time that day. I love the October time, the weather is nice. I stay onsite, as I am spoiled by the free express pass and the ability to go back to my room quickly.

 

[keishashadow]

Re inlaws leaving early, where they catch uber/taxi is a relatively long haul of a walk. Parking garage not much further.

If they care to have a cocktail or leisurely lunch, many options both in & out of the parks

US has several sit-down attractions that may appeal to them, many without long waits (makeup show, animal one)

I'd skip HHN nights entirely, crowds tend to build as many stay & scream. I'd avoid Thursday pre thru Monday after Columbus Day if possible.

 

[lbuzz52]

You don't say which week you are going. If it is the first or second, it's busier, because of many schools close during the weeks before and of Columbus Day. Since the Studios close at 5 on party nights, unlike Disney, the entire park is swept of all guests that aren't staying for HHN. Because you can stay in holding areas inside the Studies to wait for the start of HHN, there is an increase of people heading into the Studios later in the afternoon. Then, those who know HHN will be starting, and don't have a ticket, they head to IOA. If it were me, I'd pick a non HHN day. Since both parks will be open later, you can manage more down time and take your time. If you are going for Potter, then make sure you get a park to park pass. You cannot ride the fun Potter train between the Potter lands without a park to park ticket. There are many benches and places to rest in both parks. If they get tired, they can also find places to sit in CityWalk. The can also take a boat ride from CityWalk, and enjoy the lobby of one of the onsite hotels. The Portofino is a lovely Italian style hotel, RPR is like the Poly, a tropical hotel, the Hard Rock is noisy fun, and Sapphire Falls is also a lovely, island inspired hotel. Take a look at Universal's website and see what interests you. I will say, make sure you wear clothes that can be wet, or bring a change of clothes. The water rides, all in IOA, can get you wet, like shower or swimming pool wet. The horror make up show is a fun, air conditioned show, for the kids, and the pet actor show is also fun, and you sit on benches. Minions gets crowded fast, as it's near the park entry. You may want to consider the express pass, as it can be used on all rides, except the Potter ones, and the dinosaur flyer ride, that only kids and one adult can ride, and that's in IOA. The flyer ride gets crazy lines later in the day. You can buy the express pass before you go, or at many places inside the park. Because it is date and park specific, and because there are no refunds, I'd hold off and see if you need it. While the price may change, I'd still hold off until you are sure you want it. Get a park to park one too, as you want to use it in both parks. Get there early, for park opening. Like Disney, early tends to be the lower crowd times. While one of the parks will be early entry for the resort guests, early is still the best to start your day. Since IOA is open the later of the two, I'd end in IOA. Nice thing is, the parks are not that far apart, so switching between them is not a far walk. I'd have lunch at one of the Potter restaurants, then find dinner in CityWalk. I hope your whole family has a great time that day. I love the October time, the weather is nice. I stay onsite, as I am spoiled by the free express pass and the ability to go back to my room quickly.

You don't say which week you are going. If it is the first or second, it's busier, because of many schools close during the weeks before and of Columbus Day. Since the Studios close at 5 on party nights, unlike Disney, the entire park is swept of all guests that aren't staying for HHN. Because you can stay in holding areas inside the Studies to wait for the start of HHN, there is an increase of people heading into the Studios later in the afternoon. Then, those who know HHN will be starting, and don't have a ticket, they head to IOA. If it were me, I'd pick a non HHN day. Since both parks will be open later, you can manage more down time and take your time. If you are going for Potter, then make sure you get a park to park pass. You cannot ride the fun Potter train between the Potter lands without a park to park ticket. There are many benches and places to rest in both parks. If they get tired, they can also find places to sit in CityWalk. The can also take a boat ride from CityWalk, and enjoy the lobby of one of the onsite hotels. The Portofino is a lovely Italian style hotel, RPR is like the Poly, a tropical hotel, the Hard Rock is noisy fun, and Sapphire Falls is also a lovely, island inspired hotel. Take a look at Universal's website and see what interests you. I will say, make sure you wear clothes that can be wet, or bring a change of clothes. The water rides, all in IOA, can get you wet, like shower or swimming pool wet. The horror make up show is a fun, air conditioned show, for the kids, and the pet actor show is also fun, and you sit on benches. Minions gets crowded fast, as it's near the park entry. You may want to consider the express pass, as it can be used on all rides, except the Potter ones, and the dinosaur flyer ride, that only kids and one adult can ride, and that's in IOA. The flyer ride gets crazy lines later in the day. You can buy the express pass before you go, or at many places inside the park. Because it is date and park specific, and because there are no refunds, I'd hold off and see if you need it. While the price may change, I'd still hold off until you are sure you want it. Get a park to park one too, as you want to use it in both parks. Get there early, for park opening. Like Disney, early tends to be the lower crowd times. While one of the parks will be early entry for the resort guests, early is still the best to start your day. Since IOA is open the later of the two, I'd end in IOA. Nice thing is, the parks are not that far apart, so switching between them is not a far walk. I'd have lunch at one of the Potter restaurants, then find dinner in CityWalk. I hope your whole family has a great time that day. I love the October time, the weather is nice. I stay onsite, as I am spoiled by the free express pass and the ability to go back to my room quickly.

