Harry Potter, Easter, 1-day?

[Tattylou]

Hi All!!
Big WDW and DL fan here. Next April we are going to the Clearwater area to do more of a beach/relax type trip bc our April school vacation falls on Easter week. I wasn't up for battling Easter crowds all week at WDW or DL. So, we plan to do a day at Legoland, lots of beach time, maybe Busch Gardens.....but, I'm debating on doing a day at Universal as my 6 and 8 yrs old sons have just become Harry Potter lovers. I expect on Easter week Universal will be as insane as WDW so I know getting there at park opening is likely crucial. We are staying about a 2 hour ride away at a beach condo so we would just be going to Universal for a day with HP being the main interest. I haven't been to Universal since the year it opened and I was a tween so this will practically be my first time. Any advice, opinions, etc? Thx!

 

[TheConsciousness]

Gonna try a stream-of-consciousness thing here of some things I would need to know

First thing I would think about: is the family willing to wake up at 5-6AM to drive over to Universal?
If they are, then check out if you'd think they would like Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade (or both!)
If you think they would like both parks, or want to ride the Hogwarts Express, you'll need to grab a Park-to-Park ticket.
I think most people would choose to start at Diagon Alley, so that may be enough for your family.

As the crowds are expected to be pretty busy around that time, maybe an express pass wouldn't hurt.

UndercoverTourist.com is a very good place to check for discounted tickets, as well as Sams Club travel.

 

[glocon]

If your only option is one day, then I say do it. Just get a one park ticket and upgrade to two parks if you find you have the time. You won't be able to ride the Hogwarts Express with a one park ticket though.
Is there no possibility of two days?
If you stay one night at a deluxe at UO you get unlimited express pass for two days and can more comfortably see the parks.

 

[bchbetha]

We've found great value in arriving the night before and staying onsite vs driving in in the morning. Bonus if you stay at some Universal hotels, you'll get express passes included. Just rolling out of bed and walking to the park is just a nicer way to start the day.