WDW Fans: Will you go see Harry Potter?

[basas]

I'm curious:

For those of you who usually stay on-site at WDW and do not normally venture off property, how many of you plan to spend a day at Universal on your next vacation to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

It will be interesting to see what impact (if any) it has on Central Florida theme park attendance and if it impacts WDW in any way.

[wisblue]

I'm curious:

For those of you who usually stay at WDW and spend your entire vacations there, how many of you plan to spend a day at Universal on your next vacation to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

It will be interesting to see what impact (if any) it has on Central Florida theme park attendance and if it impacts WDW in any way.

When Harry Potter opens, we will probably plan to spend a day at Universal to see it. It wouldn't really have a big impact on our trip. We would probably rent a car for one day from the Alamo location at the Dolphin and drive to Universal for the day. We did the same thing for visiting Sea World and the Capital One bowl game on trips the last few years.

[MelanieC]

We are, but then again we did this year too. Now that the kids are older we are now spending time at US/IOA when we go as well.

[Grumpy92]

We are planning a trip just to visit HP, a couple days at their hotels. We have decided not even to go down to WDW on this trip.

[Aristocath]

We are flying in two days earlier so we can spend a day at Harry Potter and a day at Kennedy Space Center. We are staying at the Doubletree for a few nights before checking in to the Poly.

My boys can hardly wait to see the Wizarding World. I'll just be glad when they release more details so we can plan our day.

[jade1]

When Harry Potter opens, we will probably plan to spend a day at Universal to see it. It wouldn't really have a big impact on our trip. We would probably rent a car for one day from the Alamo location at the Dolphin and drive to Universal for the day. We did the same thing for visiting Sea World and the Capital One bowl game on trips the last few years.

About the same here exactly (except SW etc)....UNLESS its just soo good, then we will work in 2 day stays at HRH from now on. But currently it is 100% on our list to check out on our next trip. Looking at the pics.....come on-not skipin that.

[DAZY3BYZ]

We will definitely work it into our next trip to DW. We've been to Universal before. It's okay but we were in no rush to go back. With HP opening though, that is a must do next time. We'll still spend most of our time at DW. Probably just spend one or two days at Universal.

[roomthreeseventeen]

I thought about it, but decided it's better to make two different trips. We'll do all WDW this year, and then all Universal next trip.

[Buzz's Buddy]

We are DVC members so we always stay on site, but we will definitely plan a visit to Universal after Harry Potter opens.

When we do go, we'll spend 1 or 2 nights in a Universal hotel to take advantage of FOTL.

[Hardy]

We are taking a day to go to IoA to see Harry Potter during our next vacation. However Disney is not likely to be losing any money on us since we are staying on DVC points and will have the dining plan anyway. We LOVE the HP books and I'm just sad Disney did not do it, but we may in the future take more days for Universal as the kids get older anyway.

[Prinny27]

When the Wizarding World opens DH and I will add an extra day to the beginning of our trip - solely to check it out - and then spend the rest of the time at Disney. We're not really fans of Universal, but we definitely need to check out Harry Potter!

[Figment1990]

Have they announced any opening date yet for Harry Potter? My sis wants to go one of the days we are there April 17-24 but we're not sure if it will be open yet....

[TDC Nala]

I'll be doing a couple days at Universal in September but not staying there (I own DVC and will stay at one of the DVC resorts. No, I'm not going to worry about the front of the line access. I think it's possible that Harry Potter attractions won't use it for awhile after they first open - the Rip Ride Rockit didn't.)

I'll use Mears to get there. That allows me to eat at Emerils and Tchoup Chop and get wine pairings. (Another reason I don't do the Disney dining plan)

[FlightlessDuck]

This past July was the first time our family spent some time offsite. While we don't plan on staying at an offsite resort again, we did like Islands of Adventure and our planning a day our next trip to go, especially for Harry Potter. And there are other parts of IoA we like, too.

The Studios itself stinks though :rolleyes1

[Goofy'slady]

We are not HP or US fans in our house. We haven't been to US in years and the last time we went we vowed not to waste our time, energy and money in going anytime soon. HP holds little to no interest for us, so unless we got free passes to check it out we're spending our entire vacation on Disney property for the exception of hitting a few of the outlet stores. A girl's gotta get a new Coach bag!

Our girls are 11 & 4; the older one went when she was about 4 almost 5 and didn't like it then and now that she's gotten older she still hasn't voiced her opinion about going. If you were to ask the little one she'd reply "what's Universal Studios?" Could very well change as they both get older tho and we'll deal with that when it happens.

T.

[disneydude39]

Have they announced any opening date yet for Harry Potter? My sis wants to go one of the days we are there April 17-24 but we're not sure if it will be open yet....

I have not seen or heard any definate dates. A friend of mine works for dwtickets.com and he usually has the insdie scoop on this stuff. I asked him the other night if any dates had been released but he didn't know. He only knew what I already knew... Spring of 2010. I can't wait to see it!!! If i hear anything I will be sure to post a thread.

[kohlby]

We always go to US/IOA when we go down to Orlando. A "Disney" trip for us is never just Disney. My oldest loved US/IOA the last two times at 3.0 and 3.5 years old. And we're headed there again with a 11 month baby, nearly 4 year old and 6.5 year old tomorrow! We don't plan on another trip for 3 more years. The biggest impact Harry Potter had on our plans was that I bought my $99 7 day tickets already for our 2013 trip! I ended up buying them a week before the price increase. (Some $99 tickets are still available but they take more searching). So, we'll have up to 7 days instead of just 2 days for our next trip at US/IOA.


My kids don't know anything about Harry Potter yet, so the only way it's effected our plans had to do with me trying to save money on tickets in anticipation of a price increase. Men In Black was the absolute favorite ride off all the parks - Disney and Universal - for my oldest when he was 3.5.

*We do a split stay when we go - The Dolphin free with our Starwood points and then RPR. I've had luck finding really cheap rates at RPR the last two times. I fear that's going to change due to HP.

[linnell]

Originally, I was planning a trip that would include MNSSHP, Food & Wine and a day or two at HP world this September. However, after much discussion, my DH and I decided all of that will be too much for our little guys (plus F&W won't be going on while we're there) and my DH told me that I should just plan a weekend to go to HP with my sister or a friend. :banana::banana: So I will probably do that in Spring 2011, give it some time to work out the kinks and the crowds to die down a bit. I love Harry Potter and I KNOW it is going to be really tempting to me while we are down there this fall.

[DEBBYIAC]

we always go over there for a day or two, and sea world and this year discover cove? so we always rent a car and i seem to get such good deals I just rent the whole time. I don't think my DH could handle the buses anyway he has no patiences at all.

[deerhart]

We won't head over to US until both the boys are over 54 inches tall and can ride all the rides. It's bad enough going to the local Six Flags and half the rides they want to do they are a couple of inches too short. When we go we will also go to Sea World and a friend always offers us free tixs.

[DAZY3BYZ]

We won't head over to US until both the boys are over 54 inches tall and can ride all the rides. It's bad enough going to the local Six Flags and half the rides they want to do they are a couple of inches too short. When we go we will also go to Sea World and a friend always offers us free tixs.

That's smart! :thumbsup2 When we went to Universal/IOA a couple years back, our youngest son who was 6 spent most of the day sitting on a bench with me while his brother's rode rides. It was a LONG day! :sad2:

[3floridarays]

We will take a couple of days out of our WDW trip at Christmas to go over to Universal. We will be taking at least 3 other trips to WDW before then, but we are going to let Universal get HP "broken in" and let the massive fanatical crowds have a few months to get it out of their system.

[deerhart]

That's smart! :thumbsup2 When we went to Universal/IOA a couple years back, our youngest son who was 6 spent most of the day sitting on a bench with me while his brother's rode rides. It was a LONG day! :sad2:

my oldest has been in the 49-52 inch range for 3 years (he's going to be 10) and his 7yo brother is 51 inches tall so we are almost there!

Both DH and I are roller coaster junkies and with neither kid able to ride the major ones, six flags is pretty depressing. Its also the reason why we have put off a trip over to my Dh's home town (cincy) for a day or two at King's Island.

[Mollyremy]

We are hoping to do US on our next trip so we can see HP. We will always stay on Disney property---can't beat immersing into the magic!

[wdwnut4life]

1 of my nieces can go on the fast rides (she's 9 the other is 5) but i'll check on the other since they might b movin 2 florida

[pixiepirate]

We were orignally thinking of returning to WDW this spring. We have changed our plans and are now planning a longer trip for the fall. We will be spending 2 days at US to take in HP but will still have 6 days for WDW. We will stay onsite, probably CBR. I had a chance to see the HP exhibit in Chicago. Simply amazing. Can't wait to see what US has come up with.

[Glencora]

Since some of you have mentioned the probable crowds, I was wondering - do you think that the crowd levels fro HP will fluctuate in the same way the crowd levels at WDW do? In other wors, there's a big drop off in crowd levels at WDW right after Labor Day because the kids are back in school. I'd assume the same will happen at US. But will the popularity of HP keep the crowd levels up all year? Thoughts?

[TerrytownGrl]

We're planning on adding a day or two to check out Harry Potter and US.

Our daughter has never been to US and DH and I haven't been since the park opened back in 1990 or so.

Soo excited about the WWoHP.

[steph73]

We strongly considered it. Since we will be arriving in late May, it *should* be open (unless they change the date again), but we decided that since it will most likely be VERY crowded that close to the launch, we'll go next year. We are HUGE HP fans, but we've never been to US/IoA before.

Next year, we plan to stay off-site for the first few days of our trip and do US/IoA and Sea World (we've been to SW several times, but not in years) and just do a shorter WDW trip... maybe even just a day at the MK and a day at EP. We're considering just skipping WDW altogether for that trip, but I don't know if I can be that close and not go at all!

[chipsgal63]

definitely a Harry Potter 2011. I love Harry and will stay at Universal hotels to take advantage of the front of line deal.
Now I hear LegoLand will be opening in central Florida in 2011. Looks like we might have to skip on the mouse .....

[Tinkh]

For sure we plan on seeing it. We love HP, but that will not change the amount of days I want to spend at Disney. We usually do Universal/Islands of Adventure at least one day of our trips.

[disneylovin24]

I'm curious:

For those of you who usually stay on-site at WDW and do not normally venture off property, how many of you plan to spend a day at Universal on your next vacation to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

It will be interesting to see what impact (if any) it has on Central Florida theme park attendance and if it impacts WDW in any way.

I have never been to universal and the harry potter world is not going to make me any more likely to go there. I'm a fan of the books and movies but I just don't have the intrest in universal. The Simpsons Ride is actually the only thing I really want to do there!!

[ILVPOOH]

We will be at WDW Nov 28 - Dec 4 and we will go one day to Universal to see Harry Potter. Right now it looks like more shopping than anything else, but it really looks cool. There seems to be 1 attraction in the castle that looks good. The other 2 rides are roller coasters, which I don't care for. Hopefully they will build more rides.

[Disney_Lover06]

If it is open in April when I'm down in Disney, I'm going to spend a day at Universal to see Harry Potter. I'm just as big of an HP fan as I am a Disney fan!!

[disneylovin24]

definitely a Harry Potter 2011. I love Harry and will stay at Universal hotels to take advantage of the front of line deal.
Now I hear LegoLand will be opening in central Florida in 2011. Looks like we might have to skip on the mouse .....

:scared1: Legoland and Harry Potter could never keep me from disney

(im guessing you were joking!?!)

[bdiddy]

We've been twice to Disney right in a row and we've decided to wait about 4-5 years to go again and do a really big trip for 2 wks and do Disney, Universal and Seaworld. The kids will be at the age where we can do so much more as well. That way the new Fantasyland expansion will be done and Harry Potter will have been open for awhile.

I'll need 4-5 yrs to save for that trip! LOL

[DisneyGirlie]

Typically I never leave property and I haven't been to Universal/IOA in about 7 years or maybe more. I won't be leaving WDW property when the HP attraction opens either, but then again I'm not a HP fan ;)

[disneylovin24]

I just read that yes, Legoland is coming to central Florida too!!! This doesn't intrest me at all though:laughing:

I also read that Universal is planning on building a castle that will be more ionic the Cinderella's castle in the MK:scared1: Is that even possible?:laughing:

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Nope. I am a huge Harry Potter fan but won't waste any of my Disney time to go see the attractions for at least a few years, if then. When I'm in the Orlando area is all Disney all the time, that other place doesn't even exist to me.

