First timer having second thoughts

[jworthy]

We are a family of four and have been to WDW several times now, but we have never been to US/IOA. Our kids are older and taller now, so we thought this would be a good year to take a 1 day trip to IOA. We have been to Universal Hollywood before, but we would like to see Harry Potter.

My problem is spending and extra $400 dollars going to IOA and the day we were planning to go, Nov. 11 Veteran's Day, IOA is only open from 9-6. Will this be enough time to fully enjoy IOA? We could go on Nov. 9 a Sunday, park is open 9-7. Which day would be less crowded? I hate spending that much money when we could be at WDW at no additional costs and not get to see everything. This may be our last chance at going though. Opinions are appreciated.

 

[johde]

Being the middle of the week holiday, the parks should be fairly slow on Veterans Day. You shouldn't have much trouble seeing "everything".The 9th will probably be at least slightly more crowded. That being said, do know that the HP attractions are spread across both themeparks? Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at IOA is the ride currently being built at USH. My suggestion would be to spend the extra money on Park to Park tickets. (USSSA has a great deal on 2 day Park to Park tickets http://store.usssa.com/Products/122-universal-orlando-park-tickets.aspx ) The second day and park hopping would be no more than a Disney day. Then do either 2 days at the parks (possibly returning to Disney for a park open late if you want more touring time) or a 1 day highlights tour of both parks.

Both Touring Plans and Orlando Informers have 1 day/ 2 park touring plans that should be completable that day and customizable to replace attractions you've already experienced at Hollywood.

 

[damo]

I would choose the Sunday. Get there before gates open and you should be able to do the entire park. Not sure if you realize that there is a Harry Potter section in both parks and you need a park to park ticket to experience all of the Harry Potter experiences. Hogmeade and Hogwarts are in IOA and Diagon Alley with Gringotts is in Universal Studios. The Hogwarts Express is a train that takes you from one park to the other and simulates two different trips depending on which way you go.

 

[jworthy]

I do realize there are 2 HP's, that is one of the reasons why I had chosen IOA. I figure DA is way too crowded and I am worried that if we park hop with the limited hours, we won't see everything we want to see. We have never been, so we wanted to see all of IOA. Maybe on a future trip we will do a split stay at US also, unfortunately the kids are getting to the point in school where it is hard to take them out, and I refuse to go in the summer.

 

[damo]

I do realize there are 2 HP's, that is one of the reasons why I had chosen IOA. I figure DA is way too crowded and I am worried that if we park hop with the limited hours, we won't see everything we want to see. We have never been, so we wanted to see all of IOA. Maybe on a future trip we will do a split stay at US also, unfortunately the kids are getting to the point in school where it is hard to take them out, and I refuse to go in the summer.

Check the height limits for Forbidden Journey and make sure it works for your family. Gringotts is a much more family friendly ride.

We actually found Diagon Alley to be less crowded. The whole area is larger and has more shops. Ollivanders has several showrooms and doesn't usually have a wait while Ollivanders in Hogsmeade does.

Take a good look at the rides at both parks. You may find that Universal works better.

Also remember that Universal Hollywood is getting its own Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. You may be able to see that easier.

 

[jworthy]

Check the height limits for Forbidden Journey and make sure it works for your family. Gringotts is a much more family friendly ride.

We actually found Diagon Alley to be less crowded. The whole area is larger and has more shops. Ollivanders has several showrooms and doesn't usually have a wait while Ollivanders in Hogsmeade does.

Take a good look at the rides at both parks. You may find that Universal works better.

Also remember that Universal Hollywood is getting its own Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. You may be able to see that easier.

Any idea when potter might come to Hollywood? DW is not a big fan of US Hollywood

 

[damo]

Any idea when potter might come to Hollywood? DW is not a big fan of US Hollywood

It is currently being built. Supposed to open in 2016.

Lots of construction going on at US Hollywood.

 

[jworthy]

I googled and saw that harry potter will be in Hollywood in 2016. That may change our plans. I appreciate your opinions.

 

[jworthy]

US Hollywood is only a few hour drive....I think DW would prefer to wait and spend the money elsewhere.

 

[damo]

I googled and saw that harry potter will be in Hollywood in 2016. That may change our plans. I appreciate your opinions.

We just came back from Orlando with our 6 year old little niece. She loved Diagon Alley and Gringotts. Also loved Despicable Me, Simpsons, ET, Transformers and Kidzone. She seemed to enjoy Universal more than IOA. There were more things for her to ride.

 

[jworthy]

My kids keep asking to go on despicable me. We can get season passes cheaper here than one day in Orlando.

 

[damo]

My kids keep asking to go on despicable me. We can get season passes cheaper here than one day in Orlando.

I would expect that to change once Hogwarts arrives. It changed everything in Orlando.

 

[jworthy]

Thanks for the help, we are going to skip ioa and buy season passes here. Someday I would like to give usorlando a try

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

I think if you only do the one park, one day should be enough.