What Is The Busiest Week At Universal Orlando Resort Like?? | Crowd Level, Ride Wait Times & More!

In today's video we head to Universal Orlando Resort during the busiest time of year, the week between Christmas and New Years. The day started off looking pretty busy when we first saw the bag check stations all the way out in the parking garage with a huge line. We noticed some people going around these bag check stations and heading into the hub so we went to investigate and found many more bag check stations in the hub open and excepting guests! We made it through security in about 3 mins. The next long line we had to go through was the line to get in to the park which wasn't too bad because the majority of people were still in line to buy their tickets. Once in the park we walked around looking at high wait times and seeing shows. We stopped for a minute to watch the holiday Marilyn Monroe show with her diamond girls. After we made our way around Universal Studios Resort we walked over to see how Islands of Adventure was doing. The crowds were pretty much the same in both parks, but the difference was in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. They had barricades set up ready to close the area off if it got too full of people. When we were there this didn't happen, but they were ready if it did and with the holiday castle show I'm sure it happened later that night.
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Hello, I am TheTimTracker. Welcome to our fun and exciting mustache driven life! Come with me as we adventure around Orlando, Florida and explore all of the amazing places that have made Orlando a top tourist destination, and a few that no one knows about! Make sure you say hello and hit the subscribe button, because we are always doing something new. Whether it's home science experiments for kids, roller coaster POV ride alongs or Theme Park Events; you will be sure to have a blast hanging out with us! We always have fun filming new things for you guys and showing you things to do in Orlando, Florida!

[@jimoran5265]

This is why I love this channel. "It's the busiest week out of the entire year for this park.. SO HERE WE ARE!" Tim, doing the things we dare not do.

[@yoursjuli]

JiJi Fenn Not all heroes wear capes.

[@brandondawson1135]

juliana ahmetaj was a great day to get to my best to get this done ✅ is my new favorite game of all the best I’ve seen so many

[@milokochevar7149]

"probably January don't quote me on that" -Tim 2017

[@ghostboat_]

i'd say april, to be honest

[@scab..]

milo kochevar why you quote Tim!!!!

[@jack-g4112]

I don't know about you, but I subscribe to Tim for nothing but Barney show videos

[@jack-g4112]

Avery Lopez-Baines 😁

[@yoursjuli]

19:43 Tim: "It was the Grinch!" Whos: *[S H O O K E T H]*

[@kaleyhenderson7879]

Just imagine a guy, by himself watching Barney and friends

[@Nickodeemuss]

Kaley Henderson Living his best life

[@panth753]

I was just thinking that while watching the video.

[@ameliabrown3987]

I straight up almost cried during the Barney show. I loved him so much as a kid, I even had a personalized VHS where Barney said my name. Holy nostalgia.

[@DocBelle2]

I love how Tim is so comfortable interacting with actors at the parks and he totally plays into their characters. Also laughed about Tim saying he heard his first profanity filled fight of the day.

[@katiep349]

From Sugar Ray to Barney... wow, I have this urge to feed a tamagotchi...

[@ArmyNavyAcademy]

Omg same...

[@ThemeParkWorldwide]

Crazy crowd levels as expected! Thanks for another awesome update Tim

[@smoke12123]

I love your planet coaster Christmas wonderland can’t wait for the next one episode 7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ckitchen02]

That dude in the overalls in the barney show was super into it LOL 12:30

[@renaemelody927]

“Your by yourself what happened”? I’ve never laughed so hard hahaha 😂

[@dancingangel95]

Hands down my favorite part of this video was the Barney show. Barney was my childhood favorite and every year when we went to universal we'd go and see the Barney show and it's literally still the same show and I'm in tears. The childhood feelssss! Thank you for showing us the show at least one last time before they remove him :(

[@dr.ronaldholder6677]

Thanks, Tim! 😁😚 That Barney show is fodder for my nightmares.

