First evening park vs CW (PM arrival)

[BubblyTrip]

We get in from the West Coast (long, direct flight) at 4 PM on a Saturday (5/12). Will Uber / Lyft to RPR. Have checked bags. I'm guessing arrive around 6?

I had planned to get dinner at CW; maybe walk around there a tiny bit then call it a night. I'm just with DS (9).

I think I can buy a three day Park-to-Park ticket for only 20$ more than a two day, and I keep thinking maybe it would be more fun to go into IOA for an hour and do a little of Hogsmeade (or US and see DA) and just have a quick bite in the park instead. IOA closes at 10 that night. US closes at 8.

The restaurants in CW are not particularly exciting to me, and DS is not a big eater. He won't be super excited about a shake at Toothsome or anything like that.

We will be in line before EE at US the next morning, so we don't want to be up super late. I'm wondering if this is overambitious or a good way to spend an hour or two our first night.

US closes at 7 the next two nights we are there, and IOA is open late. This could also be a good time for us to buy his wand. I've managed to keep interactive wands a secret, andhe is going to die of excitement when he finds out about spells.

 

[agavegirl1]

For $20 I would add the extra day and head to IOA. You can get your wand and eat at Three Broomsticks (which is good in my opinion). If I were a 9 year old boy, I would not be able to enjoy CW knowing Harry Potter was right around the corner.

 

[schumigirl]

For $20 it’s an easy choice.......go for 3 day park to park.........

 

[bchbetha]

Add the extra day. It's nice to just walk around and get the lay of the land. The HP areas get quiet in the evenings too so nice to enjoy them. Get some Butterbeer ice cream and stroll. Maybe buy your wand that night- no lines.

 

[nkereina]

How long are you there for in total? We were there in February and opted to just get dinner and walk around City Walk on our first night. For you, not being interested in dining and drinks, that first night would be a good way to get City Walk out of the way. There's a few stores to browse including a Universal store, and there's a mini golf course as well. This would also allow you to stay in the parks late the rest of your time since you've already done City Walk at that point.

BUT $20 is not much more to add the extra park day. If you don't think you'll be too exhausted from the flight, and you don't think it will be too much of a tease on night 1, then it might be fun to start out the trip that way too!

 

[pattyw]

I'd add the extra day. Staying at RPR you'll have EP so if you are tired, you can skip EE(we've never done EE). Now that the HP rides are included in EP, you'll be able to go on all the rides with minimal waits!

 

[BubblyTrip]

How long are you there for in total? We were there in February and opted to just get dinner and walk around City Walk on our first night. For you, not being interested in dining and drinks, that first night would be a good way to get City Walk out of the way. There's a few stores to browse including a Universal store, and there's a mini golf course as well. This would also allow you to stay in the parks late the rest of your time since you've already done City Walk at that point.

Two full days after arrival. We never do anything but parks at DW. The peripheral stuff is just not a priority. And our trips are always add ons to visiting family, not their own entity. So I don’t think I’ll be sad to miss CW.

I think we will go for it! Get his wand. Walk around. Thanks!

 

[gotomu212]

I’d add it. Although you’ll be tired from travel, your internal body clock will think it’s only 3 in the afternoon. The Harry Potter areas are great in the evenings when the crowds die down and he could use his new wand. I’d spend a fun HP afternoon and then skip EE in the morning. With EP, EE isn’t necessary and sometimes it feels just as crowded since 3 non-EP hotels are streaming in to take advantage of the perk and everyone is pushed into the HP area.

 

[sconnell]

It sounds like the parks will be calling to you! You can see and hear all of the fun inside and you will want to go in. A couple hours in the park is great for looking in the shops, eating and getting the feel for where you want to go.
Have fun!