Using Dibb Busy Day Guide

Dancin · 15 Feb 17, 11:10 AM

If we go to Universal or Island of Adventures on a "most recommended" day (per the Dibb busy day guide) early July this year, do you think we would need FOLP's or early entry, or would the ride waiting times be ok without either of these?

Thanks
Sarah

Nimbus · 15 Feb 17, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by Dancin

If we go to Universal or Island of Adventures on a "most recommended" day (per the Dibb busy day guide) early July this year, do you think we would need FOLP's or early entry, or would the ride waiting times be ok without either of these?

A "most recommended" park or day does not mean that the park will be quiet.

A "most recommended" day during a busy period (eg. Christmas) is still going to be busier than a "least recommended" day during a quieter period (eg. September).

This is taken from the Busy Day Guide Accuracy page:

"Does using a Busy Day Guide mean I will be able to select parks that will have no crowds?

The simple answer to this is, no.
The Busy Day Guide is an indication of what parks should be crowded or are less crowded on a particular day. However if you visit at peak times it's worth noting that ALL the parks are going to be very busy and the difference in crowd levels between a recommended and not recommended park can be very slight, almost un-noticeable."

As per the When to Visit page, July tends to be a busy month - although unusually last year it wasn't that busy due to various factors (Zika virus, attacks in Florida, poor south American economy, etc). Although you don't need FOLP - remember that most people in the parks won't have FOLP - I think having FOLP would be very helpful if you can afford it.

Forkbeard · 15 Feb 17, 01:15 PM

Nimbus' advice is very good (as always).

If you can afford FOLPs then I'm sure you'd benefit from them at that time of year. Likewise with early access.

If for whatever reason you can't do either option then be at the park before it opens. They may even let you in before the official opening time. We usually aim to arrive 20 to 30 minutes prior. We've been let in super early in the past.

Prioritise the attractions. Check online for wait times and hit the busy attractions in order and as quickly as possible. Better to leave the window shopping for later in the day.

Good luck.

Dancin · 15 Feb 17, 02:50 PM

Thanks Nimbus, does that relate to Universal as i see the "when to visit page" refers to Disney but not Universal?

Only asking as previously we have stayed at RPR when visiting Universal but the prices this year for all Universal hotels are extortionate so wondering what crowds would be like if we stayed offsite instead? We can go anytime really from Thursday 6th July to Tuesday 11th July (fly home Wednesday 12th July evening).

Sarah

Dancin · 15 Feb 17, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by Forkbeard

Nimbus' advice is very good (as always).

If you can afford FOLPs then I'm sure you'd benefit from them at that time of year. Likewise with early access.

If for whatever reason you can't do either option then be at the park before it opens. They may even let you in before the official opening time. We usually aim to arrive 20 to 30 minutes prior. We've been let in super early in the past.

Prioritise the attractions. Check online for wait times and hit the busy attractions in order and as quickly as possible. Better to leave the window shopping for later in the day.

Good luck.

Thanks for your reply, great advise.

Nimbus · 15 Feb 17, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by Dancin

Thanks Nimbus, does that relate to Universal as i see the "when to visit page" refers to Disney but not Universal?

It generally applies to Universal as well. Universal tends to be a little less busy than Disney, but it still indicates the busy periods.

The When to Visit page is roughly based on holiday periods and not on individual events going on at the parks. Earlier in July is typically a busy period - especially the week around the 4th July.

Originally Posted by Dancin

Only asking as previously we have stayed at RPR when visiting Universal but the prices this year for all Universal hotels are extortionate so wondering what crowds would be like if we stayed offsite instead? We can go anytime really from Thursday 6th July to Tuesday 11th July (fly home Wednesday 12th July evening).

If the hotel prices are more expensive than normal then it usually indicates that Universal is going to be busy. Prices increase when demand is high and reduce when demand is low.

Looking at Universal's website, the prices for the Express passes (FOTL) are very expensive between your dates - $130 per person per day for their unlimited Express passes. That indicates to me that Universal expect their parks to be busy during your dates.

I've never been during July so I can't comment on how busy it will actually be, sorry.

Dancin · 15 Feb 17, 04:08 PM

OK thanks very much Nimbus.

Think we might need to reconsider staying onsite. Better buy a lottery ticket this weekend

Nimbus · 15 Feb 17, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by Dancin

Think we might need to reconsider staying onsite. Better buy a lottery ticket this weekend

Remember that the majority of people won't have FOTL and will still have a great time at the parks. You just have to expect to queue a bit longer and/or get to the parks early.

Hope you have a fantastic holiday.

And good luck with winning the lottery.

Forkbeard · 15 Feb 17, 07:17 PM

If you do win the lottery I think it's only fair and proper that you share it with Nimbus and I

Dancin · 16 Feb 17, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by Nimbus

Remember that the majority of people won't have FOTL and will still have a great time at the parks. You just have to expect to queue a bit longer and/or get to the parks early.

Hope you have a fantastic holiday.

And good luck with winning the lottery.

Thank you Nimbus

Originally Posted by Forkbeard

If you do win the lottery I think it's only fair and proper that you share it with Nimbus and I

Haha, maybe, or maybe NOT

Sarah