1 day plan with early morning and EP

[luvsvacation]

My daughter (20) and I are coming to universal for 1 day (also doing 1 day at Epcot for the guardians of the galaxy coaster). We’ve never done universal and are trying to get as much in as we can. We’ll be there Dec 19 (Monday). We’re staying the night before at one of the premier hotels for the early entrance and unlimited EP. I mapped out the parks and am hoping to start at IOA and go counterclockwise starting at HP and then take the train to US and also do that park counterclockwise, eventually taking the train back to IOA (so we can ride both directions).

Is this feasible with EP or am I way over estimating what we can get done…

Hagrids (we have no problem arriving very early and waiting to be at the front)
Velocicoaster
Forbidden Journey
Kong
DD Fear Fall
Spiderman
Hulk
Train to US
Gringotts
Fast & Furious
Mummy
Race NY Jimmy Fallon
Rip Ride Rocket
Transformers
Minions??
ET
Simpons
Men In Black
Train back to IOA

We’re not big into dining when there is fun to be had…we’ll pick up snacks here and there

 

[ajsamett]

I think that sounds like a LOT even with EP, especially cuz your there during the holidays. I went with friends (wo EP, but single rider and a good touring plan) and never had to wait more than 20 mins (except fpr hagrids, which we did before park close for 45). From open to close, we did 15 hrs of touring and did 10 rides and, 1 parade and the mardi gras parade. I'd suggest cutting out a few things like
- transformers and spiderman are basically the same ride
- jimmy Fallon and fast and furious are pretty boring so I'd skip those unless it's a special interest
- Simpsons is incredibly nauseating

note currently mummy doesn't have EP cuz it's still technically in rehearsal

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Give it a go, see how far you get.

On your list, my personal "skip for time" rides would be Fearfall, Fast & Furious, & Fallon (in that order), and skipping the return on Hogwarts Express if you run out of time is really fine also. Fearfall is fine & fun, but really it's a drop tower & you can do that anywhere. Kong & F&F are the same ride mechanism but Kong is much better (& more reliable). Fallon is theater style w/ seat movement. Minions is similar but much better & more mobility (blocks of moving seats/benches) - but does take a little while, thus Minions might be my 4th skip for time ride.

I'd see how you're doing on time as you go, and how crowd levels are. You also will probably want some exploration time also. IE, would you prefer to explore Knockturn Alley, or ride Fallon? You can also single-rider MiB to save time if needed, that single rider line is crazy fast & you don't need any back story to enjoy it.

 

[ClapYourHands]

If you follow your plan, you will be literally on the opposite side of the park when you want to take the train to US. My suggestion would be to do the HP rides and Velocicoaster, and then hop the train to Studios. You won’t be the only one with that idea, but the EP should get you on quickly. Then do Gringotts, and take your trip around studios. Personally, I’d follow @CAPSLOCK’s advice, and skip Fast and Furious (Kong does the same ride vehicle with a far better story) and Transformers (Spider-Man is the same tech but better story). Fallon is fun if there’s time to kill, but skip-able if you’re on a time crunch (as you will be). In Diagon Alley, you may want to see one of the performances (Tales of Beedle the Bard is excellent), and explore a bit before your return trip on the Hogwarts Express. Once back in IOA, do the rides you want. You might want to add Jurassic Park River Adventure - doesn’t get you too wet and the animatronics are cool. Fear Fall is a basic drop ride you can do anywhere, so consider skipping if right on time.