Disney Vet, Universal Noob questions

[hermionesnape]

Follow up questions:

We booked the "throw away" room for May 28 (check out on 29th). I confirmed we should be granted early entry on both 28th and 29th. If the Early Entry is @ 8am, what time should we "check-in" on the 28th to get into the parks at 8? I know the rooms wouldn't be ready, but I'm assuming that's the only way we can access early entry is by checking in first prior to the 1st day of early entry.

Second question is would we be better off parking at the hotel and using Universal transportation or going over to the parking garage?

Final question is how accurate is Touring Plans.com for their wait times for Universal? I've used them for WDW and found them fairly reliable, but I've never used them for Universal.

I would park at the Hotel. I am assuming you are staying at the Royal Pacific Resort. The hotels with express passes (expect Protifino Bay) are actually feel just as close or closer to the parks then the parking lot which is a hike to and through City Walk to get to the parks.

With that many people I would arrive by 6:30 to get checked in and passes printed.

You said you wouldn't have bags but I would suggest everyone bringing their bathing suits and a change of clothing to leave in the rooms or with the desk to take the rooms once ready. The pools at all of the hotels are amazing and you get access to all of them with your room key. The pool could be a great place to hang out together after the parks as a family and eat dinner or have a late evening snack.

IMO touring plans are completely unnecessary at Universal if you have express passes. I was at the opening of both parts of the WWOHP and the longest express line was 15mins and most were less then 5mins. Just do the four rides without express first each day. I'm pretty sure the ones without express line are forbidden journey, gringotts, Hogwarts Express, and pterodactyl flyers (a ride restricted to small children).

I would second a recommendation from above about park to park tickets. The Hogwarts Express ride is amazing for even a casual Harry Potter fan and can only be accessed with a park to park ticket (since it travels between the parks). These parks are literally a five minute walk from one gate to the other. With your express passes you will probably ride everything in one park once by noon. Having the park to park tickets will give you lots of freedom to reride your favorites in both parks both days.

 

[Chuckers]

You get into one of the HP lands 1 hour early at all Universal resorts. The rest of the park is not open. During peak times both lands may open early, but usually it is only one or the other.

Very stupid question concerning the 1 hour early entry to WWofHP. I've looked at the park maps and both HP lands are in the back of their respective parks. Is there a special entry gate for the hour early entry or do you walk through the main park to get to WWoHP?

 

[wagman67]

Very stupid question concerning the 1 hour early entry to WWofHP. I've looked at the park maps and both HP lands are in the back of their respective parks. Is there a special entry gate for the hour early entry or do you walk through the main park to get to WWoHP?

It's through the main gate, like a thundering herd. Even with early entry, you want to be close to the front of the line, if you are in a hurry...if not, show up about 15 minutes after rope drop and you will walk right in...but, there will already be a wait at the HP ride.

 

[wagman67]

BTW...many times they will start the rope drop just a little early.

TIP...if you are interested in the accessing the HP rides that do not take Express Passes...on the first day, show up early for early entry and hoof it quickly to the ride. The next day, show up at the other park early for regular rope drop...then head quickly to the ride.

Why? The Hogwart's Express doesn't start until close to the regular opening of the non-early entry park...this means those in the early entry park are stuck on that side until the train starts rolling...which gives people in the non-early entry park a chance to get to those rides a little quicker.

 

[Chuckers]

Thanks for the replies.. I don't think I am going to worry too much about it when I go as I am a single rider and 'hoofing it' from the rope drop through the park is insane for a 51 y.o. fat guy!

 

[wagman67]

Thanks for the replies.. I don't think I am going to worry too much about it when I go as I am a single rider and 'hoofing it' from the rope drop through the park is insane for a 51 y.o. fat guy!

Yeah...I get you...on my trip in May, I will be just shy of being a 50 y.o. fat guy...!

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

The hoofing it wasn't too bad really at US, I have seen it much worse at Disney when it can be like the running of the bulls to get to whatever the hot attraction is. It is a fairly long walk to the back of the park, and then if you are carrying anything you need to stop at the lockers beforehand and put it in, no carry on bags, purses, backpacks, etc. on Gringotts or Forbidden Journey. The lockers are free for the time required to do the ride.

 

[wagman67]

The hoofing it wasn't too bad really at US, I have seen it much worse at Disney when it can be like the running of the bulls to get to whatever the hot attraction is. It is a fairly long walk to the back of the park, and then if you are carrying anything you need to stop at the lockers beforehand and put it in, no carry on bags, purses, backpacks, etc. on Gringotts or Forbidden Journey. The lockers are free for the time required to do the ride.

You are right...not as bad, but I think you can score extra if you can take out a teenager or two, on your epic quest...seems to make people happy, anyway !

 

[macraven]

If you are doing throw away rooms, hotel parking costs more than garage parking

I'm at rpr I pay $22 + tax per night
Came out to something like $23.45 with tax

Garage parking is $20