Disney PRO going to UNIVERSAL for one day - no clue where to start!

[GymboAddict]

Hi,

We will be at Disney first of June and going to Universal (both parks) for one day only. We have a car, so we will drive there. I purchased 2 park/1 day tixs online as well as the unlimited express pass for both parks. My questions:

1. How early should I plan on arriving in order to get our tixs at will call? Can I pick these up earlier in the week so we don't have to worry about that the day of?

2. How early are we able to get into the park since we aren't staying on property?

3. Since Universal doesn't have a park reservation system, is there an issue with getting in even though we have pre-purchased tickets and will be arriving before opening time?

4. Dining: do any sit down places take advance reservations?

I will be traveling with my 22 yr old daughter and 16 yr old son. Thanks in advance for the help and any suggestions to make our one day there amazing! Its the only thing my 16 year old asked for his birthday, so this is for his enjoyment!

 

[bchbetha]

1. On day of- arrive about an hour before. I would go over to CiyWalk for dinner the night before, get your tickets and just get the lay of the land. It'll make things go more smoothly in the AM.
2. They aren't like Disney where their stated opening time is not really adhered to. So, as above, arrive about an hour before opening so you have time to park, walk, security...
3. It does hit capacity, especially on weekends. Doesn't matter if you have tickets. They will be refunded if you can't make it in but you should be fine with arriving early. Start following them on social media to get a sense of when/if they are hitting capacity.
4. Yes but they don't tend to open booking up all that far ahead of time. And it isn't crazy like Disney is- aka you can make reservation very close to your park days and still find availability. If there is somewhere you want to eat go ahead and make reservations though.

The Orlando Informer has great sample itineraries, including ones just for HP fans that want to hit all of those attractions.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

If you are going to a park with early entry for onsite guests, you can enter that park during the early entry period. You can get in and explore the entry areas and a little ways in, but not get into the Wizarding World areas or go on any rides until official opening time. Which park for June has not been released yet - could be both parks, too.

Whichever park you start with, you can also grab a Hagrids virtual queue time whenever they become available, usually a few minutes before opening time. Other than Hagrids, you do not need to bother with virtual queues because you can use your EP instead.

Getting there & through the gates before official park open also eliminates the potential for you to be blocked out due to capacity.

I think all of the sit-down restaraunts take reservations now. You can normally book about a month ahead of time, but you don't have to - a week to a few days is sufficient. You can find menus including prices for all the CityWalk and park restaurants on the UO App or website. CityWalk restaurants get very busy right at park closing, so you will want a reservation for that time.

 

[Travelgrrl]

Congratulations - you are going to have fun!

The great thing is, you won't have to do much planning, as it's a much different vibe for most rides. I predict next time you will come for more than one day!

 

[macraven]

GymboAddict
go to one of the two guest services
(One is inside the park, other outside the park)

and ask for a birthday button for your son to wear
He will receive many birthday shout outs from the staff

 

[Gatrcruzer]

From what I have seen, when the park hits capacity it seems to be more like 11ish. If you are there in the morning you should be fine, but do factor in the parking time and walking time to get to the parks. I like the idea of a previous poster to go the night before for dinner and to get your tickets from will call. Heads up: parking is very expensive, BUT City Walk parking is free after 6pm. I recommend lunch at Mythos in IOA if you would like a sit down experience.