Crowds & Restaurants

[jandm]

We are taking our first trip to IOA in early May 2011. I have a few questions, since we aren't really sure what to expect.
My 6 yr old son is a HUGE potter fan and really wants to eat at Three Broomsticks for dinner. Will it be impossible to get in, or what have crowds been like? (we will be there on a Monday)
Is this park easy to leave for a few hours and come back to? (we have a 3 yr old that we would like to have take a nap during the day).
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Magpie]

We are taking our first trip to IOA in early May 2011. I have a few questions, since we aren't really sure what to expect.
My 6 yr old son is a HUGE potter fan and really wants to eat at Three Broomsticks for dinner. Will it be impossible to get in, or what have crowds been like? (we will be there on a Monday)
Is this park easy to leave for a few hours and come back to? (we have a 3 yr old that we would like to have take a nap during the day).
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I don't know what the crowds will be like in May - not too bad, I'd expect. We were there this past week and it was practically empty Sunday to Wednesday, and quite crowded Thursday and Friday. Even with the crowds, though, we were easily able to pop into the Three Broomsticks for dinner on Friday night. So I don't think you will have any problems getting a meal at the Three Broomsticks in May, regardless of the crowd levels.

If you stay on site, at any of the hotels, it's VERY easy to leave for a few hours and come back. We did it every day (my husband likes his siestas!). We stayed at the Royal Pacific Resort and it was an easy ten minute walk from the entrance of Islands of Adventure back to our hotel along a lovely landscaped path. Plus, there's a ferry you can take, or you can hire a pedicab, if you're too tired to walk.

The Hard Rock Hotel is even closer to the parks, while the Portofino Bay is a bit further away. Staying on site also means you get to take the express line at almost every attraction, which you might not need, but it's sure nice to have.

 

[Metro West]

We are taking our first trip to IOA in early May 2011. I have a few questions, since we aren't really sure what to expect.
My 6 yr old son is a HUGE potter fan and really wants to eat at Three Broomsticks for dinner. Will it be impossible to get in, or what have crowds been like? (we will be there on a Monday)
Is this park easy to leave for a few hours and come back to? (we have a 3 yr old that we would like to have take a nap during the day).
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Early May shouldn't be too bad crowd wise but try to eat at an off peak time to keep the waits down. It will depend on the park hours as to what time dinner might be available. Leaving and returning isn't a big deal...just keep your parking receipt and you won't have to pay twice...if you're staying offsite of course.

 

[jandm]

Thanks for the feedback. I was relieved to see 3 Broomsticks shouldn't be too overly crowded.
We are staying off site, but sounds like it shouldn't be a problem leaving and coming back.