[@chilligafftf6826]

Honestly need more youtubers like Tim, that post actually interesting and informative videos. Keep it up x

[@alexandraclark1026]

Lol at the person trying to use flash photography during the Barney show 😂

[@chizick]

Tim, my family thanks you for all of the awesome tips. We just finished a 12/25-28 trip to Universal, and your tips were key. I was hoping to see you filming, but this vlog shows you were there at the same time. Crazy busy! Thanks for everything.

[@GoGoGadgetBasketballBand]

I love that Mr. Peak-a-boo is wearing Converse shoes with the big logos. Nice.

[@waltwins]

This is why we appreciate our annual passes, we avoid going this week!😜. Thank you for showing what it’s like though, great upload! The Wizarding World is always packed, even on regular days. I feel Universal missed an opportunity to make pathways wider throughout the Wizarding World. Take care Tim and family!😄😄🤙🤙

[@baileygifford4834]

Wider pathways would have been more practical, but I feel that would have taken away from the authentic feeling of actually being in Diagon Alley. The Alley is meant to feel closed in because in reality, that is how it's described in the books.

[@JonSmith-yq1dw]

WALTWINS exactly anybody that lives in the proximity of SeaWorld the Universal Parks and Disney World from like Gainesville maybe a little bit north of that to about Palm Beach County maybe down in Miami know what time to go to these parks. we kind of Snicker at the ppl that go during this week and during the middle of July. especially the foreigners. I remember one time looking at these pale white family from Finland that were pure red with sunburn and look like they were going to fall over any minute from heat stroke. this was in like early may as well. Though if the shoe was on the other foot I'd be sitting there like an ice block during the Middle of the winter in a place like Helsinki, I've lived in South Florida my whole life.

[@riccarson]

From what I've heard, Rowling's people at Warner Brothers insisted on the narrow walkways to give the intimate feeling from the books and movies. They wouldn't budge from that position.

[@lexibrown1100]

Tim I am sick right now and the only thing I have been doing today is watching TheTimTraker which is making me feel happier🤗❤️❤️🤗 So thank you Tim and Jen

[@taylorlang9865]

Lexi Brown same lol! I’ve been sick since Christmas binge watching all their videos planning for my vacation!

[@lexibrown1100]

Taylor Lang same, I have been so I sense Friday

[@bbkangs]

Lexi Brown im sick too lol

[@jackhachtman7664]

Got a VIP tour for universal on the 31st.. so happy won’t have to wait in all those lines

[@Choobacca18]

I have been so lucky to go at times when there are just not that many people there (still a lot because it is a world tourist destination) but just not like so packed that it's not even walkable. I commend you for going and checking it out when it's the busiest time!!! People can be crazy!!! Especially when there are crowds of people! Love all your videos Tim! Hope to see you at Universal again in the near future!

[@Thorsgirl5]

I work in diagon and it was madness but today was just a taste of what’s to come

[@teammember767]

you are always super helpful when i'm planning trips for my son and I! I look forward to your next trip!

[@emilyaimone]

I’m here for the first time ever this week! The weather is BEAUTIFUL compared to our -4 we left in Chicago! Happy Holidays to you and Jen!

[@andreso6987]

That guy carrying the ducks at barney’s show looks like he hates his life 😂

[@k13l3]

lol

[@em-sr6fq]

The other week The Who’s circled around my sister and sung songs around her. She was wearing a star dress and they thought she looked like a Christmas tree.

[@silentpaw]

Wow, that one guy in the Barney show really didn't look happy. I really am lookign forward to the change over to nintendo land at Universal.

[@1978rharris]

The Who’s reactions when Tim mentions the Grinch made me laugh. 😂😱😂

[@tinyyoonmins]

I’m 27 years old and was singing along to the Barney songs HAHA. It’s all i would watch when i was little and makes me happy that it’s still so popular :) it’s a cute show. Thanks Tim for sharing it with us!

[@jcolorguard123]

Omg I remember the Barney show from when I was little! I used to have Barney leggings and everything 😂 this brought back so many memories! Great upload! 💕

[@bunnygurl]

I can't believe I am saying this but thanks for showing us Barney! We always have skipped that attraction in the past to do other higher priority attractions so have never seen it! Thank you for braving the crowds for a look at the park

[@shumbles]

Staying at Portifino Bay this week! Sad I missed you yesterday, but you are definitely right about the fast passes, still totally worth going.