[Rip]

I just read that yes, Legoland is coming to central Florida too!!! This doesn't intrest me at all though:laughing:

I also read that Universal is planning on building a castle that will be more ionic the Cinderella's castle in the MK:scared1: Is that even possible?:laughing:

I doubt they expect it to be more iconic, but it's definitely much, much bigger.

[suzyh]

I always visit Universal a few times during my stay. I won't go out of my way to visit the new land though.

[Scurvy]

I always used to stay on Disney property the whole time we were in Orlando for each trip - we rarely ventured off premises at all. In the last year or two we've started spending more and more time elsewhere in central Florida, and I hadn't realized just how much we were missing. I definitely plan to visit Universal more often once Harry Potter opens. We went for the first time (primarily for Halloween Horror Nights) a few months ago and it was exciting to see Hogwarts and Hogsmeade taking shape. The attention to detail (in the areas already visible) is impressive. We're getting Universal and Seaworld APs this spring and we are really excited about going to the Harry Potter area when it finally opens.

ETA - Hogwarts castle is already visible from I-4, and it looks great. Very iconic. I doubt that little girls are going to be more excited about it than about Cinderella's castle, but other demographics might be.

[Glampire31]

I am thinking of checking it out when it opens... It looks really interesting and once I see what it is all about I can recommend it to friends and family.... :cheer2:

[BlovesC]

Not a big HP fan but our work is always offering really cheap Universal tickets so I may get to explore it eventually. Usually the only time I'm ever willing to pay money to enter Universal is during HHN, which is incredible.

Also, the Legoland conversion is in my county, and no one around here is particularly excited about it. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly a Legoland entails...is it really just like a big walking exhibit of structures built out of Legos? Nothing else?

[disneylovin24]

Not a big HP fan but our work is always offering really cheap Universal tickets so I may get to explore it eventually. Usually the only time I'm ever willing to pay money to enter Universal is during HHN, which is incredible.

Also, the Legoland conversion is in my county, and no one around here is particularly excited about it. I'm still trying to figure out what exactly a Legoland entails...is it really just like a big walking exhibit of structures built out of Legos? Nothing else?

Legoland actually features some rides and rollar coasters.


However big the Harry Potter castle is going to be, it will never be as iconoic as Cinderella's castle. Cinderella's Castle has already been around almost 40 years and it's such an universal symbol for disney.

[BlovesC]

Legoland actually features some rides and rollar coasters.


Hey, that's good to know...a lot more exciting than the misinformation spreading at work. :lmao: Thanks! Might be a step up from ole Cypress Gardens and their southern belles!

[KellyNY]

We will. We love Universal but been there only 2 times due to added cost. We are not in HP much but we will go and see it, should be great.

[poutytink]

I usually go to Disney and not move from the property. However, with the opening of HP I am taking 2 days out of my 10 to do IOA and US. I haven't been to either in over 5 years and I am a HUGE HP fan. I will be using Mears from POP for the first time, hope it works out ok.

[DisneyPolve]

We will be heading to Universal to see Harry Potter during our trip in July. I am taking two days that I normally would be seeing my favorite Mouse and using them to see "my" Harry :wizard:. I shortened my stay at CSR and staying closer to Universal for those two days as well, since we are on a dining plan at WDW, couldn't justify staying there with the cost when we won't even be at the parks.

[DreamingOfTheMouse]

I would like to go eventually, but for our next trip (in April) 1) it is planned already and 2) I'm not sure the HP section will be open by then anyway. We talked with our friends about doing a F&W/HP trip in October, but its not in stone.

[KellyNY]

I usually go to Disney and not move from the property. However, with the opening of HP I am taking 2 days out of my 10 to do IOA and US. I haven't been to either in over 5 years and I am a HUGE HP fan. I will be using Mears from POP for the first time, hope it works out ok. We used Mears, worked great but cab was better because we did not depend on schedule. Just thought you might want to know.:)

[RSoxNo1]

I began reading the Harry Potter books (and watching the movies) this year in preparation for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

I have high expectations for the new land, and fully anticipate Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to be a game changer when it comes to theme park attractions.

[KellyNY]

Did somebody said HP opens in April, dates were already posted somewhere? I cannot plan my Disney trip without this info.

[rudy7696]

:thumbsup2:thumbsup2Oh most definetely!!!! My wife and I are totally stoked about the new Harry Potter addition, the pics look sooooo awesome. :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[carmiedog]

We'll be spending an entire week at Universal (also doing seaworld). We were thinking about it even before HP was announced, though. My boys are excited about doing Universal, and I'm looking forward to a relaxing trip hanging out with dd.

[jamstew]

I'll wait until it has been open for a while--plan to go in December for a day or two to check it out. I've added one day to my trip, so it won't take time away from Disney.

[DisneyBamaFan]

If the crowds are manageable, we will swing over for a day before we check into WDW. We are in Cocoa with family for a week before our WDW vacation kicks off...

[poutytink]

KellyNY... do you know how much the cab is from US/IOA to POP?? Any info would be appriciated!! For the 3 of us it will cost $54.00 round trip each day...Is it better or worse than that?

[jtut]

When we go to WDW we always stay on property and it's at least a week stay...We have always taken one full day to do Universal IOA! We do hope Harry will be open for our next trip, but if not we will probably still taxi over to enjoy some of the great attractions they offer!

[fayt19]

On our last big WDW trip, we spent a few days at Universal. We're doing the same this trip. I hope it's open by the time we go, though.

[WeatherbySwann]

Usually we stick with WDW, but I am considering visiting Universal once Harry Potter opens - it looks so cool!

[bobbie68]

Hi we are going to go to Harry Potter at Universal in 2011. We will stay on-site there to get all the benefits. We don't rent a car when we go to the world.:)

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[Planogirl]

I shouldn't answer because we normally split our time between WDW and Universal but we might actually spend an extra day at Universal in anticipation of bigger crowds. I don't mind, I'm excited about the new area!

[KellyNY]

KellyNY... do you know how much the cab is from US/IOA to POP?? Any info would be appriciated!! For the 3 of us it will cost $54.00 round trip each day...Is it better or worse than that?

We did it couple of years ago from CBR (next door to POP). If I remember correctly it was like $25 plus tip each way, so we ended up with around $60. If you call front desk when you are in resort, they will give you number to call and will tell appr. how much(price could change a bit). When we called (I do not remember if it has to be done a day in advance or not, ask Front desk), cab met us at our building, on the way back we just went to cab stop at the parking zone, CMs were getting cabs for people, keping line well organized, we almost did not wait, since there were lots of cabs. Hope it helped a bit.

[Order66]

I'm considering it. This year we are going in the summer rather than taking the kids out of school and we can stay longer. The military tickets are for just 4 days so I'm going to have a couple of days of freedom. I considered SW since we can get in free there as well for the day.....but depending on the budget after all is said and paid off....I might go ahead and go. If not, will for sure next visit and when things might have settled a bit.

regards

[trekker93]

Are you kidding me? This is one of the biggest openings of a major story land. To be able to walk through Hogwarts will be really alot of fun.:thumbsup2:cool1:

[TDC Nala]

We used Mears, worked great but cab was better because we did not depend on schedule. Just thought you might want to know.:)

I think the cab is too expensive (for one person anyway)

[cigar95]

ETA - Hogwarts castle is already visible from I-4, and it looks great. Very iconic. I doubt that little girls are going to be more excited about it than about Cinderella's castle, but other demographics might be.

I wonder if there's somewhere from where one can see the Castle without being in a moving car. I'll be at WDW next week, and driving past Universal next Sunday morning. I know my wife would love a photo or video of some sort.

We're planning on being there just about a year from now. That should give the opening crowds a chance to cool off a bit. Plus, Universal sees much bigger downswings in the off-season than WDW does.

[Micca]

I am a Disney fan, my HP interest is minimal. If I lived in Central Fla I would check it out, otherwise...it's not for me.:)

[smidgy]

we went to Uni last trip. not this coming trip. we will wait till HP is included in the express pass (last trip rip rocket just opened, and no passes yet.
anytime we go to uni, we stay at royal pacific . for the express pass on all the rides. plus, we love walking to everything. we stay 3 nights... then on to WDW!
but we are excited about HP, read all the books.

[disneyshakeygirl]

I'm going, I'm excited! :D I love Harry Potter. I'll probably spend a day there. If I don't make it this trip, then definitely next trip. I just need to find out when it's opening.

[lacrosse_lady72]

Last time we went to Universal it was in September 2007. Then in September 2008, instead of Universal, our 2-3 off site stint was spent going to New York City, in 2009 after hearing HP was going to open in 2010, we decided to wait for Universal until then so that we could a)stay longer b)stay at HRH.

But, now we don't even know if HP is going to be open when we go in late April, most places say Memorial Day for certain, early May most likely but April is a crap shoot. If not, we'll probably not be going to WDW in 2011 :( but DLR instead so we won't get to go until December 2012, our next WDW trip planned after April. Although, if I feel as if I am able bodied by then, I am going to try for Goofy in 2012 so there might be a side trip in January 2012.

Pllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaase be open in April! I will buy lots of merchandise, I promise!

I miss Universal.

I love Harry Potter, there's nothing negative I can think of right now to say about it. A few Halloweens I've been various HP characters, I've been Cho twice as I look like her the most and I've been Hermoine.

I REALLLLLLY wish I could go to Universal on July 14, spend the day in WWHP and see the premier of HP-DH1 that night but alas, I too broke to fit in ANOTHER trip across the country.

[Feralpeg]

I am very excited about the opening of HP at IOA. I watched the special features about the new park on the last HP DVD and it looks amazing.

[fla4fun]

Since I've had no interest in reading the Potter books or seeing the Potter movies, I doubt that the new section of IOA will hold much interest for me.

However there are a lot of fans, so I would imagine for the first year or so, there will be a spike in attendance at IOA as people go to check it out. Whether it will garner return trips from those fans is something we'll have to wait and see.

[Disney Yooper]

It's the only thing that could probably get me to go somewhere other than Disney. We had no plans to go see other parks but I can't resist anything to do with Harry Potter. However, I will still do Disney the same time so they won't lure me totally away.

[connie1042]

We are doing HP in July. We will stay a night at the resort so we have FOTL pass. FOLP can only be used once a day for HP. That is what is on their website.

[Timmy Boy]

Nope. I am a huge Harry Potter fan but won't waste any of my Disney time to go see the attractions for at least a few years, if then. When I'm in the Orlando area is all Disney all the time, that other place doesn't even exist to me.
Wow. I feel bad for you, there's a whole city worth of stuff to discover.

[cruisingkat]

We actually ended up getting an annual pass for Universal to go with our Disney annual as we figured that Universal will probably raise rates after Harry Potter opens.
We went to Universal on our last Disney trip as we were at Disney for 14 days. Found out that the annual pass to Universal was just a little more than 2 of the 2 park/7 day passes and figured that we would go again when we visit Disney after HP opens so it would be to our benefit to get the annual pass - we would probably visit at least once per Disney trip during the year.
Also, we want to go again so that we can see Elliot Dyson (the great sax musician at POFQ) when he performs with the Blues Brothers at Universal.

[KatMark]

Nope, not a Harry Potter fan at all.

[bjakmom]

We will be spending 3 nights at UO in the middle of our WDW Aug vacation. It's been 3 years since we've been there (did visit Univ CA 2 yrs ago, though) and HP is definitely the biggest reason we are going this summer - DNeph is a huge HP fan and DGrD will be watching the movies with him this summer before our trip, I'm sure!:thumbsup2

[nooneshome]

DW is going to insist we see HP. I plan to wait a year or so.

[Gr8t Fan]

ABSOLUTELY!!!! We're going to spend at least 3 days there in August and can't wait. I don't understand all the haters :confused3,

[Scurvy]

I wonder if there's somewhere from where one can see the Castle without being in a moving car. I'll be at WDW next week, and driving past Universal next Sunday morning. I know my wife would love a photo or video of some sort.

