Early entry both parks between Christmas and NY?

[Aowens]

If I'm reading the calendar correctly both parks will have early entry my entire trip Dec 26-29, and we are staying at RPR. So, if that's the case, which Park should I start at first? After I spend the first hour in the HP section, do I stay in that park and ride the rides with EP? I would appreciate advice during this busy time. Thank you!

 

[damo]

Yes, that is the case. Lots of people recommend doing one park and then jumping on the train and getting to the other HP section before the crowds get too large.

 

[gzmtlock]

We're there Dec 25-28, first time to see Diagon Alley. FWIW, here's our plan:

Arrive late morning on Christmas Day, check in (don't expect room to be ready), pick up our passes, head to DA to "see the sights." DS and myself won't be able to wait to see DA so we'll focus on soaking up atmosphere that first visit. And get a butterbeer. Take a park break midafternoon to move into the room and have an early dinner, then head back into whichever park we want.

Boxing Day, we'll rope drop US, do Gringott's, then Hogsmeade Express to Forbidden Journey. From there, we'll wing it. (This is one of the things I love about the Dark Side. Even at one of the busiest times of year, I don't have to pre-plan everything!)

On past trips (including Easter week), if we weren't at the front of the pack for rope drop, we found one of the best times to do FJ was right at or just before regular park opening. Most of the RD crowd was through the ride (or the line was shorter than it had been 30 minutes earlier), but you still beat the regular entrance folks. I'm hoping for a similar experience this trip, and also for Gringott's.

 

[Aowens]

We're there Dec 25-28, first time to see Diagon Alley. FWIW, here's our plan:

Arrive late morning on Christmas Day, check in (don't expect room to be ready), pick up our passes, head to DA to "see the sights." DS and myself won't be able to wait to see DA so we'll focus on soaking up atmosphere that first visit. And get a butterbeer. Take a park break midafternoon to move into the room and have an early dinner, then head back into whichever park we want.

Boxing Day, we'll rope drop US, do Gringott's, then Hogsmeade Express to Forbidden Journey. From there, we'll wing it. (This is one of the things I love about the Dark Side. Even at one of the busiest times of year, I don't have to pre-plan everything!)

On past trips (including Easter week), if we weren't at the front of the pack for rope drop, we found one of the best times to do FJ was right at or just before regular park opening. Most of the RD crowd was through the ride (or the line was shorter than it had been 30 minutes earlier), but you still beat the regular entrance folks. I'm hoping for a similar experience this trip, and also for Gringott's.

Great advice! Thank you. I think we will do the same.