I just got back from IOA and US today. We did IOA on tuesday and wow. What a mess. Thank god we stayed on property because without the hour early entrance and the express pass, it would have been a completely miserable trip.
We got in right at 8 a.m. and were escorted to WWOHP. Hightailed it to FJ and walked right on. As far as the ride goes - it definitely made me queasy. I can handle any roller coaster in the world and most simulation rides... however if the FJ was ANY longer I would have been really sick. Other then that, I enjoyed the ride itself. I thought it was very creative. My friend who I was with however did not enjoy the ride at all. He thought it was cheesy and they could have done more. I guess it is just personal preference. After FJ did Olivanders and waited about 10-15 minutes. What a great little show! It was really magical. About 45 minutes after we rode FJ The line was out the castle and like other posters said - was a free for all. We left and rode the rest of the rides in the park. Thank GOD for the express pass. Saved a TON of time. Worth the money if you aren't staying at the resort. The rest of the day the standby line and overflow wrapped all around Jurassic Park as far as the eye could see. Hell no.
Overall I thought WWOHP was interesting and fun to see - absolutely beautiful area. But if the crowds remain like this... you could not PAY me to go back there. I was disappointed with how little there is in the area and on top of that... they did not have a big selection of merchandise to sell and what they did sell... I feel like a lot did not even have to do with the books.
butter beer... fantastic though ;-) I looked up recipes online and WILL be making it!!![]()
yikes - I'm getting scared here...we are thinking to go early May but now I dont know what to do!!!
You should wait and check out the lines first hand before purchasing the EP. You can purchase them at either park but they are non-refundable and date specific. If you get there early, you can do several attractions w/o much of a wait.Would it be a good idea to buy the Express pass for late next week? I know you can't use it for FJ, but it may be better...I'm going to be there on the 13th next week and I have been IOA, but my friend hasn't. It would only be $20 and I already have regular admission. However, I do know you all were saying it's probably going to be better next week, before MLK crowds.
Thanks for any advice!
I don't see the issue either. Fastpasses at Disney are the same thing. You pay your admission and go to a ride. You either choose to wait in line which could be a few hours, or you get a fastpass to access the ride at a later time. It you only want to ride Toy Story Mania and do nothing else, for example, your experience wouldn't be much different that it was at Wizarding World. You still have to walk to the ride to get the fastpass. They don't give them out at the front of the park.
Even though I haven't been to the parks since HHN ended in October, I have to agree about the crowd management. It seems like no one is learning from past experiences with the crowds when you continue to hear stories like the ones this past week. I know it's during the holiday time but what better time to work on sorting the crowds out? I certainly hope someone over there gets it together before spring break or these stories of unruly and out of control lines will continue. You can't do anything about the amount of people wanting to get in but you can certainly make their time in line a more pleasant experience.I was there in October, so I've seen it and know how wonderful it is and I understand why there are such long lines. I just think that universal is not managing the process very well during this peak time. October was really a very very lovely experience. I would have thought they would have figured out these crowds through the launch and the summer crowds.
Even though I haven't been to the parks since HHN ended in October, I have to agree about the crowd management. It seems like no one is learning from past experiences with the crowds when you continue to hear stories like the ones this past week.
You can't do anything about the amount of people wanting to get in but you can certainly make their time in line a more pleasant experience.
I don't see the issue either. Fastpasses at Disney are the same thing. You pay your admission and go to a ride. You either choose to wait in line which could be a few hours, or you get a fastpass to access the ride at a later time. It you only want to ride Toy Story Mania and do nothing else, for example, your experience wouldn't be much different that it was at Wizarding World. You still have to walk to the ride to get the fastpass. They don't give them out at the front of the park.
Would it be a good idea to buy the Express pass for late next week? I know you can't use it for FJ, but it may be better...I'm going to be there on the 13th next week and I have been IOA, but my friend hasn't. It would only be $20 and I already have regular admission. However, I do know you all were saying it's probably going to be better next week, before MLK crowds.
Thanks for any advice!
January and early February are Brazilian tour group times.. also lots of Brazilian families as this is their summer break.
so a couple of questions from a newbie..........
1. Are the crowds just this crazy right now as teh US kids havent gone back to school yet from teh CHristmas holidays? or are the crowds tourists?
2. I am starting to hear the message - no backpacks at the park as they cause a hassle. NP. I assume I am OK with a purse or fanny pack?
3. Do I need to make a dinner reseration at the 3 broomsticks or do I just walk in?
Thanks