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Mardi Gras float question... Can I pay less and just do the float? Or do I have to do this "Float and Dine" thing? I don't want to do both, just the float. LOL I can't find any info on this on their site, so I assume it's both, or nothing...

3:43pm on 2/9/26 by browndalmatian

It's both or nothing before day of. I'm hearing there will be a lottery system in place day of that will be free. I have not heard if that has been put into action yet.

4:46pm on 2/9/26 by clyde4242

Thanks Clyde. I don't mind paying for it but I wish there was an option to pay just for that. I don't really need the $95 per person dinner. LOL Hopefully they do the lottery thing.

8:54am by browndalmatian

Oh me too. You might check the universal website to see if they have updated or changed how they fill the floats daily for cancellations or extra spots

12:37pm by clyde4242

Any advice on what to rope drop entering from Helios and also have the express pass if that changes what to do first? Ty

8:04pm on 1/30/26 by clyde4242

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For Epic

8:25pm on 1/30/26 by clyde4242

People started lining up about an hour before park opening when we went thru Helios security. Helios is supposed to be let into HP first but the day we went the front gate let main crowd in and they then merged with us. It was awful. VERY AGGRESSIVE

8:18am on 2/3/26 by Buckeye86

shoving,pushing and cursing. We had a similar experience rope dropping from front gate. Mario RD has a ton of strollers in the mix. If I have young ones hang on tight. Kids were separated from parents by crowds. Staff tries but no one listens. 3 of the

8:29am on 2/3/26 by Buckeye86

guys in my family are about 6' to 6'2" and all said it was the worst experience at any park. We used to love to RD but this was terrible.

8:30am on 2/3/26 by Buckeye86

If they do let Helios in before front, it would be great. If not, it can be just awful.

8:31am on 2/3/26 by Buckeye86

One day from Helios we bailed the crazy and just did wand spots. Sounds nuts but it was lovely. Staff was floored we didn't stay in the chaotic line but it just wasn't worth it bc we knew we could use EP later. If it's first trip, I might brave it out but

8:33am on 2/3/26 by Buckeye86

it depends on if I have one or more days in the park. We did wands and then went to meet toothless. There is no EP or EE for it and line gets long. I'm not a HTTYD fan but I loved the meet and greet. So lifelike and great cast.

8:35am on 2/3/26 by Buckeye86

Wow, great info, thank you. We only have the 1 day, so you think if they allow Helios to go first that Ministry is the best to rope drop? TBH I haven't even looked at the park layout since seeing the model at city walk so I'm not sure how to attack.

10:56am on 2/3/26 by clyde4242

What would be option 2 if Ministry is too crazy? Nintendo? I'm not sure my kiddos will want to do meet and greet. Thanks for all the info.

10:57am on 2/3/26 by clyde4242

Curious how RD from Helios is going now as I'll be w in-laws who will not be agressive or speedy. We won't do EP as have several days- potentially can RD from Helios 3 days as 2 night stay & will get there early as we check in.

6:11pm on 2/3/26 by hodg

When we RD Ministry from Helios fist week of January they did let us in first and there weren't that many people at the first holding spot. THEN the craziness came in behind us. I didn't think it was horrible. They funneled us through the tunnel to the

9:18pm on 2/4/26 by sneezy93

right then around through the ropes. Saw a man dragging his kid screaming over the crate props to catch up to his family. :( unfortunately it did not open that day until early afternoon so didn't get to ride after all that.

9:20pm on 2/4/26 by sneezy93

I could see how it would be a nightmare if everyone was walking in together tho! DH thought it was bad but I told him it wasn't nearly as hectic as I had heard described here and he just couldn't imagine that.

9:24pm on 2/4/26 by sneezy93

Such great questions! I'm wondering same. 2 days at Epic with EP for first day. Do we even need to RD?

10:48pm on 2/5/26 by SusannaBee

Staying at Helios

10:48pm on 2/5/26 by SusannaBee

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When are your dates? We are end of March

9:38am on 2/6/26 by clyde4242

If we go first, I will report back. If you go before that please let us know how it worked for you. Thanks

10:20am on 2/6/26 by clyde4242

April! I think with our setup with EP we will do a casual EE and not rush to ministry.

