Gringotts-Park Hopper Necessary?

[LBIJim]

Planning a trip for October. I understand that in order to ride Hogwarts Express a park-to-park ticket is required. But can Gringott's be accessed from IOA with a just a single park ticket?

Also, I assume like at Disney I would be able to upgrade a 3 day ticket to a 4 day for just a modest charge, correct?

Thanks in advance.

Jim

 

[damo]

Planning a trip for October. I understand that in order to ride Hogwarts Express a park-to-park ticket is required. But can Gringott's be accessed from IOA with a just a single park ticket?

Also, I assume like at Disney I would be able to upgrade a 3 day ticket to a 4 day for just a modest charge, correct?

Thanks in advance.

Jim

Yes, to both of those questions. Only Hogwarts Express needs a park to park and Universal is happy to upgrade your ticket.

 

[rangebob]

If you are in IOA and only have a single day/single park ticket you can't do Gringotts as it is in Universal. That would require a hopper ticket.

 

[damo]

If you are in IOA and only have a single day/single park ticket you can't do Gringotts as it is in Universal. That would require a hopper ticket.

That is true. No park hopping without a park to park ticket.

With a three day ticket, though, you could do IOA one day and Universal the next. You don't need a park hopper to do different parks on different days.

 

[sb127]

Do not miss Hogwartes Express. Liked the Harry Potter areas of both parks but am not a Universal Fan. These are the only areas of the park that are themed to perfection. The rest of Universal is typical amusement park decor, not very interesting.

 

[stky6]

Do not miss Hogwartes Express. Liked the Harry Potter areas of both parks but am not a Universal Fan. These are the only areas of the park that are themed to perfection. The rest of Universal is typical amusement park decor, not very interesting.

I'm guessing you've never been to a typical amusement park

 

[sb127]

I won't list them all but have been to many parks across the US. Some small quaint parks and the big parks. I am not a fan of thrill rides. I visited Universal when it first opened and this will be my last visit. Don't get me wrong we had a great trip and my grandson was in Harry Potter heaven along with my husband. My granddaughter loved the roller coasters along with my son and daughter-in-law.
I just did not like the in your face noise and loud music. This is definitely a park to go to if you have pre-teens and teenagers.

 

[LBIJim]

Thanks for the replies. Right now I'm just weighing options. I didn't buy a 3 day ticket yet. And I assumed Gringotts was in IOA. Was never a Harry Potter fan, but we would like to see those attractions.

Most likely we will spring for the park-to-park pass, and probably stay at one of Universal's deluxe hotels in order to get the unlimited express pass and early opening.

 

[damo]

Thanks for the replies. Right now I'm just weighing options. I didn't buy a 3 day ticket yet. And I assumed Gringotts was in IOA. Was never a Harry Potter fan, but we would like to see those attractions.

Most likely we will spring for the park-to-park pass, and probably stay at one of Universal's deluxe hotels in order to get the unlimited express pass and early opening.

There is a Harry Potter section in each park. Each section has a major ride. Gringotts is in Universal and Forbidden Journey is in IOA.

 

[sb127]

Staying at one of the deluxe resorts at Universal is the way to go. We stayed at Royal Pacific and the walk to the parks and Citywalk was nice. The Express pass is excellent and definitely take advantage of the early entry for the Harry Potter rides.

 

[LBIJim]

Made a reservation for Portofino Bay. For the week we wanted, Oct 26-Nov 1, it's actually cheaper than Hard Rock or Royal Pacific due to the Stay More, Save More promo. Royal Pacific didn't have any promo rooms available, and Hard Rock only had some upgraded rooms. Standard garden view at Portofino will suffice for us.

 

[PammyK]

Made a reservation for Portofino Bay. For the week we wanted, Oct 26-Nov 1, it's actually cheaper than Hard Rock or Royal Pacific due to the Stay More, Save More promo. Royal Pacific didn't have any promo rooms available, and Hard Rock only had some upgraded rooms. Standard garden view at Portofino will suffice for us.

Portofino is really lovely and staying on-site will be very beneficial at that time of year since US will be closing early most of those days because of HHN.

Now for a really important question to you...
Can you run over to Bay Village before you head down and pick me up a couple Elephant Ears from Crust & Crumb and some fudge from Country Kettle? Just kidding, but I have to admit that everytime I see your name it brings back fond memories of our family vacations on LBI.

 

[LBIJim]

Now for a really important question to you...
Can you run over to Bay Village before you head down and pick me up a couple Elephant Ears from Crust & Crumb and some fudge from Country Kettle? Just kidding, but I have to admit that everytime I see your name it brings back fond memories of our family vacations on LBI.

Hey PammyK

Always happy to meet someone who knows LBI.

I'm right in Beach Haven, about 1/2 mile to Bay Village. Not all that far of a walk.

Sure, no problem with your request. If I fly I'll bring a bag of Elephant Ears and a box of fudge. If I drive, I can bring you cases of each.

 

[johde]

Made a reservation for Portofino Bay. For the week we wanted, Oct 26-Nov 1, it's actually cheaper than Hard Rock or Royal Pacific due to the Stay More, Save More promo. Royal Pacific didn't have any promo rooms available, and Hard Rock only had some upgraded rooms. Standard garden view at Portofino will suffice for us.

It may be worth getting power passes instead of 3 day tickets. The annual pass rate is slightly cheaper than the 6 night stay more rate. That way you could also go even for a couple of hours even on the other days.

 

[LBIJim]

It may be worth getting power passes instead of 3 day tickets. The annual pass rate is slightly cheaper than the 6 night stay more rate. That way you could also go even for a couple of hours even on the other days.

Thanks for the tip. I'll look into it. Most likely we will wait until the trip is much closer before we buy tickets, and this gives us another option to consider.