help-touring plan for 1 day after Christmas

[ldo]

can some great disers help me? I am an expert at WDW touring plans during the holidays---but now we are going to Univ/IOA to see WWOHP 1 day between 12/27 and 12/30. We have park-park tickets, will be off-site, and are not getting the FOTL tickets. We plan to make it a marathon day. Kids are 9 and 13. We have been to U/IOA 7 years ago--so vaguely familiar with the layout and rides. I have 2 that might want to ride FJ (but not single rider line), others want to do walking tour. We will be back in a year, so just a few highlights and strategies of what time to hit them--ex. things that lighten up later in the day, so skip them in the AM--vs. things that just get more and more crowded--so do them 1st. We also want to see the parade. And, if possible, eat at 3 Broomsticks--but it could be off-time, if that helps.

 

[Metro West]

can some great disers help me? I am an expert at WDW touring plans during the holidays---but now we are going to Univ/IOA to see WWOHP 1 day between 12/27 and 12/30. We have park-park tickets, will be off-site, and are not getting the FOTL tickets. We plan to make it a marathon day. Kids are 9 and 13. We have been to U/IOA 7 years ago--so vaguely familiar with the layout and rides. I have 2 that might want to ride FJ (but not single rider line), others want to do walking tour. We will be back in a year, so just a few highlights and strategies of what time to hit them--ex. things that lighten up later in the day, so skip them in the AM--vs. things that just get more and more crowded--so do them 1st. We also want to see the parade. And, if possible, eat at 3 Broomsticks--but it could be off-time, if that helps.

Unfortunately you are visiting during the busiest time of the year and IOA will be slammed from open to close each day. I shutter to think of the crowds that will be in WWoHP! Everything will have LONG lines so I don't think there's much point in trying to devise a touring plan. You will have to go with the flow and do what you can. Try to make the best of it but it's going to be a challenge.

 

[Planogirl]

Definitely get to IOA very very early and head to whatever line they have set up for WWoHP. Do as much as you can overall before 11AM and then play it by ear.

 

[yaytezIOA]

If you were staying onsite, or doing FOTL access...yeah you might have a chance. Or if Single Riders was an option. The other bad thing about potter is that they still have the early entry for people staying onsite at the hotels...even if you get to the park at 8 and they open the gates, they're not going to let you in until that time for the hotel guests expires.
I would choke down the time for Olivanders and see it early, then wait in line for FJ. Sadly it's not going to get any better as the day goes on. Single riders is the way to go, but you have to make that sacrifice.

 

[amym2]

We'll be there the same time as well, same situation, and I was wondering the same thing. Okay, so we know it's going to be insanely packed, but there have to be some strategies for what to do first and what might possibly lighten up later. We've never been to Universal, so honestly any advice at all would help (other than comments about how crazy it will be, we know that already and are choosing to go anyway!).

 

[yaytezIOA]

It's pretty much all been said. Get to the park uber early and beeline for Potter. Do olivanders first then everything else. Do single riders for everything you can. Hit Jurassic park and the flyers before the rest of the park and work your way to Marvel. If you want to hear its going to make your lines easier then sorry. Its going to be a madhouse but you may be able to avoid major lines if You go early follow these tips and stay late you may get some stuff done but you need to take a few days.