While the curtain doesn't officially rise on Universal Studios Florida - the country's newest theme park - until June 7, it's a pretty good bet that you'll be able to see more and be less hassled by large crowds if you plan your visit over a weekend during the first half of December or in September and October.
That's because Walt Disney World, Universal's fantastically popular neighbor in the Orlando area of central Florida, has its lightest visitor load during that time and in all likelihood attendance patterns at the two parks will be similar because of their proximity.The reason why a weekend is a good time to visit Disney World, according to the May issue of "Money" magazine, is because "the mobs are thickest Monday through Thursday. Families - especially those who drive - often arrive Sunday and leave by week's end. So Fridays and Sundays are usually 20 per cent less crowded."
It also makes a lot of sense to go when crowds are lightest, the magazine reports, because the less time it takes to wait in line for a ride or attraction means that you'll be able to accomplish more during your visit and thereby utilize the park's hefty admission charge to your best advantage.
If you're still finalizing your vacation plans, it's quite likely you'll stop at a theme, thrill or family-type attraction. In fact, the turnstiles at the nation's amusement parks clocked a total of 254 million visits last year, and two out of three Americans now visit a Disney park "at some time in their lives, more than ever see Washington, D.C.," according to the "Money" magazine article.
Last year Disney World hosted 30 million visits, making it the world's top vacation destination. While Universal Studios Florida doesn't anticipate anything close to that, its projected 6 million visits should make it the third most popular attraction of its kind, behind Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., which clocked an estimated 13.3 million visits last year, and slightly ahead of Universal Studios Hollywood, the Florida park's California based older sister, which had an attendance of 5.1 million in 1989.
"Money," which offers strategies on getting the best run for your time and money at Disney World, also sent teams to other amusement parks.
Here's the magazine's report on what it will cost a visitor this year for a one-day admission to the 10 top parks in the country, along with the best times to visit and the most popular rides and attractions. The parks are listed in order of their popularity.
Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Admission: $32.75 adult, $26.40 child. Best times to visit: September to mid-February (except holidays). Popular rides: Space Mountain, Body Wars, Captain EO.
Disneyland, Anaheim, Calif. Admission: $25.50 adult, $20.50 child. Best times to visit: September to mid-February (except holidays). Most popular rides: Pirates of Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Star Tours.
Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, Calif. Admission: $21 adult, $15.50 child. Best times to visit: November to January, March to May (except holidays). Popular rides: Earthquake, King Kong (both part of a 90 minute tram ride), Star Trek.
Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, Calif. Admission: $21 adult, $16 child. Best times to visit: May to early June, November to February, September (except holidays). Popular rides: XK-1, Timber Mountain Log, Montezooma's Revenge.
Sea World of Florida, Orlando, Fla. Admission: $25.40 adult, $21.15 child. Best times to visit: October, November, February, March (except holidays). Popular attractions: Penguin Encounter, Legend of Shamu, Sharks!
Sea World of California, San Diego, Calif. Admission $21 adult, $15.50 child. Best times to visit. Last two weeks in June, September, April and May (except holidays). Popular attractions: Baby Shamu Celebration, Forbidden Reef, Shark Exhibit.
Kings Island, Kings Island, Ohio. Admission: $20.95 adult, $10.45 child. Best times to visit: Late May to early June, late August to early September. Popular rides: The Beast, Vortex, The Racer.
Cedar Point, Kings Island, Ohio. Admission: $19.95 adult, $10.95 child. Best times to visit: May, June and weekends in September. Popular rides: Demon Drop, Cedar Downs, Magnum XL-200.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, Calif. Admission: $22 adult, $11 child. Best times to visit: First two weekends in December, September to early May. Popular rides: Ninja, Free Fall, Revolution.
Busch Gardens the Dark Continent, Tampa, Fla. Admission: $23.95 adult, $23.95 child. Best times to visit. Last three weeks in September, early January, late May to early June. Popular rides: Congo River Rapids, Tanganyika Tidal Wave, The Scorpion.
When Universal Studios Florida opens, admission will be $30.74 adult, $24.38 child. You can get information on the new park by calling 1-800-BE-A-STAR.
The magazine also recommends that visitors would be wise to "discreetly" ignore rules about bringing food into the parks, citing the high prices charged. The most expensive hamburger, cola and french fries was found at Sea World of California where the cost was $7.00; Cedar point was lowest at $4.17.