Early Entry to WWoHP?

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Hi everyone!

We are looking to do a day at IoA this year, specifically to do the HP rides as I love the books. From what I understand the Forbidden Journey isn't included with the Front of Line pass? I have been looking at possibly staying on site one night but from what I can see staying on site doesn't allow guests entry to the parks - is that right? I found a 4-night exclusive package which gives early entry, but that is more time and money than I wanted to spend really. Is there any way to get early entry into the park other than this? The Forbidden Journey is really all I'm interested in, and I can't face a 2 hour line just for that!!!

Alternately, how long before opening time are people arriving at the minute to make sure they can get in the line easily? I will have to plan to beat them!!!

Thanks for any help!!

 

[mjohnson96]

If you stay onsite then you get 1 hour early entry into WWOHP each morning as well as the express pass.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

If you stay onsite then you get 1 hour early entry into WWOHP each morning as well as the express pass.

Really?! That's really good to know - it doesn't list it under the hotel benefits on the website!! Would we get that with just a one-night stay then do you know? I did try email Universal using the help form on their website, but it wouldn't submit!

 

[damo]

Yes, you get two days of express access as well as early entry if you check in early enough on the first day.

 

[mysparky]

It's on their website when you click on "exclusive benefits to hotel guests". You do not need to stay there multiple nights to get this benefit. You just need to be onsite to get your room key. Your room key plays triple duty...it is your room key, your express pass, and the "proof" you need to show to be let into the park an hour early.


The following is directly from the Universal Orlando website (in the hotel section):

Stay steps away from the magic and excitement! Staying on-site is the best way to experience all that Universal Orlando Resort has to offer including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™! Make the most out of your vacation and enjoy exclusive benefits in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™:


Early Park Admission† to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, one hour before the park opens
Skip the regular lines* at participating attractions throughout both Universal Orlando theme parks – A FREE BENEFIT WORTH UP TO $70 per person, per day^


BTW, if you stayed off-site at one of the universal-affiliated hotels (i.e Doubletree) then you would need to purchase the WWoHP package in order to get in early.

 

[Virgderon]

This is absolutely worth it, by the way.

We did the early entry Tuesday and were in the 2nd group for Ollivanders, and were almost alone in the stores because everyone ran to FJ.

We did the Ollivanders and the stores, and still had less than a 60 minute wait for FJ. I would say it was about 45 minutes. We also did single rider twice and it was maybe 10 minutes each time- at the most.

Ollivanders little show is cute, but not worth more than a 20 minute wait IMHO.

 

[heidijanesmith]

This is absolutely worth it, by the way.


Ollivanders little show is cute, but not worth more than a 20 minute wait IMHO.

I totally agree. The early entry was very, very helpful. We did FJ, two stores, got butterbeer, rode DDx4 all in one hour. We did not wait for Olivanders, we were not interested in buying a wand.

 

[GBtennismom]

We just returned from Universal and I would not do the HP without early entry. We were at the gates by 7:00, and we were let in at 7:30. Walked right on to FJ, buckbeak ride and dragon coasters. Next day did the same thing and we were 1st in line for Olivanders. Went in the shops had butterbeer and were off to do the rest of the park by 9:30! We did not have fast pass since our hotel was one of the partner hotels off site.

 

[Twinkbelle]

I'd agree there is no way that I would of been able to cope with the silly long lines in that heat! I think it was well worth staying on site as the hour can go a long way!

 

[justice4all77]

We had stayed on site and found that going the early hour is truly the best way to go. We had arrived around 7:30 am and were in WWoHP at around 7:50 am. The crowds were minimal except for the line for ollivanders which we skipped. It was nice being able to go through the shops without waiting on a long line. We did most of our shopping during this period. I would recommend staying on site just for this bonus. Also the express passes DO NOT work for FJ. The ride is only stand by and single rider ONLY! Many people thought that by staying on site and getting the express pass that it could be used for FJ but at this time Universal is not using the express for FJ. Although the queue has been built for it at a later point. All rides for express are listed on Universal's website as well as the park map.