CoasterFEV, like CJ I was particularly worried when you said that there might be a chance of the parks closing at 6pm on weekdays during the last couple of weeks of August. Although this might be off-season for the USA, for visitors from the UK this is most definitely in the middle of holiday season.
I appreciate that there will be fewer people in the parks, and this equals fewer waits for all the attractions. However, afternoon heat and humidity in August just saps your energy, so a break from the parks mid-afternoon is pretty much essential in my opinion. There is also the fact that you miss experiencing the parks in the dark. You guys do such a good job of creating lighting which improves the themeing around the park, but then then the parks close before it gets dark! This is so frustrating for me, as after dark is my favourite time in the parks.
While I understand the business rationale for closing early, Universal should be aware of the effect this has on guests' perception of value-for-money. This is why I am complaining here and in other places, and also about Disney's opening times which are even worse. If the Universal parks close at 6pm during the greater part of my stay next month I will probably change my ticket type, most likely buying a multi-day ticket rarther than an annual pass.
Thanks for providing this information; it is such a help. Please don't fell that us complainers are trying to shoot the messenger!
Regards
Rob