First timers to US/IOA with a few basic questions...

[welovedis]

Hi Everyone!
DH & I will be staying at RPR 12/12-12/15 & experiencing US/IOA for the first time. While we're currently going through lots of sites to see which rides/shows are most appealing to us, we're curious which park you would hit first if in our shoes? We enjoy HP & have rec'd a few pieces of advice to hit the US side first, others say to hit the IOA side first. If you could enjoy HP for the 1st time which way would you choose?

We have 3D P2P tickets, if that makes a difference, our flights gets in around 9:30am & we're renting a car for our entire stay in FL (12 days total). Hoping to hit the park around 1pm on Sat & can be up early on both Sun & Mon since we are both early risers.

 

[snoopboop]

There are lots of great touring plans out there that allow you to follow Harry's journey... he visited London first, went through the bricks to Diagon Alley, visited Gringotts, then boarded the train to Hogsmeade, etc... So, for fans of all things HP, that could be a really neat way to approach it...?

 

[Robo56]

You will get early park admission as a onsite guest. That will help with your time management on the two full days you are planning to be in the park. That plus your Express pass and you have it made.

You have the option to just check in a lounge at the pool or hit city walk on first day and then then have the next 3 full days in the park. Your EP is still good on the day you check out. You can have them hold your luggage for you on that day to if you want. That helps if you want 3 full days instead of 2 1/2 days in the park.

Have a great time on your vacation

 

[nkereina]

I've also seen the advice to approach it the way Harry did - DA first then Hogsmeade. Personally, I would just go with whatever works best in your plans. We started at Universal only because they had EE that morning and we had an early night the night before, so it made sense for us to get up early and take advantage of EE. Universal also took us longer to get through than IOA, so our first day there was best for that.

 

[welovedis]

Thanks for the advice! I think we have a good idea that we'll be spending more time in US vs. IOA, primarily because of my motion issues and metal that DH has in his back, lol. We are really looking forward to spending a good deal of time in both DA & Hogsmeade, can't wait to check out the shops & souvenirs. Thanks, Robo56, for your suggestion regarding check in. We'll definitely see how we feel after getting up about 2:30am to make out flight & may need a nap if our room is ready

 

[cgattis]

Definitely consider motion sickness meds! FJ makes me nearly hurl; I get carsick but can ride any Disney ride with no issues. The use of screen images combined with motion (common at Uni) gets me big time. But there is SO much to see and explore in both Potter lands, that even if you couldn't ride FJ or Gringott's (which is really pretty tame), you'd still have a great time. I could honestly take or leave the rest of both parks (except Simpsons which I love), but easily feel I get my $$ worth from Potter alone. Plus we love RPR. Have fun!!

 

[Robo56]

Cgattis can you tolerate Simpsons better than FJ? I have heard more people complain of terrible nausea on the Simpsons ride then FJ.

I have witnessed the side effects of FJ on numerous occasions. I usually sit on the bench waiting for the grandkids by the exit. This ride if you are inclined to have motion sickness can ruin the rest of your day.