10:12pm on 2/9/26 by SusannaBee

UO Trip Report for 2/8/26! Our first Mardi Gras trip this year... Got to US at about 6pm and went right to the beignets. :) Got those and the cake with the creepy baby on it! (LOLOL) Both were pretty good! As I was there, DW went to Puerto Rico for the...

9:21am on 2/9/26 by browndalmatian

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Beignets and F&C's are in the top five must trys!

3:07pm on 2/9/26 by brerbeer

@clyde YES! I did get one. I believe it was $120 for a $150 card. Good deal.

3:40pm on 2/9/26 by browndalmatian

@brer HI FRIEND!!!!!!! 100% the beignets were a must try for us this year too! And the F&C was up there for sure. I will most likely get both of them again at least once this year!

3:41pm on 2/9/26 by browndalmatian

UOQOTD: My family was talking the other day about how we never go to Bubba Gump's and they should change it to a new restaurant. If they did - and it was another "big chain" restaurant, what would you like it to be? Or should they NOT change it? LOL :)

11:16am on 2/5/26 by browndalmatian

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Dick's Last Resort

2:34pm on 2/5/26 by Fatty McButterpants

I wish they'd bring Emiril's back. But that's probably not big chain, huh? Ruth's Chris? Shoney's? Waffle House? (Quite the range, right?)

7:57am on 2/6/26 by TenMileMom

I don't care for Bigfore so my first thought was Outback or Longhorn.

9:07am on 2/6/26 by PrincipalTinker

Big fire. Not Bigfore ( what is that auto correct?)

9:11am on 2/6/26 by PrincipalTinker

Raising Canes,Brick house tavern, shake shack, the old spaghetti factory

9:37am on 2/6/26 by clyde4242

Maybe we're in the minority but we've eaten there a few times and always had good food!! If they did change it DH says Cheesecake Factory.

9:56am on 2/6/26 by sneezy93

@PT OMG my daughter said (and I agree) "Longhorn!" LOL (highfive)

10:35am on 2/6/26 by browndalmatian

@10mm I never ate at that Emiril's. :( Was it good? I don't care for Bigfire either. :\

10:35am on 2/6/26 by browndalmatian

@sneezy I haven't been in a while. Had a couple of not-so-great experiences there. But you know what maybe I should try it again! If I do I'll let you all know. :)

10:36am on 2/6/26 by browndalmatian

Shake shack !

7:23pm on 2/6/26 by snelvis

We also never ate at Emeril and don't care for Bigfire :( but DH loves him some Shake Shack!

8:40pm on 2/6/26 by sneezy93

We ate at the Emeril's at RPR. We were the only ones in the restaurant and they "were out" of the one entree most of my family wanted. If I remember correctly, it was a noodle dish.

6:08am on 2/7/26 by PrincipalTinker

The thing I miss about Emeril's is really the banana cream pie. Maybe some other restaurant with a small space for Emeril's desserts!

8:47am on 2/7/26 by TenMileMom

We had Waffle House breakfast for supper last night and I renew my vote for a WH in CW. Classic after park grub!

10:08pm on 2/8/26 by TenMileMom

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I DID eat at the Emeril's at RPR. It left a lot to be desired, unfortunately. I think that's why we never tried the one in CW. I wish I had, though.

10:10am on 2/9/26 by browndalmatian

@10mm I would totally go to a WH in CW!

10:10am on 2/9/26 by browndalmatian

Bob's Country Bunker featuring Tucker McElroy.

3:18pm on 2/9/26 by brerbeer

Is there a company that will deliver a wheelchair to the hardrock. If so do I have to meet them? Thx

8:31pm on 2/8/26 by ICONTROLWDW

I know there is a company that will as I had friends that required it mid trip from an injury. But I'm not sure of the company, sorry

10:52am on 2/9/26 by clyde4242

Does anyone know if parking is free after 6 at Epic, same as City Walk? For this week (1 Feb onward), no special events on. Thanks.

7:32pm on 2/1/26 by SharonJ66

Ooh that might be interesting to know- we plan to go back to epic to eat/after dark while staying at PBH. From previous queries here I'd assumed we'd have to pay if we drove so I was going to uber from conference centre & family get bus from hotel.

2:24pm on 2/2/26 by hodg

No one knows?

4:34am on 2/8/26 by hodg

The parking page at the bottom that talks about free parking at CW after 6 pm says does not apply at Epic. https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/plan-your-visit/hours-information/directions-and-parking#pricing

7:38am on 2/8/26 by sneezy93

Shame but as expected really Thanks!