We're planning on being there just about a year from now. That should give the opening crowds a chance to cool off a bit. Plus, Universal sees much bigger downswings in the off-season than WDW does.

There's a bridge where Universal Blvd. goes over I-4, as you are driving from the direction of International Drive toward Universal Studios. Ahead and to your left as you are at the stop sign just before the bridge, you can see the top of the Great Hall and Gryffindor Tower at Hogwarts. I tried to get pictures with my camera phone but they didn't turn out, but if you've seen the movies then the castle is very recognizable. I suspect you can see it well from the sidewalk along there also. It isn't the whole castle, but it's enough to be exciting for a big Harry Potter fan. As you drive along Universal Blvd. there are several points where you can see it fairly well.

[mmafan]

Yes. I'm looking foward to seeing it.

[Hallowishes]

i will definitely check out the wizarding world of harry potter ... but ill wait till the hype dies down a bit. probably next january, ill take a trip to wdw and spend a day at universal.

[Echo queen]

For August I have 7 nights booked for disney and 1 night 2 days for universal. We did the same thing in December 2008, HP was under construction, at that time we decided that we would not go back until it was open. We did go to disney the last week of 2009 and did not visit universal. There are many great places to visit in Orlando, take the blinders off.:surfweb: If time allows and it has in the past we visit and do many other things while there.:)

[luvthemouse71]

I'm going..we'll be there for 10 days so we can take one day out to see the Harry Potter park..it's supposed to be really cool.

[goldwest]

We did not get to US on our trip in 08. Plan to hit it in Jan 11. Having trouble deciding if we will stay at US for front of line privleges or stay whole time at POR. Hate to give up ME but costs for dining and resort would be premium when we arrive (plan on Dec 28) so had thoughts of doing universal first for 4 nights, then heading to POR for the rest of our stay (would have 8 more nights). Budget wise I will have to figure out the cost/benefit!

[Ashes8380]

ABSOLUTELY!!!! We're going to spend at least 3 days there in August and can't wait. I don't understand all the haters :confused3,

Some people just don't like Harry Potter. I wasn't going to read any of them until I had to read the 1st one for a children's literature class. I honestly went into it with an open mind and could barely finish it. I just don't like fantasy books, the fact that it's Harry Potter isn't going to make me like a genre I don't enjoy reading. I wouldn't go out of my way to see it, but I'd hardly consider that hating on people who are excited.

I get a LOT of crap from people for being a children's librarian who does not enjoy Harry Potter :eek: It's just not for everyone, although I do love what it has done in getting children to read :goodvibes

[aubriee]

I'll use Mears to get there. That allows me to eat at Emerils and Tchoup Chop and get wine pairings. (Another reason I don't do the Disney dining plan)


I've never been to Universal and have never even had any interest in checking it out. However, last week I took advantage of the $99.00 unlimited admission 2 parks for seven day tickets and bought three tickets. I plan to be there for at least two days during my May 1st-9th trip (if HP is open) and again for our Oct 23rd-31st trip. If I decide I do like Universal I'll probably upgrade the ticket I use in May to an AP and save the others for another year. The only problem I'm having is if Harry Potter's World is not open by my May trip, then I'm thinking about doing the DxDDP for that trip, but if it is, I'll stay with my basic DDP. I'd need to change my ADRs completely around though if I go with the DxDDP (change to mostly Signature meals). Harry Potter is messing up my ADR planning.:rotfl::mad: If it wasn't for Harry Potter I'd never consider going over to the dark side (US).lol I've always been perfectly happy at WDW.

Nala please tell me how to use Mears to get from CSR to Univiersal. Do they pick you up at your resort or the TTC? How late do they pick you up at Universal? How much is it? Phone number? :confused3

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

DH and I NEVER go to Universal but we are so excited to go to Harry Potter. BUT there is no way we are going on our trip this summer! Has anyone mentioned the fact that everyone and their mother wil most likely be there, especially in the first few months? It's not going to be crowded...it's going to be a MADHOUSE!!! I just don't think it'll be worth it, in my opinion. Not yet, anyway.

BUT I bet people who are visiting the REST of Universal Studios will have empty parks!

[arielmomma]

We are planning on going over there in September during our adult only trip. It will be our first time at IoA. We've never gone b/c our kids are so little it was just easier to stay at WDW.

[Docwoods]

Going in October-RPR-can't wait!Actual hotel with real restaurants.Harry here we come!

[SabbyR]

We are going in December. It's one of the reasons we are going!!! My family can't wait to see the HP theme park. We are really excited about Ollivander's!We are staying at Disney and Taking one day to go over to IoA, just to see Harry Potter!:banana:

[KatMark]

Some people just don't like Harry Potter. I wasn't going to read any of them until I had to read the 1st one for a children's literature class. I honestly went into it with an open mind and could barely finish it. I just don't like fantasy books, the fact that it's Harry Potter isn't going to make me like a genre I don't enjoy reading. I wouldn't go out of my way to see it, but I'd hardly consider that hating on people who are excited.

I get a LOT of crap from people for being a children's librarian who does not enjoy Harry Potter :eek: It's just not for everyone, although I do love what it has done in getting children to read :goodvibes

Agreed. It is not my genre either. I don't think it makes me a hater. I love country music and others don't. I don't consider them haters for it.

[diskids2]

Been to WDW nine times and never been to Universal...usually go for 7-11 days. This summer our trip of 10 days will include 4 nights at the Royal Pacific Resort and we will be there for WWoHP!

[wdwfan16]

Absolutely. We even bought our tickets already. We will most likely get there in late 2010.

[khertz]

Absolutely!! For us, Universal is always a part of our "Disney" vacation! I have never been to one without the other. Usually it is just two days, but this last trip, DH and I spent 7 days in Disney parks and 3 in Universal. We stayed at Bonnet Creek, so we were able to spread our Universal days out through the week. Next time we go back (which may not be for a few years), we'll probably do the same thing and spend 3 days at Universal. This past trip, we found we didn't really need 3 days to see & do everything we wanted, but with HP opening, we may need/want the extra time to explore. We are both big Universal & Harry Potter fans, so this is just another reason why our "Disney vacations" are so exciting!

I'm kind of surprised by how many people are hating on Universal/IoA. If you love thrill rides, you are missing out. If you love great theming, you are missing out. Yes, it's Disney's competition, but really...loving one doesn't mean you have to hate the other! And more often than not, people who choose to visit both parks during their vacations are still going to spend a bulk of their time & money at Disney compared to Universal.

[rstamm]

DS and I like Universal, DW does not.

We try and go one day during our Disney trip but not excited at all about 1 new ride for HP.

I was expecting at least 3 new rides since they are putting so much money into HP.

We will ride it like all the other rides they have, I am hoping it will be good but for what they spent it should be the greatest ride of all time.

[parkers218]

Hey we always go to disney..never paid attention to US/IoA because our kids were too short to ride anything:sad1:...but we are planning to go see Harry Potter World. SO My question is any tips?? Places to stay-- Nick hotel? Royal Palm Resort? Best tix to buy for a 1-2 day stay? Any input would be appreciated. I am not familiar with US or that area. I am very excited!! We are going to Disney in Aug so we will take 1 or 2 days to go take a lookpopcorn::. Don't know when we will be in FL again and I don't want to wait 5+:eek: years b4 I go. I just hope ther is enough for my 5 and 2.5 year old to do:guilty: Maybe we'll just do 1 day there and do sea world the other day?..what do you guys think?

[DisneyGerry]

was at IOA yesterday and all looking great

[Kumquatmelon]

I'm planning on going, I am not a huge HP fan, but I do want to see how Universal is doing for themselves.
When I was younger, US was apart of my Disney vacation. But, as I have grown to love Disney a bit more, Universal has gone down one on my list. We did go 3 years ago, and it was great. IoA was tons of fun, and I enjoyed it because I was in that stage where kiddie rides were so not cool. But, if I want a vacation that will truly make me cry and laugh and make me feel like a kid inside, it's Disney all the way.
But, from the pictures that I have seen, I think that WWoHP will help boost up US's reputation of theming. US/IoA is known for their thrill rides, not their "WOW" factor. But, I'm not hating on US lovers, it's just that I know there is better. US was never really a competition in my mind. It's just like Six Flags, it's an amusement park... not a magical getaway.

[Iwant2BAprincess]

I am dying to go check it out. Until the kiddos came along Dh & I would take a few mini trips to IoA each year-we are both coaster junkies. That being said I just can't justify the ticket cost since my boys are too short to ride most of the rides there, same reason we haven't gone to sixflags with them yet-what is the point if you can't ride..


But for those who are going-have fun!!

[Planogirl]

DH and I NEVER go to Universal but we are so excited to go to Harry Potter. BUT there is no way we are going on our trip this summer! Has anyone mentioned the fact that everyone and their mother wil most likely be there, especially in the first few months? It's not going to be crowded...it's going to be a MADHOUSE!!! I just don't think it'll be worth it, in my opinion. Not yet, anyway.

BUT I bet people who are visiting the REST of Universal Studios will have empty parks!
I've been mulling over possible crowd levels and I expect IOA to be a complete madhouse. Those who visit to see HP will probably go ahead and see the rest of the park since they paid for it. I'm undecided about the Studios and since it's my favorite park... :confused3

[Planogirl]

I'm planning on going, I am not a huge HP fan, but I do want to see how Universal is doing for themselves.
When I was younger, US was apart of my Disney vacation. But, as I have grown to love Disney a bit more, Universal has gone down one on my list. We did go 3 years ago, and it was great. IoA was tons of fun, and I enjoyed it because I was in that stage where kiddie rides were so not cool. But, if I want a vacation that will truly make me cry and laugh and make me feel like a kid inside, it's Disney all the way.
But, from the pictures that I have seen, I think that WWoHP will help boost up US's reputation of theming. US/IoA is known for their thrill rides, not their "WOW" factor. But, I'm not hating on US lovers, it's just that I know there is better. US was never really a competition in my mind. It's just like Six Flags, it's an amusement park... not a magical getaway.
I was with you even if I didn't agree until you compared Universal to Six Flags. Um, no. :confused:

[jade1]

DH and I NEVER go to Universal but we are so excited to go to Harry Potter. BUT there is no way we are going on our trip this summer! Has anyone mentioned the fact that everyone and their mother wil most likely be there, especially in the first few months? It's not going to be crowded...it's going to be a MADHOUSE!!! I just don't think it'll be worth it, in my opinion. Not yet, anyway.

BUT I bet people who are visiting the REST of Universal Studios will have empty parks!

True, but for us not relevant. We will go for 3 things. Ride the reworked D Dragons (soo good), ride the new robo ride in Hogwarts, tour/walk around and take pics. Then back to WDW-should take about 4 hours tops at IOA.

[Rip]

True, but for us not relevant. We will go for 3 things. Ride the reworked D Dragons (soo good), ride the new robo ride in Hogwarts, tour/walk around and take pics. Then back to WDW-should take about 4 hours tops at IOA.

I have a feeling that 3 of those hours are going to be spent in line for the new ride.

[Rip]

Hey we always go to disney..never paid attention to US/IoA because our kids were too short to ride anything:sad1:...but we are planning to go see Harry Potter World. SO My question is any tips?? Places to stay-- Nick hotel? Royal Palm Resort? Best tix to buy for a 1-2 day stay? Any input would be appreciated. I am not familiar with US or that area. I am very excited!! We are going to Disney in Aug so we will take 1 or 2 days to go take a lookpopcorn::. Don't know when we will be in FL again and I don't want to wait 5+:eek: years b4 I go. I just hope ther is enough for my 5 and 2.5 year old to do:guilty: Maybe we'll just do 1 day there and do sea world the other day?..what do you guys think?

First, I would highly recommend staying onsite at the Royal Pacific. It's a deluxe hotel generally around the price of a Disney moderate. Second, you need to look at AAA, Undercover Tourist, Kroger (if you have one), etc. RIGHT NOW for the 7-day unlimited park tickets for $99. They were discontinued from UO last week, but you can still find them if you hurry.

