This Theme Park Video Is NOT What I Planned | Universal Orlando Best BUSY Day Tips

[@courtneyceasar7878]

My best tips for when the parks are busy- sit down with a drink or snack to people watch; plan a longer trip since things take longer to complete & heavier crowds seem to drain my energy; & "be done by one" meaning that whatever are my Must-Dos get them done in the morning/early afternoon and take a break by 1pm.

[@designdoctor247]

yes❤

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Really, the thing to do is to just try to avoid being there those times if possible. That's also the time to make sure that you've got an express pass if you're focused on rides if you can't.

[@CarthageForever]

Molly & Bruce's friendship is everything.

[@janemaisch9312]

29:02 Molly offering the raptor a beer 😂 love it!

[@lisadoget9963]

And he doesn’t like beer so we need to find out what he prefers

[@kates7277]

Sometimes you just gotta put down your wand and embrace the chaos! 🪄❤

[@kimbrojm]

While I always recommend your channel as the best for "how to" tips for the theme parks, I think the take away from this one is attitude is everything. And Molly handles this so well. While I appreciate her acknowledging that her experience as a local is different than a tourist coming in for a once every few years vacation you also have to factor in that this is her job. Imagine being at your job, and the task you were given to do just fell apart midway through. Attitude is everything - regroup and move on.

[@fifi37475]

Congrats on 200k, Mammoth Club!!! Molly, Alan, Max - you’re a joy to watch

[@mike9147]

So wish Disney would go to an Express Pass. No phones needed to ride and eat. So much less stress no doubt!

[@davidzona8186]

Molly. I was in the park that day and saw you heading towards Central Park filming and speeding along.... blue bow still intact. I had just spent about an hour luxuriating in diagon alley taking in all the amazing details you mentioned and drinking my butterbeer! Thank you for making such great content. I was curiously awaiting for this video to come out to see what you were up to and it didn't disappoint.

[@Mammoth_Club]

Hope you had an awesome day!

[@alanirons]

😂❤love the way you create your content ✨️

[@samjones8058]

21:45 love how you just adapted and rolled with it!

[@superj2644]

The wet part on the mummy ride is to mimic getting hit with glass

[@alikatt]

Molly's out here with the best example of how to pivot and still have fun! This was great 😊

[@davidnewell3717]

Molly’s observation about The Mummy reminded me of ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter™️ where in a blackout a live cast member was “killed” on an overhead scaffolding and the audience was sprayed with WARM water to absolutely represent their blood. My poor sister, who was already terrified, was practically drenched.

[@JustinDoesDisney]

It's happened to all of us. Thanks for making this for us, Molly! 😁

[@newenglandcoastershots]

Not gunna lie, growing up I was too old for Harry potter when it came out, but universal has made me fall in love with the franchise

[@MicheleKlinger]

Holiday weeks in the parks are their own beast, and Molly is a champ for facing it head on. You can still have a lovely day when it’s busy, but it takes adjusting expectations for sure

[@ryverwynd]

This is how we do our first day (usually Sunday) in the parks when we come down to Orlando for a week (we try to do this every other year or so). We arrive at our hotel (usually Cabana Bay), drop everything into the room, and get to the parks by 4 or so. We make a beeline to London and Diagon Alley, shed happy tears cause we're back at our Happy Place and the rest of the evening is pure magic, wandering around and riding what we can. The evening ends with getting into Hagrid's line and knocking out the best ride in Orlando on the first night...a few weeks ago while there we waited 30 minutes! Thank you for telling us about the IPA...will get that next time!

[@kacibr]

We were in the park this day and the following weekend. Expect the unexpected is what we learned for sure. Had no idea it would be as busy as it was. On top of that it rained the entire next 2 days after this video. But we still had a great time and loved running into you at hagrids magical creature motorbike adventure TM!

[@jodim5185]

Always enjoy "hanging out at the parks" with you! ✨️

[@VerbilKint]

"Oh you want one too?" I lover the interaction from team members. My favorite is asking the "students" in Filch's Emporium what they are in detention for. Most of the team members there will have a back story they're happy to share.

[@juliebuchheit7015]

I love when Molly offers a sip of beer to the velociraptor. 😂

[@tarawrr20]

This should be the start of a “Plot Twist” series! Theme park days that don’t go as planned!