6:06pm on 2/8/26 by hodg

No haters! I've only been to WDW but likely taking my last trip from UK so def coming to Uni. My WDW starts Oct 4th for 14nts, crowd wise should I do Uni first (Oct 1st) or after WDW? Only 2 in our party so top tier hotel won't save us on EPs

2:24pm on 1/31/26 by grannymac

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I've priced basic onsite hotel and it's cheaper to buy 3-day EP. Which onsite hotel would folks recommend?

2:26pm on 1/31/26 by grannymac

Also, would I be better off buying 14day tix in case we sneak over on a WDW day?!!

2:30pm on 1/31/26 by grannymac

Hi @granny- you found us! I've usually found the 14 day ticket was cheaper than 3 days UOR, def than 4. Helping one friend a while back UT had a 3 for 2 ticket deal so they got that.

3:30pm on 1/31/26 by hodg

I'd prob aim to come earlier on the logic that it cld get busier closer to Halloween. Not sure that U.K. 1/2 term will have much of an impact on crowds.

3:33pm on 1/31/26 by hodg

Hi @granny! The 3 day express with a cheaper hotel is such a smart plan! Uni is usually so much easier than WDW, especially with express. Will you do HHNs? I would pick my dates depending on that.

4:58pm on 1/31/26 by PrincipalTinker

I'm really looking forward to it as I love coasters and hear Uni is better than WDW, but that will always be my happy place

4:59pm on 1/31/26 by grannymac

Hi Tinker!! Don't think I'll do HHN, where can I see schedule?

5:00pm on 1/31/26 by grannymac

This year's dates have not been released but last October it was: October: 2-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-26, 29-31

5:10pm on 1/31/26 by PrincipalTinker

We put USO at the end of the trip because of fatigue/stress. WDW requires more planning and adjusting, whereas USO with UEP is more stream of consciousness. We can just walk around and do what we see and feel like doing.

12:48pm on 2/1/26 by TenMileMom

I would put UO after WDW personally! For same reasons 10MM mentioned (good calls). Also, sorry to ask but are you sure buying EP Cheaper Hotel is best here? Just making sure. Note that hotel's EP is UNLIMITED and includes checkin AND checkout days.

11:46am on 2/2/26 by browndalmatian

(1 night = 2 days of EP)... also, there's other benefits to the higher level hotels. Again, just wanting to make sure and trying to help. :)

11:47am on 2/2/26 by browndalmatian

Also, no haters here, don't worry! We have a great group over here!! :) WELCOME!!! We are glad to have you. You're going to have so much fun!

11:48am on 2/2/26 by browndalmatian

Oh yeah, whether or not you do HHN may play a factor on when to go too. Note that if you do not do HHN then the HHN days may have much earlier closing times at Studios. If you have any interest at all in horror/scary stuff, I would consider it! It's FUN!

11:50am on 2/2/26 by browndalmatian

The hotel included EP does not include epic. If you're paying separately for EP is it then included?

2:21pm on 2/2/26 by hodg

@hodg, you can buy a one time use (each park, per day) EP that includes Epic. (I think that is what you get).

5:03pm on 2/2/26 by PrincipalTinker

Hi Granny!! We did Uni after WDW and its a nice end to the holiday as its less stressful (as has been said). We've never done a HHN but they sound fun if that's your kind of thing.....!! Make it a week in Uni.... with it being your last trip and all ;-)

5:23pm on 2/2/26 by aw44

Ooh all the Brits coming out of the woodwork. How's your planning going @aw? Not long now.

2:29am on 2/3/26 by hodg

Nope - not long at all. No plans as such - as is the beauty of UOR.....! Not long for you either now? Are you doing WDW as well as DCL?

7:41am on 2/3/26 by aw44

We're doing the works- epic at Helios, PBH for the OG parks, a minor 3 day conference, week at wdw then 4 night Wish. Starting to look at restaurant options plus diamond anniversary t shirts for in laws.

6:14pm on 2/3/26 by hodg

But yep little planned for UOR except 1st days at epic then concentrate on the other parks depending on how it goes.

6:15pm on 2/3/26 by hodg

What is "diamond anniversary?"