[Planogirl]

First, I would highly recommend staying onsite at the Royal Pacific. It's a deluxe hotel generally around the price of a Disney moderate. Second, you need to look at AAA, Undercover Tourist, Kroger (if you have one), etc. RIGHT NOW for the 7-day unlimited park tickets for $99. They were discontinued from UO last week, but you can still find them if you hurry.
Yes, do rush and get these passes! The prices have already gone up a lot on the Universal website which won't matter to those who go for one day. But otherwise you save a ton of money if you get the old passes.

Undercover Tourist is a great ticket source.

[parkers218]

First, I would highly recommend staying onsite at the Royal Pacific. It's a deluxe hotel generally around the price of a Disney moderate. Second, you need to look at AAA, Undercover Tourist, Kroger (if you have one), etc. RIGHT NOW for the 7-day unlimited park tickets for $99. They were discontinued from UO last week, but you can still find them if you hurry.

Thanks!! I'm on it:thumbsup2

[smidgy]

Hey we always go to disney..never paid attention to US/IoA because our kids were too short to ride anything:sad1:...but we are planning to go see Harry Potter World. SO My question is any tips?? Places to stay-- Nick hotel? Royal Palm Resort? Best tix to buy for a 1-2 day stay? Any input would be appreciated. I am not familiar with US or that area. I am very excited!! We are going to Disney in Aug so we will take 1 or 2 days to go take a lookpopcorn::. Don't know when we will be in FL again and I don't want to wait 5+:eek: years b4 I go. I just hope ther is enough for my 5 and 2.5 year old to do:guilty: Maybe we'll just do 1 day there and do sea world the other day?..what do you guys think?

First, I would highly recommend staying onsite at the Royal Pacific. It's a deluxe hotel generally around the price of a Disney moderate. Second, you need to look at AAA, Undercover Tourist, Kroger (if you have one), etc. RIGHT NOW for the 7-day unlimited park tickets for $99. They were discontinued from UO last week, but you can still find them if you hurry.

In response to Parkers:....what Rip said!:rotfl2: RRRPR is the cheapest of the 3 onsite resorts. did you know, if you are a universwal guest, pool hopping is allowed? there is a water lay area at RPR, but you can take the boat (or wlak) to Hard Rock , or Portofino, and use their pools. HRH has the BEST slide, ever! and you get to use the expressline.

that being said, it is doubtful if the HP rides, will be included in the express, at first (which is why we are waiting, till it is, as wwell as rip tide Rocket (for DH, not me!:scared1:)
all you moms and dads.. you just HAVE to see Dr. Suess land at IOA! magical? hubby Nebo gets tears in his eyes! we love the cat in the hat, tho goofy animal carousel, one fish two fisn, and the trolly (even though we got stuck on it for 45 minutes last trip!) the land is SO colorful, all pastels! look for hortons egg, get green eggs and ham, explore "If a Ran the Zoo". and take the little know short cut, and see those 2 guys (north going and south going" guys who won't budge!.
the kids would love the dinosaur discovery center. the Popeye and Blutos, bilg boats is the BEST water tub ride ever (beats Kali river rapids hands down!).
the Studios is much better than Hollywood studios.
yes, the whole area does lack that "magic", which is why when we Do go to UNI, we do it BEFORE disney.
city walk is great for teens and adults. Pat obriens has dueling pianos, much cheaper than Jellyrolls.
try uni just once, you'll like it!

[twinklebug]

We love HP and will be going, but not when it's brand new. Not that crazy :laughing: Thinking late summer 2011.

[Art 1]

Yes, can't wait.

[AnnaS]

We have not been to Universal in years (my sons have) and Seaworld for that matter. HP will be the right excuse to get us to go back. Not sure if we will attempt it for our next trip. Don't want to go if HP more or less "just opened".

[Tiffany]

I'm curious:

For those of you who usually stay on-site at WDW and do not normally venture off property, how many of you plan to spend a day at Universal on your next vacation to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

It will be interesting to see what impact (if any) it has on Central Florida theme park attendance and if it impacts WDW in any way.


We are planning on going to IOA when the WWofHP opens.

[disneylovin24]

DH and I NEVER go to Universal but we are so excited to go to Harry Potter. BUT there is no way we are going on our trip this summer! Has anyone mentioned the fact that everyone and their mother wil most likely be there, especially in the first few months? It's not going to be crowded...it's going to be a MADHOUSE!!! I just don't think it'll be worth it, in my opinion. Not yet, anyway.

BUT I bet people who are visiting the REST of Universal Studios will have empty parks!


:thumbsup2 YES, I bet for the whole first year it will be more crowded then usual. Harry Potter may actually make me want to stay away from universal more because it will only attract more crowds.

[wehavesix]

Yes, we will be going but not until next year. Probably will go after our May 2011 cruise for a day or 2.

[LeahA]

I will 100% go see it when it opens. We always used to do a split stay, 5 days at Disney and 3 days at Universal. We are now DVC owners so the last couple of years we've been solo to Disney. But, we are so excited for Harry Potter to open up. When it opens we do plan to visit. If it's not open by our March trip, we will do a split stay next year and go for 3 nights to Universal!

[GSDRescuer]

Waiting a few years til DGD(5) will appreciate US/IOA Harry Potter, Busch Gardens and Sea World more. Right now she is still very much into the Princesses and WDW. When we do go, we will stay on-grounds at US/IOA and work from there. That year we will not go to WDW.:rolleyes1

[palavra]

That's smart! :thumbsup2 When we went to Universal/IOA a couple years back, our youngest son who was 6 spent most of the day sitting on a bench with me while his brother's rode rides. It was a LONG day! :sad2:

We took our daughter, who was not quite 5 at the time, and she had a ball at IOA and US. She loved the ET ride, Barney's Show, The Curious George water play and ball area, the Fievel play area with waterslide, the Woody Woodpecker rollercoaster and the Shrek and Jimmy Neutron rides at Universal. At IOA, the whole Dr. Suess area was great. She also loved the Jurrasic play area, Popeye's boat and Primeval Whirl. There are lots of things for young kids to do at these parks.

[palavra]

I am dying to go check it out. Until the kiddos came along Dh & I would take a few mini trips to IoA each year-we are both coaster junkies. That being said I just can't justify the ticket cost since my boys are too short to ride most of the rides there, same reason we haven't gone to sixflags with them yet-what is the point if you can't ride..


But for those who are going-have fun!!

See above post; don't count out these parks because you think the kids are too young/short to enjoy them. Oh, and I just wanted to mention that we went to DHS for the first time this year, and Universal is much better than DHS!

[quantumottle]

We are planning a trip just to visit HP, a couple days at their hotels. We have decided not even to go down to WDW on this trip.Same here. It's not that we're Disney'ed out or anything (also planning a trip to Disneyland) but we're gonna' try to stay away from the World on the next Orlando trip to see what this new Harry Potter is all about.

[v_gan]

If it's open when we go in May, I think we'll seriously consider adding on a day to visit. Either that, or make a special trip in the fall just for it. I am beyong excited about the Wizarding World. I'm a huge fan of both Harry Potter and Universal, and I can't wait to see everything in it's beautifully detailed glory!

[Uncleromulus]

We usually do a Universal day once every 4-5 years and the 4 year period is just about up. So we'll wander over (we have a car) and spend a few hours at Universal and, if there isn't a mob scene, see some of Potter.

[jade1]

I have a feeling that 3 of those hours are going to be spent in line for the new ride.

If thats what it takes we will do it (folks do that for Soarin for some reason). We will head there at park opening though so I doubt that will happen. Anyway still gives us an hour to hit the new D Dragons attraction (most folks are too whimpy for that one) and walk around for some pics. Thats all we want to accomplish anyway. It will be enough to know if it will be on our list in the future or not. If its really good-we will stay at HRH for 2 nights the next trip.

[coasterfiend]

Have a split trip for June, staying at WDW and then at Universal RPR. WWoHP is the reason for the trip this year, however, we have scheduled more days at Disney than Universal - habit I suppose:lmao:

[goofy4prez]

I have no desire, temptation, inkling, or even a remote interest in reading, watching, or seeing a Harry Potter movie, book, or amusement park attraction. It's not my genre; for those who like it, that is what makes the world go round, we all have different tastes.

As for Universal; we stayed there for 3 nights before our week in WDW this past Christmas and enjoyed it. We stayed at the Portofino Bay Hotel and spent two days in Universal and a day at Sea World. It was fun, but when we return home to Disney, we'll pass on Universal next time.

[SoScary'09]

If we do we'll probably:

Stay at WDW onsite and spend most of our time there.
Take one afternoon or day to head over to Universal.
Then, quickly return and hide amongst the magic once more XD

[Rip]

We took our daughter, who was not quite 5 at the time, and she had a ball at IOA and US. She loved the ET ride, Barney's Show, The Curious George water play and ball area, the Fievel play area with waterslide, the Woody Woodpecker rollercoaster and the Shrek and Jimmy Neutron rides at Universal. At IOA, the whole Dr. Suess area was great. She also loved the Jurrasic play area, Popeye's boat and Primeval Whirl. There are lots of things for young kids to do at these parks.

We've been taking both of ours there literally since birth, and they have always had a ball and were never bored for things to do.

It's pretty much always been their favorite place, though we stay longer at Disney since it takes longer to see it all.

[Yoshi]

I have been wanting to go to Islands of Adventure for years and Harry Potter just makes it better. As much as I like Disney (Magic Kingdom is my favorite park out of any amusement or theme park), IOA has better coasters.

[mickeymouse108]

we are going a few days early and stay at my aunts time share so we can do Harry potter park it will be our first time going to universal and we are also taking the kids to sea world for the first time.

then after we will check into disney POR and just stay at disney :yay:

[tndisneyfan]

We probably won't check it out this year. We like to stay onsite when we do Universal so we have FOTL. We are already spending 11 nights at WDW, I don't really want to add on another night or two to do Universal this year. We'll probably take a break from WDW next summer and do just US.

[Planogirl]

Have a split trip for June, staying at WDW and then at Universal RPR. WWoHP is the reason for the trip this year, however, we have scheduled more days at Disney than Universal - habit I suppose:lmao:
We are total Universal nuts and we still tend to stay longer at WDW or at least we spend as much time. There are just more parks at WDW plus I love Downtown Disney. :thumbsup2

[OandA]

We will be going to Universal to see the Harry Potter thing this October which is big for me simply because I haven't gone back to Universal since they tried to charge me $10 for a small dixie cup of water out of a hose while I was waiting in line for Jaws 10 years ago.

[princesskenziesmom]

We will definitely go, but I don't think it will be open in April which is a little disappointing since I wanted to take my ds there for his birthday. We will probably make a trip next year to enjoy the beaches and US. My dd will be a little taller too so hopefully she can ride more rides. My ds is a HUGE Harry Potter fan and so am I so I am really excited about it.

[jessrose18]

Haven't been to Universal in awhile, and when we were there wasn't too impressed. However, we are for sure going to see Harry Potter!!! Also planning on a second day to do other IOA and Universal rides, I did love the mummy rollercoaster! Never have done IOA though. Can't wait. I do feel kind of weird planning a trip w/ only 2 disney days and the other 2 days being universal!

[basas]

Interesting replies everyone.

I tend to always spend some time (4-5 days) at Disney in addition to a few days (3-4) at the other area attractions. My next trip looks like I will actually (probably for the first time) be spending more time outside of Disney. Besides the American Idol experience, Disney didn’t add anything significant (and to classify AME as 'significant' is certainly debatable!) to their parks last year (and has nothing planned for this year). I have yet to ride Manta (Sea World), see Aquatica (Sea World’s water park) or ride Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket (Universal Studios) so am tempted to visit those 3 parks and, of course, am really looking forward to the Wizarding World at Islands of Adventure.

Sounds like there are quite a few who are visiting Universal for the first time or the first time in years. Should be interesting to see if Harry Potter is good enough to earn return visits.

[Ciciwoowoo]

We are total WDW fans...have not been to Universal since 1998.

That said, we are going to make sure our next visit to Florida includes a visit to see Harry Potter land! In fact, we are kicking around the idea of making our next visit a Sea World/ Universal trip and skipping WDW altogether. I think the MK is going to look pretty bad, all torn up while they are expanding Fantasyland. It might be worth passing on this time.

