Spring break

[princess stich]

We are going to Orlando for spring break (3/16-3/23) staying at my in laws timeshare (Vistana resort). We have been to Disney MANY times, but this will be our first time at Universal. I am just starting to read through the Universal boards. If you have any tips - especially for this time of year, I would love to hear them! I am going to buy the 2 days - get 3rd day free tickets next month.

[RMulieri]

Since it is Spring break it is going to be VERY busy.Start looking at the park maps to familiarize yourself with layouts ..Get to the parks before opening .If Harry Potter is something you are interested in, hit it first thing in the morning or later in the day.Keep in mind onsite resort guests get in an hour earlier than the general public, so by the time you get into the parks, WWoHP will have plenty of people in it.

[Metro West]

Originally Posted by RMulieri

Since it is Spring break it is going to be VERY busy.Start looking at the park maps to familiarize yourself with layouts ..Get to the parks before opening .If Harry Potter is something you are interested in, hit it first thing in the morning or later in the day.Keep in mind onsite resort guests get in an hour earlier than the general public, so by the time you get into the parks, WWoHP will have plenty of people in it.

[macraven]

i went to the darkside once during spring break.


never again.



too crowded for my tastes.




suggest you go early, be at the gate a good 30 minutes prior to opening.


go to www.universalorlando and make notes on the parks layouts.
that would be helpful for handling the crowds, finding restrooms, restaurants,
ride restrictions, etc.


eat lunch/dinner at off times.
most places are very busy from about 11:30 to 1:00.


use single rider lines when possible for shorter waits.


pick up the park guide map when you enter the parks for finding out show times, character meet ups, special events, park hours...


check at the front gate for any ride closings or late openings.


if you buy any merch in the parks, use the pick up service so you won't have to lug your bags around with you all day.

[flfun]

Originally Posted by macraven

i went to the darkside once during spring break.


never again.



too crowded for my tastes.




suggest you go early, be at the gate a good 30 minutes prior to opening.


go to www.universalorlando and make notes on the parks layouts.
that would be helpful for handling the crowds, finding restrooms, restaurants,
ride restrictions, etc.


eat lunch/dinner at off times.
most places are very busy from about 11:30 to 1:00.


use single rider lines when possible for shorter waits.


pick up the park guide map when you enter the parks for finding out show times, character meet ups, special events, park hours...


check at the front gate for any ride closings or late openings.


if you buy any merch in the parks, use the pick up service so you won't have to lug your bags around with you all day.

[glocon]

If there is any way possible, you should stay on site. You get in early, and your room key is a fast pass for most rides. It makes a difference- really.

[princess stich]

Thanks for the tips so far! I looked up the hours. US is open 9-7, IOA 9-9 the week we are there. The next week the hours expand to 2 hours later at each park. I'm hoping that this is a good sign. Our spring break is on the early side this year, so hopefully we'll miss a lot of the crowds.

[macraven]

Originally Posted by princess stich

Thanks for the tips so far! I looked up the hours. US is open 9-7, IOA 9-9 the week we are there. The next week the hours expand to 2 hours later at each park. I'm hoping that this is a good sign. Our spring break is on the early side this year, so hopefully we'll miss a lot of the crowds.

that is a very good sign.

there have been a few occasions where the hours have increased due to crowds.
keep checking the hours site before you leave.

[Metro West]

Originally Posted by princess stich

Thanks for the tips so far! I looked up the hours. US is open 9-7, IOA 9-9 the week we are there. The next week the hours expand to 2 hours later at each park. I'm hoping that this is a good sign. Our spring break is on the early side this year, so hopefully we'll miss a lot of the crowds.

The longer the hours, the higher the anticipated crowd.