1 day. What are must DO's?

[cableguynoe]

I will be spending one day at IOA in early Dec.

I know I will not get to do everything, so I'm trying to figure out what things should I not miss. Any great shows or rides that I should make sure I make time for?
I've been to Universal Hollywood many times, thats why we chose IOA. but i really know nothing about it.
No kids, just 2 adults.

Will be traveling by cab from Coronado Springs resort.

Also, can someone explain the express pass? I've heard it mentioned. Or maybe direct me to a thread that explains it?

Thanks!

 

[damo]

You should be able to do everything in one day at IOA in early December. You won't need the express pass.

 

[Batesl49]

You haven't mentioned WWHP. Will this be a high priority for you two on your one day visit? It would help to know your thrill ride threshold also.

Laurie
Returning November 28 - December 7, 2012

 

[cableguynoe]

You haven't mentioned WWHP. Will this be a high priority for you two on your one day visit? It would help to know your thrill ride threshold also.

WWHP? Sorry, dont know what this means

As far as rides, we'll do everything and anything.

You should be able to do everything in one day at IOA in early December. You won't need the express pass.

Really? so it's not that big?

 

[LUVIOA]

WWOHP=Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Definitely a "must-do"

 

[cableguynoe]

WWOHP=Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Definitely a "must-do"

Is this more than just a ride or show? or is it somehow seperate from the rest of the park?

 

[RMulieri]

Is this more than just a ride or show? or is it somehow seperate from the rest of the park?

It's a land within IOA( kind of like one of the lands of the Magic Kingdom).As for express pass, it is essentially similar to FP at Disney, only you don't get tickets , you are not restricted to any timeframes and it is essentially good for almost all rides ( except Forbidden Journey, Pteranodon Flyers and ollivanders wand shop at IOA).Express pass allows you minimal to no waits and is good for one ride per attraction.There is NO free version of this like Disney ( unless you stay at a Universal resort)

 

[damo]

You are getting confusing information here. Wizarding World is just one more "island" in IOA.

You've got Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Lost Continent and Suess Landing. Each has rides and attractions.

Early December is very, very low on crowds. You will be fine seeing everything you want without an express pass if you spend the whole day there, arriving at park opening.

 

[rebeccaariel]

IoA is not actually that big, and you should be able to get everything done in a day. I was at Universal in the summer of 2011 in mid-July, and I finished IoA in one day.

Forbidden Journey is a must-do, as is Dragon Challenge, and the rest of the Wizarding World section is fantastic - tour all the shops, the details are incredible. I also love the Hulk coaster. The Amazing Adventure of Spider-Man is always a good time. I really like Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls. Jurassic Park River Adventure is good, and you don't even get that wet, even though it looks like you would. The Dr. Seuss area is obviously aimed to younger kids, but it's actually a great little area and worth touring even if you don't care to ride anything there.

 

[cableguynoe]

Wow, thank for the great info!
I will actually be there Monday, Dec 4, and am glad it will be low crowds. I thought I was going to have to pick and choose what to do.

 

[Batesl49]

I thought this might help you in the touring of WWHP:
Castle tour and ride Forbidden Journey
Re-ride if line is low (you will return later for a better tour of the castle and more rides)
Dragon Challenge (even if you don't want to ride, take the path to see the Weasley's car at the Whomping Willow
You will come out by Ollivanders, if interested check the lines for the choosing of the wand show
Across the street is Hog's Head and The Three Broomsticks (they are connected) before going in, use the ladies restroom next to Hog's Head for a Moaning Myrtle visit
Be sure and drink some Butterbeer (I like frozen best)
Then hit the shops if you wish (Zonkos and the rest)
You are now back to the entrance of WWHP
Ask a park worker the times in the afternoon/early evening for the Triwizard Spirit Rally and the Frog Choir performances so you can see them when you return. They are over by Ollivanders in the town square.
The rest of IOA is really up to your preferences, just come back to WWHP around an hour or two before it closes to experience the WWHP at night and have dinner in The Three Broomsticks. It is worth a trip all on its own.
Some tips:
The castle has a "castle tour only line" that you can take your time and really see everything in the castle tour before the ride. Take it; there is so much to see. They also have a single rider line if you two don't mind riding separately if the rider line is too long.
Ride the Hippogriff, but after dark, you can see everything in WWHP with all the lights on and the magic, it is well worth it.
The Three Broomsticks is fun to tour inside at night as there are shadows on the walls and up near the ceiling, think house elves.
The Owlery is nice for a rest, owls in the rafters, and Harry Potter music playing. Good for people watching, resting, and catching a snack. Be sure to stop in the store there and buy the post cards of Hogsmead. Way cool.

So anyway, enjoy this wonderful time you two will experience.

Laurie

 

[Metro West]

I will actually be there Monday, Dec 4, and am glad it will be low crowds. I thought I was going to have to pick and choose what to do.

Nah...you should be fine...just make sure you enjoy yourself.

 

[CentralFloridian99]

I suggest park hopping. You can get everything done at both in a day without Express.

 

[Belle83]

Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
- Dragon Challenge
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Jurassic Park:
- JP River Adventure

Toon Lagoon:
- Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
- Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges

Marvel Super Hero Island:
- Adventures of Spiderman
- Dr. Doom's Fearfall
- Incredible Hulk

Harry Potter Forbidden Journey and Spiderman are the top 2 IMO. You can't use Express Pass on the Forbidden Journey ride.

 

[Metro West]

Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
- Dragon Challenge
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Don't forget Flight of the Hippogriff.

 

[Planogirl]

Don't forget Flight of the Hippogriff.

You just have to see Buckbeak.