Harry Potter- Wizarding World FAQ

[cissy]

Okay, now I understand better. My girls are huge HP fans so I guess this is one we will have to do. Thanks so much for the info!

 

[DarkSideRunner]

Unfortunately, have been throwing too much money at Disney, but definitely want to get here this year.

 

[kristilew]

Strategy question: Looks like when we are at UO in January, only IOA will have early entry for resort guests to WWoHP. I think this is every day, correct?

So does it make more sense, on the day we want to do EFG at UF, to line up early for rope drop at UF, or to enter IOA with the early entry and take the first Hogwarts Express? Which gets us in line for Gringotts sooner/better?

tia!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Strategy question: Looks like when we are at UO in January, only IOA will have early entry for resort guests to WWoHP. I think this is every day, correct?

So does it make more sense, on the day we want to do EFG at UF, to line up early for rope drop at UF, or to enter IOA with the early entry and take the first Hogwarts Express? Which gets us in line for Gringotts sooner/better?

tia!

I'm not sure it matters either way.

If you want to use the extra hour, then use it and take HE. If US is expecting crowds that are so low they aren't opening the Studios park early, then I doubt you'll have to worry about long lines early in the morning. You cold also go directly to the Studios at RD.

While I can't say I've been to US in Jan, I've been to WDW a number of times in winter. Early mornings can be RATHER cold in the Orlando area. If it is at all cool, even MK is EMPTY early in the morning.

It is partly overall crowds, and partly weather. In the morning temps are at their COLDEST of the day...Temps might go from winter-coat cold to shorts warm. Many folks would rather wait an hour, than lug around an extra coat/hat all day. And again - that based on my WDW experience.

At US, folks are even LESS eager to carry anything extra because on most rides, all your extra stuff has to go in a locker.

I think MOST folks would rather lose an hour in the morning, over losing time to lockers all day.

I can also add, in August, the early morning wait for Gringotts was not bad at all this past summer when we went. To me, of all months of the year, August is the BEST time of year to hit rope drop. When you enter Gringotts, it LOOKS like the line is long because the staff doesn't open the back queue at all. Over CHRISTMAS week, and when the new Kong ride opens waits will probably will be healthy.

 

[kristilew]

I probably should have said MLK weekend in January. So I imagine fairly busy. But good point about the coats and lockers. And thanks for the input!

 

[pattikakes]

We're going in two weeks and we haven't been in many years; so, I'm sure a lot has changed. Can anyone tell me, if we have one person with a scooter, can that person do most of the rides and also the train? If anyone has any suggestions for someone who is somewhat limited, I'd appreciate your input. She is, however, mobile so the scooter can be parked.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I probably should have said MLK weekend in January. So I imagine fairly busy. But good point about the coats and lockers. And thanks for the input!

Much of my winter/early spring experience at WDW is MLKjr/President's week/Easter/Spring break (March). Weather always trumps everything!

I suspect much of the MLKjr weekend crowd is locals. They hit the parks in the middle of the day, when it is nice, but aren't pressed about arriving early or staying late. After dark hours are especially low crowd when the weather is less than perfect.

At WDW, we often find it worth our while to change into warm clothes around dark o'clock.

I was able to glean however, that the Hogsmeade Express doesn't run until BOTH parks are open. Meanwhile, esp on a weekend like MLK, the US side of US often soft opens some attractions half an hour early. I still think hopping at park opening will be fine, but opting to enter US around 8:30am via the front gate is an option. If crowds weren't bad in August, they won't be bad MLKjr weekend.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

We're going in two weeks and we haven't been in many years; so, I'm sure a lot has changed. Can anyone tell me, if we have one person with a scooter, can that person do most of the rides and also the train? If anyone has any suggestions for someone who is somewhat limited, I'd appreciate your input. She is, however, mobile so the scooter can be parked.

I'd say the gist is that US follows the ADA just like WDW, but well, strangers on the internet can't fully answer such a personal question without knowing specific details.

To be slightly more blunt, US differs from WDW in two very important ways:
1. Many rides at US are more intense than many of the WDW attractions.
2. Because a number of attractions at US are more intense, they also have more intense ride restraints.

US does have guests in scooters, but less than WDW.

One plus of US, is that many attractions feature sample seating outside the ride and line queue. Before entering the queue, you can look for yourself to see whether you'll be able to sit comfortably.

Also note that MANY US attractions don't allow anything loose, including canes and the like.