We are DVC members, so our trip will probably be onsite at WDW... just won't go to the parks this time.

[softball chick]

As much as the idea of it kills me, we will not be going to visit it on our next trip this coming August. This is mostly because its newness will make it crazy busy and we feel that our time would be better spent at Disney. But being as much of a huge crazy Harry Potter fan as I am, I know that my family will be visiting it at some point. I got to go check it all out since it will basically be my heaven on earth!

[Timmy Boy]

Wow, all you Disney people who are thinking of trying Universal for the first time seem "scared" to go over there. It's a theme park just like Disney! Sheesh, just give it a chance. You judging a book by its cover makes you look really childish.

[softballmom3]

In answer to the question, Yes, Yes and Yes!!!! we are definitely going to Universal just for Harry Potter. I have NO desire to go there otherwise. We love Disney! That being said....if I start reading here about how CRAZY it is, we just may wait a yr :rolleyes:

[jamstew]

Wow, all you Disney people who are thinking of trying Universal for the first time seem "scared" to go over there. It's a theme park just like Disney! Sheesh, just give it a chance. You judging a book by its cover makes you look really childish.

Neither scared nor judging a book by its cover in my case. I hate thrill rides, my children are grown, and my grandchildren are too young. Disney is a big part of my childhood. I grew up with the classic movies and the original Mickey Mouse Club. Universal holds no interest for me -- it's that simple. As far as I am concerned, there's nothing "like" Disney, but I do love Harry Potter and will go simply to see the attraction, without riding the ride.

[Scrap_Vamp]

Our wedding trip last year was the first time we didn't also visit the Universal resorts!

So we are going in order to experience HP, and got a great rate on 2 nights at the Hard Rock Hotel.

However, this year we are going to skip Seaworld for the first time, and do a couple of nights in Fort Lauderdale as well.

If we make it over for Christmas that will probably be a solely Disney trip for us as we can only do a week.

[Rip]

Neither scared nor judging a book by its cover in my case. I hate thrill rides, my children are grown, and my grandchildren are too young. Disney is a big part of my childhood. I grew up with the classic movies and the original Mickey Mouse Club. Universal holds no interest for me -- it's that simple. As far as I am concerned, there's nothing "like" Disney, but I do love Harry Potter and will go simply to see the attraction, without riding the ride.

Most of the rides there aren't thrill rides.

[disneylovin24]

Well, it looks like Harry Potter World will be doing exactly what Universal wanted it to. It will be attracting a lot of new guests and even taking some from WDW:eek:

[Ericadawn]

Since so many of you are thinking about trying other things, I'd definitely recommend Busch Gardens in Tampa. It's a great city and BG has animals that AK doesn't, like white tigers.

I love IoA but I think I'll wait for 2011 when all the kinks are out and the crowd will be thinner.

[eliza61]

I'm curious:

For those of you who usually stay on-site at WDW and do not normally venture off property, how many of you plan to spend a day at Universal on your next vacation to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

It will be interesting to see what impact (if any) it has on Central Florida theme park attendance and if it impacts WDW in any way.

We probably will but we usually do a day at universal anyway. My kids are teens and although we love disney, the coasters are better over at Universal.

[Katie Dawn]

Well, it looks like Harry Potter World will be doing exactly what Universal wanted it to. It will be attracting a lot of new guests and even taking some from WDW:eek:

I know several people who hadn't seriously considered a visit to Orlando but are planning a visit because of HP World. It will be interesting to see how many do US/IOA + Disney and how many do US/IOA + Seaworld/Aquatica.

You know, we just did a Disney + SeaWorld trip and the fact that we were going to be spending part of our time "off Disney campus" did impact our decision to stay off-site -- we weren't going to get free dining or free parking for several days of our stay. It will be interesting to see how all of that plays out!

[Feralpeg]

Wow, all you Disney people who are thinking of trying Universal for the first time seem "scared" to go over there. It's a theme park just like Disney! Sheesh, just give it a chance. You judging a book by its cover makes you look really childish.

Oddly, some people think that, if they like Universal, they are doing a disservice to Disney. That's crazy. Disney and Universal have a good relationship in the Orlando area. Yes, they are competitors, but they also know that what brings tourists to Orlando is the many and varied things to do. They actually work together to promote the area and help with Orlando community projects.

A PP was right. Universal is not just thrill rides. I hate thrill rides. I have never ridden Space Mountain, Everest, TOT or Rock'n Rollercoaster at WDW. I don't ride the thrill rides at Universal, yet I find many things to do. Universal has some great live shows. They have a lot of rides that are not thrill rides. What I like best about Universal is the themes. I feel much more like I am on an actual movies set at US than I do at DHS. I still love DHS, but for different reasons. At IOA, I feel like I'm walking into Jurassic Park and I love Suess Landing.

There is something for everyone at both parks. I feel sad for those that refuse to give Universal a chance. They are missing out on some wonderful things, but it is their choice. One of the wonderful things about living in the Orlando area is that I can experience all of the various venues over and over. Life is good!

[Timmy Boy]

^Nicely put.

Also someone else said "Universal holds no interest, it's just like a Six Flags park, no themes, just amuesment".

Wow.

EDIT** I mean, just look at the lack of theming in these pictures. Simply unbearable. It's such a shame that a major competitor doesn't theme like Disney does. :rolleyes:

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/florida/images/s/islands-of-adventure.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3895161942_9b449bde04.jpg

[Kazzy1548]

We are planing to go see HP at universal on our next trip. I was lucky enough to buy tickets before they raised their prices. I am very proud of myself.:cool1:

[Planogirl]

^Nicely put.

Also someone else said "Universal holds no interest, it's just like a Six Flags park, no themes, just amuesment".

Wow.

EDIT** I mean, just look at the lack of theming in these pictures. Simply unbearable. It's such a shame that a major competitor doesn't theme like Disney does. :rolleyes:

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/florida/images/s/islands-of-adventure.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/3895161942_9b449bde04.jpg
In fairness, a lot of this could be Universal's fault. They market themselves as cutting edge and exciting and so on. The first time we went, I was surprised when I found out that Universal has so much variety and such great theming. People just don't know because they've never been or because it's been a long time since they checked it out. Some people go in with certain ideas and you sometimes can't change their minds.

I give money to BOTH companies now and that seems fair. ;)

[disneylovin24]

The reason I have never gone to Universal has nothing to do with the rides are theming. Actually, from what I've seen online I think I would enjoy Universal and I have considered going there in the past. But, I go to Orlando for one reason and that is disney. Once I get to Disney I don't want to leave! I feel so secluded from the rest of the world, I don't want to leave that.

[chrisn]

We are HUGE WDW and Universal fans! In our half dozen or so trips since 2000, we've never even entertained the idea of not doing one without the other.

We have an upcoming trip next month and it is KILLING me that WWOHP will not be ready.

So....this is the first time EVER that we are actually planning a Florida trip just to do the Universal parks for HP. We will be going in October for Halloween and will not do Disney.

I simply cannot wait another couple years to go and see what it's all about, and I know for a fact that you will be living the movies when you walk into that land.

IOA's theming is spectacular and nothing but!

[theDisneyCouple]

We'll probably go to Universal for the first time when Harry opens. But I agree that we go to Orlando for Disney. Universal is just a bonus...and probably not one I'll go to more than once.

[seadd67]

We are planing on adding two and a half days to Universal studios on our trip this July.We will be staying at the HRH.When we seen that US was opening Harry Potter that was a given for us to go.But honestly for the exception of a couple of rides we would of avoided US If It wasent for Harry Potter.We just hate to drag our selfs away from the Disney Experince. But we swore when US open HP we would make It a point to go.So this could be our last trip to HS for a long time.And no I do not think Disney will lose any Money on HP,because for the ones that are comeing down for HP,will at least make a apperince at WDW.

[TDC Nala]

I love the looks of Poseidon's temple or whatever that is - but the show they do inside is pretty lame. I usually root for the guy in the old football helmet.

[jamstew]

Once I get to Disney I don't want to leave!

:thumbsup2

I'm 64 years old and have been traveling most of my life? There are tons of places I love and will continue to go. Why does anyone care whether or not someone else goes to Universal and why? :confused3

[KellyNY]

I love Universal almost as much as Disney but even so a week at Universal parks is around $100 and a week at Disney is about $250, I just cannot spend the whole week at Universal, all I need is 2 days. Since it adds a lot to do both, we usually do Disney only, but we will definitely hit HP next time, I think it is major upgrade. Universal is pretty themed but in a very different way from Disney.

[Feralpeg]

:thumbs up2

I'm 64 years old and have been traveling most of my life? There are tons of places I love and will continue to go. Why does anyone care whether or not someone else goes to Universal and why? :confused3

I don't think anyone really cares if people go to Universal. I just find it interesting when I see people post about how bad Universal is compared to Disney. How lame the theming is, etc. and they've never been there. Odd.

[tink1957]

We are going in May for a 5 night stay at Doubletree Universal, it will be our third time staying near or onsite & the only time we have ever done a strictly Universal trip. I'm trying to talk my kids into going to WDW for a few days as I can't see going to Orlando without visiting my happy place, but they are getting older & WDW has little to interest them. We did a 2 night stay at HRH last Sept with an 11 night stay at WDW & I think I burned them out on WDW for awhile. The only reason we are going back so soon is because of Harry Potter, we are big fans and can't wait to see it.

[KellyNY]

I don't think anyone really cares if people go to Universal. I just find it interesting when I see people post about how bad Universal is compared to Disney. How lame the theming is, etc. and they've never been there. Odd.

I agree but I can see how it happens.

Universal ->(associated with) Trill Rides -> Roller Coasters -> Six Flags -> No theming

[newharmony]

No desire to go to Universal...we got as far as the parking garage once and hated that! All that concrete! How about the new Legoland? I just read that Cypress Gardens has been sold and a Legoland! Florida will be built there.

[NewmanFamily6]

My DH and oldest DD are huge HP fans so we will definitely check it out at some point in the future:thumbsup2

[jamstew]

No desire to go to Universal...we got as far as the parking garage once and hated that! All that concrete! How about the new Legoland? I just read that Cypress Gardens has been sold and a Legoland! Florida will be built there.

I'm definitely looking forward to taking my grandchildren to Legoland! :goodvibes

[jamstew]

I don't think anyone really cares if people go to Universal. I just find it interesting when I see people post about how bad Universal is compared to Disney. How lame the theming is, etc. and they've never been there. Odd.

I agree with that. I just thought it was a bit much for a pp to say that people acted as if they were scared to try it and were being childish. :sad2: Although HP is the only thing that has piqued my interest enough to go, I'm looking forward to the E.T., Jaws & Jurassic Park (unless I'm going to get soaking wet) attractions. Except for the Gulf beaches, it's hard for me to tear myself away from Disney because of the nostalgia. Since I travel solo 99% of the time, Disney is particularly special because it's comfortable and safe. And I frankly didn't spend thousands of dollars on DVC to go to Universal or anywhere else :goodvibes

[Feralpeg]

No desire to go to Universal...we got as far as the parking garage once and hated that! All that concrete! How about the new Legoland? I just read that Cypress Gardens has been sold and a Legoland! Florida will be built there.

Um, Disney has parking lots. They consist of a lot of asphalt. If you'd have gotten farther than the parking lot, you'd have found that Universal is more than just a lot of concrete. :confused3

[Feralpeg]

Here is a picture a friend took at IOA today of the Hogwarts castle. Very cool! I can't wait for it to open!

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs146.snc3/17358_1323828024673_1500056877_853179_7469068_n.jp g

[seadd67]

I love the looks of Poseidon's temple or whatever that is - but the show they do inside is pretty lame. I usually root for the guy in the old football helmet.

Really :confused3I thought the show was pretty good!,but I have only been to see It once,so maybe after a few times I would get tired of It.

[lacrosse_lady72]

I love how this thread has people stating they will never go to Universal EVER!

And how their statement has nothing to do with the presence of Harry Potter... they're just being troll-like by coming on here and stating they will never go to Universal without relating it to Harry Potter. Sheesh. It's almost as bad as that thread that someone was asking how to get Pepsi while staying on-site and people seriously replied just to say how much they hated Pepsi. :sad2: They weren't ever planning on help OP, or responding to what OP asked... they just had to be jerks!

