Why in the world do they close so early?

[Musky]

I just checked the hours for US during our upcoming trip, June 5-15. We've never been to US before and I just assumed their hours would closely mirror Disney's, but I am shocked and dismayed at how early they will be closing. During our entire stay, the latest they will be open is 8:00, and one night they close at 6:00! This is absurd! During the same period, all of the Disney parks (with the exception of AK) are open until at least 9:00, and the MK is open until midnight several nights - and that's without counting EMH! Those of you who have been to US before - will they stick to this schedule or is there a chance they will extend their hours before then? I'm kinda wishing now that I hadn't bought tickets - we're only going for one day and I know there's no way that we'll get anywhere near the entire park done by 8:00. Does anyone know why they would close this early in the middle of June? Can you reassure me that I didn't just throw away $236.00?

Becky

 

[Foladar]

Possibly something special those times.
Only two nights in June 5-15 do they close outside of 8pm though .. 7th (7pm) and 9th (6pm) .. although I believe 7pm is their normal close, 8pm isn't that bad.

 

[the kabuki]

We were there in Jan and the parks closed at 7pm. this is traditionally a slower season, we were in the parking garage at 8:30 am and finished one park by closing . But we took our time and had 3 kids with us
If you really hustle, arrive before opening and have a plan ahead of time, you may be able to do both parks in one day even with them closing at 8pm

 

[Slacking]

You can easily do all rides and most shows if you tour in a smart fashion, no need to get stressed out by something like park hours.

 

[phamton]

Many, many times they extend the hours. It just depends on anticipated crowds.

I see that Islands of Adventure is open until 8:00 PM for all of your dates and Universal is open until 8:00 PM except for two nights. The next week after you leave they are open until 9:00 PM. I think there is a good chance they may stay open until 9 especially on the weekends when you are there.

One reason, you seldom see late openings is because the coasters are not allowed to run after 11:00 PM because of noise ordinances. Universal is inside Orlando city limits.

 

[damo]

I just checked the hours for US during our upcoming trip, June 5-15. We've never been to US before and I just assumed their hours would closely mirror Disney's, but I am shocked and dismayed at how early they will be closing. During our entire stay, the latest they will be open is 8:00, and one night they close at 6:00! This is absurd! During the same period, all of the Disney parks (with the exception of AK) are open until at least 9:00, and the MK is open until midnight several nights - and that's without counting EMH! Those of you who have been to US before - will they stick to this schedule or is there a chance they will extend their hours before then? I'm kinda wishing now that I hadn't bought tickets - we're only going for one day and I know there's no way that we'll get anywhere near the entire park done by 8:00. Does anyone know why they would close this early in the middle of June? Can you reassure me that I didn't just throw away $236.00?

Becky

If you are staying onsite, you will most definitely get everything done. Universal is way more relaxed than Disney. Don't worry!!! Be happy!!! It will work out just fine.

 

[robvia]

The key is to do everything in the morning. The afternoon is hot, go back to your hotel room at noon. Come back at 4pm, and tour the parks for a few hours as the tired are leaving. You'll be surprised at how much you can get done in a few hours.

Most Disney rides have a long preshow, and it takes hours to tour a park.

Not the case at IOA/USF. You can tour either park in a few hours, especially if you have a magic key.

 

[Bill Lumbergh]

You can almost tell how busy the parks will be from the park hours. If the parks are open for a long time, like 9 am to 10 pm, Universal expects large crowds. If the parks are open for 9 am to 5 pm or 6 pm, Universal expect small to moderate crowds. You probably can do all that you want when the parks close early rather than late.

 

[Metro West]

In the middle of the summer season, they will stay open until 10 or 11pm. The place is incredible after dark..especially the MIB building. Make a note..if the parks are open late when you're here, make sure you get pix of the MIB building. Oh..and don't forget to ride Dueling Dragons and Hulk after nightfall. We did it last summer while the fireworks were going on..really cool!

 

[johnvree]

Many, many times they extend the hours. It just depends on anticipated crowds.

I see that Islands of Adventure is open until 8:00 PM for all of your dates and Universal is open until 8:00 PM except for two nights. The next week after you leave they are open until 9:00 PM. I think there is a good chance they may stay open until 9 especially on the weekends when you are there.

