Harry Potter- Wizarding World FAQ

[disneyfan19712006]

I am thinking about going the day we arrive December 8. This is a short trip and this is all the time we have. Is there a cheaper ticket alternative since we will only have about 5 hours at the park? We would be arriving around 2-3. We are only interested in WWoHP. Is that enough time?

I have lost track. There was some talk about easing of size restrictions on FJ. Has this happened? I have never had a problem on any other rides so I don't want to go just for WWoHP and then not be able to ride.

 

[Timmy Boy]

5 hours is plenty of time to visit Potter. Unfortunately, no there is no cheaper park ticket option.

The restraints on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (the ride inside Hogwarts Castle) has been modified to allow slightly larger guests to ride now. There are test seats outside the castle, as well as one right before you get on. When you try it out, there are 3 lights, red, yellow, and green. If you pull down the harness and it gives you a green light, you can ride in any seat. A yellow light means you need a modified seat. A red light means you can't ride any seat. If you get yellow, just as the Team Members at the 2nd test seat that you need a modified one and they'll let you know what to do.

 

[coaster_addict]

I just made my 4th trip to IOA this fall (I'm a local ^_^) and everytime I have gone on FJ it seems that there are less and less people in the modified seats line.

The first time I was there I saw loads of people in the middle line and saw a lot of people being turned away at the test seats outside, but the last two times I went (mid-October and today) I didn't see anybody getting turned away and I saw some POOH sized guys and gals riding so I wouldn't worry!

Based on all the fears and net talk about FJ there were about 20 people I saw in line today that I thought would be disappointed trying to ride, but away they went!! Enjoy your trip!

 

[sendtodb]

We have early entry, and our travel agent picked a 9am time for us for the 3 broomsticks meal. My question is, is that a bad time for the meal? Just wondering if that gives us time to do FJ first? Wondering if we should change the breakfast to 8am (then get to FJ before the regular gates open), or to something like 9:30 or 10 (to give us time for JF & Ollivanders. We will be there Friday, 2/18/11 (the Friday before a lot of schools have vacation week! TIA!

 

[Travel1989]

If it were me I would change to a later time although I haven't eaten breakfast there only dinner. We had early entry and went straight to the Ollivanders. We only had to wait 10 or 15 minutes. Later when the gates open you can wait for hours in line. After the wand experience we took advantage of the emptiness in the stores to pick up goodies before the crowds. I didn't mind waiting in line for FJ later. 50 minutes in line and then less then 10 minutes for the single rider. Have fun!!

 

[sendtodb]

So how much later? 9:30? Would like to hit Ollivanders & FJ before breakfast (is that doable on a Friday?) Just don't want to be sitting on a ride, or standing in a line when it's time for our reservation. Thanks for your info, folks!

 

[JohnsPrincess]

We went to the park tonight...we were probably through the main gates around 6:15. We went directly back and to the FJ ride. Posted wait time was 75 min. We asked if that was correct and were told the wait would be between 60 and 75 min. However, we only waited 35!!!

It was our first time and it was AMAZING!!!!

 

[sendtodb]

OK, who has tried to fit in Breakfast, Ollivanders & FJ early morning recently? Sorry to be a pain, but this is probably the only shot I have to see HP for the next couple years, and I want to make sure my kids see what they want. If my breakfast time is 9am, can I come in at 8 & go straight to Ollivanders? Then eat @ 9am, and still have a fairly short wait at FJ at 9:30-ish?!? Kept thinking I should push the bfst out, but maybe it's good where it is? Thanks!

 

[damo]

OK, who has tried to fit in Breakfast, Ollivanders & FJ early morning recently? Sorry to be a pain, but this is probably the only shot I have to see HP for the next couple years, and I want to make sure my kids see what they want. If my breakfast time is 9am, can I come in at 8 & go straight to Ollivanders? Then eat @ 9am, and still have a fairly short wait at FJ at 9:30-ish?!? Kept thinking I should push the bfst out, but maybe it's good where it is? Thanks!

When are you going? At Christmas break you may not be able to get it done where middle of Dec. you may.

I would book breakfast for after 9:30.

 

[sendtodb]

Friday, feb 18th... I believe for many schools, the next week is vacation week. So I'm assuming it will be busy. I'll look into either moving it out past 9, or maybe get it scheduled for 8am, then we'll be off & running by 8:30...

 

[Travel1989]

My advice would be to book after 9:30 maybe 10 if you can wait that long. I think the early entry was 8am (please correct me if i'm wrong). If you want to do Ollivanders definitely do it first. I was speed walking to keep in front of the crowd and just managed a spot at the front of the line. Arriving as much as 5 minutes later would have meant a MUCH longer line. I would recommend trying FJ before breakfast. Best to try on an empty stomach I think Then if you did finish both before your breakfast time you could always wander the shops before they get too crowded. I was onsite so had express for hippogrif and dragons but I think they would be ok to leave until after breakfast. Then we did the single rider for fj a few times. Good luck with your planning. I can't wait to go back.

 

[ladeedeb]

I am thinking about going the day we arrive December 8. This is a short trip and this is all the time we have. Is there a cheaper ticket alternative since we will only have about 5 hours at the park? We would be arriving around 2-3. We are only interested in WWoHP. Is that enough time?

