Harry Potter- Wizarding World FAQ

[patster734]

Is the dragon ride just the same as the Duelling Dragons? As that was actually really good so would only be improved upon if made into the harry potter ride?

Yes, same double coaster.

 

[gcarney]

I found the Harry Potter part of IOA very disappointing. You can't express pass much and the lines just to get into the gift shops are outrageous. If I had known it was such a small part of the park I wouldn't have bothered.....fail!

 

[MaMudduck]

Hello everyone.
I'm bringing my wife to the Harry Potter park in November. She's a HUGE fan!

I am a recent subscriber to this forum, so perhaps this has been discussed already, but, my question is... is one day good enough to see everything and experience everything, or is it best to get the two day pass and come back another day?

We're going to be visiting on a Tuesday and a Wednesday. We're hoping that the crowds won't be as bad those days (Nov. 9-10).

Also, again I'm sure I'll find all kinds of tips on this forum, but if you could give me one tip or tidbit of information in regard to the Harry Potter park, what would that be?

Finally, is there a place to buy discount tickets?

Thanks for your help everyone!

bunkman

Just bumping, cuz I'm going the same time as bunkman (Nov 7-12), and wanted to check the latest wait times.
I'm also looking for park deals... we are going to do 4 day PTP, and I'm wondering if there will be some deals because it's inbetween/after HHN & Thanksgiving?

 

[mickeyjax]

Just bumping, cuz I'm going the same time as bunkman (Nov 7-12), and wanted to check the latest wait times.

I'm just back from IoA yesterday. Just as folks here are saying, first thing in morning and late in day, FJ is great. WWHOP filled up midday but that's the time to duck out to rest or see some other parts of IoA. I did lunch early at 3 broomsticks, no problem. Didn't try Ollivanders b/c it had a huge line in the sun all day.

Thanks to EVERYONE who clued me into the 3 possible ride lines at FJ:

- standard line (groups of 4)
- single rider
- just the tour (no ride).

I tried all 3 lines and found that the just the tour line has it's own separate portrait room NOT shared with the other 2 lines, SUPER SWEET! Plus you can take your time on the tour and just soak it in.

You have to ASK for the single rider and tour lines. The single rider is barely marked and the tour line is NOT marked.

When I rode the first time, the ride audio broke so the ride cycled to a stop and we waited for about a minute and then it started up again. Cool to be in there when it was stopped.

I've been a lurker for years and you Disboards folks are excellent. I always read your advice.

Off to write the ingredients for frozen butterbeer on my shopping list.

 

[MaMudduck]

wow this is the most impressive picture of Hogwarts I've seen, I now really understand the whole scale of it's size. Any others pics are cut off at the base of the rocks so it looks much smaller than you where able to capture. 15 days until I see it

 

[cpl100]

I have read this entire thread (some of it twice) and have gotten myself a little confused with the information onslaught to my brain. Would like some planning help for an onsite stay January 5th. We will stay somewhere else (no idea where yet) the night before and the night of the 6th to maximize the FOTL feature on the 5th and 6th.

At first I was thinking we should go directly to HP land and ride FJ first, do the rest of the rides and then the stores. Now it seems as though this may not be the best use of the early entry hour. Perhaps we should go to Olivanders first and then FJ. Previously we carried a lot of water into the parks and put a backpack full of it in a locker upon first arrival. (I drink only water and hot tea as beverages and no one in the family drinks soda.) We are staying at RPH and realize we can walk to the park. Wondering where that walk ends up (CityWalk? IOA? US?) and what time to plan arrival at the gate. I have gleaned we should put the water in the lockers at the entrance rather than cart it to FJ and have to deal with a locker there.

We plan to get the passes at Costco. Will these need to be changed into 'real tickets' at the park or would we be good to go without making another stop? If they need to be changed, what is the best way/least time consuming way to do that?

Do I have that correct? Or any of it correct? Or all incorrect?

Thanks for any and all help.

 

[MAYNARDS99]

The walkway leads you to CityWalk, as does the boat. I suggest using the boat and save some steps. Check with the RPR front desk as to when the boat begins service, usually one hour prior to early park opening. Be sure to use the shortcut by taking an immediate LEFT once in Seuss Landing. This takes you BEHIND the main walkway.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...21ARVrsnc6oehxlXpv1zQQ&cbp=12,281.53,,0,15.09

The Costco pass is an actual ticket, you need to sign the back though.

Do not waste money and energy on the water filled backpack. You won't be saving much money on a $10 locker, and the less you carry the easier your travels thru IOA. Bottled water is available throughout the parks, or free tap ice water from any counter service.