[@lcflngn]

Fab model for adjusting to the chaos. Lol, due to Molly I sometimes remind my husband to put on his patient pants, just in normal life crowds & traffic etc. He cracks up every time, which helps a lot 😂

[@amysears1829]

I love a future Molly visit!:)

[@kaciehunt9678]

Lol to when Molly realizes she lost her bow on VelociCoaster. My friend and I saw my scrunchie falling in what seemed like slow motion while upside down during one of the inversions on VelociCoaster. We still laugh about it to this day, that ride is insanely fun!

[@cheriefirmin3084]

A lot of us New Orleanians head to Orlando for Mardi Gras week. Combined with the folks off for Presidents’ Day, and competition season, makes for crazy crowds.

[@GracieAra]

I love seeing some chaos! I feel like when most of us go it’s extra busy and so it’s nice to see how to enjoy even when things get a little crazy

[@lcflngn]

Ditto!!

[@nikki_at_disney]

I love that bit with the butter beers. The TMs in Wizarding World are so fun!

[@sarahannefrancis4104]

Your videos are extremely helpful and it's great to see a go with the flow video. You are a true testament to the benefits of patient pants. As a Canadian I never would have thought about presidents day! So This was a good tip to check for holidays from all over.

[@christinahreha]

Great video. It’s nice to sometimes see videos like this bc for those of us who have to visit during the summer and holidays, this is realistically what happens. Also- I like to go to the parks for partial days so as to not burn out during a week long stay. So again, this sets up what that would actually look like. Great job Molly!

[@jdrew5367]

As we all know, you may have an objective going to a theme park, but it doesn’t always happen as we want. It’s what you make of the situation. The most enjoyable time that I find I have at a theme park is to actually sit back and enjoy your family/friends or acquaintances, for the time that you are at the theme park. Most times it’s the little things that make the day most enjoy at the theme park. Thank you Molly

[@julierhan]

I appreciate how you remind people of the various things that may not go according to plan. On my first trip to WDW I had a rope drop plan for every morning and the first two days, the attraction we had planned to rope drop was down. I really had to scramble. Crazy as it sounds, I just didn’t expect that. Now I know to have a Plan B for any theme park plans I make😉.

[@Ziemziems]

This video is really resonating ! I was just in Disney over presidents weekend . Not only was it raining literally the entire time basically, the crowds did not go down even with the rain . I thought going in I was going to kill it with my stacked lightning lanes and be able to do a bunch of other stuff and the outcome was … different then that. It was still a wonderful time but sometimes you just have to be happy with just being there and enjoying what you can do in the moment. The rain really sucked though not gonna lie but luckily I was prepared with my beautiful green poncho that was super flattering ! 😅 ps I also got picked to be in the enchanted tales with bell show as a knight , with my poncho on the entire time (just forgot I was wearing it 😂) and just a single adult no kids with me , the pictures are hilarious and slightly embarrassing but also unforgettable ! 😂❤

[@shaunj2003]

You should do a video purchasing merch, but only what you can wear for your visit( a la Joey putting all Chandlers clothes on style!). That would help the not wanting to carry the knight bus shirt!

[@Ashdublee]

So glad to know I’m not the only one constantly singing Queen B… I was walking through church singing Texas Hold ‘Em the other day… smh… it’s a banger!

[@Zee-mu1zj]

...I'd be cautious, you never really know what you're saying with those lyrics

[@irishgirl4977]

I think the Night Bus purse is pretty cool!

[@kimgrod]

Great vid Molly. Lots of fun. Hope your bow magics its way back to you

[@jacquiesilvestri8402]

I think on the Mummy ride it's the glass shattering that you are "feeling" with the water

[@eeveeongirl]

Turned out to be a great video even if it wasn't what you had intended it to be. Sometimes the best things happen in theme parks when your plans get turned upside down by crowds, weather, or other circumstances out of your control. At disney world on my honeymoon we had tried to get on Remys using out early entry just to be told that it was having problems and it likely wouldn't be operational right away. We decided to come back later and somehow managed to be the first in line for frozen which was awesome, after we were going to go back to France for breakfast but my husband saw the Belgian stand out of the corner of his eye and rushed us over to get little mini waffles which we ended up loving!