One reason, you seldom see late openings is because the coasters are not allowed to run after 11:00 PM because of noise ordinances. Universal is inside Orlando city limits.

That's good to know. How and when do they usually let guests know the hours are extended??

 

[phamton]

That's good to know. How and when do they usually let guests know the hours are extended??

The many times I've seen the hours extended it is usually only announced a day or two before and sometimes not until the day of your visit. Many times the calendar doesn't even reflect the change.

 

[Musky]

Thanks for the answers, everybody. I'm feeling a lot better now. I also talked to my brother who has been there several times and he agrees with you guys that we should be able to pretty well cover US in a day. We're not going to IOA, so we don't have to worry about that. Unfortunately, we're staying offsite, so we won't have FOTL. I was planning on following the touring plan in TUG. Has anyone ever followed this at US and if so, did it work well? Any other tips you can give to Universal newbies would be greatly appreciated. TIA.

Becky

 

[Foladar]

Thanks for the answers, everybody. I'm feeling a lot better now. I also talked to my brother who has been there several times and he agrees with you guys that we should be able to pretty well cover US in a day. We're not going to IOA, so we don't have to worry about that. Unfortunately, we're staying offsite, so we won't have FOTL. I was planning on following the touring plan in TUG. Has anyone ever followed this at US and if so, did it work well? Any other tips you can give to Universal newbies would be greatly appreciated. TIA.

Becky

You can easily do just Universal Studios in one day.
A few suggestions, though, is hit the Mummy asap when you arrive and get the express pass at the machine as well before you go on it (for a 2nd ride) .. Then head over to MIB/BTTF and catch those. Since Shrek has two theatres now, usually the wait time isn't -too- long..but you could catch it when you come in. Mummy, and Shrek are probably have the most wait times, BTTF/MIB usually have around 30-35 minute wait times, and Earthquake/Jaws/Twister aren't usually too bad with wait times. I'm sure I missed a few rides .. but you get the idea Enjoy!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

The 6/7pm closes are most likely due to a company renting the park for a private event after hours.

 

[the kabuki]

Biggest tip: Arrive before park opening. Be in the parking garage at least 45 minutes before opening. The walk in from the garage is at least 10-15 min. Have your tickets purchased ahead of time.
You'll easily be able to do US in one day if you arrive early.

 

[Sherrilatte]

I wouldn't go as far as to say that I'm throwing away money if the parks close at 7:00pm, but I personally think the parks should stay open 'til 10:00pm during the summer months.

I would love to go to the parks after dinner and spend the rest of the evening leisurely experiencing IOA and US at nightfall. Luckily, I will be there 6/15-21, so I can take advantage of the later closing time of 9:00pm.

 

[JaxCon]

I am bummed about this too. It is my first trip to US/IAO and he are doing half Universal half Disney. We are going in October so they are closing at 5 and 6 each night! DH and I were looking at our “schedule” yesterday and he keeps saying what are we doing theses open nights??? He keeps saying we can go to Disney and watch the fireworks and I keep saying – no we don’t have tickets for Disney on those days.

The good thing is I do think we will have plenty of time to cover the parks, and I plan to do nights at the hotel pool I guess. I was looking at pirate shows and such but I am not sure how much more money I want to throw at this trip!

 

[Metro West]

I am bummed about this too. It is my first trip to US/IAO and he are doing half Universal half Disney. We are going in October so they are closing at 5 and 6 each night!

Hmm..what dates in October are you going? I just checked the website for October and the days IOA closes at 5pm is probably because of HHN. The Studios is still going to be open until either 6 or 7pm each night in October.

 

[Metro West]

I wouldn't go as far as to say that I'm throwing away money if the parks close at 7:00pm, but I personally think the parks should stay open 'til 10:00pm during the summer months.

Starting July 1, both parks are open until 10pm nightly until the second week of August. They should have nightly fireworks again like last year. Make sure you ride the Hulk and Dueling Dragons at night!

As for the other times of the year I agree with you. Most of us locals can't go during the week due to work hours, traffic, etc. and the early closing times don't help. But since Univeral is inside Orlando city limits and bound by the noise ordinance, I don't see a change anytime soon. I wish they would close at 8 - 9pm instead of 5 - 6pm. Then I could dash over after work and get my coaster fix.

 

[JaxCon]

In October - do I assume that a 5pm clsoing means that is a Horror Night?