I'm not sure about scooters at the Hogwarts Express. I've seen wheelchairs and strollers (loaded after all the guests enter), but I don't recall seeing scooters. There is an elevator- so there is probably a way to accommodate scooters. I just don't recall seeing any.

I think it is also good to add that US has a number of shows anyone can see. The Animal show is super. Both sides of HP have mini-shows and much to see outside of the attractions.

I think anyone can go through the Hogwarts castle queue (and see the castle rooms), even small kids. So your if your guest decides against the ride itself, they should at least consider the castle walk-through. Gringotts also has a super pre-ride to see.

Both HP areas also have fun food to try. Some of the gift shops are a bit cramped. They must comply with the ADA, but might be a bit frustrating to navigate in a scooter.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Will be at Universal in 2 weeks at end of WDW trip. Mainly going as DS is a huge minion/DM fan. He is 6 and too small for many rides & has no idea who HP is. That said, if not super crowded, I would like to see some HP stuff. Which part is 'can't miss?'

My mom is a HP fan & I would love to get her a great souvenir. Are the wands anything special without the interactive stuff in the park? Can you buy one or does it have to 'pick' you. No idea how it works. Any other ideas for a unique souvenir?

 

[andrewilley]

Will be at Universal in 2 weeks at end of WDW trip. Mainly going as DS is a huge minion/DM fan. He is 6 and too small for many rides & has no idea who HP is. That said, if not super crowded, I would like to see some HP stuff. Which part is 'can't miss?'

My mom is a HP fan & I would love to get her a great souvenir. Are the wands anything special without the interactive stuff in the park? Can you buy one or does it have to 'pick' you. No idea how it works. Any other ideas for a unique souvenir?

If you have even a passing interest in Harry Potter then I think you'll love it, just the immersive experience of being in the middle of that world is wonderful. You can buy dozens of different prop-replicas items (including assorted character wards) from the stores there. They are not cheap, but the wands come in a nice presentation box and are a great souvenir. The wand choosing ceremony is a nice bit of fun for the kids to see, but even the person who takes part doesn't get a free wand at the end of it - you still need to pay for one even if it 'chose' you. There are tons of other things to buy though - apparel, cuddly toys, branded confectionary (pricey!!!) and other fun stuff such as stationery and a nice copy of the Marauder's Map.

The two big well-themed rides for HP fans are Escape from Gringotts (at the main Universal park) and Forbidden Journey (at Islands of Adventure), plus the Hogwarts Express train ride. The first two are relatively intense story-based simulation/mild-coaster rides, but they do have rigidly enforced height restrictions as they throw you around a bit (you can use the child-swap option if there are two adults who want to ride). There are other HP rides in Islands of Adventure too, but they are really just stock roller coasters with a few bolted-on Harry Potter details, no reason to do them other than if you like coasters. The train ride is very mild and fine for everyone (just a projection experience of the ride from London to Hogwarts basically) and is a nice way to get between the two parks (assuming you have two-park tickets).

Andre

 

[CyndiLouWho]

If you have even a passing interest in Harry Potter then I think you'll love it, just the immersive experience of being in the middle of that world is wonderful. You can buy dozens of different prop-replicas items (including assorted character wards) from the stores there. They are not cheap, but the wands come in a nice presentation box and are a great souvenir. The wand choosing ceremony is a nice bit of fun for the kids to see, but even the person who takes part doesn't get a free wand at the end of it - you still need to pay for one even if it 'chose' you. There are tons of other things to buy though - apparel, cuddly toys, branded confectionary (pricey!!!) and other fun stuff such as stationery and a nice copy of the Marauder's Map.

The two big well-themed rides for HP fans are Escape from Gringotts (at the main Universal park) and Forbidden Journey (at Islands of Adventure), plus the Hogwarts Express train ride. The first two are relatively intense story-based simulation/mild-coaster rides, but they do have rigidly enforced height restrictions as they throw you around a bit (you can use the child-swap option if there are two adults who want to ride). There are other HP rides in Islands of Adventure too, but they are really just stock roller coasters with a few bolted-on Harry Potter details, no reason to do them other than if you like coasters. The train ride is very mild and fine for everyone (just a projection experience of the ride from London to Hogwarts basically) and is a nice way to get between the two parks (assuming you have two-park tickets).