[@KeystoneState]

Hahaha... the Theme Park Pigeons song was hysterical

[@chikenarch]

Second week after spring break are the best days to go to the parks. Not summer hot, not too full since the parks were full for spring break and no hurricanes.

[@JuicyJuice1116]

Luis X Luis when is the exactly?

[@chikenarch]

Julianne it depends on what days spring break (Easter) falls that year. In SB happens late March and ends in Easter (April 1). You should go not the week immediately after Easter, but the next after that. There are other dates like just after school year begins (September) that are good but your vacations can get messed up because of a hurricane. Basically the golden rule is go when kids are at school and there’s no hurricane season. Also, depending on the day of the week there are some parks that are less crowded than others. I used the Undercover Tourist app for that specific info.

[@JuicyJuice1116]

Luis X Luis thank you for that! I'll definitely keep this info close by!

[@staceye8211]

Luis X Luis second half of January is pretty dead relatively speaking. More so than after spring break.

[@suziequinton8270]

Luis X Luis Hi we are coming over April 8th for 2 weeks.... so are you saying that should be a good time to come. I am in the UK so really confusing trying to work out the American holidays compared to ours!

[@ejf0255]

Wow give you huge props going into that mess. I did Xmas to New Year's once. Never ever Never again... LoL. Amazing seeing the Kingdom closed to new guest signs. LoL. Merry New Year to your family and you sir !!!

[@scarletbrujita]

I love how the Who’s were so in character and all immediately flinched and shuddered when he said “the grinch” 😂

[@everydaygreedy7597]

the kid in the red and blue shirt in the background is me trying to reach my life goals 20:02 - 20:46

[@hayleem.3189]

everydaygreedy glad I'm not the only one who noticed him, that running start was everything

[@CristianAlexander]

Lol

[@Foshiizzell1]

hahaha yeah

[@halleypowell4666]

lol I think that was a Spider-Man shirt

[@bunnyli400]

I literally was searching through the comments to find this, because I was focused on him through Tim's entire outtro it was hilarious

[@nicklafleur5898]

Great video Tim. I go to universal studios all the time but I still havent met you there yet. I hope one day ill meet you and Jenn there. I love all your vlogs, keep up the great vids

[@bbcoachSupermanBR]

Went last year from December 22nd to 25th and it was fantastic. We stayed at Royal Pacific and did everything at HP world before the park opened. The only time it was super crowded was for the Macy's Parade but with flash passes it was no big deal at all. Loved it

[@jessem3770]

Just imagine being Tim with all those concerned mothers GoTim! Do it for us!

[@hishedale]

Gradventure had worse times a few years back. But Disney was packed! I’m glad our annuals are blacked out this week with these crowds. But very good video, as always.

[@ThePromNightDisaster]

This week is gonna be wild. I work at Shrek and yesterday we filled up our entire queue (including that extended queue) while running constant shows in both theaters! We were at a 90 minute wait for quite a while. Guests are crazy, godspeed fellow TMs.

[@CarlosLopez-ho5yj]

Barney!!!😍 my childhood memories of that show... 👌

[@nancyfrystak4700]

I'm a new viewer, like watching you on my lunch hour at work. Enjoy see Disney when we can't be there. Good memories. we are a Disney family.

[@susetesquivel9505]

I'm sure that in a couple of months we will see the trackers at Barney show .. and they will love it .. I can't wait to watch Jackson reaction ...

[@thomaspaccione8237]

Tim, thanks for the nightmare Barney flashbacks. :-) Hope you and Jenn have a very happy holiday.

[@tylernicoh13]

Yeah, that Barney show hit me right in the childhood.

[@BruceWayneWorld]

That Barney show blew me away man ! However, I think Barney shit his costume when he saw you alone going in for a picture

[@gabriellewells9786]

I never wanted to go so bad till NOW lol lol love it

[@disneydarlings975]

Thanks for the heads up... i will never vacation Christmas break. I was there last Wednesday of April this year and walked on every ride multiple times. So worth pulling the kiddo out of school to have an amazing vacation with no crowds.