You don't say which week you are going. If it is the first or second, it's busier, because of many schools close during the weeks before and of Columbus Day. Since the Studios close at 5 on party nights, unlike Disney, the entire park is swept of all guests that aren't staying for HHN. Because you can stay in holding areas inside the Studies to wait for the start of HHN, there is an increase of people heading into the Studios later in the afternoon. Then, those who know HHN will be starting, and don't have a ticket, they head to IOA. If it were me, I'd pick a non HHN day. Since both parks will be open later, you can manage more down time and take your time. If you are going for Potter, then make sure you get a park to park pass. You cannot ride the fun Potter train between the Potter lands without a park to park ticket. There are many benches and places to rest in both parks. If they get tired, they can also find places to sit in CityWalk. The can also take a boat ride from CityWalk, and enjoy the lobby of one of the onsite hotels. The Portofino is a lovely Italian style hotel, RPR is like the Poly, a tropical hotel, the Hard Rock is noisy fun, and Sapphire Falls is also a lovely, island inspired hotel. Take a look at Universal's website and see what interests you. I will say, make sure you wear clothes that can be wet, or bring a change of clothes. The water rides, all in IOA, can get you wet, like shower or swimming pool wet. The horror make up show is a fun, air conditioned show, for the kids, and the pet actor show is also fun, and you sit on benches. Minions gets crowded fast, as it's near the park entry. You may want to consider the express pass, as it can be used on all rides, except the Potter ones, and the dinosaur flyer ride, that only kids and one adult can ride, and that's in IOA. The flyer ride gets crazy lines later in the day. You can buy the express pass before you go, or at many places inside the park. Because it is date and park specific, and because there are no refunds, I'd hold off and see if you need it. While the price may change, I'd still hold off until you are sure you want it. Get a park to park one too, as you want to use it in both parks. Get there early, for park opening. Like Disney, early tends to be the lower crowd times. While one of the parks will be early entry for the resort guests, early is still the best to start your day. Since IOA is open the later of the two, I'd end in IOA. Nice thing is, the parks are not that far apart, so switching between them is not a far walk. I'd have lunch at one of the Potter restaurants, then find dinner in CityWalk. I hope your whole family has a great time that day. I love the October time, the weather is nice. I stay onsite, as I am spoiled by the free express pass and the ability to go back to my room quickly.

You don't say which week you are going. If it is the first or second, it's busier, because of many schools close during the weeks before and of Columbus Day. Since the Studios close at 5 on party nights, unlike Disney, the entire park is swept of all guests that aren't staying for HHN. Because you can stay in holding areas inside the Studies to wait for the start of HHN, there is an increase of people heading into the Studios later in the afternoon. Then, those who know HHN will be starting, and don't have a ticket, they head to IOA. If it were me, I'd pick a non HHN day. Since both parks will be open later, you can manage more down time and take your time. If you are going for Potter, then make sure you get a park to park pass. You cannot ride the fun Potter train between the Potter lands without a park to park ticket. There are many benches and places to rest in both parks. If they get tired, they can also find places to sit in CityWalk. The can also take a boat ride from CityWalk, and enjoy the lobby of one of the onsite hotels. The Portofino is a lovely Italian style hotel, RPR is like the Poly, a tropical hotel, the Hard Rock is noisy fun, and Sapphire Falls is also a lovely, island inspired hotel. Take a look at Universal's website and see what interests you. I will say, make sure you wear clothes that can be wet, or bring a change of clothes. The water rides, all in IOA, can get you wet, like shower or swimming pool wet. The horror make up show is a fun, air conditioned show, for the kids, and the pet actor show is also fun, and you sit on benches. Minions gets crowded fast, as it's near the park entry. You may want to consider the express pass, as it can be used on all rides, except the Potter ones, and the dinosaur flyer ride, that only kids and one adult can ride, and that's in IOA. The flyer ride gets crazy lines later in the day. You can buy the express pass before you go, or at many places inside the park. Because it is date and park specific, and because there are no refunds, I'd hold off and see if you need it. While the price may change, I'd still hold off until you are sure you want it. Get a park to park one too, as you want to use it in both parks. Get there early, for park opening. Like Disney, early tends to be the lower crowd times. While one of the parks will be early entry for the resort guests, early is still the best to start your day. Since IOA is open the later of the two, I'd end in IOA. Nice thing is, the parks are not that far apart, so switching between them is not a far walk. I'd have lunch at one of the Potter restaurants, then find dinner in CityWalk. I hope your whole family has a great time that day. I love the October time, the weather is nice. I stay onsite, as I am spoiled by the free express pass and the ability to go back to my room quickly.