After FJ, get in line for Olivander's, then do the other rides and shops. Since you are at RPR have your wands and other items sent to the front of the park.

 

[bubba's mom]

If you are staying at RPR, it's recommended you walk first thing in the AM if you plan to go to IOA. If you take the boat, you have to backtrack half-way across CW back to IOA. Besides a lot of ppl take the boat, unless you sit in the front, then you are waiting for everyone to get on and off the boat too. We recommend walking because you control your own speed.

The path from RPR will end at Margaritaville...only a short hop over to IOA from there vs. the boat dropping you off further down CW closer to the Studios.

 

[su_A_ve]

Back from my convetion at WDW a week ago, we were taken for our 'evening event' to IOS - for the last 10 years, it's always been at WDW, so this was a first. 8pm to 11pm and only opened for the convention folks. Everyone walked straight to HP land. Olivander's first, and was a bit disappointed with the special effects. Then had some butter beer (which I didn't like - I don't like cream sodas, but nice souvenir cup) Then, I was surprised they had an actual bar! At first, we were hitting the carts they set up for the event (yes, free food, beer and wine) but didn't know they had draft beer (and free too!)

With about 7000 people there, no lines at all at JP, however the stores were a bit crowded. Can't imagine what it would be during the days, but asking about lines, FJ can be 2-3 hours depending on the day. It was a great ride. FoH was for me too short. And now way I would get on DD. Roller coasters are not for me.

Now, all family are going down to WDW before xmas. DW and DS plan on visiting HP on a Sunday, but they would not be able to get in until 2pm (convention tickets I picked while there).

How are the tour only lines in FJ? DW will not be getting on any of the coasters, but definetly wants to see the castle. Is there much wait on these? I imagine it just moves. DS will probably go, but will do the single rider's line. Is there much wait? They will be going to Olivanders, so how is the wait in a Sunday afternoon?

TIA...

 

[mdb78]

Back from my convetion at WDW a week ago, we were taken for our 'evening event' to IOS - for the last 10 years, it's always been at WDW, so this was a first. 8pm to 11pm and only opened for the convention folks. Everyone walked straight to HP land. Olivander's first, and was a bit disappointed with the special effects. Then had some butter beer (which I didn't like - I don't like cream sodas, but nice souvenir cup) Then, I was surprised they had an actual bar! At first, we were hitting the carts they set up for the event (yes, free food, beer and wine) but didn't know they had draft beer (and free too!)

With about 7000 people there, no lines at all at JP, however the stores were a bit crowded. Can't imagine what it would be during the days, but asking about lines, FJ can be 2-3 hours depending on the day. It was a great ride. FoH was for me too short. And now way I would get on DD. Roller coasters are not for me.

Now, all family are going down to WDW before xmas. DW and DS plan on visiting HP on a Sunday, but they would not be able to get in until 2pm (convention tickets I picked while there).

How are the tour only lines in FJ? DW will not be getting on any of the coasters, but definetly wants to see the castle. Is there much wait on these? I imagine it just moves. DS will probably go, but will do the single rider's line. Is there much wait? They will be going to Olivanders, so how is the wait in a Sunday afternoon?

TIA...

Sunday's have been mostly reported as being the least crowded day. Although, since Ollivander's only allows up to 25 to 30 people at a time, the line does build up. When I went last Friday, FJ had a 60 min. standby wait. I waited in the single rider line for about 10 min. (Fridays have been reported as the most busiest day of the week). Actually, if your son is also interested in seeing the castle too, your wife can walk with him in the regular stand by line and she can leave through the exit while your son gets on the ride. If they find themselves going to fast through the line, there is a castle tour line and they can take their time touring the castle.

 

[cpl100]

Thanks for the information posted in response to my question. What is the cost for bottled water in the parks now? (I cannot drink FL water without 'issues' and I regularly drink at least six during a day at the parks.) Thanks again. (And that map was unbelievable! Can't imagine how you did/got that but glad you did.)

 

[su_A_ve]

Sunday's have been mostly reported as being the least crowded day. Although, since Ollivander's only allows up to 25 to 30 people at a time, the line does build up. When I went last Friday, FJ had a 60 min. standby wait. I waited in the single rider line for about 10 min. (Fridays have been reported as the most busiest day of the week). Actually, if your son is also interested in seeing the castle too, your wife can walk with him in the regular stand by line and she can leave through the exit while your son gets on the ride. If they find themselves going to fast through the line, there is a castle tour line and they can take their time touring the castle.

