1st Time April 11 Have Questions about Itinerary!!

[Midwest9]

Hello, we’re going to Universal Monday April 11th, staying at Royal Pacific so will have early arrival and express passes I believe. From the website, it looks like both US & IOA are both open for early admission at 8 am-does that seem right? I thought I read sometime that they only choose one to be open early each day?

Anyway, if both are, we’d go to IOA & do Hagrids 1st since I saw that it’s an option for early entrance now. We also want to Velocicoaster if possible & definitely get DD a wand. Does it make sense to do Hagrids then get in line for a wand next or velocicoaster then wand?
I will not be riding any rides I only do water rides no roller coasters, so I will be free to potentially wait in line elsewhere and have them join me when they’re done if that works-anyone have experience with that?

I know the express can’t be used for the wand & I guess I’d rather she miss the velocicoaster than the wand if one had to go.

We would also do the Jurassic river ride there & I think we should be good I wait times for that with the EP?
After that we would probably get on the train to US HP world and see what we can do on that end of the park with no real hard and fast plans or must dos.
She’s a big HP and Jurassic fan so we’ll be happy to get to those areas. She also loves Marvel but I’ve heard that area isn’t too impressive.
Thanks for any tips as we try to solidify our plans now that we’re a little over a month out!! Can’t wait! Ditching the freezing Midwest weather is an extra bonus

 

[ceeceegee]

Hi! We are also going on 4/11 so I'll be watching this thread closely I didn't notice it at first but on the website it does look like both US and IOA have early entry - guess they are expecting it to be busy!

 

[Skippyboo]

Express pass isn’t good for Hagrid’s or VelociCoaster. You can buy a wand at the big Universal Store in City Walk, the big gift store in front of the park, and couple of other places in HP sections if you don’t want to wait for Ollivanders but want a wand for the spell casting. Express pass will help on waits for JP River Journey and HP Non Hagrid’s rides. The train will still take some time even with express since you have to wait for the train, load everyone in, go to other park, etc so the line doesn’t move super quick.

 

[Kit Jackson]

I will not be riding any rides I only do water rides no roller coasters, so I will be free to potentially wait in line elsewhere and have them join me when they’re done if that works-anyone have experience with that?

If are not going to be riding, I would wait outside the ride and hold thier stuff. Many rides require lockers or limit what you can bring on the ride, which isn't a big deal, but if you aren't going to be riding, it's nice to be able to skip that part and hold thier stuff while they ride. Do you want to get a wand or do you want to see the Olivander's show and potentially be selected to see which wand choses DD? Buying a wand can be done in multiple shops and carts, but the full Olivander's experience only happens in the Olivander's store.

 

[Midwest9]

Hi! We are also going on 4/11 so I'll be watching this thread closely I didn't notice it at first but on the website it does look like both US and IOA have early entry - guess they are expecting it to be busy!

Oh fun! IF you see a family of 3 wearing sort of matching maroon Harry Potter shirts that’s probably us

 

[Midwest9]

Express pass isn’t good for Hagrid’s or VelociCoaster. You can buy a wand at the big Universal Store in City Walk, the big gift store in front of the park, and couple of other places in HP sections if you don’t want to wait for Ollivanders but want a wand for the spell casting. Express pass will help on waits for JP River Journey and HP Non Hagrid’s rides. The train will still take some time even with express since you have to wait for the train, load everyone in, go to other park, etc so the line doesn’t move super quick.

good to know! I wanted her to have that Ollivanders experience but I think she’d rather spend the time riding rides. Maybe we’ll get the wand the night before, then if after Hagrids and velocicoaster Olivanders isn’t outrageous we can still go just for the experience! That way she’ll get to do the spells etc regardless

 

[Midwest9]

If are not going to be riding, I would wait outside the ride and hold thier stuff. Many rides require lockers or limit what you can bring on the ride, which isn't a big deal, but if you aren't going to be riding, it's nice to be able to skip that part and hold thier stuff while they ride. Do you want to get a wand or do you want to see the Olivander's show and potentially be selected to see which wand choses DD? Buying a wand can be done in multiple shops and carts, but the full Olivander's experience only happens in the Olivander's store.