Re inlaws leaving early, where they catch uber/taxi is a relatively long haul of a walk. Parking garage not much further. If they care to have a cocktail or leisurely lunch, many options both in & out of the parks US has several sit-down attractions that may appeal to them, many without long waits (makeup show, animal one) I'd skip HHN nights entirely, crowds tend to build as many stay & scream. I'd avoid Thursday pre thru Monday after Columbus Day if possible.

You don't say which week you are going. If it is the first or second, it's busier, because of many schools close during the weeks before and of Columbus Day. Since the Studios close at 5 on party nights, unlike Disney, the entire park is swept of all guests that aren't staying for HHN. Because you can stay in holding areas inside the Studies to wait for the start of HHN, there is an increase of people heading into the Studios later in the afternoon. Then, those who know HHN will be starting, and don't have a ticket, they head to IOA. If it were me, I'd pick a non HHN day. Since both parks will be open later, you can manage more down time and take your time. If you are going for Potter, then make sure you get a park to park pass. You cannot ride the fun Potter train between the Potter lands without a park to park ticket. There are many benches and places to rest in both parks. If they get tired, they can also find places to sit in CityWalk. The can also take a boat ride from CityWalk, and enjoy the lobby of one of the onsite hotels. The Portofino is a lovely Italian style hotel, RPR is like the Poly, a tropical hotel, the Hard Rock is noisy fun, and Sapphire Falls is also a lovely, island inspired hotel. Take a look at Universal's website and see what interests you. I will say, make sure you wear clothes that can be wet, or bring a change of clothes. The water rides, all in IOA, can get you wet, like shower or swimming pool wet. The horror make up show is a fun, air conditioned show, for the kids, and the pet actor show is also fun, and you sit on benches. Minions gets crowded fast, as it's near the park entry. You may want to consider the express pass, as it can be used on all rides, except the Potter ones, and the dinosaur flyer ride, that only kids and one adult can ride, and that's in IOA. The flyer ride gets crazy lines later in the day. You can buy the express pass before you go, or at many places inside the park. Because it is date and park specific, and because there are no refunds, I'd hold off and see if you need it. While the price may change, I'd still hold off until you are sure you want it. Get a park to park one too, as you want to use it in both parks. Get there early, for park opening. Like Disney, early tends to be the lower crowd times. While one of the parks will be early entry for the resort guests, early is still the best to start your day. Since IOA is open the later of the two, I'd end in IOA. Nice thing is, the parks are not that far apart, so switching between them is not a far walk. I'd have lunch at one of the Potter restaurants, then find dinner in CityWalk. I hope your whole family has a great time that day. I love the October time, the weather is nice. I stay onsite, as I am spoiled by the free express pass and the ability to go back to my room quickly.

Re inlaws leaving early, where they catch uber/taxi is a relatively long haul of a walk. Parking garage not much further. If they care to have a cocktail or leisurely lunch, many options both in & out of the parks US has several sit-down attractions that may appeal to them, many without long waits (makeup show, animal one) I'd skip HHN nights entirely, crowds tend to build as many stay & scream. I'd avoid Thursday pre thru Monday after Columbus Day if possible.

 

[lbuzz52]

unfortunately it is columbus day week- the only time we can all get off this year. we've done our orlando trip that week for almost 10 years now. at the beginning, it was almost like we were the only ones who had school break then. i think its now as bad or worse than spring break- at least then the break weeks vary over a month or so rather than everyone having columbus week off in fall. i was surprised the crowd calendars didnt show higher for that week at universal. i know i expect it to be insane at wdw.

you both make a great point about the double crowds of sorts with regular park guests going and hhn coming. that could be somewhat overwhelming when its all new to us anyway.

we will definitely do the park to park. i really wanted to stay onsite and go at least 2 days, but its not in the cards this trip. thank you both

 

[Lynne G]

Glad we helped. I will be there both weeks, and because of the holiday week-end, there will be quite a few of us DISers there. I'm sure Mac will put up a who's going in September/October - HHN thread. I'd be happy to say hello if our paths cross.

I get it, coming from Disney, the cost of the onsite hotels are not cheap, if you are also staying at another place, and while 2 days is better, hoping you enjoy the day enough, you'll be back.

 

[macraven]

For the past 12 years I am at UO the week before Columbus Day until
The weekend

Monday will have crowds as many off work Columbus Day

Tuesday has zero crowds
Wednesday has hhn and park closes at 5 but no crowds during the day