Orlando, Florida, is a popular destination for Thanksgiving, with Universal Studios being a top choice for both tourists and locals. However, the influx of visitors during this time can lead to an increase in wait times for attractions and larger crowds. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on what to expect when visiting Universal Studios during Thanksgiving, including crowd sizes, wait times, operational hours, and tips for navigating the park.
Universal Studios is typically very busy on Thanksgiving, often reaching capacity by around 11 am. Wait times for popular attractions can range from 1-2 hours. The entire Thanksgiving week experiences increased crowd sizes, starting from the weekend before the holiday and lasting until the Monday or Tuesday after. It’s one of the busiest times of the year for the park, comparable to Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and other high-traffic periods.
How Busy Is It?
Thanksgiving at Universal Studios is often one of the busiest days of the year. Both Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure usually reach capacity by around 11 am. Wait times for popular attractions can range from 1-2 hours. However, the entire Thanksgiving week is busy, with crowds starting to increase the weekend before Thanksgiving and lasting until the Monday or Tuesday after the holiday.
Comparing Crowds to Other Holidays
Thanksgiving, along with Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, is among the busiest times at Universal Studios. Other high-traffic periods include Presidents’ Day week, Spring Break period from mid-March through late April, Memorial Day weekend, and Summer (mid-June through Labor Day). Halloween Horror Nights also attract large crowds, but daytime crowds are typically not significantly impacted.
Special Thanksgiving Events and Offers
While Universal Studios does not typically organize specific events or offers for Thanksgiving, both parks celebrate the holiday season with decorations, special entertainment, and seasonal characters. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the parks are adorned with garland, lights, and trees, with characters dressed in their holiday outfits. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is another highlight, where balloons and floats from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City are sent to Universal Studios Florida.
Operational Hours During Thanksgiving
Universal Studios adjusts its opening hours during the Thanksgiving holiday to accommodate larger crowds. While the operating hours for Thanksgiving 2023 have not been released yet, 2022 saw the park open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Tips for Visiting Universal Studios on Thanksgiving
Visiting Universal Studios on Thanksgiving can be a thrilling experience, but planning ahead is crucial. Here are some strategies to help you navigate the park:
- Arrive early: The park usually reaches capacity by 11 am on Thanksgiving, so arrive early to beat the crowds.
- Stay on-site: Consider staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, which offers early park admission and easy access to the parks.
- Plan your meals: Many on-site restaurants offer special Thanksgiving meals. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance.
- Use the Universal Express Pass: This allows you to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions.
- Check the crowd calendar: Websites like IsItPacked.com provide crowd calendars that can help you choose the best days to visit.
Conclusion
Visiting Universal Studios during Thanksgiving can be a memorable experience, but it’s essential to be prepared for larger crowds and longer wait times. With careful planning and a flexible itinerary, you can make the most of your visit and create lasting holiday memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the crowd sizes like during the Thanksgiving week?
The crowd sizes during Thanksgiving week at Universal Studios are significantly larger compared to regular days. The park often reaches capacity by 11 am, especially on Thanksgiving Day, and the heavy influx lasts from the weekend before Thanksgiving until the Monday or Tuesday after the holiday.
Does Universal Studios have special Thanksgiving events?
While Universal Studios does not typically host specific Thanksgiving events, it does celebrate the holiday season with decorations, special entertainment, and seasonal characters. Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s is a highlight during this period.
What are the operational hours during Thanksgiving?
Universal Studios adjusts its operating hours during the Thanksgiving holiday to accommodate larger crowds. For example, in 2022, the park was open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The operational hours for future years are subject to change.
What are some tips for visiting Universal Studios on Thanksgiving?
Some tips for visiting Universal Studios on Thanksgiving include arriving early, staying on-site at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, planning your meals in advance, using the Universal Express Pass to skip regular lines at rides and attractions, and checking the crowd calendar to choose the best days to visit.
How does Thanksgiving compare to other holidays in terms of crowd sizes?
Thanksgiving, along with Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, is among the busiest times at Universal Studios. Other high-traffic periods include Presidents’ Day week, Spring Break period from mid-March through late April, Memorial Day weekend, and Summer (mid-June through Labor Day). Halloween Horror Nights also attract large crowds, but daytime crowds are typically not significantly impacted.
