Early entry to IOA and Universal - without staying onsite

[zaz]

Hi,

I will be spending 2 nights in a Universal Partner hotel (best western gateway).

On our 1st day, I was told that we had early entry to Universal because we booked a character breakfast at 8:30. Official entry is at 9:00. What would you suggest to do for our 'first' Universal ride? (we want to enter at 8 - which I assume means cabbing out at 7:30, get our tickets at Will call desk, and go in)

On our second day, we are going to IOA. Initially, opening time was 9 AM. As part of our package, we reserved a breakfast at the 3 broomsticks at 8:30. However, I now see that park opens at 8 AM on that day. Does that mean that we could go in at 7 AM, do all of WWOHP in 90 minutes, then go for breakfast? We would then be ready for Spiderman or Seuss around 9:30.

Makes sense?

 

[JessicaR]

Hi,

I will be spending 2 nights in a Universal Partner hotel (best western gateway).

On our 1st day, I was told that we had early entry to Universal because we booked a character breakfast at 8:30. Official entry is at 9:00. What would you suggest to do for our 'first' Universal ride? (we want to enter at 8 - which I assume means cabbing out at 7:30, get our tickets at Will call desk, and go in)

On our second day, we are going to IOA. Initially, opening time was 9 AM. As part of our package, we reserved a breakfast at the 3 broomsticks at 8:30. However, I now see that park opens at 8 AM on that day. Does that mean that we could go in at 7 AM, do all of WWOHP in 90 minutes, then go for breakfast? We would then be ready for Spiderman or Seuss around 9:30.

Makes sense?

Without early entry I don't see how you can enter at 7A. Did you book a package?

 

[kittyninja]

As part of our package, we reserved a breakfast at the 3 broomsticks at 8:30.

I'm assuming by this you did book a package, if so then you can get into WWoHP 1 hour prior to official opening time. I believe yes, if you get in an hour early you can conceivably do everything in WW before your breakfast then go do the rest of the park. That is all assuming you have EE through the package.

 

[macraven]

in her 4th paragraph, she mentioned package.

i was thinking the same thing as you were jessicaR until i reread her question 3 times.......

for the studios side and the breakfast, you do get early entry to that park prior to your ressie.
the only ride that i have read that will be opened is Shrek.

i did also read that despicable me might be added later.

it will be announced on the UO website if that ride is added or if anything else will be included for the EE guests.

for the day the park opens at 8:00 to the general public, early entry is at 7:00.

that means you can go in to the park at 7 and do parry hotter stuff.
have your breakfast at the ressie time then do more rides in the park as it will be opened to all then.

 

[JessicaR]

Found this maybe this helps. On your hotels website.

Early Park Admission† to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ | Print
Enjoy Early Park Admission† to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, one hour before the theme park opens (valid theme park admission required) before nearly all other guests. This is your opportunity to avoid significant wait times due to the area's immense popularity.


†Requires paid theme park admission. Early Park Admission begins one (1) hour prior to Universal's Islands of Adventure regular scheduled park opening. Valid for Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations guests who purchase a vacation package including hotel and theme park tickets. Valid 7 days a week for travel now-12/31/12 only at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, Flight of the Hippogriff™, Dragon Challenge™ and Caro-seuss-el™. Transportation is not provided to Early Park Admission. Additional restrictions may apply and the foregoing benefits are subject to change without notice.
Valid for reservations booked between Tuesday, May 01, 2012 and Monday, December 31, 2012
Valid for travel between Tuesday, May 01, 2012 and Monday, December 31, 2012

 

[JessicaR]

in her 4th paragraph, she mentioned package.

i was thinking the same thing as you were jessicaR until i reread her question 3 times.......

Yep missed that!

 

[macraven]

i only caught it because i put my reading glasses on the 3rd time i read it.............

 

[JessicaR]

i only caught it because i put my reading glasses on the 3rd time i read it.............

Good eyes - I had my reading glasses on!

 

[zaz]

Thank you everyone, this is very reassuring! I am glad to know i'll have time to do HP before the crowds come in !