[@stilltoffee]

HI MOLLY I USED TO WATCH U ON THE OTHER CHANNEL AND WHEN U LEFT I LEFT AND IM FINALLY GOING TO MY FISRT THEME PARK AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS THANKS TO U

[@mzfyt1031]

Yes Gringott’s PSA! We are a family of 3. Either my husband or I take EVERYONE’S stuff from our party & put it in a locker. That station is so cramped. There is always a family of 6 or more who have no idea what they are doing taking up all the space making it hard for everyone to navigate.

[@MG-qz9ik]

As someone from CT who used to always visit Universal in February since 2000. A lot of northern states have winter break President's day week. So you will see an influx of northerners now flooding the parks during this time as they are on vacation and to escape the cold. My brother lives near Albany, NY and most of the flights out were sold out by November. Just a heads up to anyone, it will be one of the busiest weeks of the year, but way more comfortable than 4th of July or Labor Day.

[@brookerebecca5994]

I was at Disney on Feb 15 (did 3 parks).. and it was CROWDED for a random Thurs! Super long lines.. Genie + was a must. I stacked reservations and was able to do a lot in the evening but was shocked at crowd levels

[@tashinagarcia-garza178]

Way to roll with it Molly! 👏🏽

[@VolguusZildrohar]

I went during intermittent weather. It wasn't planned but it definitely helped lines when Velocicoaster has to close periodically on account of rain.

[@prezhenz6969]

20:50 OMG Molly, noooooo! I thought that line was for the regular queue at the Hogwarts Express, but then I you said express 😅😮😅. Even when I went for Halloween it was pretty much a walk on standard queue

[@jhonshephard921]

for two attractions,King Kong and Jimmy Fallon, its the other way around meaning they could be less crowded then expected because for those two, the queue is the best part. I have had the issue with Fallon multiple times. I wanted to see the additional preshow or look at the games in queue but it moved so quickly I was almost immediately on the ride.

[@cherylphilbrick9517]

Molly, you are correct... sometimes you just have to adjust your plans. Great vlog!

[@lisadoget9963]

Molly you showed us exactly what you need to do..adapt and overcome!! Wonderful video…❤

[@booksnnails]

Been a while since I've sat down and watched Molly living my dream lol

[@HolyConspiracyTheory]

As an attractions team member at Islands of Adventure, I can say that (as Molly said) you're never guaranteed a walk on for express. Universal only guarantees that your wait time will be HALF OR LESS the posted stand-by time. Waiting in a 30 minute express line is still better than waiting in a 60-65 minute standby line. Also, pro-tip for anyone who looks at what they think is a long express line, most attractions have a thing called ratios when it comes to loading express vs standby. If the express line gets too long, they SHOULD start favoring the express line (because again, universal guarantees a wait time of half or less the standby line). So while it LOOKS long, it should move more consistently if the grouping team members are doing the proper ratios. So as always (to take Molly's words): patient pants.

[@deannak7737]

Great video Molly! 😊 It’s also school vacation week in the Northeast so I’m sure that didn’t help the crowds either.

[@Jdub1005]

The Mummy, one of my favorite rides. I almost lost my lanyard on it. Tuck it into your shirt.

[@soulforsoles]

Love this!!! Thank you Mam Fam!

[@1977tokugawa]

Diagon alley - the best ever! For sure my favorite place …I love walking thru the wall and just breathing in.. then down nocturne alley…. Ugh nothing better I ask the banker for money everytime we go 🤣he always turns me down

[@johnzywko5885]

Thanks Molly, this review was wild and wonderful,well done..

[@mjlass11]

This was a great, practical lesson! I love your video ideas, because they are so useful. However, this shows how going to a theme park can go, and how you need to adapt and make your priorities! Also, loved the PSA😉

[@veloceon325]

Any time you get a night ride on VelociCoaster and Hagrids it's a perfect day at Universal.

