Will Grad Bash affect our trip?

[Cinderkella]

We will be at Universal/Islands of Adventure May 4 to May 7. I just noticed on the Universal website that Grad Bash will be held on May 6 and 7. Will the day crowds be heavier on these days or lighter as a result? We're going to do Universal on Friday the 6th and it looks like it will be closing at 5:00pm - that's so early! I guess that will be a good night to plan on dinner at one of the restaurants but now I'm worried that the restaurants will be very crowded due to Grad Bash too. Any suggestions?

Also, how is the Hard Rock Cafe? Is the All Access pass worth it? Should I buy it online or get it when I check in?

 

[Metro West]

We will be at Universal/Islands of Adventure May 4 to May 7. I just noticed on the Universal website that Grad Bash will be held on May 6 and 7. Will the day crowds be heavier on these days or lighter as a result? We're going to do Universal on Friday the 6th and it looks like it will be closing at 5:00pm - that's so early! I guess that will be a good night to plan on dinner at one of the restaurants but now I'm worried that the restaurants will be very crowded due to Grad Bash too. Any suggestions?

Also, how is the Hard Rock Cafe? Is the All Access pass worth it? Should I buy it online or get it when I check in?

Grad Bash is an after hours event that requires a special ticket for admittance. The crowds during the day don't usually see much of a spike in numbers because of GB. You will see CityWalk very busy in the late afternoon before GB starts though. I would wait until after GB starts and everyone has gone into the park before heading to CityWalk for dinner.

I can't answer your question about the HRC.