I honestly know nothing about Universal, let alone Epic, so I was definitely expecting higher waits overall. However, we have really started to rope drop “secondary” attractions at WDW and it hasn’t been so bad. If would expect a 10 minute wait if I rope dropped Space Mtn but I honestly don’t know enough (and TP probably doesn’t either) if people will be done other rides earlier on to be creating lines at Mine-Cart Madness by 8:30.
I was actually more surprised that the Monday before Veteran’s Day was only a 4 in the first place! I can’t go that weekend anymore but it would have been a good one. I will probably have to pull DS from school instead which will likely only help with crowds.
I actually budgeted for the Express Pass but did I read that Epic-only EP isn’t actually for sale?
It was but isn’t anymore for whatever reason. Either sold out (unlikely that it sold out for all dates) or sales paused? I expect it will go back on sale at some point. My theory is they want to see how operations go before they release more availability.
I think that makes sense. I just need to decide if this trip is a go/no-go for flight/hotel and then just actually plan the day when it gets closer. I have to believe if I am really only interested in 2 lands that one day is plenty.
Having watched many YouTube videos and read many trip reports, I am inclined to agree with both @melcort10 and Bricker.
@darkmite2 suggested I start my day with BOM, which advice I originally accepted, but I’ve had a rethink.
A mistake I repeated made at WDW was being totally ride-centric. But it is clear that there is so much to see and enjoy at Epic that isn’t a ride. There are so many details: the creativity is off the charts.
My EPA strategy at IOA was always to start with VC and then FJ before moving on to breakfast at 3B. I would wait to ride Hagrid during the afternoon lull, or just before park close.
I think Stardust Racers is the new VC in this regard, and BOM is the new Hagrid. If I’m going to devote considerable queuing time to BOM, why not do so during what appears to be the same afternoon lull — and isn’t the line mostly in lovely air-conditioning, at what would be the hottest part of the day?
So my Day 1 plan is Stardust (maybe once in each side) and then breakfast, before heading to WWOHP to explore and buy and play with a wand and maybe see the show, while waiting out the BOM line until it seems more reasonable. Then (hopefully) get in line for BOM and emerge, successfully, some time later and heading to lunch at Café L’Air. I plan to end the day at Darkmoor, which will look really cool later in the day.
My Day 2 plan is to start at Dragon (possibly after some Stardust action), partly based on zagging when others are zagging, and also because it’s large and low-shade and wanting to avoid the hottest part of the day. I’ll end the day at Nintendo, which is a heat pit and early-crowd trap, and will be much more tolerable at night, as well as visually (even) more appealing.
Never rope drop the biggest ride in a park unless you plan to be among the very first people in line (which some people can do, but it’s never me). Instead, start with second-tier popular attractions to knock those out, then circle back to the super headliner(s) either during a lull or at the end of the night just before park closing.
Hagrids is only 15 minutes presently
I would be looping that ride over and over were I there now! MOM is 65 so the move might be to keep your fingers crossed it stays running and pop in at the end of the night
Yup, I’ve been watching wait times the last 3-days, and at this point I’m regretting buying Epic express for our June trip in 2-weeks. ~$1,000 add-on for the four of us. Purchased through a third party so no chance of getting a refund from concierge day of if we don’t need them. At this point I’m chalking it up to expensive insurance I’d honestly rather not need. If current wait times hold, Battle of the Ministry could be less than an hour wait without rope drop, and Minecart Madness may be less than 25 mins mid-day (neither of which are helped with EP). And oh by the way, it’s not lost on me that this is 1,000% a first world problem to have.
One of my favourite quotations comes from Ally McBeal. Ally is in the unisex. Georgia is frustrated with her and says “Why are your problems so much more important than anyone else’s?” To which Ally replies, “Because they’re my problems.”
You might have lost $1,000. That sucks. It doesn’t matter that there are people who don’t have $1,000 to lose. It still sucks.
UPDATE: I called the third party this afternoon who sold me the Epic EPs and without hesitation they refunded my money (less a 5% restocking fee). I’m thrilled with this result, and wanted to pass on my experience to anyone else in a similar position. Clearly Epic EPs will be valuable at some point, but my gamble is that it won’t be by the time of our June trip. If I’m wrong, I just hope the guy flying by me in the Express lanes all day, laughing at the fact that he bought my returned EPs, doesn’t look exactly like Len T.
So throwing this out there because I am 100% sure it’s user error - but I haven’t really needed to actually make a full on touring plan in years…We only have day, and it’s a Saturday mid August.
(Keep in mind I am a boomer that started using paper plans ripped out of the book -and am adjusting to life with an iPad)
How can I re-order the steps in the new format?
Using either the app or my dashboard?
Also how do I share a copy with the kids-(adults)no one wants a paper copy of of where in the world is mom anymore….
If you tipped me with a souvenir or a snack, I’d accept it - but other than that, I’m just happy to be there.
and it’s a Saturday mid August.