[@sianwordsworth]

You’d get fined in the UK for taking your child out of school

[@disneydarlings975]

Sian Wordsworth we are fine here doing it

[@theamericanbrandgamer1854]

Yeah...school can wait 😏

[@ChloeTravels1998]

Sian Wordsworth a lot of the time it’s worth getting the fine taking kids out of school. As the amount you save going on holiday in term time is much more than the cost of the fines

[@mtnd23]

Halfway through the video and then the notification pops up. Come on KZbin

[@realityisnotlogical]

the Barney part was really scary^^ but thanks for sharing that Tim :D

[@MrNightmare02]

Wow, I just got an premier annual pass today and it's packed. At least I have a whole 12 months of goodness and I'll be there in January when the fast and furious ride opens because I'll quote you on that

[@hannahyoung6840]

6:59 Ride: (stopped, gives time 999,999 points) Tim: Yaaaaaaay! 😂

[@PixieDustCreationsss]

I love that never knew Universal had a Barney Show now I have to go 😮

[@evanthomas7730]

I'm just happy the kid at the end of the video finally made it on the top of the rock. He was so proud.......I may or may not have been hoping he fell in the garbage can.

[@LitCamAct1]

*Barney appears* oh damn Nostalgia hits me so hard

[@anastasiacaffee4930]

Okay, call me weird but the moment Mr. Knickerbocker came up just the hug wave of nostalgia came over me x3

[@shaiwriter]

I love your theme park pigeons song!

[@NormEatsRice]

I was at Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day. Everything seemed fine up until lunchtime when it was actual hell on Earth.

[@viperzzzgaming7323]

Really mad was in Florida a week earlier and went to Universal and Seaworld and was hoping to see you, but still love your vids as always

[@christines3638]

I was with a toddler who was moved to tears by the live Barney show. Weirdest thing I ever saw him do. Just sat there with tears streaming down his face like it was a religious experience. We went daily during our stay and got a picture together. Sorry to hear it's going, it's such an amazing experience for the under 4 set. I think it was the highest point of his life to date.

[@rebekahchase2504]

It was super busy the day after Christmas it got to the point where I had to go sit somewhere for a little bit

[@endeavor6307]

Just got back from Universal a few days ago, it wasn’t bad at all if you don’t do much rides, thats usually where it gets busy it seems. I was there from the 29th till the 1st and it was less busy than what I expected, even during the parades I thought it would be gridlock but you could still walk through.

[@backwardjeans]

A trip to Universal was my Christmas gift in 2015 and it was insane. I did see the Wizarding World close. It was an awesome trip but I don't think I'll ever come back this time of year.

[@terrysmitherman584]

Yes we are at Universal this week. It is crazy busy. The wait time at Minion Mayhem is currently at 150Min!!

[@kirstbuzz]

Lol how grumpy was the bloke pulling the cow 🐄😂

[@reagenhuskey90]

We went to universal right before christmas and the longest wait time was Rip Ride Rockit for 30 minutes. It was amazing.

[@blaiseleonards4255]

I find that New Years week to be super busy

[@madizol4285]

As someone who works at six flags st louis the week between Christmas and New Year's was the slowest lol but that's mostly because of the cold

[@marcussheen]

Great video! Just looking at queue times now, most major rides (Harry Potter etc) seem to be around 200 minutes today :O

[@hannahrosereviews5073]

My friend was in that commercial you were talking about!

[@alfiedavies9703]

"Heading to Hogsmeade out of Jurassic Park". That makes Tim sound like he doesn't know anything about either movie! 😂

[@stufflepuffs894]

I loooove going to Universal!!! I've been allot and I am sad because I'm not going this Christmas season and THERE ARE LITERALLY UNIVERSAL COMMERCIALS LIKE EVERY 10 MIN

[@AroundIndiana]

Everyone should make a new years resolution to stop saying "first" and "notification squad where you at" on videos. It stopped being cool around June.