That’s my debate, I’m glad to know we have the option to buy it elsewhere. With our quick trip Olivanders may not be a priority. Does skipping the locker save any time in line or you’re still waiting behind others who do need to stop at lockers? I guess I’m asking is there a separate line for those who don’t need lockers vs that do?
I’m hoping to walk into some of the queues with them to experience that if they’ll let me but then not sure how I get out before getting on the ride lol. Do I just tell a worker?

 

[Lashed34]

I think people sometimes miss the point of the Express Pass.

For us it gives us the opportunity to cut the queue on almost all the rides so we still have plenty of time to queue for Hagrids & Velocicoaster/ It also means that we don't have to race around the parks to try and get everything in. Having the EP just makes life easier and less stressful.

 

[Midwest9]

I think people sometimes miss the point of the Express Pass.

For us it gives us the opportunity to cut the queue on almost all the rides so we still have plenty of time to queue for Hagrids & Velocicoaster/ It also means that we don't have to race around the parks to try and get everything in. Having the EP just makes life easier and less stressful.

I could very well be missing the point of the EP I know nothing about Universal as a first timer & am not a amusement park person. Been to Disney once 6 years ago. To me, it will help us get more rides in and not wait in line so long as the day gets busier & lines get longer. We’re only there one day so we want DD to get as many rides in as possible like she wants. Standing in super long lines all day would be stressful to me.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

You can wait in the line with them. They'll even let you bring the bags in line that case, just tell the cast member when you enter the line that you are a non-rider. So you skip the lockers and stay together.

But really, the lockers aren't all that big of a deal. You do bypass them entirely if you don't need them, except at Hagrids if the line is out past the official queue entrance.

I have found lines for Ollivanders to drop in the late afternoon/evening, to the point of literally no line (this may depend on season/crowds/luck). While it is neat, it is not a must-do for me - if it were me, I'd go with your plan of getting the wand early and doing spells as you see fit, then if you walk past Ollivanders with no/short line, hop in line at that point. Note you can buy your wand at the Ollivander's shop even if you don't do the show. It has another door that you can go in just to the shop.

The Marvel area isn't super impressive, but the Spiderman ride is fun. And not a coaster, and you can bring the bags, so you can all go on it.

You may want to have a rough plan for lunch - HP restaurants get crowded although they are very well themed. You can often walk in just to look. If you want to eat there, aim for an early lunch or an early dinner as there will be less waiting. Thunder Falls Terrace in JP has the same BBQ that 3 Broomsticks has, but you can generally eat with minimal wait & it's much less crowded inside.

 

[Pooh's World]

Hello, we’re going to Universal Monday April 11th, staying at Royal Pacific so will have early arrival and express passes I believe. From the website, it looks like both US & IOA are both open for early admission at 8 am-does that seem right? I thought I read sometime that they only choose one to be open early each day?

Anyway, if both are, we’d go to IOA & do Hagrids 1st since I saw that it’s an option for early entrance now. We also want to Velocicoaster if possible & definitely get DD a wand. Does it make sense to do Hagrids then get in line for a wand next or velocicoaster then wand?
I will not be riding any rides I only do water rides no roller coasters, so I will be free to potentially wait in line elsewhere and have them join me when they’re done if that works-anyone have experience with that?

I know the express can’t be used for the wand & I guess I’d rather she miss the velocicoaster than the wand if one had to go.

We would also do the Jurassic river ride there & I think we should be good I wait times for that with the EP?
After that we would probably get on the train to US HP world and see what we can do on that end of the park with no real hard and fast plans or must dos.
She’s a big HP and Jurassic fan so we’ll be happy to get to those areas. She also loves Marvel but I’ve heard that area isn’t too impressive.
Thanks for any tips as we try to solidify our plans now that we’re a little over a month out!! Can’t wait! Ditching the freezing Midwest weather is an extra bonus

Do Hagrid early and then once again when it gets dark and they turn all the motorbike lights on.