Thanks for the info. I mentioned it to them and they will probably will do the tour line first, and then he'll go thru the single's line (he's 13).

We were concerned if the the after 2pm ticket would be an issue and they would have to go in the morning.

My DS does miss the BTTF ride though. My DW however does NOT!
TIA...

 

[cheesemouse]

Okay - just read through this whole thread. Whew! What a lot of info. So my questions are this:

1) We have 2 small children who will not be tall enough to ride FJ. Can they still do the "tour" line of FJ so that we can at least see the castle?
2) Is there a baby/child swap option for FJ? If so, is it like WDW where the parent who rides 2nd, doesn't have to wait in line all over again? Otherwise, what would be the point???
3) I read that there's a Hogwart's Express train there? What is it? Just something to look at or a play area or what?

Thanks!

 

[GetGlowing]

@cheesemouse Your kids can do the entire Forbidden Journey line with you and then utilize the child swap at the loading area.

The Hogwarts Express train is a life-size display piece that spews some steam. It's neat to look at, though! Sometimes the conductor is there for photos.

@cpl100 I recall the cost of bottled water to be just less than $3 for about 24oz. If you have AAA you can get a discount! I was kicking myself because I didn't remember to show my card when buying Butter Beer until mid-week. Doh!

 

[cpl100]

Thank you Getglowing. I guess then if we'll go through about 10 bottles of water in a day, it is worth taking it in and getting a locker despite the $10 cost of locker....maybe. I'm not particular about the water being really cold when I drink it, but I do need to be hydrated!

 

[Esmeralda]

Thanks to all the great posts, I know my plan for the first part of the day when we come in January. Any ideas on where to go when we're done touring the Harry Potter area? I heard the Cat in the Hat is also open during that 1st hour, so should we go there next? We love all of the big rides like The Hulk and Spiderman. We only have 1 day at IOA and my husband has never been, so I want to try to pack in as much as possible!

Thank you in advance!

 

[GetGlowing]

@cpl100 -- I don't think a locker is the greatest idea for water. What happens when you're at the back of the park and get thirsty, but your water is all locked up at the front of the park? The park is laid out in a ring with a lagoon in the middle, so you can't criss-cross from one land to another. Bring in a bottle and refill it throughout the day at the fountains, or ask for free ice water at drink kiosks, or carry a backpack with a couple bottles. We took Vapur refillable bottles that roll up when they're empty. I ordered from DailyGrommet.com.

@Esmeralda If you like all the other different rides and experiences that IOA offers, my suggestion is to leave WWoHP through Jurassic Park and work your way to the front of the park and hit Seuss Land last. OR you can make an early lunch reservation at Mythos and go the other way around the park.

 

[Linda67]

Hi everyone - a quick question for you all

If you are going in to the WWOHP for early opening (1 hour before official park opening) what time would the first Olivanders show be ?

Having taken everyones advice on board we have decided to hit Olivanders before FJ but I wasn't sure if everything would be open at the same time

Many thanks

 

[damo]

Hi everyone - a quick question for you all

If you are going in to the WWOHP for early opening (1 hour before official park opening) what time would the first Olivanders show be ?

Having taken everyones advice on board we have decided to hit Olivanders before FJ but I wasn't sure if everything would be open at the same time

Many thanks

The first show will start as soon as they get enough people to fill it...so almost immediately. Everything is open in WWoHP as soon as you get there.

 

[tamaraten]

Hi all, I just read this entire thread - it's amazing how generous everyone is with their information - thank you.

I'm a first-timer to Universal, arriving with DH and four kids on Saturday night, really late (around midnight) Dec. 4, and staying at an off-site hotel for that first (crash) night.

In the morning, Sunday, as advised by the wonderful people on the Disboards, we'll go and check in at RPR where we have a reservation for three nights.

My question is, could you please advise on how to do that first morning regarding getting to IOA, what time - since we have to first check into our hotel, leave our bags etc.- then we have to get to the parks and buy our tickets (because I'm buying an AP which I understand I can only do at the gates, and then buy our tickets with the AP discount)...(by the way, I also still haven't figured out which tower to book our standard connecting rooms in to have the closest proximity to get to the parks, so advice on this would be great too!)....and where to go first considering we probably won't get our act together for 7:30 a.m. when it has been suggested to get there for early hours and to first get to Olivander's I understand as this place fills up super quickly because of its small size.

In short, I'm really confused and a bit stressed because of everything we have to do that morning before we even make it over to WWoHP! Any and all advice on how to plan this first day would be supremely appreciated!