[@AroundIndiana]

matt damon true, but at least years ago it wasn't yet being said 50 times on every video. Not yet at least.

[@RonFromFla]

Wrong. It was never cool. It is crocks-with-sandals level annoying.

[@Redsoxking]

ReviewsTechNow I’ve hated it for 9 years

[@Redsoxking]

ReviewsTechNow but it was

[@nataliecabral4501]

I never knew I needed to see the Barney show until this moment

[@1995coasterfreak]

my brother and I went to both universal parks on Christmas Day and I don’t remember seeing any of those barricades or that bridge being open in the park. Also we rode everything except transformers and minions without fast passes so pretty successful day!

[@houndar1]

We got annual passes for the boys for Christmas and are headed out tomorrow to check things out (never have we been before). I warned my boys that it was going to be BUSY and we may not be able to ride very much, but thats the advantage of those passes as we can swing by on a better day. :) My wife really wanted to see the Christmas stuff before it was all gone, so I figure we can put up with the crowd.

[@catheriner1189]

We must have been there the day they filmed the commercial. We were very confused about why all the decorations went away - thanks for clearing that up 😂 It was ridiculously busy on the 27th, Gringotts was 280 mins and after waiting 25 mins in Express just to get a Locker, I gave up 😫

[@mandilaz]

My family has a tradition of going to Disney Springs every New Year’s Eve and magic kingdom every January 1st

[@LisaCarreiro]

I was there this day and literally walked in, looked at all the people and left 😂

[@EIND12]

this is why I don't go amusement parks during busy days. I have social anxiety when around big crowds.

[@charlottecornwall5753]

Gutted I missed you! Was at volcano bay today 😄

[@mistictearanger]

when your all grown up and didn't expect barney the dinosaur to be their , this puts a smile on my face

[@nnaoj]

i went to universal & ioa last friday, 22nd. it was so slow! gringotts was the only ride with a crazy wait time (140 mins)! king kong was 65 mins. everywhere else was 30 mins or less! hulk was 10 mins! 😍 yes please! i went today, 27th, & boy did the wait time GREW after christmas! i’m an uoap so there wasn’t pressure to do everything in one day!

[@review-itrob]

Universal video!!!! Yes!!!!!

[@niciamarie]

So just imagine working here during the busiest week 😭 I’m off for the rest of the week 🤗

[@Dylbuff]

We just went too orlando 3 weeks ago we upgraded our 14 day pass to a annual pass for 5$ so worth it cant wait for august!

[@mkmkokayy]

during the outro the kid in the back trying to climb the trash can and continuously failing is a great representation of me rn haha

[@hibbeh]

135 Mins for Minions and 40min for the Mummy is madness. We were there in June this year and the max wait times we seem for both these rides were 90 and 25

[@05nautilus]

The hander had a conundrum lol

[@dakotagonzalez7413]

i saw you that day i was working one of the signs by the bridge and you pointed it out but didn’t add it in the video 😂

[@jcfireman2215]

We always go during that time and it's not bad at all

[@loganthuynh]

Anything I should know before going to Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday?

[@triton27heat]

We just came back from Disney springs and it was worse than all the parks. Magic Kingdom was busy but not crazy. Epcot was the same thing. Animal Kingdom was busy because of Pandora, 5 hour wait. Tomorrow it's off to Hollywood studios.

[@kristimarks2040]

fun little hack I discovered when I was here a couple days later. The best time to visit Diagon Alley is at night during the first Hogwarts light show. It wasn't ever totally dead, but pretty close.

[@katiep349]

LOL, the meet and greet lady for Barney was so confused. You should have been like, "I have Benjamin Button disease."

[@Shelbymayy]

Crazy how that Barney show has literally not changed since i saw it 17 years ago!

[@JessGottDisney]

Have fun I’ll be back at Disney next week

[@morbius101]

Oh man! Thanks for this video! I've wanted to got to the Florida parks all my life and will finally be going to WDW valentines week this year! We have four day passes (Mon-Thurs with Fri to rest) all for Disney but do you think it's worth it to push ourselves and spring for a one day Universal pass on Fri?