Andre

Thanks for the info. I know DS is too small for the big HP rides. He loves coasters & would be upset if we went & he didn't (happened at Expedition Everest when he was 1/4 inch too short) He also loves trains, so we will do that & the milder coasters. Maybe I will get mom a wand & something else small.
PS Staying at POR for our WDW part of the trip. Appreciate your info there too. Need to fax room requests today!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Thanks for the info. I know DS is too small for the big HP rides. He loves coasters & would be upset if we went & he didn't (happened at Expedition Everest when he was 1/4 inch too short) He also loves trains, so we will do that & the milder coasters. Maybe I will get mom a wand & something else small.
PS Staying at POR for our WDW part of the trip. Appreciate your info there too. Need to fax room requests today!

You say he was previously just a tiny bit too short for EE.
The requirement of EE is 44".
Gringotts is 42".
Hippogriff is 36".
Forbidden Journey is 48".
Dragon challenge is 54".

You have multiple options for wands. The longest line is usually Olivander's in IoA (Hogsmeade). There is also an Olivander's in Diagon Alley. This newer one has more capacity. The third option is to buy a wand without doing the Olivander's show, but I very much suggest going through one of the Olivander's before buying - even If you don't get picked. There's also nothing stopping you from making more than one attempt to be picked. As for wands, as another poster said- you have a number of options. Some wands are 'replicas' of the characters' wands, others are supposedly made with certain cores which give certain properties tot he wands (though I'm pretty sure no wands actually contain unicorn hair. )

The wands are - I think- in the $50 range- which is kind of crazy. However, if (when) they ever stop working, wand owners simply present the wand (without waiting in the long line) to an Olivander's shop and they will magically repair it for free.

The experience of using the wands is great fun. As I have posted before, I think using the wands after dark is most ideal. The area is less crowded, and the spells seem more special. The wands come with a special map. The map is important and possesses secrets itself. The big downside of getting a wand is that you have to carry it, and if you want to go on any of the bigger rides (in HP or out) then the wand has to go in a locker. That's another good reason to do the whole wand experience towards the end of the day, IMO.

The reaction of every child is different. On the one hand, a young child will see the fun of the magic as almost real...on the other, they could see some of the more scary parts of HP as a bit scary. I think the fun of the wands is that they do make the magic almost real. some of the spells are tricky, especially if the wand is not pointed in the right spot. Staff often helps, and even if you can't do a spell, it may be fun to see someone else get it right.

Beyond the wands, I think most the merchandise is a bit over-priced. Just like Disney- you can probably find less $$ options off-property before you go. A clever idea I saw was simply to take a XXXL black t-shirt, and cut it down the middle of the front, fold/hem the edges, and you have a decent copy of Hogwarts student robe for just a few $!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

You say he was previously just a tiny bit too short for EE.
The requirement of EE is 44".
Gringotts is 42".
Hippogriff is 36".
Forbidden Journey is 48".
Dragon challenge is 54".

You have multiple options for wands. The longest line is usually Olivander's in IoA (Hogsmeade). There is also an Olivander's in Diagon Alley. This newer one has more capacity. The third option is to buy a wand without doing the Olivander's show, but I very much suggest going through one of the Olivander's before buying - even If you don't get picked. There's also nothing stopping you from making more than one attempt to be picked. As for wands, as another poster said- you have a number of options. Some wands are 'replicas' of the characters' wands, others are supposedly made with certain cores which give certain properties tot he wands (though I'm pretty sure no wands actually contain unicorn hair. )

The wands are - I think- in the $50 range- which is kind of crazy. However, if (when) they ever stop working, wand owners simply present the wand (without waiting in the long line) to an Olivander's shop and they will magically repair it for free.

The experience of using the wands is great fun. As I have posted before, I think using the wands after dark is most ideal. The area is less crowded, and the spells seem more special. The wands come with a special map. The map is important and possesses secrets itself. The big downside of getting a wand is that you have to carry it, and if you want to go on any of the bigger rides (in HP or out) then the wand has to go in a locker. That's another good reason to do the whole wand experience towards the end of the day, IMO.

The reaction of every child is different. On the one hand, a young child will see the fun of the magic as almost real...on the other, they could see some of the more scary parts of HP as a bit scary. I think the fun of the wands is that they do make the magic almost real. some of the spells are tricky, especially if the wand is not pointed in the right spot. Staff often helps, and even if you can't do a spell, it may be fun to see someone else get it right.

