Animal Kingdom or Universal Studios Orlando?

[SeilerBird]

I'm really impressed with the fact that you gave the movies multiple tries. And I'm awfully happy you enjoyed the parks despite not finding the movies your cup of tea. But I've got to ask...

How is Harry Potter "sci-fi"? Aka, Science Fiction?

I just Googled "is Harry Potter science fiction" and found this reply:

"Well, the Hugo Award (the biggest award in science fiction) was awarded to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, so it's kind of disputable. If someone gave it a prestigious science fiction award then I suppose it could be considered one."

And this:

"Genres are something that book stores and publishing companies and newspapers and libraries have created to better organize things. People can decide their own genres, which can be very subjective. In some ways, Harry Potter can be considered science fiction. It has different animal species that have detailed biological anatomies and functioning; there's a genetic component to having magic powers; there are specific laws to the magical world. It's definitely fantasy, but the truth is that the line between sci fi and fantasy isn't so obvious and I think that it's something people decide for themselves."

 

[bumbershoot]

Oh my gosh they are so sneaky. I have to buy a pass for both parks? Lol. Have you been? What is your experience. My daughter and I are big Harry Potter fans but I know they are opening one in our hometown next year. It probably will be a lot smaller than Orlando's.

I'm not sure you are getting Diagon Alley, though. So it won't quite be the same.

OMG

I forgot about Horror Nights. I am not into that. I better look up the hours for the park closing.

Horror Nights is at the Studios (where Diagon Alley is). They will close earlier, but Islands of Adventure (where Hogsmeade is) will be open later.

To get both ways on the train (there's a different show each way) you could start at Islands, do the train one way, play in Diagon Alley, then go back over to IOA by the train (seeing the second train show) and play in Hogsmeade.

If you buy online, a one day, park-to-park ticket at USO costs $136 per adult.

Same cost in person. And just like Disney, an adult means someone 10 and over.

How is Harry Potter "sci-fi"? Aka, Science Fiction?

I see it as fantasy, too, not sci fi. If there isn't a robot, it's not sci fi to me.

 

[SharonLowe]

One thing no one has mentioned is crowds at both HP lands at Universal. They are the most popular parts of the parks and get VERY crowded early and stay that way all day. I really think Universal is worth a trip on its own if you can arrange it. Stay on site at one of their deluxe resorts to get early entry to one of the HP lands and unlimited express pass to most of the other rides. AK isn't just about animals - there are multiple rides and shows that you can enjoy and I think the theming and architecture is some of the best in WDW. You are doing a disservice if you don't visit AK. I can spend a whole day there, even if many think it is a half day park. Take your time and enjoy what it has to offer. Yak and Yeti is a great lunch spot and there are rides that will appeal to everyone. I do think it is one of the hotter areas in WDW but you are going in October so it should be okay. If you don't like AK, you can leave early and do something else at WDW such as DTD, your hotel pool, mini golf, etc.

 

[IBLarsen]

My kids opted to give up the Animal Kingdom day to fit in a day at Universal to see the Harry Potter stuff, for our upcoming trip. I would see what your DD would prefer I was happy to do either, but the kids really begged and begged to do US. But we've been to AK (only once) and they want to go there for like 2 things, and that's it.

 

[Magpie]

I just Googled "is Harry Potter science fiction" and found this reply:

"Well, the Hugo Award (the biggest award in science fiction) was awarded to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, so it's kind of disputable. If someone gave it a prestigious science fiction award then I suppose it could be considered one."

And this:

"Genres are something that book stores and publishing companies and newspapers and libraries have created to better organize things. People can decide their own genres, which can be very subjective. In some ways, Harry Potter can be considered science fiction. It has different animal species that have detailed biological anatomies and functioning; there's a genetic component to having magic powers; there are specific laws to the magical world. It's definitely fantasy, but the truth is that the line between sci fi and fantasy isn't so obvious and I think that it's something people decide for themselves."

By that definition, there'd be no such thing as fantasy. Ever.

The Lord of the Rings has different races of people - science fiction. The Narnia books have different animal species and multiple worlds - science fiction. Grimms Fairy Tales - there are specific laws to the magical world (ie - never refuse an old crone in need) - science fiction.

I personally like this definition from Merriam Webster:

science fiction: fiction dealing principally with the impact of actual or imagined science on society or individuals or having a scientific factor as an essential orienting component.

I mean, if a bookstore decides to stick all their cookbooks in the gardening section, that doesn't make The Joy of Cooking a gardening book!

(And yes, I know I'm being pedantic and off topic - please don't take me seriously! )

 

[Laketravis]

I got DS9 the complete collection because for his advanced reading program at school the HP books are worth an insane amount of points. He's on book 4 right now with plans to finish book 7 by the end of this school year. I don't see how he does it but the more he reads the more it interests him. We also have all of the HP videos, and he'll watch the one that corresponds to the current book he's reading over and over. Again, I don't see how he does it.

