Focus on Harry Potter - insane after Christmas?

[NashvilleMama]

I have a very high tolerance for crowded Disney parks, mostly because I love touring plans and even on a 9 or 10 crowd day find we don't end up waiting long with Fast Passes and lots of strategizing ahead of time.

However: We've never been to Universal so it's like starting over in my education process.

My two daughters are finally old enough to really be into HP and we have a long break after Christmas before school starts, so we're booked to do WDW and Universal Dec. 27th - Jan 2nd. Literally, the only reason we want to do Universal at all is for the Harry Potter experiences.

Is this INSANE to attempt during that week? Or should I push this trip back to mid-March Spring Break to better enjoy the park for the first time with them?

Honest opinions welcomed.

 

[jeffbeardreams]

Not insane, especially if you're used to Disney's crowds .... but crowded, none the less. I'd advise booking a stay at one of the on-site hotels to get Early Admission to the Potter rides. Heck, I'd advise that any time of year, but it's crucial in heavy attendance periods like holidays.

 

[Lynne G]

we will be in Disney and Universal at the same time. Mainly because I won't pull my kid out of high school, and older one, only time out of college. Spring brings Spring Break crowds. I love Universal, and so excited for the new Christmas time offerings they are doing. Yes, crazy crowded, but we always stay onsite, use the early entry, and hotel's express pass. Single rider where available too. We've done all the Orlando parks over Christmas break for years. Patience and not stressing about crowds is the key. Plus, we always do a sit down meal for dinner. Otherwise, during the day, we eat when it doesn't look crowded. Like just when quick service place opens. Open Table reservations are needed at that time of year.

 

[soniam]

Get park-to-park tickets, so you can do Hogwarts Express. Definitely try to stay at one of the hotels that gives you unlimited Express Pass, if you are going to do anything outside Harry Potter. However, Dragon Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff, which are part of the Wizarding World, are on EP. I suspect WDW is way more crowded than Universal at that time. You are probably fine.

 

[shanew21]

As others have said, book at one of the on-site hotels that does Express Passes (cheapest is usually Royal Pacific). You'll get an early hour at the Harry Potter sections before the park opens and you'll get the Express Passes which work on everything except Harry Potter.

Go to Harry Potter in the mornings and at night, but never during the middle of the day. It is packed to the seams at peak hours during those dates.