Help needed with late October trip

[pittsburghmarc]

The family is looking to do Universal on October 28-29. Primarily for all things HP, but we are not interested in HHN (kids are 10, 8 and 4). Currently the website shows park hours of 9-8p (IOA) and 8-5p (Studios).

Do these hours sound accurate? What time does the HHN stuff start as I don't want my kids to be involved with any of that?

Do we need 2 days to do all things HP leisurely? Could it be done in 1 day?

Any recommended sequence of attractions or HP touring plans to keep the storyline in tact?

Thanks all!

 

[schumigirl]

Yes those hours will be correct.

On HHN days, Studios always closes at 5. Anyone still in the park without a HHN ticket are directed to the exits to get the park prepared properly for the evening event.

There are some props up during the day, they are not scary in any way. Just the larger props they cannot dismantle every night. Your kids won't see anything.

Some people start in Diagon Alley as that's where Potter first visited, so like to do it correctly.........I prefer seeing Hogsmeade and the castle first.......it is incredibly impressive.......but I think Diagon Alley is so much more so.

Are you staying onsite?

Do you have park to park tickets.........you need park to park tickets to ride the Hogwarts Express. It's different both ways and is worth seeing both journeys........

If you are onsite with EP you cannot use that on HE, Gringotts, Forbidden Journey and Ollivanders.

If you are offsite get there early. Everyone spends a different amount of time in Potter areas. We have been so often and know it well, so spend a fairly short time in both as we also enjoy everything else the parks have to offer.

Have you checked the website to see what else both parks have that your family may enjoy?

www.universalorlando.com

Full of information about parks with layouts, rides including height limitations, hotels, Citywalk and so much more.

 

[pittsburghmarc]

Yes those hours will be correct.

On HHN days, Studios always closes at 5. Anyone still in the park without a HHN ticket are directed to the exits to get the park prepared properly for the evening event.

There are some props up during the day, they are not scary in any way. Just the larger props they cannot dismantle every night. Your kids won't see anything.

Some people start in Diagon Alley as that's where Potter first visited, so like to do it correctly.........I prefer seeing Hogsmeade and the castle first.......it is incredibly impressive.......but I think Diagon Alley is so much more so.

Are you staying onsite?

Do you have park to park tickets.........you need park to park tickets to ride the Hogwarts Express. It's different both ways and is worth seeing both journeys........

If you are onsite with EP you cannot use that on HE, Gringotts, Forbidden Journey and Ollivanders.

If you are offsite get there early. Everyone spends a different amount of time in Potter areas. We have been so often and know it well, so spend a fairly short time in both as we also enjoy everything else the parks have to offer.

Have you checked the website to see what else both parks have that your family may enjoy?

www.universalorlando.com

Full of information about parks with layouts, rides including height limitations, hotels, Citywalk and so much more.

Thank you!

We are not staying on-site. I'm in town for a convention and have extended our room nights at a great rate. But we'll definitely be there for rope drop.

So HHN is only at studios? OK, that makes things easier. But we will see both parks including the HE.

Any tips for Ollivanders? Do you recommend one day or two?

 

[schumigirl]

You're very welcome........

I would be there before opening time as they sometimes let folks in a little before park opening. Maybe be there about half an hour before.

Yes, HHN is only at the Studios. Lots of people leave Studios and head for IOA when they start to sweep the park of non horror night fans......

Yes, with park to park you will see both parks and utilise the HE.

I couldn't spend two full days only doing Potter. But, as I said we know it so well having been many times. But even with that I could easily do both Potter areas in one day.......Potter fanatics may disagree. They're really not that big. But full of detail and well worth spending some serious time taking in the detail in both areas. It really does feel like an assault on your senses at times.

Do Ollivanders in the Diagon Alley instead of Hogsmeade........Hogsmeade one is much smaller and gets busier.

 

[macraven]

You will find that Saturday will be crowded at the parks
If weather is decent expect to see the crowds grow around 1:00 that afternoon
Many come in to catch the rides before the studios close at 5
Peeps stay in the holding areas then for Hhn without having to leave the studios

Do Saturday early and avoid the afternoon crowds for the rides

I would recommend going both of your planned days
Friday should be good but Saturday will be crowded at times

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I am glad you asked. Sounds just like our family but mid October.