I'm back to answer more of your questions from this month! These questions have been submitted through the Universally Amber website, social media, or comments sections.
"When is your favorite time to go and why?" & "What's the best time of year to go and be able to enjoy the parks without huge crowds?"
This has a few answers, all with different reasons. For great walking around weather, I enjoy going to Orlando between January and March. The weather this time of year is perfectly comfortable to walk around in long sleeves or a light sweatshirt (which are my favorite items of clothing by the way). This time of year also includes Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort! This event features a parade, characters throughout the streets, and food booths with foods from all over the world for Carnaval. I have never been, but will be going in March and I am so excited!
My other favorite time of the year to visit Universal Orlando Resort is September through October. My favorite event at Universal Orlando Resort is Halloween Horror Nights. I hate scary things (really, really hate), but this event is so much fun. The food is great, the houses are terrifying, but the scare zones are always my absolute favorite part.
In my experience, the best time of year to experience low crowds is January through mid-March, before school are out for spring break. Other great months for low crowds are September and November, before and after Halloween Horror Nights. My favorite crowd calendar is from Orlando Informer, and it's free! Find it here.
"Are there times of the year when parts of the park are closed, or when some attractions close due to it being too hot or too cold?"
The only times Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure are closed is when there is a private event, such as an Orlando Informer Meetup. Otherwise, they're open year round! Volcano Bay will close for inclement weather or if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C).
Some attractions will close throughout the year for maintenance. While there is generally not a schedule for these closures, the water rides within Islands of Adventure will usually have staggered closures for maintenance in the winter months. These rides include Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges, and Jurassic Park River Adventure. You can find a list of current and upcoming ride closures from Universal Orlando Resort here, under the calendar for the date selected.
"Do you have the opportunity to roam freely from one [area of the parks] to another?"
If you are inside Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, you are able to move freely within that park. You can move freely between parks with a park-to-park ticket (more information on that in my "What to Know Before You Go" post). You can move between the parks using CityWalk, or via the Hogwarts Express. If you use the Hogwarts Express, crew members will scan your tickets before entry to the ride to ensure you have the correct ticket. The Hogwarts Express can be accessed outside Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and outside Hogsmede in Islands of Adventure.
"How long, in hours, does it take to visit and play in all these different [locations within the parks]?"
This is dependent on the time of year, the weather, and the crowd level (and all these factors affect the others). On a clear day with an average crowd level and no events, I would recommend one day per park. This allows you to experience all the parks have to offer without rushing through. You'll have time to eat meals and snacks, as well as check out any stores or shows you'd like. If the crowds are heavy, which can be expected during times of the year with popular events such as Mardi Gras or Halloween Horror Nights, I would recommend one day per park plus an extra day. This way you can hit the highlights, then circle back around for anything you may have missed due to wait times.
I hope these answers can help you out in some way so you have the best Universal Orlando Resort experience! Have more questions? Submit through the website, social media, or comments section.
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