[@fourlittlebirds6166]

As someone with a season pass; Thank you for mentioning not sending your entire party into the locker rooms! That’s one of the areas (there are very few actually) -where universal didn’t seem to give enough thought into the space for where they were planned out. The locker rooms for the mummy ride are okay, but the locker rooms for any of the HP rides are crazy tiny and super stressful to navigate. Pretty much all the time, b/c they’re always busy. One thing that no one that I’ve watched on you tube mentions is that the lockers (free ones) are long and narrow. So you can’t put a large back pack. Only Fanny pack, small crossbody, or the small loungefly backpacks will fit in those slim Lockers. AND! A big point that NO ONE tells you, is that you CANNOT put a container of liquid into those lockers. B/c you have to lay them on their side to fit. They will not fit upright. Even a bottle of water needs to be sealed tight. Otherwise it will leak everywhere. (Like even down into the lockers below). So all those coke free style souvenir cups -yeah they have to be empty. Some locker rooms (like the MIB ride) have “dumping stations” for your drinks for this reason. But not all. And I really think that ride has them mostly b/c the large cola refresher indoor location is right outside the ride exit. You can bring any cup into the park and get free ice and water at ANY of the freestyle machine locations. Even city walk. But your containers need to be dumped, drank, or emptied out before placing in any locker. For this reason my family brings collapsible silicone bottle and cups (in packs on Amazon-or at five below). That way the collapsible container clips onto our belt loop or bag with a carabiner clip, and it doesn’t slow us down when we need to stow our stuff in lockers. “Rix Flix” here on you tube talks about the collapsible cup trick all the time. It’s a game changer if you come to the parks often.

[@VolguusZildrohar]

23:45 Great place for breakfast, a butter pecan Cinnabon is always a great way to start the day!

[@MichelleYoung-x7w]

Loved the video! This happened to us last visit. I appreciated the tips that you gave when it’s crazy busy and will use next time for sure. Your videos are so helpful!!

[@alissakate29]

We went a few days a couple weeks ago(2/11-2/16) and it was crazy busy then too.

[@tal4976]

Yes this totally makes sense!! I went during what was supposed to be a slow week in January…it was so packed and I felt so uncomfortable and had to leave. I wanted to see if you were also experiencing crowds like this. It validated my feelings that the crowds can ruin your experience

[@Magicalsnaps]

Stayed at the Royal Pacific off your previous video. Well worth the stay. Service was awesome and the having express pass was insanely helpful. Must be cheerleading season because DL had a competition during the same weekend.

[@aimes0688]

We want to stay at this resort given the awesome video from mamfam too!

[@Magicalsnaps]

@@aimes0688 do it! So many perks for staying there.

[@marywancowicz360]

It was nice meeting you and thanks again for the Mardi Jaws secret!!

[@wrh41]

When it’s too busy I find a good bar and chill.

[@heatherm512]

I’ve ridden the Mummy countless times and have had my mind BLOWN at the blood theory 😂 I’ve also always wondered why we got spit at!

[@derekjamesjack92]

I always thought the water spraying in that scene of the mummy was the “broken glass” flying at you when he busts the window. Could also be blood too haha

[@yaffarealbeauty6089]

Congrats on 200k Molly and Mammoth Club!

[@keithwillis3761]

I think I have a tip. Based on family reunion vacation at Universal on New Years day. Ya New Years day the cost was actually reduced from the week of Xmas. And I think most people are hungover from New Years Eve celebrations. Was still kinda packed but was able to get on all the major rides. My nephew lives overseas, and is a huge Harry Potter fan, he loved it.

[@michbella17]

I always thought if wait time was one hour and park closed at 7pm ride cut off would be 6pm. That’s a good tip to jump in near the end of night.

[@dadabetic]

honest, that tracks with our experience at the parks recently. i suppose it's about the expectations going in. 4 rides in 1 day is actually more than we were able to manage (we didn't have/use any of the paid line skipping services). love the positivity! Spolier: based on the future Molly talking head i expected some more catastrophic. glad to see you were safe. #RIPHairBow

[@KalEL224]

Lol the wet is when they pipe in the kerosene lol you’re good

[@Jdub1005]

Kens advice is solid. I would get ice cream too

[@bossgroove]

Dang it Molly. We were visiting the Universal and Disney Parks that week. I'm always looking for you and your husband. Some day we'll bump into each other. Maybe we can all share a drink and a snack. Have you reviewed Big Fire yet? Oh, and all the parks were packed that week and weekend. President's Day with Daytona 500 is always packed.

[@rachelmoore7417]

I have been considering an Orlando informer meet up and would love to see you review first!

