Universal Express or VIP

Question

Hello all, we are going this Friday with an adventurous six year old. How do you experts think the crowds will be? Do you think we will be ok with the Express passes, or should we splurge for the VIP? We live on a tiny island with less than 5,000 people, so I’m not sure how well my son will do in lines.

Also, there is a cheer comp at Disney this weekend. What should we expect? Should we skip parks Saturday? Would Sunday and Monday be better?

So many of you seem like experts. I appreciate any and all advice. Thanks everyone!

Answer

Heading to Universal Orlando on a Friday with a six-year-old can be a mixed experience, especially with a cheer competition at Disney nearby, which tends to increase local attendance. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide between Express and VIP passes, and plan your days.

Crowds and Express Pass:

Fridays, especially when there’s a nearby cheer competition, can be moderately busy. Expect longer waits for popular rides like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Spider-Man, and Harry Potter attractions.
Express Passes allow you to skip the regular lines once per ride. This is generally sufficient for most families, especially if your child may struggle with waiting in lines for long periods.
If your six-year-old is very sensitive to crowds or lines, Express should still keep wait times manageable, but VIP is the ultimate stress-free option.

VIP Experience:

The VIP pass includes a guided tour, priority access to all rides, reserved seating for shows, and sometimes early park entry. It is significantly more expensive.
If budget is flexible and your main goal is minimal waiting and maximum comfort for your child, VIP is the safest bet, especially during a busy weekend.
VIP is particularly helpful if you want to cover all the major attractions in a single day without worrying about fatigue or meltdowns.

Park Planning with Cheer Competition:

Saturday may be the busiest day due to cheer teams visiting Disney, so crowds could spill over into Universal. Expect longer waits and more congestion in the morning and early afternoon.
Sunday and Monday tend to be slightly less crowded; if possible, schedule the more intense attractions or the rides your child really wants on these days.
Arrive at park opening for any day you choose, as the first few hours are usually the least crowded and can maximize your Express or VIP benefits.

Summary Recommendations:

If you are on a tight budget, Express Pass is likely sufficient, but plan to arrive early and prioritize rides.
If minimizing wait times and stress for your child is a priority, the VIP pass is worth considering for this busy weekend.
Saturday may be best to avoid if you want a more relaxed experience; Sunday and Monday should be better options.
Plan short breaks and snacks, especially for a six-year-old, to avoid fatigue and keep everyone happy.

Overall, Express Pass is generally fine for moderate crowd days, but the VIP pass guarantees a completely stress-free day if you’re concerned about your child handling lines and crowds. Sunday and Monday are the optimal days around the cheer competition.

Universal Express or VIP

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