Harry Potter- Wizarding World FAQ

[Shakthi]

Could you tell me how to make reservations for the Three BroomSticks breakfast?

 

[macraven]

Could you tell me how to make reservations for the Three BroomSticks breakfast?

if you are staying onsite, ask the hotel concierge in the lobby to call for you for a ressie.


if you are in the park that morning, ask the TM outside, to put you on the ressie wait list.
it is possible to get same day breakfast ressies.
people cancel, don't show up or the place is not overbooked.

 

[swalesfamily]

Could you tell me how to make reservations for the Three BroomSticks breakfast?

We got ressies by booking a Harry potter package. The package was for longer than we wanted to be there so once I was in the package deal I just switched the dates but still got to keep our Three Broomstick Breakfast. Also because I booked the package through Universal we get the early entry benefit although we are not staying on property

 

[Shakthi]

We got ressies by booking a Harry potter package. The package was for longer than we wanted to be there so once I was in the package deal I just switched the dates but still got to keep our Three Broomstick Breakfast. Also because I booked the package through Universal we get the early entry benefit although we are not staying on property

Did you get early entry for all the days in your stay, or just one day?

When you say you switched the days, did you mean you reduced the number of days?

 

[Shakthi]

Guys, you've been reaaaaly helpful. I will probably come back with more questions. Thank you so much.

 

[Calle&Jakesmom]

We got ressies by booking a Harry potter package. The package was for longer than we wanted to be there so once I was in the package deal I just switched the dates but still got to keep our Three Broomstick Breakfast. Also because I booked the package through Universal we get the early entry benefit although we are not staying on property

What's the Harry Potter Package?

 

[zack123]

What's the Harry Potter Package?

It's a special hotel + tickets package you can book through the Universal website. You can find out more here:

http://www.universalorlando.com/Vacation-Packages/bf/harry-potter.aspx

You have to book the package through Universal, but you can book either an onsite or offsite hotel. You also have to purchase your park admission with the package. Both hotel reservations and tickets must be purchased together to get the package.

For peak dates, the package requires a minimum 4-night stay. During other times, the minimum is 2 nights.

Perks of this package include:
•Early Park Admission◊ to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
•Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks™ - one per person
•Hotel accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel
•3-Day Base Ticket^ to both Universal Orlando® theme parks – one theme park, per day
•Access to live entertainment◊◊ at Universal CityWalk®

Park tickets are changeable before you purchase - if you want 2-park tickets, or more days, etc. you can also get those with this package, it just costs a little more.

If you are staying offsite, it is the only way to be absolutely sure you can get reservations at Three Broomsticks for breakfast, although you may be able to get a last-minute reservation when you get there, especially if the park is not busy. You pay for the breakfast when you buy the package, and you only get one breakfast there during your stay - you cannot go every morning. You choose the date and time when you purchase.

Do your research - I added up the costs, and it was more expensive than booking everything separately in most cases (depending on hotel choice). In some cases, the only difference in price was the cost of the Three Broomsticks breakfast (which you pay for when you buy the package). I ended up not purchasing the package, because the price was going to be about $50 more, and I did not think breakfast one day, for one person, was worth that.

You can get all of the other benefits, except the Three Broomsticks breakfast, by reserving your hotel through the Universal website - even if you are staying offsite.

 

[zack123]

Did you get early entry for all the days in your stay, or just one day?

When you say you switched the days, did you mean you reduced the number of days?

You get early entry every day, but it is only for WWoHP/IOA.

The package says it requires a 4-night minimum stay during peak times and a 2-night minimum stay at other times. But maybe you can change it after you start the booking process, I don't know.

 

[swalesfamily]

You get early entry every day, but it is only for WWoHP/IOA.

