First timer Universal question

[Becc1]

Not my husband or I’s first but it will be for our 3 youngest kids, ages 13,16,17. We usually do Disney every other year but my son has been asking to go to Universal for a couple years now so we decided to go ahead and get annual passes. Taking our first trip in January, going back in June with our oldest son and extended family and then to Disney in December where we’ll add a couple days for one last visit to Universal.

Now here’s my question, will my DD13 enjoy the parks if she has not watched any HP movies, nor any of the other movies that are featured in the parks? She’s being a typical stubborn teen and refusing to watch any of the movies with us (the boys and I have been watching to get excited for our trip). She loves Disney and all that goes along with it but just says she’s not interested in HP or the other stuff. I’m not looking forward to having a moody teen, rolling her eyes at everything the whole trip

 

[damo]

IMHO, the HP areas are typical fantasy areas with typical fantasy characters that anyone can enjoy. You will definitely enjoy it more if you know the characters but you certainly can still enjoy it without knowing them.

I'll think she'll be fine if she wants to be fine, lol.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Would you enjoy going to Disney without seeing the movies? Same thing. Still enjoyable but you'll get more out of the details if you're familiar.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Plus, I'm sure she has at least a passing familiarity with several areas/ rides - almost everyone does. Spiderman, Jurassic Park, Simpsons, Kong, Seuss... have to be living under a rock not to.

 

[Wild4Walt]

Universal will have several different areas that to me that have more general movie backgrounds. IOA has themed lands, but I find this park the most visually stunning park I have visited in the area. ( And I'm also a HUGE Disney fan ). There are some terrific rides/shows at both parks that are outside the HP area.

 

[Alynw]

The theme and rides are still amazing whether u watch or like HP. HP is way more popular than Avatar ever was and there are tons of people that have never seen Avatar but they still absolutely love Pandora and claim FOP ride to be best ride ever. HP is the same, u dont have to see the movies or be a fan to really like the lands and rides, they are just amazing themselves. Gringots is a coaster media ride combined so unless she hates coasters or motion picture rides, she going to like the rides regardless if she likes HP. I also have a 14yr daughter so i really really wish you the best of luck..lol

 

[CPanther95]

None of my family had read Harry Potter, and only watched the first movie before seeing Hogsmeade at the park for the first time. Being a "fan" is not necessary at all to appreciate and enjoy both areas.

Now I've got grandkids that want to both read and see HP because of the parks.

 

[TommyJK]

Our first visit to IOA a while back was before I had ever watched anything Harry Potter. It blew us away so much we got into Potter (movies and books) after the trip.

 

[rg35]

I haven't read any of the HP books nor seen any of the movies. I thought the HP stuff was fantastic anyway.

My kids (1 11 yo boy, 2 11 yo girls) weren't really familiar w/ Potter either and really enjoyed the rides and areas. My son has started reading the Harry Potter books now.