[@jazeryismyname]

8:53 no the water is supposed to be the glass breaking 😂 I would assume the same thing but I think they leave the blood (water effect) for HHN

[@ladybeavanerdventures]

Knight bus merch is life

[@gregorycerven3484]

Like you did on the train, sometimes you need to cut your losses and walk out of the queue. I've done that a few times at both Universal and Disney. Life's too short to spend it standing around in a line. The ride will be there next time - more than likely.

[@lonnabagwell5598]

I was wondering if you were there during Nola Mardi Gras when you mentioned the crowd. A lot of Louisiana will vacation during Mardi Gras. My son loved getting and spending wizard money after watching your videos!

[@alexg2113]

I believe the water on mummy is supposed to be the glass shattering with how it’s timed

[@MmeCShadow]

> Cheerleading competition Yeah, that'll definitely mess you up. Same as going near the end of a school year. Universal is a magnet for end-of-year class trips and competitions and if you happen to time your trip while all the high schoolers are there it's a nightmare.

[@ekay5207]

Shrunken Head is Kenough

[@michbella17]

I’m going next week and staying at cabana bay. Express was 1300 for our 2 days so I just booked Royal pacific for 571$. We’re not even going to stay in the room and just use the express for 2 days.

[@laurawilliams9206]

“You can’t hold a baby.” That’s what they should put on the Villain Con sign!

[@reddixiecup]

Say the part about sending one person in to the lockers LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK

[@antsgtr]

I think the water effect on the mummy is supposed to be the glass spraying on you…but I like your theory better 😂

[@unamuseddeathgod5128]

i'm not a big minions/despicable me fan but villain con was honestly one of my favourite things I've down at universal when I went last unfortunately, for the days we were at universal I felt a bit queasy and my feet were untterly destroyed so I was stuck in a wheelchair if it wasn't for the queasiness I'd probably put men in black alien attack higher I also went on E.T. for the first time and that was the closest thing I've even done to experiencing a drug trip

[@candaceeffle6552]

That was slittle chaotic 😊. But first how did you drink a beer the ride Velisicoaster then get ice cream n ride magical creatures? Ur good...❤

[@viajaconamelia3596]

hahaha recording videos is hard sometimes, you did your best😃🤩💞

[@asaballew5805]

Hi Molly! I have really appreciated your focus on inclusivity and kindness as you, Alan and Max have built this channel! I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but J.K. Rowling has dedicated her time and energy to attacking trans women, including by advocating for anti trans legislation. Many have decided to continue to love the Harry Potter stories, finding strength in their message of love and standing up for what is right despite the author's heinous beliefs and actions. It would mean a lot if you could spread the word, say something any time you talk about HP to show support for trans women and let people know not to support Rowling with money if they can help it. Thanks so much for the work you do!

[@JanelleBey]

If you're in line at park close, do you still get to ride?

[@pocketangietips]

Question about passholder express - it is a once per ride per day or unlimited per ride (after 4pm for both)

[@laurencass6449]

Happy Sunday Mam Fam!! We love going with the flow and not being a jerk in the park! 🩷💙🧡

[@kyranyholm3378]

for the mummy, i thought the water was supposed to be the glass breaking… but now you have me thinking 😭

[@chrislangan7394]

8:56 pretty sure the water is supposed to be "glass shards" but hey you enjoy your blood bath 🤣

[@patricklacey4946]

Fantastic tips, have you done a video on Disney Villas vs Universal Villas? It appears you get square foot per dollar at Universal, but I wanted to confirm.

[@TheJCrewflo]

question how long is too long to wait on your favorite ride? I ask this because we gone to universal the last 3 years and yet to ride Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure TM because the wait is either too too long or the ride goes down ugh.

[@tednagel]

We try to take the train at least 1.5 hours before the park closes. Or we just walk around like you did.

[@VolguusZildrohar]

I took it both ways. The train and Gringotts were on my list of things that still ran in the rain. Also it's a great way to visit the Studios side without having to use the turnstiles and check in a second time, which I thought was just weird.

[@tednagel]

@@VolguusZildrohar Agreed. Going back through the turnstiles is a long walk. But the Hogwarts Express line can get really long when Studios closes before IOA. We do love it when it rains. Chases out a lot of people.

[@blugreen123]

Would you possibly do a video in a park where you have NO extras like Genie+, Express Pass, fancy rides etc. I'd like to see what that looks like.

[@kates7277]

They've done this...