Harry Potter- Wizarding World FAQ

[DisneyRobin]

I'm taking my kids (10, 12 and 15) to visit the Harry Potter theme parks on Dec 26 and 27th - crowded time! We are staying at Hard Rock so we have early entrance but I don't think they have the express lines.

When we get there 1st thing in the morning, what should we do? Is there a game plan that most people follow to avoid lines as much as possible as see all of the highlights? Where do we start and what order should we do things in?

I know how to do this at the Disney Parks but we never go to Universal so I feel lost! Any help is appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[macraven]

Be in the EE line a good 20+ minutes before that opening time

 

[PSULion]

Question, I am having trouble finding youth size Harry Potter T-shirts for my boys 8 and 11 before our trip, any suggestion for online or in person stores that sell Harry Potter Items (tried amazon, target and kohls already) and do they sell Harry Potter merchandise in Universal Hotels? this will be our back up!

I had them same problem - found some reasonably priced ones on Etsy.

 

[DisneyRobin]

Be in the EE line a good 20+ minutes before that opening time

Thank you!

Which ride should we head to 1st?

 

[NinaeDocinho]

People have asked for the minimum height to ride Forbidden Journey

48"




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Hi!! So, my trip is on the april and I'm afraid with the idea that I could have a pretty bad motion sickness after a ride on Forbidden Journey. I'm fine with roller coasters and the Evolution ride, but I read that a lot of people has motion sickness after ride on it. I don't know if I should go on Forbidden Journey or not, I'm so afraid to have motion sickness, I'm terrified about throw up since I was a kid. Do you think that a medicine to prevent motion sickness really works? Or you think I should give up because there's a big probability that I'm gonna get sick? Please, be honest, thank you!!

 

[buzznina]

I'm taking my kids (10, 12 and 15) to visit the Harry Potter theme parks on Dec 26 and 27th - crowded time! We are staying at Hard Rock so we have early entrance but I don't think they have the express lines.

When we get there 1st thing in the morning, what should we do? Is there a game plan that most people follow to avoid lines as much as possible as see all of the highlights? Where do we start and what order should we do things in?

I know how to do this at the Disney Parks but we never go to Universal so I feel lost! Any help is appreciated!

Thank you!

Hard Rock is definitely one of the hotels that you get the Universal Express pass free for staying at.

 

[gretchenfox]

How strict are height requirements at Universal Studios usually? I read that the height requirement on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is 42", but if my niece is 41" will they not let her ride? I know they have a good trade-off program where one adult can stay with the child and then ride with the group again but I think she'd really enjoy the ride, too!

 

[schumigirl]

How strict are height requirements at Universal Studios usually? I read that the height requirement on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is 42", but if my niece is 41" will they not let her ride? I know they have a good trade-off program where one adult can stay with the child and then ride with the group again but I think she'd really enjoy the ride, too!

They are strict.

We have seen many people try and argue with the TM why their child should still be able to ride despite not making the height requirement.

If they think she looks near or under the height requirement they'll usually measure kids.

 

[andrewilley]

I read that the height requirement on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts is 42", but if my niece is 41" will they not let her ride?

No, sorry - not even 41.5" I'm afraid. The limit is exactly 42", not 'somewhere near 42" depending on how we feel on the day'. And if they think you are using especially raised shoes in order to get around the safety rules, they are entitled to ask for her to be measured barefoot. Just keep your fingers crossed that she has a growing spurt, and at least don't wear very flat shoes.

Andre

 

[macraven]

The ride restraints will not work as designed if a person does not meet the height requirements

It is all about safety

 

[carolrie]

I will be taking my girls for two days on 1/14-1/15. I am thinking I should stay on site for two reasons. #1 early entry into the parks and #2 There may be an express pass with my hotel. Is #2 right or do I need to buy an express pass? If so is it worth it for both HP experiences? We really aren't interested in seeing anything else in the parks as we are all huge HP fans and this will be a short trip. Also, can I make reservations ahead of time at any of the restaurants and if so which ones are the best? Thank you all so much for your help!

 

[casnider]

I will be taking my girls for two days on 1/14-1/15. I am thinking I should stay on site for two reasons. #1 early entry into the parks and #2 There may be an express pass with my hotel. Is #2 right or do I need to buy an express pass? If so is it worth it for both HP experiences? We really aren't interested in seeing anything else in the parks as we are all huge HP fans and this will be a short trip. Also, can I make reservations ahead of time at any of the restaurants and if so which ones are the best? Thank you all so much for your help!

If you stay at Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, or Portofino Bay then you get the unlimited express pass included. And I won't worry about reservations for restaurants at universal. You should have no trouble eating anywhere.

 

[macraven]

If you are there during Presidents' Day, expect more in the parks

Some business and schools view it as a holiday from work

Ep would be benificial for shorter line waits since your trip will be short

 

[carolrie]

Thank you for the help! That is great information. When I went on the Universal site to check early entry dates it isn't showing any for 1/15 for either park. Is it just too far out or are the calendars accurate?

 

[pcstang]

Thank you for the help! That is great information. When I went on the Universal site to check early entry dates it isn't showing any for 1/15 for either park. Is it just too far out or are the calendars accurate?

Yes, it's too far out

 

[Kirbie]

Hello!

I am planning for my upcoming trip 12/4-12/8. We are staying onsite and have the one hour early entry. I went the same week last year and the early entry was for IoA. When I go to the UO website it currently shows UO as having the 8:00 early entry for our park days. Can anyone confirm this? We're trying to make plans and want to make the most of every hour, so going to the correct park for early admission will make a difference!

Thanks!

 

[Kirbie]

Another planning question - does either park have schedules for the performances in either WWoHP? I can't find anything on the website and I can't remember seeing any listed times last year. We are mostly interested in the Tale of the Three Brothers performance, but wouldn't mind the rest. Thanks!

 

[macraven]

Another planning question - does either park have schedules for the performances in either WWoHP? I can't find anything on the website and I can't remember seeing any listed times last year. We are mostly interested in the Tale of the Three Brothers performance, but wouldn't mind the rest. Thanks!

Listing times will be on the park guide maps
That is what I used last month to catch the show times at potter

Times can vary and listings are updated regularly in the guide maps you can pick up in the park

They are at the entrance once you enter and in the shops

 

[CaleCakes]

We are going just for the day on 12/10 to finish up a week in Orlando. We mostly want to see the Harry Potter stuff and don't care much about riding coasters. We will be taking our son who is 17 months. Is it doable to get the park to park pass and see most of not all of the Harry Potter stuff? As far as non coaster rides, would the baby be allowed on anything? The train ride maybe? Where should we start when we get to the park? We will be staying at a Disney resort but we will have our own transportation to Universal and plan on being their early in the morning.

 

[macraven]

Use the child swap set up so both of you can take turns on the rides


Www.universalorlando.com has sections of touring the parks with small children

It can help guide you for sections of the park your little will be able to do and enjoy