Universal on Thanks Giving - Express Pass needed?

Question

Hello!

I‘m planing to visit Universal on Thanks Giving. It‘s my first time and we will only visit Universal Studios. My friend would like to have Express Passes and I know that you can get a hotel near Universal and they will give you extra Express Passes. But it‘s $200 more per person and that‘s kinda too expensive to me.

Is it manageable to visit Universal on Thanks Giving without express passes? Manageable means to me 25 minutes wait time max.

Because it‘s my first time and I want to see all the stores and shows I don‘t even know how many times I can even drive the attractions. I also can get motion sick so driving once or probably twice is maximum I can do.

Answer

Visiting Universal Studios on Thanksgiving can be challenging in terms of crowd levels, as it is one of the busier times of the year. While it is possible to enjoy the park without Express Passes, achieving consistently low wait times (around 25 minutes or less) can be difficult unless you plan strategically.

Here’s what to consider if you want to manage without Express Passes:

Arrive early: Be at the park before opening. This gives you a head start on popular rides, as lines tend to be shortest in the first 1–2 hours after park opening.
Plan your attractions: Focus on rides you really want to experience first. Universal Studios has a mix of high-demand attractions (like Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, Transformers, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit) and lower-demand attractions. Doing the high-demand ones early can save you significant wait time.
Use single rider lines: If you don’t mind splitting up briefly, single rider lines can dramatically reduce wait times for certain attractions.
Shows and shops: Incorporate shows, character meet-and-greets, and shopping during peak ride times (late morning and mid-afternoon), when lines for rides are longest.
Late afternoon strategy: Ride wait times often drop during parades or nighttime shows, so consider returning to popular rides later in the day.

Considerations about Express Passes:

Express Passes guarantee significantly shorter waits, often under 15–20 minutes for most attractions, which can be helpful if you want to experience everything without spending hours in line.
They are particularly valuable on holidays like Thanksgiving, when crowds are heavier.
Staying at an on-site hotel with included Express Passes is convenient but expensive. Off-site guests can purchase Express Passes separately if needed, though prices fluctuate and may be high during peak times.

Tips specific to your situation (first-time visitor, limited motion sickness tolerance, and desire to see stores/shows):

Plan for a slower pace, prioritizing experiences over checking off every ride. Focus on a few key attractions and fully enjoy them.
Consider taking breaks in quieter areas or enjoying shows and shopping during peak ride times to manage energy and motion sickness.
Use the official Universal app to check real-time wait times and adjust your route accordingly.

In summary, it is possible to visit Universal Studios on Thanksgiving without Express Passes, but you should be prepared for some longer waits on popular rides. Strategic planning—arriving early, using single rider lines, prioritizing attractions, and alternating between rides and shows—will help you make the most of your day. If your priority is minimizing wait times and experiencing everything with minimal stress, the Express Pass is worth considering for the day.