1st time to Universal -- need advice

[KiminChicago]

My 15yo DD is a huge Harry Potter fan and since her dance team is going to do a workshop at Disney in July, we thought we'd drive down early and spend a couple of days at Universal.

DH and I are not huge roller coaster fans and DD just wants to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I currently have a room only reservation at Cabana Bay, which I now realize does not offer the Unlimited Express pass.

So here's my question -- I can switch to the Royal Pacific, get a package with the Park to Park tickets and the Unlimited Express pass for around $200 more than it would cost me to stay at Cabana Bay and purchase the park to park tickets with the single use Express Pass online.

Given that we don't really expect to spend any time in any other part of the park, and the Forbidden Journey ride (and Olivanders wand shop) don't allow use of the express pass, is it worth the couple of hundred dollars to switch?

 

[damo]

My 15yo DD is a huge Harry Potter fan and since her dance team is going to do a workshop at Disney in July, we thought we'd drive down early and spend a couple of days at Universal.

DH and I are not huge roller coaster fans and DD just wants to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I currently have a room only reservation at Cabana Bay, which I now realize does not offer the Unlimited Express pass.

So here's my question -- I can switch to the Royal Pacific, get a package with the Park to Park tickets and the Unlimited Express pass for around $200 more than it would cost me to stay at Cabana Bay and purchase the park to park tickets with the single use Express Pass online.

Given that we don't really expect to spend any time in any other part of the park, and the Forbidden Journey ride (and Olivanders wand shop) don't allow use of the express pass, is it worth the couple of hundred dollars to switch?

By July, there will be the Wizarding World at Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at the Studios. It is doubtful that the express pass will be accepted at any of the new rides at Diagon Alley, so the early admission that you get at any of the onsite hotels will be your best bet there.

Remember that with each night onsite, you get two days of express at the deluxe onsite resorts and two days of early entry at all the onsite resorts. So one night at Royal Pacific will give you two days of express. I think that you will find that you spend time at all of the other parts of the park and not just the Harry Potter parts. Universal has a lot more to offer than you figure.

 

[Hug the Mouse]

You really should stay at Royal Pacific and explore US & Islands. There is a lot mor to both than roller coasters.

 

[RMulieri]

I would switch.Royal Pacific is super close to the parks and that will be a godsend in the heat,humidity and crowds of July.Cabana Bay will be a longer walk and no boat.Your only other option would be the bus, and I think someone said that will drop off and pick up outside citywalk/parking garage area.That is a hike in the heat.The HP stuff may not take express, but the rest of the rides and shows do.There is ALOT more to Universal than just the Harry potter stuff, I would take a look and see what else there is that might interest you.There arent that many coasters despite popular myth.Honestly, before we first went, I thought I would only be really interested in HArry Potter..Turns out I loved alot of the other things more. .Early entry will be your best friend for the HP stuff, and you can get that at Cabana Bay, but I would splurge and stay at one of the deluxe resorts

 

[Seeker615]

I totally agree with the others. Universal is not really about coasters.

There are awesome shows and attractions at both parks. The rides are state of the art and the theming in the parks is awesome.

I would do Royal Pacific and get the express pass. We did this in November and it was the best thing I ever did. We literally walked on a lot of the rides with the pass.

Some things to check out are: Horror Make Up Show, Jurassic Park area and ride, Transformers and Spiderman ride, all of Harry Potter of course, Simpsons area and don't forget the characters!