The package says it requires a 4-night minimum stay during peak times and a 2-night minimum stay at other times. But maybe you can change it after you start the booking process, I don't know.

we are going in January so not at peak times but when I started the booking process I had to initially start with a 4 night. When you get to the part for park tickets, I reduced it to 2 days and my hotel nights to 3. I got to keep the breakfast and all the other perks. It might not be the cheapest way but since this is our 1st trip to universal orlando I wanted as many perks as I could get. Hope this helps

 

[Shakthi]

...Since this is our 1st trip to universal orlando I wanted as many perks as I could get...

That's exactly what I thought. Although the hotel stay alone could've been booked for a little cheaper through that DREAM RES sticker above, I wanted to get all the pluses this time because it will be our first trip to US/IOA, and also my Dd's (8) Christmas gift.

 

[zack123]

That's exactly what I thought. Although the hotel stay alone could've been booked for a little cheaper through that DREAM RES sticker above, I wanted to get all the pluses this time because it will be our first trip to US/IOA, and also my Dd's (8) Christmas gift.

Yes, I agree, it's all about what you want and what you are willing to pay for. I decided I didn't really want to do the breakfast, and so I just booked the (offsite) hotel without the HP package through Universal, so I could still get all of the other perks. I used the extra money towards an extra day in the park and souvenirs. I went during a very slow time, so eating at Three Broomsticks for other meals was relatively easy.

For those who want to add the breakfast but are staying offsite, it is not a bad deal, especially if you have several people in your party. It also gives you something different for breakfast for one day.

Although I do think next time I will just save up and pay the extra cost to stay onsite. I know I will definitely not stay at the hotel I stayed at this time.

 

[nichanda]

Question. I know Butterbeer is a non alcoholic drink. Can you purchase alcoholic beer in the restaurant as well? My DH and I are going on Feb, and the idea of stopping for cold beer while you walk through the parks is enticing!

 

[mesaboy2]

Question. I know Butterbeer is a non alcoholic drink. Can you purchase alcoholic beer in the restaurant as well? My DH and I are going on Feb, and the idea of stopping for cold beer while you walk through the parks is enticing!

Hogs Head Tavern or Pub or whatever (I'm not a drinker), which is on the far end of Three Broomsticks and adjoined, does sell alcohol.

 

[swwake]

Hogs Head Tavern or Pub or whatever (I'm not a drinker), which is on the far end of Three Broomsticks and adjoined, does sell alcohol.

And they even have their own brand of beer! I don't remember the name of it.

The pub is worth stopping by, to watch the animated hog's head that moves and snorts every few minutes. Lots of atmosphere!

 

[nichanda]

Thanks for the reply! We'll have to check this out.

 

[Calle&Jakesmom]

It's a special hotel + tickets package you can book through the Universal website. You can find out more here:

http://www.universalorlando.com/Vacation-Packages/bf/harry-potter.aspx

You have to book the package through Universal, but you can book either an onsite or offsite hotel. You also have to purchase your park admission with the package. Both hotel reservations and tickets must be purchased together to get the package.

For peak dates, the package requires a minimum 4-night stay. During other times, the minimum is 2 nights.

Perks of this package include:
•Early Park Admission◊ to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
•Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks™ - one per person
•Hotel accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel
•3-Day Base Ticket^ to both Universal Orlando® theme parks – one theme park, per day
•Access to live entertainment◊◊ at Universal CityWalk®

Park tickets are changeable before you purchase - if you want 2-park tickets, or more days, etc. you can also get those with this package, it just costs a little more.

If you are staying offsite, it is the only way to be absolutely sure you can get reservations at Three Broomsticks for breakfast, although you may be able to get a last-minute reservation when you get there, especially if the park is not busy. You pay for the breakfast when you buy the package, and you only get one breakfast there during your stay - you cannot go every morning. You choose the date and time when you purchase.

Do your research - I added up the costs, and it was more expensive than booking everything separately in most cases (depending on hotel choice). In some cases, the only difference in price was the cost of the Three Broomsticks breakfast (which you pay for when you buy the package). I ended up not purchasing the package, because the price was going to be about $50 more, and I did not think breakfast one day, for one person, was worth that.

