Early Entry- what to do?

[kungaloosh]

Hi,
Just booked 1 night at RPH for the first night of our trip next year to take advantage of the Express Pass. The reservationist mentioned Early Entry at 8:00 AM which I had forgotten about. Last time we were there was May 2009 and we got in early to Univeral but I think it was just a few rides that were open. I remember we were the only ones in Jimmy Neutron and then we did Shrek.

So my question is what is open in each park for that first hour? We were planning on going to IOA for Harry Potter as soon as we arrived on Saturday but now I'm wondering if we should do US the first day and start at Harry Potter Sunday AM if we can get in an hour early.

Thanks in advance,
Cathy

 

[damo]

Only the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is open.

 

[kungaloosh]

Thanks! So have there been any reports on if it is worth it or not? Or does it end up really crowded since that's the only thing open?

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

It's definitely worth it. It's the best way to beat the crowds as the rest of the general public isn't let in until 8:45am-9am.

 

[ladeedeb]

Yep, definitely worth it. We just got back. Went during very uncrowded time. USF was almost deserted. That is correct, just HP area open for extra early hour & only at IOA. We went for a few hours before closing on our 1st day & HPWW was crowded, although nothing compared to first couple of months open. Went for early entry the next day & it was great! Olivander's 1st with 1 show wait. Did the castle tour the day before & walked on FJ in single rider line. Early Entry went regular line & only waited at the very end for a few minutes. I think the ride was stopped for a bit, from what my DS told me. My boys rode DC with very little waits, with & without express. FOTH had little wait early, however used express pass later with very little wait. Wait 1st thing for cart Butterbeer was basically none. Later, went to hogshead (great tip from the boards) instead to avoid cart waits. Shops were very very crowded & busy in the afternoon. No problem in the morning 8:30-9, did our shopping then. Noticed huge crowds going against us coming in, when we were leaving HP area between 9 & 9:30.

The Express pass & early entry to HPWW was worth the price we paid to stay at HRH! We made sure to be at the turn styles ~ 1/2 hr. prior to opening & that served us very well. Went back to swim at 2 or so a couple of the 3 full days we had. Saw just about everything (that we wanted to) & somethings several times at a very relaxed pace.

 

[dlberney]

Later, went to hogshead (great tip from the boards) instead to avoid cart waits.

Oohh....what tip? I must have missed that one! What were you getting at hogshead?

 

[ladeedeb]

Oohh....what tip? I must have missed that one! What were you getting at hogshead?

Sorry about that. There were some tips on the USF/IOA board to go to hogshead pub (next to 3 Broomsticks), to get butterbeer, because the line is so much shorter than at the carts outside. With the exception of early in the morning, we found that to be absolutely true. We got it at the cart once at about 9am or so. The rest of the time, went into Hogshead, to the bar to get it, with very little wait if any.

 

[dlberney]

Sorry about that. There were some tips on the USF/IOA board to go to hogshead pub (next to 3 Broomsticks), to get butterbeer, because the line is so much shorter than at the carts outside. With the exception of early in the morning, we found that to be absolutely true. We got it at the cart once at about 9am or so. The rest of the time, went into Hogshead, to the bar to get it, with very little wait if any.

Thanks!