[lacrosse_lady72]

Here is a picture a friend took at IOA today of the Hogwarts castle. Very cool! I can't wait for it to open!

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs146.snc3/17358_1323828024673_1500056877_853179_7469068_n.jp g

Thanks for the picture!

Lol, right by a Jurassic Park sign. It'll be like heaven for me, my favorite movie (Jurassic Park) and my favorite franchise right next to each other in a theme park!

[KatMark]

Again, I'm not a Harry Potter fan (nor is my DH), so we won't be rushing to Universal. We've done Universal in the past and while we enjoyed it, it doesn't hold the same appeal to us that DW does. We do not care for "thrill ride" roller coasters. However, this does NOT make us haters of Universal; we just prefer DW by a whole lot.

[TDC Nala]

love the photo but Hogwarts looks kinda wrong with palm trees...

Yeah, I'm a Harry Potter fan, I admit it.

[jpolak]

While I think the pictures look very cool and I enjoyed all of the books and movies, I would say probably not. Our kids are still very young DW has no interest in HP so I would say we will pass.

[mamaprincess]

We may go one day. I just don't want the lines. I'm under the impression that in order to have front of the line access, you have to stay at one of their hotels. We are DVC so I don't know if we will want to stay in one of their rooms. Plus it's just hard to get away from WDW once we are there for our once a year trip. I really hope we will go to Universal one day to experience some of the cool rides there. I think the kids will really like some of the rides as they are thrill ride lovers. I love immersive rides that tell a story so I'm sure I'll love HP.

[Planogirl]

Thanks for the picture!

Lol, right by a Jurassic Park sign. It'll be like heaven for me, my favorite movie (Jurassic Park) and my favorite franchise right next to each other in a theme park!
I assume that the sign is a directional sign and hopefully won't be quite so apparent later on from where you can view Hogwarts. And I agree that the palm trees look odd but who knows if they'll survive?

I also marvel at those who dislike Universal never having been there or complain about a parking garage. At least your car is in the shade! But eh, to each their own. I feel lucky in that I like both resorts. :thumbsup2

[KellyNY]

We may go one day. I just don't want the lines. I'm under the impression that in order to have front of the line access, you have to stay at one of their hotels. We are DVC so I don't know if we will want to stay in one of their rooms. Plus it's just hard to get away from WDW once we are there for our once a year trip. I really hope we will go to Universal one day to experience some of the cool rides there. I think the kids will really like some of the rides as they are thrill ride lovers. I love immersive rides that tell a story so I'm sure I'll love HP.


I was at Universal 5 years ago. Back then they had FPs even better then Disney ones, since you had 2 or 3 options, when you want to return. I hope they still have it. We were during Spring Break and we did almost all rides in 2 days, 1 park per day.

[tzuhouse]

Our next tripped was planned because of Harry Potter. It will be our first time at Universal. We've spent a total of 54 days at WDW up until now and never felt a need to go elsewhere.

Mary

[disneyfav4ever]

We're discussing the possibility of a family vacation this summer, and HP is the major reason we're considering it. Even if we don't go then, I may add on to my fall vacation and go to Universal then.

[disneyfav4ever]

Our next tripped was planned because of Harry Potter. It will be our first time at Universal. We've spent a total of 54 days at WDW up until now and never felt a need to go elsewhere.

MaryI'm almost exactly the same, I only have one day less then you in Disney, (and will be adding at least 15 more by the end of this year,) and this is the first time I've ever seriously considered going to Universal.:upsidedow

[Timmy Boy]

No desire to go to Universal...we got as far as the parking garage once and hated that! All that concrete!

I really hope you're kidding.

[macraven]

I was at Universal 5 years ago. Back then they had FPs even better then Disney ones, since you had 2 or 3 options, when you want to return. I hope they still have it. We were during Spring Break and we did almost all rides in 2 days, 1 park per day.

they discontinued those express passes.

you can buy the express pass for the day, which involves using the express line once per ride/attraction.

or if you stay onsite, all hotel guests get a perk of using the express lines for unlimited rides/attractions.

most expensive way of obtaining the EPP is by buying the vip pass for the day.
by no means is this way economical for a family.

[KellyNY]

they discontinued those express passes.

you can buy the express pass for the day, which involves using the express line once per ride/attraction.

or if you stay onsite, all hotel guests get a perk of using the express lines for unlimited rides/attractions.

most expensive way of obtaining the EPP is by buying the vip pass for the day.
by no means is this way economical for a family.


WOW, How cheap of them to discontinue Express Passes. I had no idea. Now I will have to explore what is cheaper, to pay for express pass and transportation from Disney for 3 of us, or just move to Universal Hotel for a day or 2. Thanks for this info.

[PEANUT1]

YES YES YES!!! We are going in December and this is big on our list of to do's:thumbsup2
We haven't been to Universal in 4 years...we can't wait. We really love a lot of things there and I have 2 adult hopper passes left over:)

[the Dark Marauder]

WOW, How cheap of them to discontinue Express Passes. I had no idea. Now I will have to explore what is cheaper, to pay for express pass and transportation from Disney for 3 of us, or just move to Universal Hotel for a day or 2. Thanks for this info.
The important thing is to see what the cost of Express will be for the time you want to visit. It is possible to be more cost effective to stay @ Universal.

Example:

One night @ Royal Pacific = $220 for a family of 5. All 5 in the family get a room key, and the room key is good for UNLIMITED Express access (not valid at P-Flyers or Rockit). The Express is good for check-in (all day) and check-out (all day).

vs

Purchasing Express for 5 for two days @ $30 per person = $300. The express is only valid ONCE per attraction.

[smidgy]

it is SO worth it to stay onsite at universal!! if you stay only 2 nights (we like 3 or 4) you can check in early the first day, do a park all day until your room is ready. (it's SUCH a short walk to the resort to go back, and return to the park!). you can do a park the whole next day! the 3rd day, even though you are checked out, you can still return to the parks and use the express pass! repeat your favs at both parks, then drive over to disney to check in. (don't take I-drive; take sand lake road to apopka-vineland road. takes you right to the crossroads and the entrance to the disney hotels (by DTD).
also.. you can use all 3 resorts' pools!!!(which is why we like at least 3 nights)

[pacrosby]

We just went in December with my 4 kids ages 4-9 and my whole family absolutely LOVED both IOA and US. So much so that I have also marveled at the number of people on the Dis who say they have no interest in going. Because we were there at the holidays there was the Macy's Holiday parade at US and Grinchmas at Suess Landing which were both terrific but even without those two things we could have spent much more than the two days we were allotted. Jurassic Park, Suess Landing, Toon Lagoon, Fievel's Playground, Curious George, ET, Simpson Ride - I could go and on with the things ALL of my kids enjoyed. Contrary to popular belief it is not just a park for older kids. Funny thing is that my trip report has included tons of px from there and I can't tell you the number of people who, previously having had no interest in US/IOA, are telling me they just HAVE to go there next time. Perhaps it's changed alot over the years, I don't know. Based on our experience I just can't imagine people saying it's lousy. I will never now be able to go to Orlando and not spend a couple of days there.

ok, that's my two cents:)




Pamela
Matty's Wish Trip PTR http//www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2325607
Matty's Wish Trip TR "Mom, Dad, 3 Kids, and a Gingerbread Boy" http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2356739

[basas]

Well, it looks like Harry Potter World will be doing exactly what Universal wanted it to. It will be attracting a lot of new guests and even taking some from WDW:eek:

This could turn out to be a good thing if it acts as a wake-up call to Disney to start investing once again in its Orlando parks and puts an end to the slow, decade long decline in quality/standards in its Florida parks.

Competition is a good thing and should theoretically lead to better attractions coming out of both Disney and its competitors (Universal, Sea World, etc).

[linuchi]

I think it depends on the ages of the group.

But there´s no boy that wouldn´t love the Spider Man ride. I love Disney and I stay on site but there´s no way I would go to Orlando without visiting US and IOA.

DS is the Disney park that I love the less, US in comparison is so much better!.

The atmosphere is great. You should try it once and you`ll love it.

My sister has 3 kidds, she was not going because someone told her it was all about roller coasters. I insisted her to buy tickets.

She was so greatfull, they loved it, in some cases prefered it to some Disney parks (DS, AK). This time we will be going 3 days to US and IOA!!. And of course, 6 days to Disney Parks too.

[LuckyMamaInDE]

We're planning on visiting Universal summer 2011 specifically for HP, though the coasters look pretty awesome! And Legoland.....even the teens are excited for that as we've been to Legoland in San Diego in the past.

So we'll probably rent a big ol' house with my sister's family, enjoy Universal, Legoland, Seaworld/Aquatica, then use our DVC for a few days :) This will be our last big family trip before the college years start!

[englishteacha]

I don't know if we'll go this trip due to money, but we'll be going at some point. I'm a Harry Potter nut.

[tuktukan]

We are definitely going just to see WWOHP, but the mouse is just irresistible. But this time we're spending more days at US/IOA and just two days at out fave Disney parks (park hop between Epcot and MGM, and whole day at Magic Kingdom). No Animal Kingdom this year.

[WaltD4Me]

We just went in December with my 4 kids ages 4-9 and my whole family absolutely LOVED both IOA and US. So much so that I have also marveled at the number of people on the Dis who say they have no interest in going.

I've never had any interest in going to Universal, but I do love Harry Potter, so I'm sure I will be getting over there eventually to see HPW. I love Rock N' Rollercoaster, but am not a thrill ride person really. The thing I enjoy most about WDW is the shows and performances. Don't get me wrong, I like the rides, I ride almost all of them (except Mission Space) but the shows, street performances and characters are the big draw at WDW for me. I live 90 minutes from Cedar Point, if I just want to ride rides I go can there and I almost never do. Also, I have zero interest in superheros, Nickolodeon characters or the Simpsons. I'm not knocking Universal or even saying it's lousy, I just don't see much there right now to give me a reason to go.

[kmk1180]

Might as well chime in.

To asnswer OP question, will we go?

Highly unlikely.
Will be packed with fanatics for a while ruining the experience and doens't seem like too much new to make it worth the effort. What is it? 1 new ride, some stores and 2 or 3 renamed rides?
Been on the old rides already and the stores won't be worth fighting the crowds.
Maybe in a year or two when it's settled down and become just another area of IoA, then maybe.
Not that I got anything against HP.
Or if we win free trip there then we'd go.
Till then will continue to enjoy WDW and get anxious for the Fantasyland.

[nmmom95]

We are going in November, 2010, and will be going to Universal the first couple of days. Like PP, we are skipping AK. I love Harry Potter & can't wait to go.

[macraven]

The important thing is to see what the cost of Express will be for the time you want to visit. It is possible to be more cost effective to stay @ Universal.

Example:

One night @ Royal Pacific = $220 for a family of 5. All 5 in the family get a room key, and the room key is good for UNLIMITED Express access (not valid at P-Flyers or Rockit). The Express is good for check-in (all day) and check-out (all day).

vs

Purchasing Express for 5 for two days @ $30 per person = $300. The express is only valid ONCE per attraction.

you are so correct!
it is a great way to be able to tour the park without long waits.
and affordable.

WOW, How cheap of them to discontinue Express Passes. I had no idea. Now I will have to explore what is cheaper, to pay for express pass and transportation from Disney for 3 of us, or just move to Universal Hotel for a day or 2. Thanks for this info.

KellyNY, Darkie gave a good suggestion.

i have been doing both parks since 1992.
i can not imagine traveling to orlando and not doing both the motherland and the darkside.

i used to stay exclusively at the disney resorts and rent a car to go to universal for a couple of days.

after the onsite hotels opened up, i started to do split vacations.
staying at disney at the beginning of my trip and then stay at UO resorts the last few days of my vacation.

i found it was cheaper for me to relocate to universal in the long run.
for what i paid for a 2 nights stay at universal loews hotels, i got 3 days of free, unlimited express line usage for rides and shows.

it was cheaper doing that then to pay for 3 days of express passes for myself and 3 sons.