You can get all of the other benefits, except the Three Broomsticks breakfast, by reserving your hotel through the Universal website - even if you are staying offsite.

Thanks!!

 

[3sweetpeas]

I am confused and could really use some help!

We will be at Disney Feb 29th - Mar 11, 2012. Our trip fall during Mardi Gras at Universal. We didn't go last year and I'm trying to decide what days to go to Universal this year. We'll be staying at the Fountains the first 3 nights I think and then POR for 8 nights with free dining. We usually do Universal at the beginning or end of our trip but I may scatter it about this time

Should we go on Saturday during Mardi Gras??? My kids are 11, 12, and 14. How crowded will that day be and is it worth those crowds to be there for the parade etc...Last year we stayed on site and had the perks but I don't think we will this year because of cost...is this a mistake the first of March? I can't afford 3 nights and hate to move hotels 3 times in order to do one night at Universal. Loved it though!

Help!!!! I need advice!

 

[Calle&Jakesmom]

I am confused and could really use some help!

We will be at Disney Feb 29th - Mar 11, 2012. Our trip fall during Mardi Gras at Universal. We didn't go last year and I'm trying to decide what days to go to Universal this year. We'll be staying at the Fountains the first 3 nights I think and then POR for 8 nights with free dining. We usually do Universal at the beginning or end of our trip but I may scatter it about this time

Should we go on Saturday during Mardi Gras??? My kids are 11, 12, and 14. How crowded will that day be and is it worth those crowds to be there for the parade etc...Last year we stayed on site and had the perks but I don't think we will this year because of cost...is this a mistake the first of March? I can't afford 3 nights and hate to move hotels 3 times in order to do one night at Universal. Loved it though!

Help!!!! I need advice!

Good questions!! We will be there the same week and plan to do our kids' first time at Harry Potter on one of the days (the rest of our days are at Disney). I didn't even think about Mardi gras and how that might impact our visit. Does Universal do anything different at Islands of Adventure for Mardi Gras and will this impact our one day visit (probably the tuesday of that week)??

 

[macraven]

mardi gras is celebrated at the studios.
parade and fun..

 

[Babbletrish]

Since I'd like to add something to this lovely thread, and since "Will I Be Able To Handle Harry Potter and the Forbin Project Because of (enter thing person is afraid of here)" posts pop up so often, and since I rode it recently enough for it to be fresh in my memory, I give you a public service announcement:

Auntie Tricia's Handy-Dandy Islands of Adventure Harry Potter and the Gooey Kablooey Disclaimer Warning Sign Translation Guide!

What Universal's Official Warning Signs Say: Vague warning, something about claustrophobia.

What They Really Mean: This ride was made for people who are fond of being locked in a very snug box (and mind you, I am thin) which is arranged in such a way that the ride feels like a solo excursion even though your friends are six inches to the right and left of you.

What Universal's Official Warning Signs Say: Guests who suffer motion sickness maybe shouldn't ride, or something.

What They Really Mean: Guests who may freak the eff out when their flying box starts falling backwards should be at least aware that this is going to happen. It's cool though; you never actually go upside-down, right?

What Universal's Official Warning Signs Say: This ride involves smoke and lighting effects.

What They Really Mean: Hey, do you enjoy monsters and dragons and giant spiders and more giant spiders and oh God, giant spiders everywhere and giant spiders for nigh on twenty damn minutes it feels like and antisocial trees and demons who eat your sanity popping up like a couple of feet away from your face?
...
...
...
Well, of course you do! Who wouldn't?

---

Okay, my tone may be silly, but these "translations" are serious. This is a pretty intense ride. I should note that IOA offers what they call a "Walking Tour" designed for children too little to ride that takes you through an alternate route through what is, IMO, the best part of WWOHP: the queue through the different rooms of Hogwarts castle. You're not rushed through and you get to fully enjoy the amazing set decoration, special effects, and full "shows" in each room.