Animal Kingdom or Universal Studios Orlando?

[bumbershoot]

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.

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.

To be specific, EP covers Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff. While you may not wish to ride those, it's no accurate that EP doesn't cover all of HP.

You will want to ride the train both ways. It's why I suggested starting in IOA just for the train (you don't actually enter Hogsmeade to get the train), go to Studios in that way, explore Diagon Alley and any part of Studios you might want to. Then take the train back to IOA to explore Hogsmeade and he parts of IOA you might want to see.

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

The park closes to those without hhn tickets, so figuring on closing time is important for those not planning on going to the experience.

 

[subtchr]

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??

There is no tram tour any longer, and Jaws is also gone, sorry.

I would do what another PP suggested, enter IOA first, go immediately to the Hogwarts Express station, and ride the train to Diagon Alley. (The experience is different each way, as if you are traveling to or from Hogsmeade and London.) Then explore DA and anything else at US that you want to see. I recommend MIB, the Beetlejuice show, Rip Ride Rockit, and Despicable Me.

Then take the train back to IOA, and explore Hogsmeade, then whatever else you want to see at this park.

I love AK, and would not spend the money that this day will cost ($136 per person for tickets, plus the transport cost) when on a Disney vacation. We spent three days at UO in December, staying at Royal Pacific, and had a fantastic time. But I wouldn't want to cram it all into one day!

If you do decide to do it, have fun, and keep reading the tips and tricks!

 

[V2000]

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.

When is your trip? Let me know how your one day visit goes!

 

[AshleyLovesDisney]

I guess I'm going to go against the grain here and say that I love AK! It's actually probably my favorite park - the theming is the best of anywhere in Disney, IMO and the shows are spectacular. I was like you, the first time I went, hesitant about whether to skip AK for another day at the other parks or not, but I am SO GLAD I went to AK.

 

[BrerNashville]

If you are going to do Universal, I would take a night off of your disney reservation and book a night at one of the on site hotels at Universal -- the "free" express passes for everyone in your group and early admission to HP is well worth the room cost. You might also look into buying one annual pass, as the savings you get on the room may very well pay for the difference between the two park ticket and the annual pass. plus, you'll get 10% discount on park purchases (including food) -- that could be significant savings depending on how crazy you get with wands and robes . . .

 

[mel&me]

Does your family like Harry Potter?

Because I would choose that if they do.

My thought exactly.

 

[BelleBriarRose]

I love Animal Kingdom, but if I were you I'd go to Universal Studios to see Harry Potter and wait till Avatar land is open in AK before doing that park. It's hard to beat Harry Potter, but it's a question of preference and what your family wants.

 

[Planogirl]

Animal Kingdom is a nice place, there is no doubt about it. But I don't think that it has as much to offer as the Universal parks, at least not yet.

 

[IBLarsen]

When is your trip? Let me know how your one day visit goes!

Hi! Our trip is the week of March 10th, with being at Universal Sunday March 15th. We went to US for one day last year, but only the first side of HP was open and the waits were insane (June).

 

[MrInfinity]

To me, it comes down to when you think you'll be back.

If this is the only time you'll get to Florida in the next few years, such that if you don't do Universal now you might not for a long time, then I think you should do HP. Since you're not into nauseating rides and stuff, just get the park-to-park pass and spend most of your time in the HP areas. You won't do most of Uni / Ioa, but you're not really trying to. Because you'll be focusing on only the Harry Potter lands, I don't think it'll feel like you bit off too much.

If you might be back, I think Uni would be better served by spending a night or two onsite and taking your time, rather than one day as a drive-in. In that case, I'd say just keep your Disney Vacation local and enjoy everything about the World. AK is a great park... The overall quality of Experience on EE beats any roller coaster anywhere, Dinosaur is great, and there's the trails and safaris... we love it and spend a whole day plus there on any given trip. AK is one of our favorites... fun, relaxing, cool, shaded, low pressure. Our kids are younger tho so AK is really great and there's no rush for us to do HP yet.

So when do you think you'll go back? If not for a while, I'd do HP while your DD is 15 and into that stuff.

 

[rtilner]

Hard decision. For me its not I been to Animal Kingdom several times and haven't been to Universal/Island of Adventure. I notice that a couple of people stated it get a ticket for that can be used for both parks Universal and Island of Adventure. Can you do both parks in 1 day?