Changing Our Dates to Include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

[luvsJack]

Hi guys! From my ticker you can see we are already planning a 2010 WDW vacation. But dd and I just decided to change our dates to later in 2010 so that we can go to the new Harry Potter park at US, as well as the rest of Universal Studios too. So, I have some questions for you.

We were thinking of adding 2 days to the trip (making it 10 days in Orlando, 8 being in wdw). Will that be enough? We have never been to Universal Studios so know nothing about it. Its 2 parks right, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure? and HP will make a 3rd?

I am assuming that, like Disney, we shouldn't try to plan to do everything but we don't want to feel overly rushed either. DD will be 11 and LOVES thrill rides, Dh rides with her. I like shows and rides more like POC and IASW and just taking in the whole theming and atmosphere (while they are riding the thrills, I enjoy just walking around and soaking in). Is there a lot for all of us?


Is there any more definite dates given anywhere about the opening of WWOHP? I read Summer 2010, but didn't know if they had a target opening month set or anything.

Are there package offers similar to those at Disney? Meal plans and such? Any handy tips for planning?

I realize they have a website, I just know from planning Disney trips; the tips you get from people who have been there are always better than those from the website or planning videos or whatever.

 

[Metro West]

Congrats on coming over to the darkside to plan your trip!

There is no definate date as of yet for the grand opening of HP...I'm guessing sometime the summer of 2010 but you never know.

HP will be part of IOA...one of the two parks at Universal Orlando...the Studios being the other. HP will not be a separate theme park. Since no one really knows how long it will take to do everything once HP opens, I would allow three days instead of the usual two just to make sure you aren't rushed.

As far as the meal deal goes, it's not a very good deal unless you want to eat a lot during the day, drinks are not included and sharing is not allowed. You don't have to purchase this ahead of time so you can wait until you arrive to decide.

You might want to check out the trip reports thread and read what others experienced. You really don't have to plan too much when you go to Universal...it's more laid back than Disney.

 

[damo]

No, there will still be two parks. WWOHP is an area inside IOA.

I wouldn't buy a package. Just get a few nights at an onsite hotel and do everything separately. No need to plan if you stay onsite. It is very different than Disney.

 

[Detailor]

I agree with Metro that if you're planning to do all of the thrill rides and investigate other attractions in USO and IOA that 2 day probably won't be enough to fully explore the new Harry Potter section of IOA. Figure that Harry Potter is going to attract a lot of attention over the year or so after it opens and the crowds will be pretty large. I'd suggest that you allot a minimum of 3 days to be able to experience everything even if you decide to stay onsite at Universal for a few days and take advantage of the front of the line benefit of staying onsite.

As others have indicated, the actual opening is a moving target that depends upon how they're able to stick to the construction schedule.

Dick Taylor