Going to US/IOA next month--so many questions...

[traveljunkie]

A little background. We’ve been to US once and that was in 2003 in January—not great memories as it was so cold we had to scrape our car windows, wore gloves & coats and it poured the entire day. Because DD 15 is obsessed with Harry Potter—we are taking her for a quick trip next month. We will be staying offsite and not purchasing EP. DH is open to buying EP for them if needed once we’re there. I have a lot of questions I’m trying to sort out. Hopefully you can help!

Our park days will be Thurs, Fri & Saturday. HHN will be going on but we don’t plan to go. Park hours at this point are: IOA Thur 9-7, Fri 9-7, Sat 9-7 US 8-5, 8-5, 8-5

1. Early Entry-- which park has EE these days? Is it 1 hr before official times?
   
   
2. My plan is to go to US first—hit Despicable Me then to Diagon Alley but no other set plan. Then head over to IOA later in the day. DD & DH are ride dare devils but I have a feeling she’ll be more interested in the shops & sites for HP.
   
   
3. I am a ride wienie—they will ride anything at least once. Motion rides don't really bother me. Does Mummy compare to anything at WDW? I can handle Thunder Mtn lol. Don’t really love the darkness of the Mummy but maybe
   
   
4. The bag thing has me really miffed. I finally got bag size down to pretty small cross body but still need my little essentials beyond a lanyard. Is there a list of rides that require lockers? I will be the bag, phone holder for the major roller coasters but plan to go on FJ and Gringotts. I hate the thought of running from locker to locker. Reading that it’s a nightmare for HP ride lockers even during slow periods?
   
   
5. I’ve been looking at tickets. Was planning to buy the UT buy 2 days p2p get additional day ($197). Now I’m looking at the buy 2 days get 2 days ($163). Is it possible to buy the p2p option once we get there (going to Customer Service inside the park?). Any idea how much that costs? Hubby not open to Power Pass (doesn’t think we’ll be back within the year since he and I went to WDW in March). Still crunching numbers. I’ve looked at staying onsite for the benefits of EE & EP but he’s not really interested.

Sorry for so many questions all at once!!!
Thank you!

 

[damo]

A little background. We’ve been to US once and that was in 2003 in January—not great memories as it was so cold we had to scrape our car windows, wore gloves & coats and it poured the entire day. Because DD 15 is obsessed with Harry Potter—we are taking her for a quick trip next month. We will be staying offsite and not purchasing EP. DH is open to buying EP for them if needed once we’re there. I have a lot of questions I’m trying to sort out. Hopefully you can help!

Our park days will be Thurs, Fri & Saturday. HHN will be going on but we don’t plan to go. Park hours at this point are: IOA Thur 9-7, Fri 9-7, Sat 9-7 US 8-5, 8-5, 8-5

1. Early Entry-- which park has EE these days? Is it 1 hr before official times?
   
   
2. My plan is to go to US first—hit Despicable Me then to Diagon Alley but no other set plan. Then head over to IOA later in the day. DD & DH are ride dare devils but I have a feeling she’ll be more interested in the shops & sites for HP.
   
   
3. I am a ride wienie—they will ride anything at least once. Motion rides don't really bother me. Does Mummy compare to anything at WDW? I can handle Thunder Mtn lol. Don’t really love the darkness of the Mummy but maybe
   
   
4. The bag thing has me really miffed. I finally got bag size down to pretty small cross body but still need my little essentials beyond a lanyard. Is there a list of rides that require lockers? I will be the bag, phone holder for the major roller coasters but plan to go on FJ and Gringotts. I hate the thought of running from locker to locker. Reading that it’s a nightmare for HP ride lockers even during slow periods?
   
   
5. I’ve been looking at tickets. Was planning to buy the UT buy 2 days p2p get additional day ($197). Now I’m looking at the buy 2 days get 2 days ($163). Is it possible to buy the p2p option once we get there (going to Customer Service inside the park?). Any idea how much that costs? Hubby not open to Power Pass (doesn’t think we’ll be back within the year since he and I went to WDW in March). Still crunching numbers. I’ve looked at staying onsite for the benefits of EE & EP but he’s not really interested.

Sorry for so many questions all at once!!!
Thank you!

1. It will probably be IOA. Park will open about 1 hr and 15 minutes before scheduled time.
2. Not sure what the question is here, lol.
3. Mummy is about the same thrill level as Big Thunder.
4. You need lockers on Hulk, Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge, Rip Ride Rockit, Mummy, Gringotts and Men in Black.
5. Yes, you can upgrade at guest services inside the park.

 

[traveljunkie]

Thank you for your quick answers!
2. you're right, not a question here--I guess I'm verifying to myself that going to Diagon Alley 1st is the correct 'sequence' for an HP fan?
5. If I'm calculating this correctly--does $45 sound correct to upgrade to a p2p for 4 days?

 

[Robo56]

You will not be eligible for early entry because you are not staying onsite. A lot of people weigh the benefits that are given to onsite guests against the cost. If you stay at Hard Rock, Royal Pacific or Portofino you will get express passes included and early entry to the park or parks that open early on the days you are there. If you stay at Cabana Bay you get early entry only.

Early entry is 1 hour before official opening to offsite guests. You can call ahead for early entry park info.

As far as lockers go. If it is a major inconvenience then switch off the bag. Let them ride then hand the bag off to them and ride as a single rider. The possibility of you getting on Gringotts quicker as a single rider is very good.

Dispicable Me ride is very popular. Getting that off your list is good idea.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is truly magical. You daughter will love it.

Suggestions....In Diagon Alley take her to Ollivanders for the wand show. She might be picked. Remember the wand picks the wizard. This would be awesome for her. Get her an interactive wand. It has a map in the wand box showing where she can do magic tricks in both parks. Each magic trick site is also marked with a metal medallion on the ground in front of the place to perform your spell.

Lunch at Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley would be nice. The shops are awesome. Then ride the Hogswarts Express To IOA and enjoy Hogsmeade. The three Broomsticks is great for lunch also. Only 3 rides at Hogsmeade Forbidden Journey, Duelling Dragons and flight of the Hippogriff and more shops. Don't forget to get a Butter Beer.

Remember to ride the Hogwarts Express both ways as the experience is different.

Cost out your options. Look at the maps of the parks on Universal site and enjoy your vacation

 

[damo]

Thank you for your quick answers!
2. you're right, not a question here--I guess I'm verifying to myself that going to Diagon Alley 1st is the correct 'sequence' for an HP fan?
5. If I'm calculating this correctly--does $45 sound correct to upgrade to a p2p for 4 days?

2. Yup. That is the right sequence of events.
5. To calculate price of upgrade....Universal will give you credit for gate price of your ticket. That is the online price plus $20.

 

[traveljunkie]

thanks Damo & Robo!