 

[Kit Jackson]

That’s my debate, I’m glad to know we have the option to buy it elsewhere. With our quick trip Olivanders may not be a priority. Does skipping the locker save any time in line or you’re still waiting behind others who do need to stop at lockers? I guess I’m asking is there a separate line for those who don’t need lockers vs that do?
I’m hoping to walk into some of the queues with them to experience that if they’ll let me but then not sure how I get out before getting on the ride lol. Do I just tell a worker?

I misunderstood what you meant. Allow me to clarify. The lockers are not a big deal. If everyone wants to ride something that requires them, it doesn't take that much time at all. If you want to go through the line (and the Harry Potter themed ones are enjoyable with great theming/detials) without riding you can. The lockers are usually right before you get to the actual ride at the end of the line. Everyone goes through the same line whether or not you need a locker. When you get to the lockers at the end of the line, you explain to someone that you are not going to ride and they will direct you where to go.

 

[kmedina]

Get there for early entry. All 3 are open, but I'd do Hagrid's, Ollivanders, then Velicoaster in that order. If your DD wants to do pteranodon flyers (don't know her age), I'd knock that out next. Then, you can focus on Express Pass rides as the park starts getting busier. Ollivanders is worth the wait (if not too long) and it won't be too long if you go early enough. Velicoaster is not as popular as Hagrid's because it is a rougher ride.

 

[susienut1]

I wouldn't skip Ollivanders if you are Harry Potter fans. My daughter was picked and it was so great for her ( and us!)

 

[Midwest9]

One more question… would it make the most sense to drive our rental and park in their lot Monday morning, or to leave our car at Royal Pacific and shuttle/water taxi over to IOA and shuttle back for our vehicle when we’re done?

(At the end of the day we’re heading to Clearwater area for the rest of the trip )

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Definitely park at RP. You'll need to pick up your room keys for the Express anyway, and starting your day with the boat ride or garden walk is much more pleasant than trekking through the parking garage and security hub with the masses.

 

[Skippyboo]

One more question… would it make the most sense to drive our rental and park in their lot Monday morning, or to leave our car at Royal Pacific and shuttle/water taxi over to IOA and shuttle back for our vehicle when we’re done?

(At the end of the day we’re heading to Clearwater area for the rest of the trip )

It’s about a 10 minute walk from RP to IoA. You come out by Margaritaville. Right by IoA. The boat puts you more towards middle of Citywalk. You’re already paying to park at your resort and it’s good for all of your check out day. Plus unless you have top tier AP you have to pay for parking at Citywalk garages.

 

[Midwest9]

Definitely park at RP. You'll need to pick up your room keys for the Express anyway, and starting your day with the boat ride or garden walk is much more pleasant than trekking through the parking garage and security hub with the masses.

Ok thanks, I was thinking we may have just as long of a walk from the parking garage as from the hotel when it boils down to it. Any idea how long waits for the boat are this time of year? Looks like they don’t start running until 30 min before EP so we will probably just walk there and ride back to RP

 

[Midwest9]

It’s about a 10 minute walk from RP to IoA. You come out by Margaritaville. Right by IoA. The boat puts you more towards middle of Citywalk. You’re already paying to park at your resort and it’s good for all of your check out day. Plus unless you have top tier AP you have to pay for parking at Citywalk garages.

That’s not bad at all I think we’ll plan to leave RP at 7, is that realistic to be in line by 715

 

[Pooh's World]

Ok thanks, I was thinking we may have just as long of a walk from the parking garage as from the hotel when it boils down to it. Any idea how long waits for the boat are this time of year? Looks like they don’t start running until 30 min before EP so we will probably just walk there and ride back to RP

The security at RP/Citywalk Margaritativlle has almost no line and isn't crowded compared to the parking garage security that is just filled with crowds.