But the attractions? Awesome.

 

[Planogirl]

I see it as fantasy, too, not sci fi. If there isn't a robot, it's not sci fi to me.

I look for a spaceship or at the very least a phone booth.

 

[SeilerBird]

By that definition, there'd be no such thing as fantasy. Ever.

The Lord of the Rings has different races of people - science fiction. The Narnia books have different animal species and multiple worlds - science fiction. Grimms Fairy Tales - there are specific laws to the magical world (ie - never refuse an old crone in need) - science fiction.

I personally like this definition from Merriam Webster:



I mean, if a bookstore decides to stick all their cookbooks in the gardening section, that doesn't make The Joy of Cooking a gardening book!

(And yes, I know I'm being pedantic and off topic - please don't take me seriously! )

I don't really care what anyone calls it, I still don't like it at all.

 

[Magpie]

I don't really care what anyone calls it, I still don't like it at all.

And you're absolutely entitled to your opinion.

 

[Cedarmom]

Oh my gosh they are so sneaky. I have to buy a pass for both parks? Lol. Have you been? What is your experience. My daughter and I are big Harry Potter fans but I know they are opening one in our hometown next year. It probably will be a lot smaller than Orlando's.

We were just there last week. I am a huge HP fan and I expected to love it, but I was absolutely blown away. I may have teared up. It exceeded my expectations in every way. The details. Oh my word. The details! I could have taken or left the rest of Universal (the three big coasters are pretty great, though!) but HP was worth every penny to us. Everywhere you looked there was something else. It was fun going through pictures when we got back. My 11 yo took pictures of things that I had totally missed!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Well honestly I'd like to go to Universal better. However, with the park closing early and now I would want to do 2 parks to see all the harry potter stuff...I don't know if I am setting myself up for a major stress out. My family is not into any thrill or nauseating rides. We would probably do many shows and everything Harry Potter. I can try to plan this to see if it's doable.
What shouldn't I miss at Universal?

I am not a "fan" of HP. I don't read it and I have definitely seen one movie and maybe a second. It isn't that I hate it--I am just not racing to see all the movies or read the books.

That said, I do think it is worth it. I didn't ride the roller coasters when we went. I stuck to HP, Seuss, and the Jurassic Park ride. I paid nearly $100 for that privilege and it was fine and worth it to me. HP is done very very well. (The portion at Uni was not open, so I don't know much about it--but friends that have been love it.)

We went at the end of January last year and the crowds were nil. We left by about 7pm.

I haven't been to Universal in ages. And on the IOA side--what I posted was the extent if what I did. Rest of my family added in the coasters, but our main priority was HP. They were able to do HP rides multiple times (x3) and Hulk was done 4x. Not sure the count on other rides. Jurassic was twice and then my then 3yo and I rode what rides she could at Seuss quite a bit. A testament to the extremely low crowd day. Not sure of October would yield that same level.

But Hp is that well done that it is worth going over to do that. But it depends on the family. And based on your post, it seems that they might enjoy that a lot more than AK.

Just really depends on what you think will work for you. It is quite the expense especially once transportation is figured in. If you don't make it this time, I would maybe try and plan a short IOA/Uni trip another time

 

[V2000]

We were just there last week. I am a huge HP fan and I expected to love it, but I was absolutely blown away. I may have teared up. It exceeded my expectations in every way.

That is super cute.

I spoke with my 15 year old daughter and she wants to see Harry Potter! I will do my best to make use of the time. The express pass is too expensive and doesn't include HP rides.

So what I need to know now is...
How much is the taxi from POR to Universal? (we may want to skip on the paid shuttle service because they make many stops)
What other tips can you give us?

I was thinking about going to Universal first because they close early for HN. Then taking the train over late afternoon to IOA until the park closes at approximately 7pm.

Basically, I'll be happy with any time I get for HP. If we can fit in ET, the horror makeup show, and the tram tour that would be awesome! Jaws is separate from the tram tour??

to everyone for your help! All the comments have been very helpful.

 

[V2000]

P.S. I will eventually try AK but I will wait until Avatar opens.

 

[Laketravis]

So what I need to know now is...
How much is the taxi from POR to Universal? (we may want to skip on the paid shuttle service because they make many stops)
What other tips can you give us?

A cab can be pretty expensive but Uber is about $13-$18 from POR to Uni.

 

[V2000]

A cab can be pretty expensive but Uber is about $13-$18 from POR to Uni.

Thank you! What is Uber? Is that a roundtrip fee?

 

[Laketravis]

Thank you! What is Uber? Is that a roundtrip fee?