AAA will give you about a 35% discount on the universal hotels.
i only get about a 10% discount on the disney resorts when i book room only.

if you stay at disney for most of your trip, then relocate to one of the universal hotels for the end of your vacation, you will come out ahead.

use the ME from the airport to disney.
use car service to transfer from disney to universal resorts.
and, back to the airport.

i pay less than $100 for my car service and also get a free 30 minute grocery stop.

since you are basically interested in doing the parry hotter part of the park, just book one night at UO.
try to get a late flight back home the next evening.
that way you will get one full day in the UO park for parry hotter and part of the next day.

just like disney, the UO hotels cost more on the weekends.

the days for the smallest crowds in the uo parks are generally mon-thur.

i do agree that is was very upsetting for us when universal did away with the free express line passes.

that is one thing that pushed us to stay onsite.

[tiki23]

:cheer2:

This is the 1st time that even my teens have really wanted to go to Universal. We'll stay at one of their on-site hotels at the end of our 2011 Disney trip in November or December.

Now we can ride Gary and Harry. ;)

[disneyfav4ever]

My plan is to do Disney first, and use DME, then switch to Universal for one night, having two full days in the park, before going back to Disney another night, just so I can use DME to get back to the airport. I figure I can get a good deal for one-night room only, and it'll cost about the same as if I have to pay to get to the airport somehow.

[Golf4food]

We will spend a couple of days at US and go to both parks but it won't take away from our Disney time, just an addition to it. We are HP fans so we'll want to check it out and haven't been to US in many years (around 18 years since I was there last, actually, though I did spend a day in IOA about 10 years ago...)

[mekjj]

Heck yeah we are going to see HP! We stay at Bonnet Creek anyway so we will just drive on over to Universal for a day. I have not been there since 1992!

[KellyNY]

you are so correct!
it is a great way to be able to tour the park without long waits.
and affordable.



KellyNY, Darkie gave a good suggestion.

i have been doing both parks since 1992.
i can not imagine traveling to orlando and not doing both the motherland and the darkside.

i used to stay exclusively at the disney resorts and rent a car to go to universal for a couple of days.

after the onsite hotels opened up, i started to do split vacations.
staying at disney at the beginning of my trip and then stay at UO resorts the last few days of my vacation.

i found it was cheaper for me to relocate to universal in the long run.
for what i paid for a 2 nights stay at universal loews hotels, i got 3 days of free, unlimited express line usage for rides and shows.

it was cheaper doing that then to pay for 3 days of express passes for myself and 3 sons.

AAA will give you about a 35% discount on the universal hotels.
i only get about a 10% discount on the disney resorts when i book room only.

if you stay at disney for most of your trip, then relocate to one of the universal hotels for the end of your vacation, you will come out ahead.

use the ME from the airport to disney.
use car service to transfer from disney to universal resorts.
and, back to the airport.

i pay less than $100 for my car service and also get a free 30 minute grocery stop.

since you are basically interested in doing the parry hotter part of the park, just book one night at UO.
try to get a late flight back home the next evening.
that way you will get one full day in the UO park for parry hotter and part of the next day.

just like disney, the UO hotels cost more on the weekends.

the days for the smallest crowds in the uo parks are generally mon-thur.

i do agree that is was very upsetting for us when universal did away with the free express line passes.

that is one thing that pushed us to stay onsite.



Thank you for such detailed review.:thumbsup2
I see now it is much better to switch hotels. There are 3 of us and we planned 2 days at Universal. We have not been in a while, wanted to do it last time but I learned about HP and we decided to go when it opens. We do almost all rides at US and some at IA so we definitely would need Express Pass. For 2 days it is extra $180. 2 days transportation from Disney would be $120, so $300 total. Transportation once to Universal plus to airport I guess $60-$70 so we will have $230 to spare. If we do 1 night we can actualy even save, we stay at CBR, so it is less then $230 difference between it and US hotel. We always take a 8PM flight, so we would definitely have till about 4PM to explore parks. I did not know about such a big discount with AAA, thanks again.
I never understood why people switch to Universal for just couple of days, now it makes a perfect sence.:thumbsup2

[scrappingizlife]

We will be going to both US and IOA. My BFF is coming with us, and he has never been to either WDW or US. So he wants to do both. He has the dumb notion though that WDW is going to be too kiddie for him. I guess he'll see just how wrong he is.
I am oober exicted about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

[roadtripper]

We have never been to Universal (DVC since 2002--about 14 trips) but will absolutely go in Feb 2011 for HP--huge fans. Looking forward to reviews and tips on this and the Universal board!

[Ben Gates Fan]

Hi, I'm Joe!

I'll be going to see Harry Potter at Universal too. I love my Disney, but Universal has some serious game when it comes to attractions. Spiderman and the Mummy are two things I hit every time I'm in Orlando.

[smidgy]

Joe, I am a thrill ride scardey cat!!! I don't do roller coasters (everest, rock and rollercoaster) tried Tower of terror once, hated it.
I love big thunder, and will do soarin'

I LOVE spiderman and mummy! the thrill level is "just" enough for me, the perfect amount.
most theme parks have either kiddie rides, or "the bigger, crazier the better" rides. that is why I LOVE those 2 rides.

[Ben Gates Fan]

Absolutely, I hear ya! They are 100% just right. And the f/x inside of those two... MAN. You know, Disney has to be toying with the idea of doing something along the lines of one of those two. I wish they would, the things they could do in the 3D Spiderman style with a Disney touch? I can't even imagine.

Soarin' I love... That and Philharmagic (<<<Spelling?) are my two favorites on the Disney side from the last several years.

I haven't been lucky enough to see Everest yet, I can't wait. I'm hoping to do a trip late summer/early fall, to check out Everest and the Harry Potter land. :cool1:

[mikeandkarla]

We are planning to visit US/IOA to see WWOH in June. If for some reason it is not open yet, we will spend the full week in WDW. I wonder if they will open WWOH if it is not 100% done. I mean, if all the exterior building is done, but the ride is unfinished. I hope they announce that if it is the case.

[goofy868]

We have been going to Disney & staying on property since 2000. We have consistantly made at least 2 trips a year and usually more. We have never went to another park until now. I purchased tickets for universal/IOA the other day before their price hike. The prices are getting so high at Disney I don't think we will be going back for a while after our Annual Passes expire:-(

[Metro West]

I wonder if they will open WWOH if it is not 100% done. I mean, if all the exterior building is done, but the ride is unfinished. I hope they announce that if it is the case. Actually I heard the opposite...the ride is pretty much finished but the building is a ways from being completed.

[rie'smom]

We're going to Uni for a couple of nights at the end of our trip, partly to see HP. It's the way we end our trips because we can relax and not rush around the parks to get FPs. Our favorite Uni onsite is the Royal Pacific.

[Rip]

Actually I heard the opposite...the ride is pretty much finished but the building is a ways from being completed.

I heard pretty much the same thing, that the moving portion of the ride itself (tracks, cars, etc.) is in place and operational, but that very little of the theming for the ride is done.

[KellyNY]

I heard pretty much the same thing, that the moving portion of the ride itself (tracks, cars, etc.) is in place and operational, but that very little of the theming for the ride is done.

That is why I do not book yet, nobody knows for sure when they done and I cannot have 2 vacations a year.
BTW, when did Universal change their prices, I am shocked. 7day pass now not that far from Disney 7 day pass esp. if you add Express Pass since they do not have free pass system like FP anymore. As much as I love Universal, it is only 2 parks.

[Captn Jack Sparrow]

After all the midnight book buys and movie watching, and sadly, the birthday party we threw for HP I am pretty sure my family will go to check it out.

We have never been to US but this gives us an excuse to finally visit the park and not feel like we are missing the mouse...much :D

[kwitcherkicken99]

We would LOVE to go to WWoHP but we are on such an abbreviated schedule that we are skipping it. DS(3) is crazy about Harry, must have had something to do with me reading the books to him as a newborn, but I cannot justify the cost of going off property with public transit. This is our last WDW trip for at least 5 years, so I really want to focus on it. Maybe next time.

[kathy884]

For our March 2010 trip Orlando area trip, as WWHP won't be open, we won't be going over there, but we will plan to spend a partial day (maybe it will be a full day because of lines) at IOA in March, 2011 as we are looking forward to seeing the HP theming. We will totally skip US.

Different people have different tastes. That's all I can say. I've heard US is better than it used to be, though, from my mom who is in her 70s. The last time I went was in 1995. I tried everything at US (IOA wasn't open), and personally I did not care for the park. It just didn't give me a good vibe or feel wholesome the way Sea World and Disney do. I thought the rides/movies seemed cheesy/lame.

My son went to US/IOA in 2008 (He is 14 now and was 12 at the time). He does not, however, like simulator/3D movie type rides which is a big part of these parks. Despite that, he had a good day, but ranks the parks in this order 1) Sea World // 2) Cedar Point -- he and I both love coasters // 3) All the Disney Parks // 4) IOA // 5) Universal // 6) Six Flags (our local Six Flags park is really bad).

We know IOA is bound to be crowded, though, as even people like us who are not big US/IOA in any way, shape, or form will be checking it out. My son and I looked over a list of all the US/IOA attractions, as I wanted to see what he liked there and what he'd like to see again to see how much time to allocate, if I should look into possibly staying onsite there, etc. There was nothing at US (not a single ride or attractions) that he wanted to do again, so that means just a 1 day/1 park pass to IOA. At IOA, we want to see Harry Potter (My son is really excited about seeing this and so am I), but other than that there were only three things he wanted to do again: 1) The Hulk Coaster // 2) Dueling Dragons -- I could count this as two, as he wants to do both tracks, and 3) The Jurrasic Park Discovery Center.

Our touing plan will be 1) to be at IOA at rope drop, 2) head over to WWHP and do new HP rides, 3) back track and do the Hulk coaster before that gets too crowded (I heard lines are crazy / busy for this later in the day), 4) head back near where we were before and do both Dueling Dragon tracks, 5) spend time looking around at WWHP -- gift shops, etc. take our time (See everything we are interested in that isn't a ride.), 6) Go the to Jurrasic Park Discovery center, and 7) head back to our resort to relax or if it was a really short day (probably unlikely because of lines even with our extremely limited activities), go over to Sea World where we have season passes.

[melly]

Neither scared nor judging a book by its cover in my case. I hate thrill rides, my children are grown, and my grandchildren are too young. Disney is a big part of my childhood. I grew up with the classic movies and the original Mickey Mouse Club. Universal holds no interest for me -- it's that simple. .

Stuff like this astounds me. What you are saying is that your not even willing to give Universal a try? I mean you can't have been there otherwise you'd know there are only really 4 true thrill rides (DD's, Hulk, Dr Doom and Rip R Ride) and the rest are of a similar intensity to that of Disney. Jurrasic and Ripsaw falls are no more intense than Splash Mountain, the Mummy no more intense than Everest or Rock n Rollercoaster....the list goes on. I can always understand people who go, dont like it so dont go again but it is quite unbelievable when someone flat out refuses to even see what its like. Its almost as if they are scared of going in case they like it.

As far as I am concerned, there's nothing "like" Disney, .

And you've come to this conclusion by going to Disney and nowhere else? Can you not see the flaw in this view? You cant possibly know if there is nowhere else like Disney unless you actually go to other places and try it out.

[Riviera510]

I would love to go to US and see Harry Potter when we are down there in November.

However *I* would be the only one interested in it. DH isn't and my kids are a bit young. They know who HP is but it doesn't interest them as of yet.

If DH and I were going to FLA by ourselves it would be a definite must do though.

[jamstew]

Stuff like this astounds me. What you are saying is that your not even willing to give Universal a try? I mean you can't have been there otherwise you'd know there are only really 4 true thrill rides (DD's, Hulk, Dr Doom and Rip R Ride) and the rest are of a similar intensity to that of Disney. Jurrasic and Ripsaw falls are no more intense than Splash Mountain, the Mummy no more intense than Everest or Rock n Rollercoaster....the list goes on. I can always understand people who go, dont like it so dont go again but it is quite unbelievable when someone flat out refuses to even see what its like. Its almost as if they are scared of going in case they like it.

You must have missed my post that says I am going to see HP, so I will see what it's like. There are probably a bazillion places on planet Earth that I'd enjoy if I went there, but it's called a personal choice. For goodness sake, I'm 64 years old. I think I can make up my own mind about where I do or don't want to go for whatever reasons.


