First time back in years!

[DisneyMom2000000]

I haven't been to Universal or Islands of Adventure in... 12 years I think?!

Coming end of May/early June, family of four, kids ages 9 and 7. Kids love big, fast rides. Staying at the Hard Rock three nights. We have three day tickets so I think we'll do the parks all three days we are there, with some pool time in there somewhere! I'm thinking we should do early mornings at the parks, come back for afternoon swimming, then maybe go back to the parks at night. Thoughts?

Please send me any and all tips for Universal/Islands of Adventure. My understanding is the Hard Rock gets us unlimited express pass, but this doesn't include the Hagrid ride? When is the best time to get in line for it?

Any must see shows or restaurants?! Should we do Universal or Islands of Adventure first? My kids LOVE Harry Potter and Jurassic Park!!!

Thanks so much everyone! We've been a Disney family for so long but we are excited to try something new!!!

 

[DisneyMom2000000]

Also, can we get our room key even if our room isn't ready? So we can go to the parks and use express pass?

 

[Jangles]

Staying at HRH with EP we always walk to security for 7 am and then get in line at the turnstiles for IOA and walk with purpose to Hagrids, then walk over to Velocicoaster. As long as you are first at the turnstile (go to whichever is empty) the CM will scan you in as a family a few minutes before early opening. If you are ‘family of the day’ this will delay you, so I would avoid this. The walk to Hagrids is quite far, but the CMs will guide you. Alternatively (or as well as), try Hagrids just before park close. The queues often die down and it’s fun in the dark.
It’s more immersive to do all the HP rides/areas in one hit, but if you buy a wand, perhaps go back to do spells in the evening, so that you can avoid carrying a wand everywhere. Travel light, just your room key/EP, ticket, credit card, a few dollars and ID for . Just lanyards or a three pronged bum bag. I use Pacsafe. You will have to put everything in a locker for Hulk and Veliocoaster.
The UOR wet rides are ‘I have just sat fully clothed in the bath wet’, so group those together, just before you return to the hotel.
UOR has some fantastic rides and your children are a perfect age to enjoy everything it has to offer. Have fun.

 

[Jangles]

Also, can we get our room key even if our room isn't ready? So we can go to the parks and use express pass?

Yes, you can get your room key/EP from 6am even if your room isn’t ready. It’s just a short walk (or boat) from HRH to the parks, so easy to pop back and forth. The butterfly garden just off the walkway is nice to wander through. The pool at HRH is noisy and has some decent snacks. You can visit and use any of the premier hotel pools. For a quiet in park break try the upstairs balcony at Lombards. There’s a Bubba Gump in Citiwalk if you children like Forest Gump, also the aeroplane snack bar attached to Margaritaville is fun for a snack.
The two HP restaurants are fun too (terrible interpretation of British food). Molly (Mammoth Club) has some great vlogs on the things to see in the HP areas.
Citiwalk has lots of restaurants. None are outstanding, but they are all fine.