Beyond the wands, I think most the merchandise is a bit over-priced. Just like Disney- you can probably find less $$ options off-property before you go. A clever idea I saw was simply to take a XXXL black t-shirt, and cut it down the middle of the front, fold/hem the edges, and you have a decent copy of Hogwarts student robe for just a few $!

Thanks for the great info! DS is 47 1/2, last time he was 43 3/4". (edited to correct height error)

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Thanks for the great info! DS is 47 1/2, last time he was 44 3/4".

Bummer! Well, he'll hopefully have something to look forward to fir the future!

I've been told, your best odds are first thing in the morning, as all of us shrink over the course of the day.

Also, staff doesn't make kids take off their shoes. I certainly don't advocate doing anything dumb or dangerous, but his shoes could perhaps make the difference. Crocs are a popular, thick soled brand.

We also found, after numerous trips to WDW with extended family that not all measuring sticks are the same. WDW rides uses two sticks - one at the outer entrance, and a second one on the inside. Now this was some years ago- but the little ones in our family sometimes passed the outer stick, but were rejected when measured a second time using the second stick. That experience is truly frustrating for families.

 

[andrewilley]

Thanks for the great info! DS is 47 1/2, last time he was 44 3/4".

I would have thought that 1/2 inch might be corrected by the right footwear without you having to do anything abnormal (they don't mind regular shoes, but platforms and stilts might be frowned upon... ). You can ask for him to be measured before you join the queue (although be aware of the comments above, which should not happen but you can never know for sure). But at least he'll definitely be able to do several of the rides, and they are great fun and very involving whether or not he likes the Harry Potter stories (in the same way that Spiderman and Transformers are fun even if you have not seen the films).

The active wands (the $50 ones that you can use around the park as mentioned above) are fun too, rather like the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game but with a bit more of a skill element. The prop replica wands are non-active and cheaper, sold as souvenir collectibles rather than activities. I have <cough> one or two displayed on my wall here.



Have a great time at POR too.

Andre

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Mickeyluv'r, that's what happened to DS. First CM said yes, second said no. Tears ensued. Required retail therapy to remedy while older cousin rode EE. He still keeps asking if I'm sure he'll be able to ride EE this time. Won't make that mistake again. I know he's not 48" (measure at Dr two weeks ago) so we won't try.
Thanks again Andre & Mickeyluv'r

 

[kristilew]

Much of my winter/early spring experience at WDW is MLKjr/President's week/Easter/Spring break (March). Weather always trumps everything!

I suspect much of the MLKjr weekend crowd is locals. They hit the parks in the middle of the day, when it is nice, but aren't pressed about arriving early or staying late. After dark hours are especially low crowd when the weather is less than perfect.

At WDW, we often find it worth our while to change into warm clothes around dark o'clock.

I was able to glean however, that the Hogsmeade Express doesn't run until BOTH parks are open. Meanwhile, esp on a weekend like MLK, the US side of US often soft opens some attractions half an hour early. I still think hopping at park opening will be fine, but opting to enter US around 8:30am via the front gate is an option. If crowds weren't bad in August, they won't be bad MLKjr weekend.

Thanks for this great info, mickeyluv'r! It sounds like we should just plan to bundle up and be in line early one day at USF, and then experience Hogwarts Express as an attraction rather than counting on it to get us somewhere with a time advantage. Good to know about the soft opening, too.

 

[Jays2013]

Planning question: What should we do first, Forbidden Journey/Gringotts or Ollivanders? (We're not sure what park we'll do first day yet.) DS very much wants to be selected for a wand (which I know is a chance at best, but he's 7, enthusiastic and adorable, so we'll give it a try. )

 

[ladypage]

Planning question: What should we do first, Forbidden Journey/Gringotts or Ollivanders? (We're not sure what park we'll do first day yet.) DS very much wants to be selected for a wand (which I know is a chance at best, but he's 7, enthusiastic and adorable, so we'll give it a try. )

Definitely do the rides first. Go to Ollivanders' in Diagon Alley, less wait and smaller groups normally. As long as it's not a peak week the queue should be short or non-existant.

 

[andrewilley]

Definitely do the rides first. Go to Ollivanders' in Diagon Alley, less wait and smaller groups normally. As long as it's not a peak week the queue should be short or non-existant.

And if you are not an on-site guest, get there around an hour before the park's stated opening time to allow for parking and getting to the line at the gate (they often let people in 30 mins before the official time). Your first park should be whichever park does NOT have early-access for resort guests (again, assuming you do not have that perk available to you).

Andre