9:15am on 2/4/26 by browndalmatian

60 years married. Is that not a usa term? Ruby is 40, gold is 50, diamond is 60

2:50pm on 2/4/26 by hodg

I'm about to get a friend to print up sone t shirts for them. Was going to put 60 diamond years. But if no one will know what it means I need to rethink!

2:51pm on 2/4/26 by hodg

We use the anniversary names (silver, gild, diamond). At least in my corner of Georgia we do!

7:06pm on 2/4/26 by TenMileMom

@hodg Thanks! And congratulations to them!! Awesome! I think it IS a USA term I just forgot about it. :) What are my wife and I? We are at 18 years now! :)

11:05am on 2/5/26 by browndalmatian

I don't think you need to rethink this! I think the t-shirt idea is really cool! I just forgot about the term, that's all. :)

11:05am on 2/5/26 by browndalmatian

Gift wise, 18 was porcelain, 19 is bronze. 20 is the china anniversary.

11:48am on 2/5/26 by TenMileMom

Is that when you just give each other egg rolls?

2:31pm on 2/5/26 by Fatty McButterpants

Thanks @10mm! Wait a minute... So on the 20th I need to take her to China!!!? :) J/K haha

2:31pm on 2/5/26 by browndalmatian

Thanks all, forgot to check back! So are there different EPs?

4:36pm on 2/5/26 by grannymac

And hi @aw44!!

4:36pm on 2/5/26 by grannymac

@granny, you can get the multi day express that includes the 3 parks but that express is one ride per attraction at any park. Unlimited express for US and IOA is with the premier hotels. But you need to buy Epic separately.

6:16pm on 2/5/26 by PrincipalTinker

Yes, as Principal said, there are a couple of different kinds, and the one you get with the hotels is REALLY good. :) On our honeymoon we had this and just kept going on Hulk over and over and over (can't do that these days lol, would be so sick!)... :)

10:39am on 2/6/26 by browndalmatian

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I wouldn't get sick. But I would get a headache!

2:50pm on 2/6/26 by hodg

Maybe I could go to Epic for one day during WDW stay and buy EP, then hotel with EP for two days at end of trip for other parks! More research/pricing to do lol

4:26pm on 2/6/26 by grannymac

Sounds like a great plan from my standpoint, but the express passes are not cheap for epic. We bought them too because it sounds like it's intolerable without it for one day.

10:40am on 2/7/26 by snelvis

Hi All! planning a trip in june with 1 day at epic, 1 day at discovery cove, and 4 days at wdw. Wondering if it's best to stay at wdw and uber to epic and DC or stay at a UOR resort to get early entry (and express pass) at.....

11:02am on 2/5/26 by WildernessPixie

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I am sorry but I am not yet an expert on Epic! :) However, at the other parks I think that EP would be 100x better to have than EE. :) May want to wait to see what others say though, just in case! :)

2:33pm on 2/5/26 by browndalmatian

I mean... you COULD always stay at a UO Premier hotel and get EP (unlimited) for every day instead... then take your UBER to WDW. :P hahaha Sorry I had to do it. :)

2:33pm on 2/5/26 by browndalmatian

no worries. Thank you for your input and help. I still need to price things out. On our last trip, since there were 2 of us, it was cheaper to stay at cabana bay and buy EP separate than stay at a premiere hotel that includes EP.

4:16pm on 2/6/26 by WildernessPixie

Visiting UO on Sun Feb 8 and Mon Feb 9. Mon EPIC is open one hour longer. Sun is last day Hogwarts express is open. Should I do IA/US Sun and Epic Mon? Or will crowds be better with the opposite schedule?

8:31pm on 2/4/26 by indyscrapper

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So with that said, personally as I like US/IoA much, much more than EPIC I would do EPIC first and "save the best for last" - US/IoA on Monday. Just my opinion though. I don't think you can go wrong either way unless Hogwarts Express is important to you!

11:03am on 2/5/26 by browndalmatian

Thank you all for the thoughts!

10:33pm on 2/5/26 by indyscrapper

You're welcome. The good news is this: no matter what you do you're going to have a GREAT time. ENJOY!

10:36am on 2/6/26 by browndalmatian

I expect there might be questions regarding the crowd calendar updates. Here is the blog post: https://touringplans.com/blog/disney-universal-crowd-calendar-updates-for-feb-10-mar-31-2026/

12:47pm on 2/5/26 by PrincipalTinker

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