Harry Potter Layout Question

[Cinderella822]

I have a question about the layout of Harry Potter and what is now the Dragon Challenge. I loved riding Dueling Dragons over and over on previous visits, but now it looks like it is actually part of Harry Potter? Is that so? Do I have to wait in the line for Harry Potter to ride the coaster each time, or is there a separate line for that? Can you still use the Express Pass option on the coaster. I know you can't for the rest of Harry Potter, is that correct. I'm staying onsite, so I'll take advantage of the early entry for that at least once or twice. Just trying to understand how this is all set up. Thanks.

 

[Metro West]

I have a question about the layout of Harry Potter and what is now the Dragon Challenge. I loved riding Dueling Dragons over and over on previous visits, but now it looks like it is actually part of Harry Potter? Is that so? Do I have to wait in the line for Harry Potter to ride the coaster each time, or is there a separate line for that? Can you still use the Express Pass option on the coaster. I know you can't for the rest of Harry Potter, is that correct. I'm staying onsite, so I'll take advantage of the early entry for that at least once or twice. Just trying to understand how this is all set up. Thanks.

With the exception of theme changes in the queue and outside, there is no change to Dragon Challenge. There is a new entrance only available through the WWoHP. So if the area is very busy and you couldn't enter, you would have to wait until the area cleared a bit. Express is still available for Dragon Challenge.

 

[Cinderella822]

Thanks. I was hoping there was an entirely separate entrance to bypass the other crowds. I'm going in mid Novermber so I'm hoping the crowds are less at that time of year anyway.

 

[damo]

Thanks. I was hoping there was an entirely separate entrance to bypass the other crowds. I'm going in mid Novermber so I'm hoping the crowds are less at that time of year anyway.

You're not going to encounter many lines. You certainly won't encounter a line to enter into the Wizarding World. This only tends to happen during the most busy times of year.

On normal days, entering The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just like entering any WDW land like Fantasyland...you just walk in and then get in line to ride the rides.

You can't use express pass on Forbidden Journey and it isn't available for the Ollivander's attractions. It is available for everything else in WWoHP.

 

[snoopboop]

I'm wondering whether the OP is thinking that "Harry Potter" = Forbidden Journey?

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an entire "island" at IOA... so there's MORE there than just the Forbidden Journey ride. Lots of people have questions about the line for FJ, and it can be kind of confusing if you've never actually been there to see how it works.

But.... Dragon Challenge is a completely separate ride, in a completely separate part of the "island," than FJ. It's got its own queue that has nothing to do with the FJ queue.

Hope that helps straighten things out!!

 

[Cinderella822]

Thanks for the information. I assumed that the coaster was separate but from some of the posts I read previously, it almost made it sound like you had to stand in a line just to get into the "island" itself. Maybe on really busy days, there is some congestion at the entrance? I think I'm getting a clear picture now.

 

[damo]

Thanks for the information. I assumed that the coaster was separate but from some of the posts I read previously, it almost made it sound like you had to stand in a line just to get into the "island" itself. Maybe on really busy days, there is some congestion at the entrance? I think I'm getting a clear picture now.

During the Christmas season it often happens that you have to line up to actually getting into the island and they often will give out return time tickets. However, during mid November, that won't be the case.

 

[BrianL]

You should encounter minimal lines in November before Thanksgiving. Universal can be downright dead at slow times of the year, and this goes for Harry Potter too. I was there in January, and Dragon Challenge was walk on, unless you wanted the front seat. One change is that the dragons no longer "duel" as they run them alternately, instead of simultaneously.

Forbidden Journey had a line, but it was no more tahn 45 minutes, and the single rider was significantly shorter.

 

[Cinderella822]

Wow, I'm excited to go during a slow time. Previously, I've only been there in the summer when it was hot and crowded. Should be nice.

 

[BrianL]

Wow, I'm excited to go during a slow time. Previously, I've only been there in the summer when it was hot and crowded. Should be nice.

Oh, it's great! I will never go during peak season anymore, I am too spoiled by short lines. The weekends might be somewhat crowded, but nowhere near summer levels. You will get to do anything and everything you want, and some things multiple times, easy.

The HP area still gets kind of clogged up with people, but that's because it is so freaking small. I almost can't believe they built it that way knowing the demand would be so huge.

 

[RMulieri]

Just an FYI..The dragons no longer "duel" and haven't since October 2011

 

[snoopboop]

Thanks for the information. I assumed that the coaster was separate but from some of the posts I read previously, it almost made it sound like you had to stand in a line just to get into the "island" itself. Maybe on really busy days, there is some congestion at the entrance? I think I'm getting a clear picture now.

We've gone twice in mid-November - it's the PERFECT time to go!! Beautiful weather, not crowded... You'll have a great time!! You definitely won't have to wait in line just to get into WWOHP at that time of year. In fact, on weekdays in mid-November when we've been there, many rides have been nearly walk-on, even without Express Pass.

 

[bumbershoot]

I almost can't believe they built it that way knowing the demand would be so huge.

Agreed.

Just an FYI..The dragons no longer "duel" and haven't since October 2011

Has it really been that long?

 

[RMulieri]

Agreed.



Has it really been that long?

YUP...I remember because it stopped a few months before my first trip to Universal and that was Jan 2012