I have lost track. There was some talk about easing of size restrictions on FJ. Has this happened? I have never had a problem on any other rides so I don't want to go just for WWoHP and then not be able to ride.

Although there aren't regular cheaper tickets for part day, I have heard of convention tickets available to the public for cheaper, although I don't remember what time you can use them. I know they have them for Disney, but I could have sworn that I read that someone got them for Universal. I would call and ask. Worst case is they say no convention tickets available.

Also, if you are in an area that carries the 3-day tickets at Costco, and you plan on going to USO again in the next 3 years, they have tickets for cheaper that don't expire until 2013 and you can use any of the 3 days at any time until then.

Hope this helps.

 

[ladeedeb]

My advice would be to book after 9:30 maybe 10 if you can wait that long. I think the early entry was 8am (please correct me if i'm wrong). If you want to do Ollivanders definitely do it first. I was speed walking to keep in front of the crowd and just managed a spot at the front of the line. Arriving as much as 5 minutes later would have meant a MUCH longer line. I would recommend trying FJ before breakfast. Best to try on an empty stomach I think Then if you did finish both before your breakfast time you could always wander the shops before they get too crowded. I was onsite so had express for hippogrif and dragons but I think they would be ok to leave until after breakfast. Then we did the single rider for fj a few times. Good luck with your planning. I can't wait to go back.

I agree. I would change it to 9:30 or 10, somewhere in there. We went at a slow time & didn't do the morning on a Friday. We got there at about 7:30 ish, waited until about 7:45 to get in, and were led right up to the Olivander's area which opened at 8. We weren't 1st in, but were in the 2nd group, so didn't wait long at all. Did FJ right after shopping at owl post, shopped, had butter beer and were leaving the area as the crowds were coming in 9-9:30, somewhere in there.

I do believe if you rush and are in the front of the walking line to Olivander's, get in the 1st, or even 2nd group, don't stop at the owl post, and do single rider on FJ, you should be able to make your 9:00 breakfast. You can always do the castle tour after to see what you missed of the castle. The only thing you won't see at all if you do this is the green house, I believe.

Good luck & have fun.

 

[xerotheory7803]

Few questions:

How are the lines towards the end of the day?

Do you have to wait on the line for Ollivanders if you only want to purchase one, and NOT have them choose your wand?

I'm thinking of heading over there tomorrow or Saturday (I'm in Daytona Beach for the weekend), any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Travel1989]

I was there Nov 5,6 and Nov 14 and the lines were always long for Ollivanders. The line is only to watch the 10 minute or so wand selection experience. Usually only one person is chosen while everyone else watches. You then go thru to the store to buy the wands. Ollivanders is very realistic and I'm happy I saw it but wouldn't want to wait hours for it. The store is also extremely crowded. The best place to buy wands is the big store at the main gate. They have a big display and its easy to see them all at once. Same prices too. I believe I also saw a cart close to FJ with t-shirts and wands.

 

[xerotheory7803]

I was there Nov 5,6 and Nov 14 and the lines were always long for Ollivanders. The line is only to watch the 10 minute or so wand selection experience. Usually only one person is chosen while everyone else watches. You then go thru to the store to buy the wands. Ollivanders is very realistic and I'm happy I saw it but wouldn't want to wait hours for it. The store is also extremely crowded. The best place to buy wands is the big store at the main gate. They have a big display and its easy to see them all at once. Same prices too. I believe I also saw a cart close to FJ with t-shirts and wands.

Do they sell other HP novelties there as well like the every flavor beans and chocolate frogs?

 

[Travel1989]

Yes they sell the beans and other candy. Most of the plush toys. A big selection of tshirts but not as many as the other stores. It is much less crowded for shopping.

 

[ladyvet]

We just got back from Universal. Thanksgiving is a busy time, so our experience may be different. We stayed in line over an hour for Ollivander's. It was a cute show (about 5 minutes). However, if I had known, I would have skipped the long line and the show and bought the wand at one of many places throughout the park.

We entered the park early because we were staying on site. My advice there would be to ride single rider on Forbidden Journey and then do the walking tour. If you REALLY want to see the herbarium, stand in line once and then do the single rider line. No wait for the walking tour, and MUCH reduced wait to single rider.

The whole thing was great!!! We really enjoyed the Three Broomsticks. People waited in line to get in at 10am, but we waited until a little after that and walked right in. Also (my opinion) the frozen butter beer is better

Beth

 

[SGF]

We will have early entry as we are staying at the RPH but we plan to get our tickets from AAA. I think we have to exchange those for park tickets prior to entering so how is that done if we want to take advantage of getting into the park 1 hour prior? Are the ticket booths open before 8am? I'd hate to waste time and loose the 1 hour having to exchange our ticket coupons for the real tickets after 8am. Can the AAA coupon tickets be exchanged at either park?

Any information would be appreciated.

 

[kraziekatie]

Hi!
For my graduation present I get to go to Disney and Harry Potter. I'm thrillled. These books have been a huge part of my life for the past ten years so I've been waiting for this - to see it be real.

For people who have been - what are some tips that you could give me?
I'm going January 6th!