You cant possibly know if there is nowhere else like Disney unless you actually go to other places and try it out.

Yeah, I do actually know there's nowhere else like Disney. It's about the theme and the nostalgia connected to it.

[Shmily1]

Geez, this is getting intense. Maybe I shouldn't say I haven't been to US before or else I might get blasted by the US lovers too. This is the Disney Theme Park board though....:rolleyes1

Anyway, I've not been to US or IOA before (had a free ticket and didn't even go then... did drive past though). I am tempted because I love HP!! I may have to go so I can see that part... probably not when it first opens since it will be crazy busy, but I could see myself venturing over there to see HP. Just don't tell my mouse friends.;)

[paintnolish]

I will absolutely go see HP! I haven't been to US for years and years, but I will definitely check out US for a day once HP is open. I will always spend the majority of my time at WDW, though.:lovestruc

[PeterPan09]

Oh, heck YEAH!!

Sure, Disney is my first love and if I have a free evening or a free weekend afternoon I'm much more likely to end up at WDW than at US or IOA-HOWEVER, there is a lot of fun to be had at US/IOA now and I think Harry Potter will bring even more fun.

I understand those who feel that there is something more magical about WDW, but I don't really understand the idea that going to US/IOA, Busch Gardens or Sea World is somehow cheating on Mickey Mouse.

[hookedonears]

We are tremendous fans of HP. We've read all of the books multi times, though for some reason, we're just not interested in going to Potterland. I seriously doubt that we'll take a day out of visiting WDW to go.

[troyseyfert]

My wife and I are going to DW May 19th-24th...we are not planning on going to HP or US during that time...

However, I do wonder if HP will affect attendance at the DW parks while we are there...lighter crowds than normal???? What do you think?

[Planogirl]

I think that what drives some Universal fans a bit off the edge is those who dismiss Universal and have never been. People sometimes have such odd images of the Universal parks and just like all of those who are defending AK in another thread, Universal fans feel compelled to do the same. I'm a BIG Universal fan myself and I personally don't care if people go or not but it does seem a bit shortsighted to just dismiss it so easily.

Universal is not a threat to WDW. The two companies actually help each other.

[cuethemusic]

Whenever I go to Orlando I go to both WDW and Universal- I can't just skip one! We usually spend 4-5 days in disney and 1 or 2 days at Universal. They are both great fun and I actually booked my next trip based on the wizarding world of Harry Potter

[cuethemusic]

I think that what drives some Universal fans a bit off the edge is those who dismiss Universal and have never been. People sometimes have such odd images of the Universal parks and just like all of those who are defending AK in another thread, Universal fans feel compelled to do the same. I'm a BIG Universal fan myself and I personally don't care if people go or not but it does seem a bit shortsighted to just dismiss it so easily.

Universal is not a threat to WDW. The two companies actually help each other.


I pretty much feel this way as well, but you know if they aren't willing to go then it's less of a wait at the rides for us!

[Planogirl]

I pretty much feel this way as well, but you know if they aren't willing to go then it's less of a wait at the rides for us!
That's true. :lmao:

Now if only something could drive all of them from the Disney parks. ;)

[Indiana Rose Lee]

We love universal, and will go to see Harry Potter.

[liznboys]

We've never been to Universal, but did plan to go at some point. The plan is to go there this year, due to Harry Potter.

[wdwfan16]

I'm curious:

For those of you who usually stay on-site at WDW and do not normally venture off property, how many of you plan to spend a day at Universal on your next vacation to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

It will be interesting to see what impact (if any) it has on Central Florida theme park attendance and if it impacts WDW in any way.

We plan on seeing the WWoHP on our next trip. We already bought our tickets.

[PeterPan09]

My wife and I are going to DW May 19th-24th...we are not planning on going to HP or US during that time...

However, I do wonder if HP will affect attendance at the DW parks while we are there...lighter crowds than normal???? What do you think?

As a "townie" I'm hoping that the rising tide of Harry Potter lifts all boats and brings more tourists to the area. Yes, driving on I-4 and 192 with them drives me up the proverbial wall but our economy really needs Harry Potter to do some magic for the entire area.

[wdwfan16]

As a "townie" I'm hoping that the rising tide of Harry Potter lifts all boats and brings more tourists to the area. Yes, driving on I-4 and 192 with them drives me up the proverbial wall but our economy really needs Harry Potter to do some magic for the entire area.

I hope HP brings more tourist too. That would be great for central FL.

[Conan the Librarian]

We have some passes to Universal that expire in 2037. At some point we plan on using them, but, don't know when. We'll probably wait until the luster dies off on Harry Potter before going.

Besides, isn't HP at Islands of Adventure?

[mygirltink]

We are planning to spend one night at Universal this fall (2 days) so that we can use Express Pass. We have only been to Universal once and that was for a day probably 15 years ago and had no desire to go back until they announced the Harry Potter.

[seadd67]

Not that we do not like HP,or we did not want to see the new HP at US. On the contrare,we love HP!!
On are up comeing July trip we where all jack:cool1: to stay at Hard rock and see HP. But we decided not to do it this year for a few reasons!
one and the most Importian,our love for Disney,I know same old ssayings butr Its true the more we look at It the more we where like OMG we are going to miss time from Disney!!:scared1: and that was really are frist reaction to It. Then It got me thinking how pack adventureland and HP Is going to be the frist year,and I know Its going to be pack for a long time,but this up comeing summer,fall and winter are going to be major nuts there!!.So for us It givesus a reason to stay at WDW, and In turn It gives something to look forward to next year.

[bellaDisneydncr]

I usually never want to go to Universal. I've been there once and really didn't enjoy it all that much. I liked IOA, but it wasn't enough for me to say that I needed to go back regularly. However, I'm really interested to see how they create the world of Harry Potter. If it turns out to be as awesome as they're planning, then it will be totally amazing. And it helps that a couple of my friends are HP nuts, so I will be going with them.

[audeodream]

My 10 year old DS has been waiting 2 years for this park to open up. I promised him that the summer it opened we would be there. We have a Disney trip planned but after seeing some of the resorts at Universal (we've never been there before) we may want to take a few days to stay on site there. :wizard:

[LadyGracey]

I haven't been to IOA since the year it opened and really had no desire to go back, until now. I will be going to HP for sure (but probably going to wait until the newness wears off).

I like Universal and don't want to bash it, I love the rides, but for me it's a "been there, done that" thing.

[justskip70003]

oh heck yeah! i cant wait til it opens. i have annual passes to all the parks and u can bet your bippy i will be first in line for that! :goodvibes

[thegib95]

No...
Nothing against Harry POtter or the concept of the new part...
but I am a purest...

I Land at MCO, i take the ME to my resort and stay on property untill i take the ME back to MCO

:) just get lost in :smickey:'s Magic for my time

[melly]

You must have missed my post that says I am going to see HP, so I will see what it's like..

No, I didnt miss it. It was pretty clear. Other than for Harry Potter you wouldnt even entertain going to Universal despite not knowing what it is like.



There are probably a bazillion places on planet Earth that I'd enjoy if I went there, but it's called a personal choice. For goodness sake, I'm 64 years old. I think I can make up my own mind about where I do or don't want to go for whatever reasons. ..

I wasnt denying your right to personal choice. What I was questioning is how you have formulated an opinion about Universal despite having never been there. Surely to know if you like it or not, and to have an opinion on it you need to experience it. You have basically said that other than for Harry Potter you have no interest in going to Universal however you feel qualified to comment on its merits or lack of. Your perfectly entightled to these opinions but likewise others are perfectly entightled to challenge them.


Yeah, I do actually know there's nowhere else like Disney. It's about the theme and the nostalgia connected to it.

Perhaps so, but that doesnt mean you cant go to other places and enjoy them too. What is there to lose? You go there and enjoy it and you have 2 great places to go. If you dont like it then you dont like it. It seems from the way you have wrote your post that you have already determined that you dont want to like it and ruled it out as a possibility.

[dburg30]

I'm curious:

For those of you who usually stay on-site at WDW and do not normally venture off property, how many of you plan to spend a day at Universal on your next vacation to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?

It will be interesting to see what impact (if any) it has on Central Florida theme park attendance and if it impacts WDW in any way.

Didnt read all 239 replies, but I'm sure I'll go and check it out at some point. Wont be on the next one, and probably wont be for a year or 2 after it opens. As far as theme park attendance I think it will boost it some for a short time, but it's not going to make a huge difference one way or the other. I'm curious to see how the new pricing at universal plays out more then anything.

[U2_rocks!]

We're going in October! :banana:

I like the Universal parks, though, and I've been before. At some point I would have taken the kids too, and I am happy that Wizarding World will be open in time for this year's trip. When WW was first announced, I decided then and there that we would wait and go to Florida again when it was open, and not before. We can't afford to go every year, so we had to time it right!

[dawgsgirl]

I travel in the summer with my cousin and her 14 year old daughter. We always go to Disney. We have been to Seaworld, but never Universal. Well, this year we are spending a whole week at Hard Rock. The 14 year old LOVES Harry Potter and is going through a phase where Disney is for babies. Whatever!! I got the cheapo Universal tickets last summer. For Hard Rock, I got the discount that saves you more the longer you stay. We drive down, so transportation is not a problem. We are all VERY excited. This will be a much more relaxing vacation than Disney and we are not worried about getting everything done. I am looking forward to going somewhere new and different!! We will always love Disney, but there's not much new going on there. So, Harry Potter, here we come!!!

Edited to add: I believe that a lot of summer visitors will be going to Universal and skipping Disney. This board is not a good barometer of how Disney will be affected. We are, after all, a bunch of Disney nuts!!

[lorraine31]

we are planning to spend a day at universal purely for the purpose of seeing HP world. We have been to Disney for the last 5 years and have never been to universal. We kept meaning to, but couldn't sacrifice a day of Disney to do it. Last year we went to the Universal City Walk and we found it awful. Nothing compared to Disney. So this year, it is really a big thing that we are actually going to go. It had better be worth it.

[JackandSally79]

YES! We will be getting APs.... just like we have for WDW.

[Tinkerbell21]

Oh I can't wait to go check out HP!!! I have never been to Universal in Florida so that isn't the only reason I will be going but I can't wait to see it all anyways! :yay:

[richmo]

Economically, it doesn't make sense to mix a Disney trip with a Universal trip because of the Disney ticket policy (basically any days beyond 3 are almost free).

But, we'll be in Orlando for a weekend this summer and we'll go to Universal to check out Harry instead of Disney.

I'm getting the feeling that Harry Potter is almost like a land in the Magic Kingdom and can be covered easily in less than half a day.

[ebtbmom]

We LOVE LOVE LOVE HP:banana: and can't wait to see it!:yay:

I will definetly take a day or two from Disney next time to visit it even though we have never done Universal in the past.

The only disappointing thing is that it is only a land of a park. Think about all the areas it could have, Privet Drive, St Mungo's, Forbidden Forest, Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, World Cup, the cave, the Ministry of Magic, man I could get really carried away:).

I wish it was it's own park with it's own hotel, designed like Hogwarts. And they have towers for each of the 4 houses and your family has to be sorted to stay in one of the towers. I would totally do this, I would also run around talking in a fake British accent the entire time, probably wearing robes:lmao:.

[Feralpeg]

We LOVE LOVE LOVE HP:banana: and can't wait to see it!:yay:

I will definetly take a day or two from Disney next time to visit it even though we have never done Universal in the past.

The only disappointing thing is that it is only a land of a park. Think about all the areas it could have, Privet Drive, St Mungo's, Forbidden Forest, Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, World Cup, the cave, the Ministry of Magic, man I could get really carried away:).

I wish it was it's own park with it's own hotel, designed like Hogwarts. And they have towers for each of the 4 houses and your family has to be sorted to stay in one of the towers. I would totally do this, I would also run around talking in a fake British accent the entire time, probably wearing robes:lmao:.

That would be very cool! Unfortunately, Universal is pretty land locked. They would really have to move it outside of the main parks in order to do something that large. They didn't buy the huge amount of land, at the beginning, like Disney. Too bad!