That's one way. You can download the app here: www.Uber.com

It's pretty cool if you've never used it before. You "order" your ride with the app, it tells you how far away the next available driver is (usually a couple of minutes) and it even has a graphical display showing your driver in route to pick you up, etc. No money is exchanged, the app charges it to your credit card and the quoted amount (like above) includes the tip.

 

[ArwenMarie]

That is super cute.

I spoke with my 15 year old daughter and she wants to see Harry Potter! I will do my best to make use of the time. The express pass is too expensive and doesn't include HP rides.

So what I need to know now is...
How much is the taxi from POR to Universal? (we may want to skip on the paid shuttle service because they make many stops)
What other tips can you give us?

I was thinking about going to Universal first because they close early for HN. Then taking the train over late afternoon to IOA until the park closes at approximately 7pm.

Basically, I'll be happy with any time I get for HP. If we can fit in ET, the horror makeup show, and the tram tour that would be awesome! Jaws is separate from the tram tour??

to everyone for your help! All the comments have been very helpful.

Yay! Glad you are going!

I would ask this on the Universal boards too, super helpful and nice folks over there.

 

[kathy884]

I love Disney...period. I think for animal kingdom I'd love to see the shows and go on the safari. But I am not sure if I would really enjoy the whole day there. I tried to watch videos on you tube to see if I could get excited about it. I'm still not sure.

However, I would love to see Harry Potter (if it's not too expensive). Can I do both Universal Parks in one full day?

The one day park to park ticket at Universal runs about $138 per person and that just gets you in, no express pass or early entry. We had one day for Universal parks and that's the ticket we got on our last trip. Usually for Disney if you are already doing three days, the fourth is free. Or if you have one of the Disney multiday ticket and extra days is a minimal add on -- like $30 or less depending on the ticket you have. // People usually recommend more than one day to see the Universal park. We had a relatively short list of things we wanted to do at each, however, had been before in 2008, so one day worked out great for us. We really enjoyed our day there, but a one day ticket is expensive.

I really like both parks. For me Animal Kingdom is usually a rope drop till 3 p.m. experience. We spend some time walking around their cool animal exhibits on top of doing some of the shows and rides. My favorite Disney show of all time is there, "Festival of the Lion King". The theming is very good though out the park-- It kind of feels like South Africa, but cleaner lol. I really lithe vibe there. // For me Universal with a park to park pass is a rope drop to 6 p.m. experience -- even with one day we're done two hours before closing. But we're happy with just one hour exploring Diagon Alley -- I could see a real HP fan spending a ton more time there -- like even days -- it is pretty cool (hey really did an incredible job with the HP areas of the two parks. These areas are crowded, though, too even during non busy times). We only have maybe five things we like to hit in each of the parks and that includes the three big HP headliner rides. And with a single day we don't do any of the Universal shows, but those aren't must sees for us either.

I think all of the theme parks in Orlando (every one) -- Disney ones, SeaWorld ones, and Universal ones are well worth doing, so it's what appeals to you most. Budget wise it's usually less expensive per day to do more parks from a single company. We usually though just fill our days with what we want to do/what appeals to us most, but typically are only doing three or four theme park days in total. // Last trip we did SeaWorld day one, a Magic Kingdom party, a park to park day at Universal, and then a second day at SeaWorld with the great second day for $15 deal.

 

[sharona]

Check out the USO forum for tips, lots of good info there. We've been twice this year and heading back again in April. My 12 yo loves it. She is not into HP but has seen a few of the movies. I've read all of the books. The HP areas are amazing. So detailed. Fun if you're not a fan but truly incredible if you are. Go to US first and head straight to Gringotts ride then take train to IOA and go to the HP ride there. You can do them both with minimal wait if you get to them early. You want a small queue at Forbidden Journey so you can see the castle. When you head back to US take the train again and then ride Gringotts using single rider.

In addition to HP areas, don't miss at IOA for us are Spiderman, Jurassic Park and the 3 water rides (bring a change of clothes you will get soaked). Don't miss at US are Minion Mayhem, the Mummy and Men in Black. We're not big coaster fans so can't really comment on those other than to say got talked into blue side of the Dragon coasters last time and won't make that mistake again.

Last trip was right after HHN ended, Veterans day weekend. We were at Hard Rock so had express pass but could have totally managed without it as crowds were very low.

 

[CAS239]

Thanks! I am a little confused on the two park thing. I was looking up prices for both parks on 10/24 and I think it comes out to $269. If that is correct, I can afford it. Not sure if I did it right.

Does anyone know what time the park closes on a horror nights?

We go to universal every year just for Halloween horror nights. HHN starts at 6pm. The park doesn't close but that's when the fun festivities start