Universal Studios, the cooler and much hip version of Disney World. From the title of this article you’re probably thinking, “This guy is full of crap. There’s no way Universal Studios isn't worth it.” That’s not what I’m implying. If it's your first time going, you’d probably be full of shock and awe as you race down San Francisco street, passing by the Scooby-Doo “Mystery Inc.” van, and into the Simpsons themed world. Now don’t get me wrong Universal Studios is a great place to go, and it’s definitely fun and exciting, but is it worth the 3 day package? Here’s 3 reasons why it probably isn’t.

Weather & People

Ah, summer, the only time you suffer and actually like it. Besides the price, this is one of the biggest obstacles you suffer through while vacationing at Universal. Florida weather is tropical and refreshing, and most of the times a smooth breeze. Nonetheless, summertime weather and a theme park isn’t always the best match-up. Florida is usually roughly around 85-95 degrees in the summer, and it doesn’t get any cooler. Usually most people plan vacations like this as a three day vacation, and typically place that three day vacation on a weekend. THAT IS NEVER A GREAT IDEA. Universal Studios is a place of entertainment; entertainment for people who spend their entire week working until the weekend. Which means most of the weekends are extremely packed and loaded with people taking off from work to bring their kids or just themselves. So imagine being tightly crammed into a huge line with tons of people sweating and dragging their feet to the next available seat on the ride. Now that’s not refreshing.

Not Much to Do or Too Much to Do

If you don’t know, Universal Studios is made up of two parks (with the exception of their newest park, Volcano Bay), “Island of Adventures” and “Universal Studios.” Both are equally jammed pack with fun activities to do. However, this can be a problem. Sometimes there’s either too much to do, or you're in a nightmare of having nothing to do! That being said, the timing isn’t always the best either. Like I mentioned, Universal Studios is usually crammed with tons of people during the weekend and if you’re there, have fun getting on a ride, buddy! Due to the names of these rides, fans are off the rails excited to board that ride (Yes Transformers, I’m talking about you). Nonetheless, some rides are actually worth the wait like: The Harry Potter Hogwarts Express, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and the Simpsons Krustyland ride, etc. But these rides are a nightmare to wait for! The lines create a wait from fifteen minutes to roughly an hour. Even then, due to the excessive heat, the lines feel like an eternity. It’s like watching a tired horse race and seeing all the horses drag themselves to the finish line. Due to the long extensive wait of these lines, you’re sometimes (most times) stuck not having enough time to go on every ride you’d like to go on during that day. Disappointing if you’d ask me.

The Price

Lastly, there’s the price of admission. Roughly a 3 day “park to park” (exploring all the parks whenever) admission for one Universal Studios is about $285, which is kinda pricey for just one person. When in reality, you could do almost everything in one day on a weekday and spend $170 for a one day park to park pass. Theme parks are usually less crowded on a weekday due to less children and parents. This leaves less wait times for lines and more open time to go on every ride you’ve planned to go on. Save your money, take a weekday trip instead.

Overall, Universal Studios is a great theme park. However, is it really worth the 3 day package for your summer vacation? In reality, not really. So to all those who are reading this, allow me to offer a bit of helpful advice: Save the sweat and large crowds and go on a weekday. You’ll save yourself from crazy lines, paying a butt load of cash, when you can really do everything in one day. Do yourself a favor, and treat yourself.