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We rode every single ride at least once (except Poseidon's Fury and Caro-Seuss-el which were both closed during our entire trip). We didn't wait longer than 30 minutes for anything, including Velocicoaster. Wait times listed in the app determined what rides we rode since we didn't have Express Pass. The vast majority of our rides took place between 8am-10am and then again from 7pm-park close. Also, the closer it got to closing, the shorter the ride wait times. Take advantage of early park admission if you have the option. Of note, Minion Mayhem would be a walk-on at 8am and by 9:15 (regular park hours started at 9) it would shoot up to a 30-55 minute wait. Every ride/shop that was open during EPA had a short wait and got them crossed off our list quickly.

However, when we took advantage of the early park admission given to us for staying on-site at Cabana Bay, the crowds were non-existent.
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The parks were absolutely packed (my opinion plus my brothers opinion who has been a season pass holder since 2019). We never waited longer than the listed app time. It isn't as great as Disney's park app but it is very good. The map was very handy and the ride wait times listed were very accurate in our experience.
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Download it and get used to it before you arrive. The Universal Orlando app is a must have. I could go on and on but we were very impressed by the designs and theming. The comic strip area was very nice, even if my wife and kids didn't recognize any of it. Marvel Super Hero Island was awesome for us all as well. I'm not a big Harry Potter fan but that area is so cool and detailed! We were all wowed. I honestly think it's better than Disney. It helped keep the kids rested and got us away from the parks during the busiest and hottest times of the day. This is the same strategy we used with the kids in 2019 at Disney.

Then we would head back out in the parks until closing. We got up early, went to the parks, then went back to the hotel every day in the middle of the day for 2-3 hours for a nap and some food. I also need to specify that we took advantage of early park admission hours every day. We are avid theme park/coaster enthusiasts who visit various theme parks each year. In 2019, we all did a 10 day Disney World vacation together so when I compare my 2021 Universal trip to Disney below, I am comparing it to a pre-Covid Walt Disney World and have zero experience with post-Covid Disney World. My brother and his family are Universal passholders who live in Orlando and they (2 adults and 2 kids) spent a lot of time with us as well. We travelled as a party of 4 (me, my wife, a 48" tall 5 year old, and a 52" tall 7 year old). This pass gave us unlimited visits to the park but no other passholder benefits (like food/merch discount or express pass). We stayed at Universals Cabana Bay hotel for the entire trip and purchased a 3 park "season pass" called the "Military Freedom Pass" for military and immediate family members of military personnel. My family visited Universal Orlando from Tuesday August 3rd through Monday August 9th 2021.
