Early admission and other questions

[jm106]

My Last trip was July 2015 and stayed off site.
1. Is early entry just for Wizarding World of Harry potter or all areas and attractions in the parks?

2. How early should I arrive for the early entry? I am used to Disney for magic hours so still showing up 30-45 min prior to early entry hours. I will need to get my gauge once I see reviews roll in for Endless Summer as to transportation times.

3. Has anyone used kids camps at any of the resorts? I considered giving my kids a couple hours in one and actually having a short while to myself. Spa, strong water tavern maybe. IDK, just a thought. I don't see reviews when I googled.

4. Wands- we have wands from October 2014 I believe. I read there are additions to interactive wand locations and we can/need to have the wands reactivated? DO they offer another map with updates?

5. Regarding Endless summer opening (I know I could shot over to hotels page but while I am posting)
Typically, does Universal Resorts expected opening dates hold true? I just worry that there could be a delay, I am going Aug 10.

Thanks as always for sharing knowledge.

 

[bumbershoot]

Is early entry just for Wizarding World of Harry potter or all areas and attractions in the parks?

Wizarding world no matter what, and Despicable Me when it’s Studios.

Wands- we have wands from October 2014 I believe. I read there are additions to interactive wand locations and we can/need to have the wands reactivated? DO they offer another map with updates?

Just ask for a map from a Team Member at a wand-selling shop.

 

[Sue M]

Your wands are good. For life. No need to reactivate.

 

[mjhtvchick]

My Last trip was July 2015 and stayed off site.
1. Is early entry just for Wizarding World of Harry potter or all areas and attractions in the parks?
While this is subject to change, right now, Universal's website says during early entry, you can visit:

Universal Studios Florida™

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™
• Ollivanders™

Universal's Islands of Adventure™ (April 13-20)

• Flight of the Hippogriff™
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
• Ollivanders™

2. How early should I arrive for the early entry? I am used to Disney for magic hours so still showing up 30-45 min prior to early entry hours. I will need to get my gauge once I see reviews roll in for Endless Summer as to transportation times.
I can't help you here - have never gone to early entry - we like to sleep in on vacation!


3. Has anyone used kids camps at any of the resorts? I considered giving my kids a couple hours in one and actually having a short while to myself. Spa, strong water tavern maybe. IDK, just a thought. I don't see reviews when I googled.
I haven't used the kids clubs - but pretty sure they are evenings only and they rotate between the different hotels - so you may end up having to bring your kids to a different hotel than the one you are staying at or plan to visit.

4. Wands- we have wands from October 2014 I believe. I read there are additions to interactive wand locations and we can/need to have the wands reactivated? DO they offer another map with updates?
They do not need to be reactivated, but if you find they are not working properly (the batteries may have died), bring them to one of the Ollivanders and they will "fix" (replace) it for you.

5. Regarding Endless summer opening (I know I could shot over to hotels page but while I am posting)
Typically, does Universal Resorts expected opening dates hold true? I just worry that there could be a delay, I am going Aug 10.
I don't think it will be delayed as they have actually moved the opening date up twice - was originally August, then July, now the end of June

Thanks as always for sharing knowledge.

 

[Disxuni]

Your wands are good. For life. No need to reactivate.

I want to add if there is an issue you can always ask a "wandmaker" to "fix your wand".

Also, I do not know how transportation works off site, but I would say that you want to at least be on property by 45 minutes before opening. That way you have time get through security, walk to the park, and get in line to wait to gain access inside. Even when I didn't get EE, I'd try to be at the gate / line of the park by 30 minutes since (last time I was AP) they would also let other individuals inside, but would walk in a different direction before being stopped within the park to wait to gain access, then they might let you into the other sections of the park up to 15 minutes early (sometimes, 10, 5, or not at all).